Reducing health disparities in males in New Haven, Connecticut: Outreach, education and intervention

BACKGROUND: Men in urban areas suffer disproportionately from preventable diseases, yet they underutilize primary care services, especially preventive services. Barriers to accessible health care and reasons for underutilization of health services include the lack of health insurance, as well as health beliefs and attitudes that are specific to men. When feeling well, men may be less likely to schedule routine checkups, waiting instead until an urgent health crisis arises. The emergency department then becomes a frequent source of primary care; Yale-New Haven Hospital has been experiencing a growing number of inpatients admitted with complications related to diabetes and/or hypertension. PURPOSE: This study assesses the behavioral, policy and environmental factors that influence men's healthcare-seeking behavior and their perceptions of health in New Haven, Connecticut. The study will function as an aid in creating effective interventions for health promotion at Yale-New Haven Hospital and elsewhere in the Greater New Haven area. METHODS: Data collection methods included a customized survey tool and focus group interviews to determine the health needs and perceptions among insured and uninsured adult males in New Haven. EXPECTED OUTCOME: The data collected during this study will be used to formulate community-based strategies in medical practices throughout the Greater New Haven area. The goals are increased health knowledge and education among men; more frequent use of preventive healthcare services; and reduced hospital admissions rates for ailments associated with preventable diseases.