Helping Men of Color Become Healthier: Sharing the success of the Men's Health League Progams

Men of color in the United States today are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes and are less likely to engage in preventive health behaviors. In response to this public health crisis, the Men's Health League, a comprehensive program designed to reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke among men of color through health promotion efforts was implemented in an urban setting. Presenters will discuss the 4 strategies employed to develop this successful, multi-level program that has directly engaged over 300 men in order to increase their knowledge and about men's health, physical activity and nutrition. Program results show a significant increase in the percentage of men who engaged in more physical activity and improved eating habits, and who lost weight. Social marketing approaches and regular consultation with the local “Men of Color Task Force” were central to the acceptance of this community-based intervention. This presentation will share lessons learned from the program's design and implementation, based on the ongoing effectiveness evaluation of the community intervention. At the conclusion of this presentation, audience members will be able to 1) describe the challenges related to and strategies for engaging men of color in efforts to improve their health, 2) compare two program models that can be used to engage men of color in physical activity and 3) interpret the quantitative and qualitative impact of this community intervention on a group of men of color.