An Investigation of Health Management Perceptions and Wellness Behaviors in African American Males in Central Texas

Little is known regarding interventions that incorporate health management perceptions among African American (AA) men, to reduce the risk for developing various medical conditions. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study objective was to better understand health-care perceptions of AA men by assessing participants’ attitudes, subjective norms (SNs), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) regarding health management. AA adult males in Texas were recruited to participate in one of four qualitative focus groups. The TPB was used to assess participants’ attitudes (advantages/disadvantages), SNs (approvers/disapprovers), and PBC (enablers/barriers) regarding health management. All four sessions were audiotaped, transcribed, and independently analyzed by researchers to identify major themes. Participants (n = 23) were 45.2 ± 16.2 years of age (range 24–74). Regarding attitudes toward health management, participants viewed increased longevity and avoiding future health problems as advantages; however, increased cost, lack of confidence in health care, and social pressures were disadvantages. Regarding SNs, parents and children were positive influencers, while spouses and coworkers were both positive and negative influencers. For PBC, a support system and health awareness were identified as enablers, while medical mistrust, fear, and culture were barriers. The results convey that health management behaviors in AA males are multifaceted. Health-care providers should seek to understand these factors, discuss these issues with AA males, and integrate treatment strategies that are culturally informed and patient centered. Findings from this study may be used to develop targeted interventions that improve health outcomes for AA males.