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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Clement K. Gwede, PhD, MPH, RN, Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Radiation Oncology, Mod #9, Tampa, FL 33612, 813-979-3052, gwede@moffitt.usf.edu, Melinda S. Forthofer, PhD, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612-3805, Robert J McDermott, PhD, FAAHB, Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, and Kelli R. McCormack Brown, PhD, CHES, Department of Community & Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC 056, Tampa, FL 33612.
Despite the widespread use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) test for early detection of prostate cancer, the direct impact of screening on disease-specific mortality remains controversial, and African American men remain under represented in screening programs. Glaring racial-ethnic disparities in prostate cancer morbidity and mortality persist, with African American men experiencing excess morbidity and mortality compared to other racial-ethnic groups. Many screening programs do not adequately address the factors that influence screening behaviors of African American men. This presentation examines the association of social influence and prostate cancer screening behavior. A community survey of 334 African American men 40 years or older was conducted in Hillsborough County Florida using face-to-face interviews. The sample was obtained using a stratified random sampling strategy with the census block group as the sampling unit. Only 15% of the sample reported having been screened with both digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA test in the past 12 months. About 43% reported strong intentions to be screened with both tests within the next 12 months. The influences of physician and family member recommendations were assessed using bivariate and multivariate procedures. After controlling for demographic factors, physician recommendation was found to have the strongest association with screening behavior for both tests (p <.0001). The influence of wife or girlfriend was also statistically significant. These results underscore the importance of social influence as a determinant of screening for prostate cancer. Lessons learned about reaching African American men in the community and implications for prevention-early detection research and policy related to public health promotion are discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Minority Research, Cancer Screening
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.