Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Black men face higher rates of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and stroke, yet they underutilize healthcare services. Many Black men avoid going to the hospital due to multiple factors, including fear of experiencing differential treatment, mistrust of the healthcare system, and cultural expectation about masculinity. Consequently, these barriers may discourage Black men from health seeking for various health problems, increasing their risk of complications and worsening their health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence Black men health seeking behaviours and utilization of healthcare services. This proposed study will conduct 4 focus groups (8-10 Black men per group) and 10 follow up in-depth interviews to explore factors that influence utilization of health services. Additionally, principles of meaningful engagement and integrated knowledge translation (World Café session) will be used to translate the findings from the focus groups and in-depth interviews into actionable strategies; inform the development of interventions and policy; and improve healthcare seeking and utilization. The study will draw on critical race theory, intersectionality, and socio-ecological framework to guide the data collection, analysis, and interpretation. It is anticipated that this project will not only generate much needed critical knowledge on determinants of Black men health seeking behaviours and utilization, but also identify healthcare system and community-driven strategies at the individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels to promote health seeking behaviours, increase engagement with health services, facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, and prevent complications and early death among Black men.