The objectives of this article are to examine the epidemiology of suicide for Black college men; social determinants of mental health, mental health inequities, and suicide prevention for Black college men; role of mental health utilization for Black college men; role of culture in addressing mental health needs for Black college men; racial…

Studies document inequitable tobacco retailer density by neighborhood sociodemographics, but these findings may not be robust to different density measures. Policies to reduce density may be less equitable depending on how the presence of store types differs by neighborhood characteristics. We built a 2018 list of probable tobacco retailers in the…

Achieving adequate levels of physical activity (PA) is important to maintain health and prevent chronic disease. The costs of inadequate physical activity to the NHS have been estimated at over a billion pounds annually. While socio-demographic characteristics such as age, sex and ethnicity have been reported to be associated with different levels…

Presents results of a survey on housing conditions, knowledge of health hazards, use of health facilities, and health needs among Black agricultural workers in Leflore County, Mississippi. Indicates the need for health education, better medical coverage, and community involvement in health care delivery, to improve health conditions in the county.…

Reviews available statistics regarding drug and alcohol abuse among Blacks and compares these data to those for Whites. Discusses the negative effects of substance abuse on the Black community and argues that the overall poorer health status of Black Americans is due in part to discriminatory conditions. (GC)

High infant and maternal mortality, poverty, isolation, a shortage of health professionals, inadequate health care facilities, and difficult geographic access to care are some of the health-related problems that plague Black rural southerners. (GC)

Argues that current reductions in public support for health care and the rise of a free market health care system will increase the death rate and life expectancy disparities that exist between Black and White Americans. (GC)

Examined correlates and predictors of risk-taking behavior in a sample of 278 African American women to explore risk-taking related to HIV infection. Women in this sample engaged in risky behavior for HIV and other health risks, such as smoking and substance use, and risk was predicted by individual and peer-related factors. (SLD)

About one-third of Black Americans live in poverty. The inability to achieve economic independence renders them hostage to numerous problems that may include occasional or chronic hunger, homelessness, and lack of adequate health care. Blacks must pursue vigorous political representation, among other strategies, to attain economic…

Reviews the nutritional consequences of participation in food assistance programs, specifically the impact of these programs on the diets of African American households. Findings indicate that, although participants have better quality diets than nonparticipants, these diets are inadequate when compared to accepted dietary standards. Suggests…

The number of poor elderly Blacks and the cost of health care are increasing. Even with Medicare there are out of pocket expenses for those who are least able to pay. Since racial bias may be a factor in triage, the best approach to reducing medical costs is prevention. (VM)

Lack of data on mental health status of Blacks precludes effective prevention programing. Any prevention program must reflect the social, psychological, and physical milieu of the individual, but ideological biases toward preventive health often deny the importance of political factors that create an environment in the Black community that is…

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is undisputedly the most significant public health problem facing the Black community today. From the outset, it was apparent that the disease disproportionately affected Blacks. In 1981, when AIDS was first identified, 21.5 percent of the first 107 cases were Blacks and Hispanics. This report discusses…

Discusses the disparity in health care delivery for whites and blacks as a result of racial prejudice. Presents statistics showing that: (1) black workers are more likely to be exposed to job hazards; and (2) black children make greater use of health care when racial barriers are reduced. (KH)

Economic restructuring has exacerbated problems of black men such as poverty, unemployment, lowered life expectancy, and low expectations. Power diverted from productive channels is expressed in gang violence, homicide, and suicide. Recommendations include a national agency to eliminate poverty, involve the black community, and increase funding…