The health status of African-American men: improving our understanding of men’s health challenges

The awakening to the existence of health disparities has spurred concern about men’s health issues. Questions have arisen as to why racial and ethnic minorities have a lower average life expectancy, greater incidence or prevalence of life-limiting diseases, and a less favorable prognosis, even when diagnosed with the same diseases. ‘Gender and health’ parallels ‘race and health’ because any intellectually honest discussion about health disparities between diverse demographic groups must take account of the striking variations in longevity and health outcomes associated with gender. The health status of minority men can potentially serve to guide our thinking about men’s health challenges in various areas.