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Challenges to Social Connection Among Black Men with Chronic Conditions: Examination of Structural, Functional, and

Thomas K M Cudjoe1, Harry O Taylor2, Ledric D Sherman3,4

  • 1School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.

Ethnicity & Disease
|March 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Barriers to managing chronic conditions significantly impact social connections for Black men aged 40+. Improving self-management may enhance social well-being and reduce isolation.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Social Epidemiology
  • Health Disparities

Background:

  • Limited social connection is a risk factor for chronic conditions.
  • Research is needed on how chronic conditions and self-management barriers affect social connections, particularly in specific demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between chronic conditions, barriers to disease self-management, and social connection domains among Black men aged 40+.
  • To address a gap in understanding these relationships within this population.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from a national sample of 1200 Black men (aged 40+ with chronic conditions).
  • Employed multivariate logistic regression models to analyze social connection domains (support, isolation, relationship satisfaction).
  • Independent variables included number of chronic conditions, health-related activity limitations, and self-management barriers. Sociodemographic factors were controlled.

Main Results:

  • Over 23% of participants reported challenges with social connection (lack of support, isolation, relationship dissatisfaction).
  • Greater barriers to disease self-management were significantly associated with increased social connection challenges.
  • Higher numbers of chronic conditions and skipping social activities due to health issues also correlated with greater social connection difficulties.

Conclusions:

  • Improving disease self-management strategies may help alleviate social connection challenges for middle-aged and older Black men.
  • Interventions targeting self-management could positively impact social well-being in this demographic.
Abstract

Keywords:
Black MenChronic DiseaseSocial ConnectionsSocial NetworksSocial Support

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