Masculine Identity and It's Potential Influence on Physical Activity in Older African American Men

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding of midlife and older African American (AA) men's perception of masculinity and its potential influence on health-related behavior to help inform the development of a gender-specific physical activity (PA) promotion intervention. METHODS: Participants were 49 AA men ages 45-88 years. In-depth interviews ascertained the participants' perspectives on masculinity, how masculine identity varied by age and race, and how it influenced PA and other health-related behaviors. Taped interviews were transcribed and organized in NVivo for analysis. Common themes were identified by multiple research staff. RESULTS: Most often cited attributes of someone considered "manly' included a leader of a family/household, provider, strong work ethic, and masculine physique. The men commonly used terms such as responsible, principled, man of God, macho, and strong to describe the typical man. Participants' age was not associated with the responses, but men who reported lower levels of PA were more likely to state that the typical man was responsible, and possessed athleticism, wisdom, principles, and sexual prowess. These same men, however, were less likely to indicate that the typical man was a hard worker. The men reported potential negative and positive influences of masculinity on health including avoiding health care services/doctors and being a good example to children/others, respectively. Themes associated with how masculinity changes with age were acceptance of diminished health and physical function and being more health conscience. Negative factors associated with how masculinity is influenced by AA race included stress, racism, and lack of trust in physicians, balanced by perseverance. CONCLUSION: The AA men in this study mostly reflected traditional views of masculinity, as well as perceptions associated with their life priorities (e.g., provider, father, husband, and role model), aging (e.g., lower functional capacity), and being AA (e.g., stress). This qualitative research yielded insightful information that can be used to tailor recruitment, intervention, and retention strategies to enhance PA and health promotion among midlife and older AA men, particularly those exhibiting lower levels of PA. Supported by NIA/NIH Grant #R21AG028674.