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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Marina C. Alvarez, MPH¹, Beth Glenn, PhD¹, Rosana Leos, MPH¹, and Roshan Bastani, PhD². (1) Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, School of Public Health and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles Young Drive South, A2-125 CHS, Box 956900, Los Angeles, CA 90095, 310-206-0605, marinac@ucla.edu, (2) Department of Health Services, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Public Health, Box 951722, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Informed decision making (IDM) in prostate cancer screening is becoming the "standard of care." However, little is known about what Latino men know and believe about PSA screening, and their preferences for the decision process regarding having the test. Two English and five Spanish focus groups were conducted with 47 Latino men (50 - 70 years) recruited from community sites in East Los Angeles. Discussions focused on knowledge and beliefs about prostate cancer, PSA screening, and IDM. English speaking Latinos were more likely to prefer taking an active role in making the decision. Although Spanish speaking Latinos said they would be involved in the decision, there was a preference among some for allowing their doctors to decide for them. Both groups felt that the decision would be theirs to make as opposed to a family decision. Lack of knowledge regarding the pros and cons of PSA screening and misconceptions regarding prostate cancer risk factors (e.g., having too much or too little sex, masturbating, and holding urine too long) were prevalent in both groups. Machismo, fear of a cancer diagnosis, and cost were cited as important in making the decision. Most men had never had a PSA test, and at the end of the group session most said they were interested in obtaining a PSA test despite understanding the pros and cons of testing. There is openness among Latinos to participate in IDM regarding prostate cancer screening. Developing and rigorously testing culturally relevant IDM interventions in this population are important next steps.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
• List three barriers to PSA IDM among Latinos
• Identify common misconceptions about prostate cancer risk factors

Keywords: Latino Health, Decision-Making

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered