A convergent mixed methods study of cardiovascular disease risk factors among young black men in the United States

Background: An understanding of the fac­tors that influence cardiovascular (CVD) risk among young Black men is critically needed to promote cardiovascular health earlier in the life course and prevent poor outcomes later in life.

Purpose: To explore how individual (eg, de­pression, racial discrimination) and environ­mental factors (eg, neighborhood resources) are associated with CVD risk factors among young Black men.

Methods: We conducted a convergent mixed methods study (qualitative/quantita­tive, QUAL+quant) with Black men aged 18 to 30 years (N = 21; 3 focus groups). Participants completed a self-administered electronic survey immediately prior to the focus groups.

Results: Participants (Mage = 23) reported: two or more CVD risk factors (75%; eg, high blood pressure); racial discrimination (32%); and depressive symptoms in the past 2 weeks (50%). Five themes emerged: 1) emergence and navigation of Black manhood stressors; 2) high expectations despite limited available resources; 3) heart disease socialization: explicit and vicarious experiences; 4) managing health care needs against fear, avoidance and toughing it out; and 5) camaraderie and social support can motivate or deter. The integrated qualita­tive and quantitative analyses highlight race, gender, and class intersectionality factors that are relevant to what it means to be young, Black, male and of lower socioeco­nomic status in the United States.

Conclusion: Our findings help to identify modifiable, culturally specific and contextu­ally relevant factors that relate to CVD risk factors among young Black men. Such work is crucial to inform interventions, primary prevention efforts, policies, and social-struc­tural changes to thwart the development of CVD and advanced disease stages.