Primary care for young African American men

Young African American men in the inner city have higher rates of mortality and morbidity from potentially preventable causes than other American men of the same age. They suffer disproportionately high rates of preventable i llness from violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infection. The se young men present with problems related to sexual concerns, mental healt h issues, substance abuse, and violence. They also report substantial risk- taking behaviors, including unprotected sex, substance use, and weapon carr ying, as well as exposure to violence. Access to and use of preventive prim ary care services has been limited for these patients in the past because o f financial barriers and competing social issues. Racism and historical opp ression have created barriers of mistrust for young men of color. Factors t hat contribute to their adverse health status, as well as ways to address t hese problems, are discussed.