Date of Conferral

11-14-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Dr. Barbara Benoliel

Abstract

Prostate cancer screening has been a focus of scholars since the late 20th century, as researchers have sought to address persistent disparities in early detection and mortality rates among African American men. Researchers have demonstrated that cultural beliefs, mistrust of the medical system, and limited access to healthcare significantly influence prostate cancer screening behaviors within this population. However, researchers have yet to establish how younger African American men specifically interpret prostate cancer risk and how their beliefs and attitudes shape decisions regarding screening participation. The purpose of this study was to explore the beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes of younger African American men toward prostate cancer screening, and to identify what influenced their screening intentions and behaviors. The Health Belief Model provided a framework to analyze participants’ perceptions of susceptibility, risk severity, potential benefits, and barriers associated with screening. Data for this qualitative multiple-case study were collected through detailed semi-structured interviews with three African American men aged thirty-five to forty-five across the southeastern United States, along with archival data related to published information about prostate screening. The findings from the content analysis indicated that cultural norms, fear of diagnosis, masculinity concerns, and limited routine health provider engagement strongly influenced screening attitudes. This study contributes to positive social change by adding information that may enhance efforts to promote screening. Public health practitioners may benefit from these findings by developing culturally responsive outreach initiatives to promote early prostate cancer screening among African American men.

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