Promoting healthy lifestyle among first generation black African males in the US

It is well documented that black males (both native born African Americans and black immigrants) are more likely to suffer from heart disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases than any other racial group in the United States. Several efforts have been made by public health professionals to understand and help reduce these health burdens but applying generic health promotion programs has not helped reach black African males. The purpose of this study is to determine African males’ perceptions, beliefs and attitudes about healthy lifestyle and preventive care and culturally appropriate way to promote health promotion programs among them.  

An hour face-to –face interview was conducted among 50 African males with mean age of 38 years. Twelve semi-structured open ended questions were used but there were some other follow-up questions.

Most of the participants reported sedentary behavior because: of time, they do not perceived themselves as susceptible to chronic diseases, and back in Africa, the do not follow physical activity regimen. Majority of participants indicated they prepared African food in homes, and that checking for nutrition labels is not a priority. They indicated that preventive care is expensive and the fear of knowing their health status deters them from accessing preventive care. They indicated that health professionals who have better understanding of their culture, their food and also lead healthy lifestyle themselves are the ones they can trust for health promotion program.

Understanding African males’ perspective on nutrition, exercise, and preventive care could be helpful in reaching them.