Prostate Cancer prevention and Care: The role of women as motivators and instigators of men for decision making and action in minority populations

Introduction

Behavioral, cognitive and perceptual research and demonstration projects have reported difficulty in recruiting men to participate in studies on men's health especially with any connotation of sexual inability or underperformance related stigma. However, women have in various settings successfully mobilized men to participate with varying success. This paper describes processes used to mobilize prostate cancer survivors in a minority population, to participate in focus group discussions through women in their lives.

Method

Members reflecting a community's demographic distribution were selected into a community advisory board to help guide and direct community engagement for prostate cancer prevention and care. Women members of the group included spouses or first degree relatives of men who were prostate cancer survivors. Focus group and questionnaire tasks were assigned and each person reported on their task status. Task record was used to monitor activity and task accomplishment. Audio and text recordings were taken at task events. Participants were asked what would make them want to participate in health related events

Result

Direct telephone calls, network tracing, radio, television, churches and door-to-door solicitation were used by women in the group to mobilize men, women and children to participate in focus group event. Participating men reported enjoying the event. Men's answers to question regarding participation included that the women made them attend

Conclusion

Women are essential in mobilizing men to participate in health promotion. Programs may need to emphasize participation of women in mobilizing men to participate in events organized for men's health