Key factors for an equitable health intervention for Black men with low income and chronic illness in a southern state in the United States

Abstract

Black men’s health continues to be worse than that of many other groups in the United States. This study’s purpose was to explore interest holders’ perceptions about an intervention proposed to use universal basic income (UBI) to facilitate healthcare access and promote health equity of Black men with chronic conditions, including HIV, and low incomes in a southern state. Semi-structured interviews with 31 interest holders, including members of the priority population, were conducted via phone or Zoom. Pre-implementation factors were identified using the Socioecological Model as a framework for conventional content analysis. Participants noted that certain factors must be considered for any intervention to be successful in improving the health status of the priority population. The following themes were identified: 1) The priority population typically delays healthcare. 2) Relationships are strained due to incarceration or poverty. 3) Correctional health and healthcare systems are not structured to help. 4) Many barriers to health/healthcare exist within the community. 5) Racism and poverty are often intertwined and are entrenched barriers to health. Equitable interventions, such as providing a UBI, which are designed to improve the health and well-being of the priority population, should address the identified factors at the individual, interpersonal, community, and institutional levels to be effective. Societal factors, such as structural racism and generational poverty, may be too difficult to address in such an intervention.