Uncovering African American Males’ Understanding and Perceptions About Prostate Cancer Screening: Formative Research for a Neighborhood-based Educational Intervention

Authors:

Amy Leader (Presenter)
Thomas Jefferson University

Earl Bowen Jr, Bryn Mawr College
Anna Quinn, Thomas Jefferson University
Pamela Weddington, MEE Productions, Inc.
Thierry Fortune, MEE Productions, Inc.
David Sauls, Delaware Prostate Cancer Task Force
Karen Glanz, University of Pennsylvania
Charnita Zeigler Johnson, Thomas Jefferson University

Public Health Statement: While much is known about males’ awareness and opinions about prostate cancer screening, less is known about how African American males, in particular, view the topic.

Purpose: We sought to gain insight about how a neighborhood-based intervention aimed at increasing informed decision making about prostate cancer screening should look and feel.

Methods/Approach: Four focus groups were held in Philadelphia, PA in September 2016. Discussions explored knowledge and attitudes towards prostate cancer screening, understanding of the risks and benefits of screening, views on making decisions about screening, and ideas for designing a neighborhood based intervention. Sessions were content analyzed by the research team to uncover dominant themes and recommendations for the intervention.

Results: 22 African American men ages 40 to 69 participated in focus groups. Men had limited understanding of prostate cancer or possible screening modalities, and very few could articulate the risks and benefits of screening. However, the men recognized the seriousness of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. When designing the intervention, pastors, physicians, and local civic leaders are all trusted messengers. Peer-to-peer education, and understanding the context of the neighborhood, are highly desirable. The men agreed that a general prevention intervention would draw more interest than one specifically focused on cancer.

Conclusions/Implications: Knowledge about prostate cancer was low, but enthusiasm for bringing information about prostate cancer to men was high. Understanding the cultural, social, and environmental realities in a community will lead to the development of a much stronger and relevant educational intervention.