African American men's perceptions of factors influencing health-information seeking

Am J Mens Health. 2009 Mar;3(1):6-15. doi: 10.1177/1557988307304630. Epub 2007 Jul 19.

Abstract

The lack of health information is one of several factors implicated in the poor health status of African American men. Although a growing body of research delineates the obstacles to African Americans' engagement in preventive health behaviors, relatively little is known about the barriers that adversely affect men's involvement in health-information seeking. This article presents qualitative data on African American men's information seeking through an analysis of focus group data. Three research questions are addressed: (a) What health-information concerns and needs do African American men have? (b) How do African American men describe their efforts to obtain health information? and (c) What factors facilitate or inhibit health-information seeking by African American men? The implications of the data and suggestions for future research are provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black or African American / ethnology*
  • Consumer Health Information / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Behavior / ethnology*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Informatics
  • Men's Health / ethnology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychology
  • Qualitative Research
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States
  • Young Adult