The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67512

Levi Ross, MPH¹, Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, MPH¹, Connie Kohler, DrPH², and B. Lee Green, PhD³. (1) Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RPHB 227, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, 205-989-5888, levi@uab.edu, (2) Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RPHB #227, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, (3) Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, 227 Ryals Building, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294

Information seeking is the process through which individuals seek to clarify, or confirm knowledge or information about a specific topic or issue. Most research regarding information seeking behavior has been in the context of coping and treatment after a disease has been diagnosed. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence prostate cancer information seeking among asymptomatic men in the Deep South. Twenty focus groups with 52 African American men were conducted in community settings in urban and rural counties in Alabama and Mississippi. All focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim using NVivo qualitative software. Content analysis revealed that printed, audiovisual, and interpersonal sources are all used by members of this population to obtain prostate cancer information. Interpersonal sources for prostate cancer information included both medical (physicians) and non-medical (family members, co-workers, friends) sources. Audio-visual and non-medical interpersonal sources were the most preferred sources of information. Medical interpersonal sources were the least preferred sources of information. Both groups cited more barriers and less desire to use physicians as sources of prostate cancer information while asymptomatic for the disease. The results of this study suggest that African American men in Alabama use multiple sources to obtain prostate cancer information. The situation that physicians are least preferred as sources for prostate cancer information is somewhat troubling. Physicians can add to and/or clarify complicated or erroneous information obtained via other sources. More work is needed to help African American men include physicians among their sources for prostate cancer information.

Learning Objectives:

"At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Recognize qualitative research as a useful means of obtaining information for exploratory research."
• Recognize qualitative research as a useful means of obtaining information from hard-to-reach populations."

Keywords: African American, Cancer Prevention

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.