African American Men’s Behaviors Toward Cardiovascular Medications

Introduction

Most men of all racial and ethnic backgrounds generally do not visit a doctor regularly or seek services of a physician for their health needs until the symptoms are so serious that they are forced to look for medical attention and/or a loved one drives the issue (Harris Interactive, 2007).

Moreover, one in three males developed Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) that killed more than 386,436 men in 2009. With a males representation 49.0% of deaths from CVD and an overall death rate from CVD, 236.1. Death rates were 281.4 for white males and 387.0 for black males (Statistical Fact Sheet Update, 2013).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2012) also documented that men frequently disregard warning signs of poor health and are unwilling to get medical care until there is a crisis. CDC (2012) found that men made 351 physician or hospital visits per 100 males compared to 452 physician or hospital visits per 100 females (“Office of Minority Health,” 2014).  Moreover, many men may not take prescribed medications because of their relationship with the healthcare system (Harris Interactive, 2007).

Men do not consider their health a number one priority.  According to Kellerman, of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a barrier to improving the health of men maybe found within the man himself (WebMD, 2007).  As reported by Steady Health (2014), men attempt to tough it out when it comes to illness in contrast to acknowledging it, which may equate with weaknesses in upbringing or way of thinking. For example, boys are taught at early ages to be rough and resilient, play football, soccer, rugby, basketball and other contact sports, and ignore the pain from injury with the intention of being part of the team,……………..