ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Due to the short life expectancy of black men, it is important to understand what impacts health behaviors in this group so that interventions and programs can be developed to improve their health behaviors which may help in increasing the life expectancy of black men. The purpose of this study was to understand what perceived barriers exist for black college men that prevent them from engaging in healthy behaviors. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five black male students at a southern Historically Black College and University participated in five focus groups and four interviews. A qualitative analysis was used to analyze data for similar themes and codes. RESULTS: Perceived barriers to engaging in healthy behaviors appear to be influenced by image, food cost, and education. Cues to action for not engaging in healthy behaviors appear to be related to role models. CONCLUSIONS: Black college men are not adequately informed or educated about elements that can impact their health and how they can improve it. College administrators and researchers should develop interventions that include elements of increasing health knowledge and age-appropriate role models to improve health behavior change among this group.
Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Black or African American/psychology , Black or African American/statistics & numerical data , Health Behavior , Students/psychology , Students/statistics & numerical data , Universities/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Focus Groups , Humans , Male , Perception , United States , Young AdultABSTRACT
This qualitative study explores prostate cancer knowledge and risk in Black college men. Using the Health Belief Model as a guide, focus groups and interviews were conducted with 35 Black males at a historically black college and university. Thematic analysis was conducted and general themes were found. Results indicate that Black college males have very little knowledge and understanding of what their prostate is and what it does. They are also unaware of their risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, while many believe prostate cancer is severe, few believe they are susceptible to getting it. These findings suggest more work needs to be done to educate young Black males on not only their prostate and prostate cancer, but on their general health. Efforts should focus on increasing the health knowledge of younger Black males in addition to that of middle-aged and older Black males so that health disparities can decrease.
