Abstract TH896: Exploring the Potential of Barbershop-Based Cardiovascular Health Interventions in a State Prison: a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Barbershops have emerged as culturally significant spaces for cardiovascular health promotion, particularly among Black men, by leveraging trust, frequent interactions, and community connection. Despite their success in community settings, barbers have not been utilized in prisons, where cardiovascular health disparities are marked. Incarceration is independently associated with higher incidence of hypertension, worse control, and greater risk for left ventricular hypertrophy even years after exposure. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC) runs a cosmetology program, training incarcerated men as licensed cosmetologists. Leveraging this setup could support novel, low-cost heart health programs in prisons, but the feasibility is unknown. Methods: We conducted a 75-minute in-person focus group with six incarcerated men (five Black, one Hispanic), all licensed cosmetologists employed in a PA DOC facility barbershop. The session was facilitated by an academic researcher, a formerly incarcerated individual, and a former correctional officer. In addition, the session was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Codes were applied in NVivo, and themes were developed inductively. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis. (1) Participants emphasized the special role of the cosmetologist in the prison ecosystem, noting the trust and respect they hold within the facility that positions them as confidants and influential leaders. (2) They described a strong motivation to safeguard health and hygiene, highlighting their responsibility for sanitation, infection control, and protecting communal health. (3) Cosmetologists also saw themselves as health promoters, reporting that they often engage in conversations about rashes, diet, cardiovascular health, and vaccines, including encouragement of COVID-19 vaccination. (4) Finally, participants expressed interest in participating in future health interventions, describing enthusiasm for structured training, curricula, posters, and pamphlets to support their role as health advocates. Conclusions: Prison barbershops are a promising but rarely used place for health education and heart disease prevention. Barbers in prison are trusted voices who can shape health habits. Integrating structured training and health communication resources into prison cosmetology programs could enhance cardiovascular disease prevention, addressing critical health inequities in carceral systems.