The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61923

Bonnie Pete Thomas, MD, Thomas Mason, MD, and Marcus Murray. Project Brotherhood: Woodlawn Health Center, 6337 S. Woodlawn, Chicago, IL 60637, 312-747-7705, bonnie_w_thomasjr@yahoo.com

PROBLEM: Sixteen million Americans are affected with Diabetes Mellitus in the United States. Of those Americans, 2.8 million are African American, and two-thirds are African American men. Diabetes Mellitus is the leading cause of retinopathy, nephropathy, and amputations. The disease accelerates atherosclerosis, which increases the incidence of heart disease and strokes by 2-4 times. African American men are 1.6 times more likely to develop diabetes than white men. Death rates associated with diabetes are 20 percent higher for African American men when compared with their white counterparts. Furthermore, when compared with white men, African American men who subsequently developed diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure. Methods: We will administer a culturally specific, validated survey about the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of African Americans concerning diabetes. The survey will be a sample of convenience at several urban public health centers with a sample size of at least 600 respondents. We analyzed the responses from African American men and the analyses will be enriched by obtaining additional qualitative data on perceptions about diabetes from focus group participants. CONCLUSION: We will identify themes expressed by respondents to inform our providers and staff regarding treatments, self-management assistance, and complication-prevention strategies. Results from the study will be used to improve our approach to providing care for African American male diabetics by making our services more accessible, culturally sensitive and easier to incorporate into patient lifestyles.

Learning Objectives:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• describe the general health status of African American men patients;
• describe the perceptions, attitudes and knowledge or Black men about diabetes
• Understand male friendly approaches to the provision of health care.

Keywords: African American, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: COOK COUNTY BUREAU OF HEALTH SERVICES
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.