Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118309

Bonnie Pete Thomas, MD¹, Thomas Mason, MD¹, and Marcus Murray². (1) Project Brotherhood: Woodlawn Health Center, 6337 S. Woodlawn, Chicago, IL 60637, 312-747-7705, bonnie_w_thomasjr@yahoo.com, (2) Woodlawn Health Center, Project Brotherhood, Woodlawn Health Center, 6337 S Woodlawn, Chicago, IL 60637

Problem: African-American men are three times less likely to visit a doctor than an African-American woman1. This statistic contributes to the fact that African-American men have the lowest life expectancy of all US groups2. Black men are more likely to seek primary care in the emergency room than in a community clinic3. Low incomes, mistrust, racism, lack of health insurance are a few things that keep black men from going to the doctor. But the real issue is what makes black men seek healthcare despite the above obstacles? Lessons learned from Project Brotherhood have added insight to the recruitment of black men to the health care setting. PB uses a comprehensive logic model of health that acknowledges issues that black men face, such as racism and poverty are factors that determine ones health. The program has developed innovative strategies to engage black men to think about their health. With a barber, social support, and job readiness programs, the clinic attempts to create an atmosphere that black men consider safe.

Methods: PB will survey 200 black men from medical visits to assess the reasons that bring them in to seek health care. We will also conduct two focus groups with patients seen at PB to obtain additional qualitative data to determine what brings men in, as well as what keeps them from accessing healthcare.

Conclusions: Analysis of both quantitative and qualitative focus group data will be presented. Policy recommendations will be made to address the health issues for black men on a macro and micro level.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn specific reasons why black men seek health care.
• Identify barriers that prevent black men from seeking care.
• Learn specific and innovative strategies to recruit black men in to seek primary care.
• Learn specific policy recommendations for the health crisis of black men.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.