An Urban Male Adolescent Health Initiative

Background: Adolescent males have poor health outcomes partly due to low healthcare utilization. Purpose: To describe an innovative urban Male Adolescent Health Initiative (MAHI) and its impact on healthcare utilization. Methods: In 10/2010 MAHI was created within an inner city adolescent clinic with the goal of developing healthier outcomes through preventive care and community connections. MAHI is based on an asset framework, changing the paradigm of care from risk reduction to strength building. We created an advisory board with broad community representation, secured funding for a coordinator to recruit males, and build community partnerships. A focus group on ‘why males do not utilize the medical system?' revealed “want to be seen“ and “need to be educated on preventative healthcare”. We expanded visibility in the community through participation in health fairs and presentations in the community and schools. We made the clinic environment male-friendly and trained staff on the asset model. Males now complete an asset check-list to review with the health provider to generate reflection, discussion and active linkage with community partners to build assets. Outcome measures were numbers recruited and return visits since program inception and a 2009 historical control. Results: In October, November and December 2009 and 2010 we recruited 12, 4, 8 males and 24, 29, 31 males respectively. The return visits improved from 1% in 2009 to 40-60% in 2010. Conclusion: MAHI shows the potential to increase the utilization of healthcare services of urban adolescent males through recruitment, community outreach, and asset based health services.