A qualitative perspective of barriers to health-promoting behaviors of African Americans.
African American mortality and morbidity rates remain alarmingly high. Implementation of health promotion strategies can be effective in reducing these rates. Yet, African American health-promoting behaviors remain inadequate. Exploration of perceived barriers to implementing health-promoting behaviors from a qualitative perspective may lead to a better understanding of African American barriers to healthier lifestyles. The purpose of this study was to explore barriers to health promotion for African Americans from a qualitative perspective. Focus group interviews were held in two southeastern states. The results yielded three themes. These were cost, lack of discipline versus not having enough time, and a lack of motivation. When health care professionals develop treatment strategies for African Americans, these barriers should be considered to aid in the development of more efficacious plans of care.
Johnson
Rolanda L
RL
Vanderbilt University, School of Nursing, Nashville, TN 37240, USA. rolanda.Johnson@vanderbilt.edu
Nies
Mary A
MA
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005195:Family Relations; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000145:classification; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population; D015144:Southeastern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D017748:Time Management; D014505:Urban Population