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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Kathy F. Cunningham, MEd, RD, LDN, Boston Steps, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Ave.-6th floor, Boston, MA 02118, 617-534-5684, KCunningham@BPHC.org, Courtney M. Grey, BS, Men's Health Program, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118, and H. Tia Juana Malone, Moreland Associates, 84 Moreland Street, Roxbury, MA 02119.

Learning Objectives: Participants will understand how barbershop focus groups can create effective programming that supports positive health behavior change for men of color. Participants will recognize how the development of trust and communication of information in a familiar setting can foster opportunities for multiple interventions to men.

Intervention Goals: 1. Address chronic disease prevention/control through developing healthier eating habits among African American and Latino men in low-income Boston neighborhoods, and 2. Explore the utility of barbershops to build capacity for effective health education and behavior change.

Method: Boston Steps to A Healthier US and Men's Health Program staff conducted barbershop-based focus groups, about healthy lifestyles. Men indicated they preferred a holistic approach including basic nutrition knowledge and skill building in food shopping, meal preparation, and improving food selection while eating out.

The participants and staff co-developed a four-part educational workshop, “Beyond the Burger”. The workshops discussed the key components indicated and included food preparation demonstrations on a George Foreman grill. Food tasting of the demonstrated meal was available through catered delivery. Participants who completed the series received a complementary grill.

The discussions included opportunities for promotion of prostrate screenings, social support, and assistance for health insurance.

Results: The series has been implemented at three different barbershops. Owners, barbers and participants have responded positively on knowledge development, skill-building and changed behaviors. Opportunities have been identified to utilize other barbershops to promote public health messages.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Participants will understand how barbershop focus groups can create effective programing that supports positive health behavior change for men of color.
• 2.Participants will recognize how the development of trust and communication of information in a familiar setting can foster opportunities for multiple interventions to men.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation