Abstract (300 words maximum)
Recent research has shown that confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths are disproportionately higher in communities with large African American populations. The direct and downstream effects of COVID-19 have reduced life expectancies for African American men by upwards of three years in 2020 alone. Inequities are further magnified given the known risk factors for COVID-19 complications such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease among African American men. Many factors have further exacerbated COVID-19-related disparities such as mistrust in medical systems., lack of health insurance, and more. Applied researchers have developed methods for addressing these issues using a self-management approach. However, previous work has suggested that traditional self-management programs produce as pronounced positive effects for African American men than in other groups. The major goal of culturally competent self-management programs is to provide healthcare workers such as nurses, social workers, and public health professionals with an adaptable program that will give those in need tools designed to improve their day-to-day lives. Moreover, the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a new vital question: Is a COVID-19, or viral hygiene, specific module necessary for any future self-management program? The purpose of the current project was to evaluate the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of African American men with chronic conditions. In particular, the current project seeks to answer the following question; is a viral hygiene specific module necessary for a culturally competent self-management program? African American men who self-reported at least one chronic disease responded to guided interview questions regarding their knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to COVID-19 along with self-reported health and quality of life. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes that are linked to the data with an inductive, essentialist, approach.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Health Promotion and Physical Education
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Evelina Sterling
The Effect of COVID-19 on African American Men
Recent research has shown that confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths are disproportionately higher in communities with large African American populations. The direct and downstream effects of COVID-19 have reduced life expectancies for African American men by upwards of three years in 2020 alone. Inequities are further magnified given the known risk factors for COVID-19 complications such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease among African American men. Many factors have further exacerbated COVID-19-related disparities such as mistrust in medical systems., lack of health insurance, and more. Applied researchers have developed methods for addressing these issues using a self-management approach. However, previous work has suggested that traditional self-management programs produce as pronounced positive effects for African American men than in other groups. The major goal of culturally competent self-management programs is to provide healthcare workers such as nurses, social workers, and public health professionals with an adaptable program that will give those in need tools designed to improve their day-to-day lives. Moreover, the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a new vital question: Is a COVID-19, or viral hygiene, specific module necessary for any future self-management program? The purpose of the current project was to evaluate the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of African American men with chronic conditions. In particular, the current project seeks to answer the following question; is a viral hygiene specific module necessary for a culturally competent self-management program? African American men who self-reported at least one chronic disease responded to guided interview questions regarding their knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to COVID-19 along with self-reported health and quality of life. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes that are linked to the data with an inductive, essentialist, approach.