Utilizing findings from a gender-based analysis to address chronic disease prevention and management among African-American women in a Michigan community

• The impact of gender on health outcomes often is not taken into consideration.
• Gender-related issues affect the health outcomes of African-American women.
• A gender-based approach to address health and chronic disease prevention is vital.
• Gender-based analysis must be part of a multi-sector, community-level assessment.

This research note underscores the importance of including strategies to address gender-based disparities when planning and implementing community health improvement programs. Working in collaboration with the Inkster Partnership for a Healthier Community (IPHC), the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan conducted a gender-based analysis as part of its broader community health needs assessment efforts in Inkster, MI. The findings from these studies revealed significant challenges impacting women that were not being adequately addressed within the community. In response to these findings, the IPHC created a strategic action plan to respond to the highest priority needs by increasing community awareness of and linkages to resources that provide supportive services for low-income African-American women.