Utilization of the natural helper model in health promotion targeting African American men

When compared with other racial and ethnic groups, African American men experience a great number of health disparities. The factors that perpetuate health disparities among African American men are multidimensional and include lack of access to equitable health care, lack of knowledge and limited education about health promoting behaviors, lack of organizational trust and acceptability, the impact of masculinity on health, and psychological factors. This article explores the health promotion needs of African American men and the ability of the natural helper model to address those needs. Further discussion of its use by holistic nurses as a culturally tailored health promotion intervention targeting African American men is presented.