Date of Conferral

5-22-2024

Date of Award

5-22-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Glenn Starks

Abstract

Generational racism, historical abuses, and mistreatment related to health care have long contributed to a lack of trust among Black Americans in the U.S. health system, as well as disproportionate health status due to inadequate medical care-seeking behavior. Black American men have been particularly affected, with worse health and a higher mortality rate than men and women of other U.S. ethnic groups. The causal factors that manifest and sow distrust of the medical community among Black men are not thoroughly understood. The purpose of this study, which had the health belief model as its theoretical framework, was to explore the experiences of Black men in Memphis, Tennessee, in assessing how their demographic profile and life experiences influence their health beliefs, ultimately impacting their health status. A phenomenological research design featuring investigative inquiry was used to gather data to assess how Black men's individual lived experiences impact these social phenomena. Data were collected by conducting open-ended, semi-structured interviews with nine Black American men residing in Memphis, Tennessee. The process of explication was used to interpret the collected data. The study findings highlight systemic barriers and the role of community networks in shaping the participants’ health care experiences while also emphasizing the interplay between structural factors and individual autonomy. Although views on racial concordance with providers varied, the impact of historical abuses was acknowledged by all participants. The study suggests the need for systemic reforms to boost engagement and reduce disparities in health care for Black American men.

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