Men's health: Disparities in confidence to manage health

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: Health information seeking and use are associated with positive health outcomes. An empowered patient is associated with better health status and medical adherence. Men's health continues to lag behind women's health, however men's health remains understudied. The aim of this study is to assess the differences by race in confidence of men to maintain their health among those who sought health information. STUDY DESIGN: This study used data from the 2007 Health Tracking Household Survey. We used logistic regression analysis to assess racial/ethnic differences in believing one could manage their health among men who sought health information. POPULATION STUDIED: The analytical sample included 8179 men >=18 years of age. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Compared to white men, African American men were less likely to agree they could take actions to prevent symptoms (OR .57), prevent further health problems (OR .71), and tell health care provider concerns when not asked (OR .74). Hispanic men were more likely to agree they knew when to seek medical care (OR 1.83) and tell health care providers concerns when not asked (OR 1.61) compared to white men. CONCLUSIONS: African American men report less confidence related to preventing health problems and sharing health concerns when the provider does not ask. Hispanic men appear to be more confident concerning knowing when to seek medical care and informing providers about health concerns compared to white men. IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, DELIVERY OR PRACTICE: Additional studies should focus on why African American men report less confidence in preventing health problems.