Motivators of health seeking behavior in urban African-American men: an exploration of triggers and barriers.

A health crisis exists with African-American men. Morbidity and mortality are higher among African-American men than any other racial/ethnic group. This disparity may be partially related to health seeking behavior in African-American men. Health seeking behavior is influenced by both internal and external motivators. Using the Health Belief Model as a guiding theoretical framework, a qualitative study using focus group methodology was conducted with adult urban African-American men in a large northeastern metropolitan area to explore motivators of health seeking behavior. A total of 38 men were interviewed. Sessions were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analysis techniques. External motivators were identified as resource availability and significant others to include family and associates. Internal motivators were identified as perceived disability and death from an illness and unrelieved symptoms. For most men, seeking care was done after all other measures failed to relieve symptoms. Interventions that will facilitate health seeking behavior in African-American men are needed in order to impact the health disparity. This study identified motivators needed to encourage health seeking behavior in African-American men. The results can be used to develop programs specifically targeting African-American men. Additionally, the study identified key variables for further investigation.