Increasing Awareness of Cardiovascular Risks that Impact Black Men through Barbershop Conversation

Abstract

Black men have suffered abuse and mistreatment within our healthcare system. Past events proliferated medical mistrust and created a separation between provider and patient. As a result, many individuals within the Black community look to people of influence for guidance. A barbershop is a central gathering place for influential people within the Black community. Individuals regularly visit the barbershop for services, advice, fellowship, and direction. Historically, barbershops in the Black community have been a conduit for disseminating important information. As health disparities continue to permeate through marginalized groups, specifically Black men, it is imperative that community-based partnerships are established in efforts to bridge the gap. This project aims to increase awareness of cardiovascular risks that impact Black men through barbershop conversation by highlighting the medical term metabolic syndrome. This three-phase project intends to assess the knowledge base, disseminate new knowledge, and evaluate retention and understanding. Findings support the need for further community-based partnerships and more equitable opportunities to impact the outcomes for Black men.