Barbershop Talk

Barbershop Talk is a research study aimed to help improve the health of Black men in our communities. One way we can improve Black men’s health is to reduce unhealthy drinking habits. Unhealthy drinking is a preventable risk factor for cancer, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and high blood pressure.

In this video, Tiffany Haynes, Ph.D., an associate professor at UAMS and principal investigator for the Barbershop Talk project, discusses the initiative’s mission to reduce unhealthy drinking among Black men.

Collaborating with barbershops is an important factor in addressing Black men’s health. Barbershops are seen as sanctuaries where men feel comfortable discussing various topics, including health matters, making them an ideal setting to reach and engage with men quickly. With men visiting barbershops more frequently than primary care physicians, these spaces offer a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on their health. Furthermore, barbershops are significant spaces for deep conversations about mental health and seeking advice and support from each other.

Any Black male age 18 or older who currently drinks alcohol can participate in Barbershop Talk.

In this video, members of the Barbershop Steering Committee passionately encourage men in their communities to participate in this study aimed at enhancing well-being and fostering positive role models. They emphasize the study’s potential benefits, including education, resource acquisition, and the opportunity to impact others through storytelling. The committee members wholeheartedly endorse the study, highlighting its rewards and incentives. Overall, they encourage men to embrace a mindset of excellence and seize this opportunity to make a positive impact on themselves and their community.

If you are eligible, you will:

• Complete a survey at a barbershop.
• Talk with a Barbershop Talk team member.
• Take a follow-up survey three months and six months after taking the first survey.

If you are eligible, you will receive:

• Gift card for each completed survey.
• Barbershop Talk swag

The information gained from this study may help reduce alcohol use and improve health outcomes in your community.

There is a small risk that someone may find out that you are participating in this research study. To help protect your privacy, only a number will be used to identify your records. You will not be personally identified in any reports or publications that may result from this study. 

Research reported on this website is supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P50MD01739. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.