1. Gloria B. Callwood, Ph.D., R.N. University of the Virgin Islands Michael L. Radelet, Ph.D. University of Colorado – Boulder Hossein N. Yarandi, Ph.D. Wayne State University Caribbean Exploratory NCMHD Research Center for Excellence

2. US Virgin Islands Three Main Islands St. Croix St. Thomas St. John 346 Square miles (about twice size of Washington DC) 110,000 residents

3. The Focus Groups Goal: To further understanding of how residents of the USVI view health issues, including how good health is defined, the role of mainstream and alternative health care delivery systems in achieving better health, and to pinpoint issues that need further study.

4. The Focus Groups Six Focus Groups One group for each gender from each island. Research conducted Spring 2008.

5. Findings Definitions of “Health” What are the most crucial health care problems? Perceived barriers to good health and good health care. What is the role of personal responsibility in attaining good health? Feelings about health care professionals’ “customer service.” Where do people in the USVI obtain health information?

6. Issues for Future Research Multi-dimensional view of “health” Partnerships in health Huge concerns about confidentiality

7. Men’s Survey Connivance sample of adult males present in US Virgin Island N = 508 Mean Age = 41.60 years (n = 498) SD = 17.77 years Minimum = 17 years Maximum = 83 years

17. Health-Related Topics You would Like to Learn About TopicsYes (%) Healthy Eating64.0 Staying Fit57.3 Body Mass Index (BMI) and Its Relationship to Developing Diabetes, Heart Diseases, Stroke, and Cancer 38.0 Safety and Injury Protection34.8 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Genital Herpes AID/HIV Gonorrhea Genital Warts Chlamydia Syphilis 34.6 13.4 17.1 11.6 11.2 10.4 11.2

18. Health-Related Topics You would Like to Learn About TopicsYes (%) Erectile Dysfunction20.1 Infertility5.9 Birth Control6.7 Dealing with Stress45.3 Depression16.1 Suicide5.7 Domestic Violence11.8 Substance Abuse11.2 Alcohol Misuse13.2 Smoking Cessation11.4

19. Health-Related Topics You would Like to Learn About Topics Yes (%) Cancer Lung Cancer Prostate Cancer Colorectal Cancer Testicular Cancer Skin Cancer Breast Cancer 45.3 14.0 35.4 15.9 17.9 11.4 7.3 High Blood Pressure 45.3 High Cholesterol30.3 Heart Attack 24.4 Stroke 23.0

20. Health-Related Topics You would Like to Learn About TopicsYes (%) Diabetes 25.8 Arthritis 24.6 Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease 12.6 Asthma 15.9 Glaucoma 20.7 Cataracts 16.1 Hepatitis 18.1