title: "We Need Help in the Delta".
abstract: The purpose of this study was to better understand the barriers to health promotion among African American older men living in the rural Mississippi Delta. A qualitative, intrinsic case study approach was used to explore the phenomenon of health and the barriers to promoting men's health within the unique context of the Delta. Data included one key informant interview and two focus group interviews with 14 men, with the majority between the ages of 41 and 55 years. Focus group participants were lay community members as well as members of a volunteer community health advisors men's group. Findings underscore the extensiveness of the term "health" and the importance of attending to structural barriers in addressing men's health. Three overarching themes emerged: "men don't talk about health," "health care is not just the issue, everything is," and "we need a strong male to lead." Implications for future research and health promotion efforts are provided.
authors.affiliation: 1 Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Sherry C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
authors.forename: LaShaundrea
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Crook
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Connell
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yadrick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003153:Community Health Services; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D008922:Mississippi; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population; D014838:Volunteers
keywords: cultural sensitivity; health inequality/disparity; health promotion and disease prevention; men of color; qualitative research