Recent Perceptions of Health Service Providers Among African American Men: Framing the Future Debate

This article reviews the literature on African American men's perceptions of health service providers and their possible association with health disparities and decreased likelihood that these patients will seek outpatient and preventative health care. The literature suggests that barriers to receiving health care service include not feeling respected or heard by providers. A brief discussion of the dangers of a color-blind approach, findings from implicit association studies on race, and negative media portrayals are offered as possible explanations. Specific questions provide a starting point to increase the self-awareness of health service providers. The importance of patient-centered communication is discussed, and conclusions offered, emphasizing the need for more racial/ethnic minority researchers, educators, and health care providers.