Browsing Posts published in December, 2010

    Participants were asked how difficult it was for them to obtain a screening test for prostate cancer. The majority (76%) reported that it was not difficult, 15% thought that it was difficult and 9% reported that they did not know whether or not it was difficult to obtain a screening test for prostate cancer. A little more than half of the sample (54%) reported that they had a prostate test within the last year, at the time the survey was conducted, but 46% did not have a test within that year. As to whether screening for prostate cancer was part of their regular medical check-up, 58% reported yes and 42% indicated that this was not a part of their regular check-up. More Whites (62%) than Blacks (57%) said that prostate screening was part of their regular medical check-ups. As to whether their doctor discussed prostate cancer or the need for screening with them, 50% said yes while the other 50% said no.

    The television ranked highest as their source of information about prostate cancer, followed by their doctor and brochures at health centers. Participants were asked about their knowledge about screening tests for prostate cancer. Of the sample, 67% indicated that they knew what screening tests are done for detecting prostate cancer. There were 33% that did not know. Participants were asked about their family history of prostate cancer. Twenty-five percent did not know about their family history, and 22% said that they had a relative with prostate cancer. Of the relatives who had prostate cancer, 38% were fathers, 17% brothers, 19% cousins, and the rest were other relatives.

    Of those who indicated that they had a relative with prostate cancer approximately 30% of them said that they had a prostate test within the last year. Only 13% of respondents said that they had experienced having prostate cancer themselves or were told that they had an enlarged prostate. When comparing Blacks and Whites on this question, more Blacks (15%) than Whites (10%) were told that they had cancer of an enlarged prostate. They were asked if they had a personal family doctor and 81% said yes, however, there were some differences when comparing Blacks and Whites. More Whites (92%) than Blacks (77%) reported having a personal family physician they can see on a regular basis.

    When responding to attitudes and beliefs about prostate cancer screening, 84% either agreed or strongly agreed that if they had prostate cancer it would be serious enough to want to do something about it. Over 65% felt that the blood test for prostate cancer, PSA can detect the cancer early, 33% were not sure what tests were actually carried out and 42% believed that screening would be uncomfortable. Those who felt that the screening would be uncomfortable were also less likely to get screened.

    Method

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    Subject Selection
    The priority population for this study was Black and White men age 40 and older residing in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties in California. A population-based convenience sample was selected from community clubs, churches, worksites, and bus stops. Men fitting the age criteria who volunteered to complete the questionnaire were included in the study, and the questionnaire was self-administered. Altogether, a sample of 214 men was obtained.
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    Instrumentation
    A structured questionnaire was developed and pre-tested among Black and White men (n=25) within the priority population. After review and final changes, this questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection for the present study. The questionnaire included 25 questions with several items to ascertain the respondents’ attitude towards prostate cancer screening and early detection, beliefs about prostate cancer, access to screening, prostate cancer information, and family history of prostate cancer. In addition, there were demographic questions such as age, education, income, marital status and occupation. Questions dealing with attitudes and beliefs about prostate cancer were measured using a five-point Likert Scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree). Participants were asked to respond to statements designed to measure attitudes and beliefs. This psychosocial scale for the measurement of attitudes and beliefs has been used for decades in various populations.

    Procedure
    Prior to conducting the survey, letters were sent to several churches and men’s organizations in the area explaining the purpose of the survey and asking them to encourage men within the age group to participate. Some churches and organizations responded positively and invited us to conduct the survey on a day and time designated by them. No follow-up was done on churches that did not respond. Men within the age criteria who volunteered to be in the study completed a questionnaire and returned it to the person collecting the data. Some church leaders and organizations asked that the questionnaires be left with them to be distributed to members. Completed questionnaires were returned in a sealed envelope. For anonymity, participants were asked not to write their names on the questionnaire. Both Black and White men were recruited to be part of the study.

    Data Analysis
    Data was entered and analyzed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS/PC) version 10. The data set was investigated for missing values and outliers, and irregular value recording. Descriptive information was calculated for all variables. Correlations were done on all major variables of interest for the present study.

    Results
    There were 214 who participated in the study and completed the survey. Of these, 75% were Black and 25% were White. Most (53%) were within the 40-50 years age group, 26% in the 51-60 age group, and 21% indicated that they were over 60 years old. Seventy-four percent were married, most had a college degree with a yearly income greater than $21,000. Approximately 39% reported earning $50,000 or more per year.