M-PACTing African American men's health: Feasibility and acceptability of health information technology on informed decision-making for prostate cancer screening

African American men are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer and are twice more likely to die from this disease than European-American men. The objective of the Men's Prostate Awareness Church Training (M-PACT) project is to develop and evaluate a spiritually based 4-part educational series focused on informed decision-making for prostate cancer screening. Trained lay community health advisors (CHAs) will deliver the series to African American men in church settings. This abstract reports on the use of formative research to determine the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating health information technology components such as text messaging to disseminate intervention reminders and health messages to the African American male community. Two initial focus groups comprised of 23 African American men ages 40-79 were convened. The men overwhelmingly reported cellphone/internet/email use, and many reported receiving text messages from their faith communities. Participants reported that they do not check their email and use electronic devices as frequently as their younger counterparts, but do actively engage in these technologies. Culturally appropriate text messages were developed based on analysis of the focus group data and review of previous empirical studies that incorporated technology into health behavior change interventions. Finally, a pilot test of the intervention protocol and materials was conducted prior to study implementation. With increased Internet penetration through the use of smart phones, particularly in minority communities, it is appropriate to investigate the viability of technology as a means to reach a minority population and reduce health disparities.