Health Information for Men (H.I.M.)

Abstract

To design a health education curriculum for men that would promote increased knowledge and health behavior changes. Men are twenty-five percent less likely than women to have visited a physician in the last year and nearly forty percent more likely to have skipped a cholesterol screening. On average, men die five years earlier than women. A literature review revealed that there were handouts available from various states’ extension service or special interest organizations such as the Men's Health Network, but not a comprehensive curriculum available that provided practical information for men's health. Focus groups were conducted with middle-aged blue collar men in both rural and urban settings to determine if men would participate in classes designed for them, find out how men would like to receive health information, and the health topics they were most interested in. Lesson plans were developed based on focus group results. After the initial writing and graphic design of the curriculum was completed, the hypertension lesson was piloted with approximately 650 (98% male) Department of Transportation employees. The employees provided feedback regarding the format and length of the lesson, format of handouts, likelihood of participating in a class, and input on the curriculum logo. Based on pilot project evaluation, major edits were made to the curriculum, i.e. more white space on handouts, including one participant activity for each lesson, and information that is straight to the point. Lessons were made more interactive and include ample opportunity for discussion and feedback. In each class, participants are challenged to set a health goal.