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An Exploration of Black Men’s Attitudes and Experiences Communicating with Dentists about Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick D. Smith

    (College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, 801 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Darien J. Weatherspoon

    (School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, 650 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA)

  • Tiosha Bailey

    (School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Caryn E. Peterson

    (School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Marcus Murray

    (Project Brotherhood, 1510 E. 55th Street, P.O. 15282, Chicago, IL 60615, USA)

  • Osei Bekoe

    (University of Illinois Cancer Center, 818 S. Wolcott St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Anuoluwapo Shadamoro

    (College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, 801 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

  • Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters

    (Department of Head & Neck Surgery & Communications Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
    Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA)

  • Kimberly Nu-Tall

    (University of Illinois Cancer Center, 818 S. Wolcott St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA)

Abstract

Background: Poor oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) survival among Black men is partially due to their limited knowledge about OPCs, which is exacerbated by dentists’ limited training and discomfort in discussing OPC risk factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and experiences that Black men have communicating with dentists about OPCs. Methods: To qualitatively assess these attitudes and experiences, a focus group guide and recruitment strategy were developed using a community engagement approach. Data were analyzed using grounded theory. Results: Twenty-three self-identified Black men participated in three focus groups through the Zoom platform (mean age of 46.1 years). Four main themes emerged, which identified that participants: (1) had little knowledge of OPCs; (2) felt that addressing OPC risk among Black men was not a priority for dentists; (3) stressed the importance of dentists acknowledging the complexity of how race and gender affects Black men’s healthcare experiences; and (4) expressed a benefit to receiving information from multiple social networks. Conclusion: The focus groups provided context for how dentists might engage with Black men in discussions about OPC prevention and treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick D. Smith & Darien J. Weatherspoon & Tiosha Bailey & Caryn E. Peterson & Marcus Murray & Osei Bekoe & Anuoluwapo Shadamoro & Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters & Kimberly Nu-Tall, 2023. "An Exploration of Black Men’s Attitudes and Experiences Communicating with Dentists about Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(19), pages 1-8, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:19:p:6859-:d:1250494
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Satcher, D., 2003. "Overlooked and Underserved: Improving the Health of Men of Color," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(5), pages 707-709.
    2. Wael Sabbah & Aswathikutty Gireesh & Malini Chari & Elsa K. Delgado-Angulo & Eduardo Bernabé, 2019. "Racial Discrimination and Uptake of Dental Services among American Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-8, May.
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