Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Education and Promotion

Advisor

Deneen Long White

Abstract

African American men are at a higher risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer (PCa) compared with any other race or ethnic group. Despite prostate cancer screening (PCS) recommendations, African American men are less likely to be screened for PCa compared with any other race or ethnic group. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the intentions of African American men to obtain a PCS. A nonexperimental cross-sectional research design was used to identify factors associated with the intention to obtain PCS. The theoretical framework for the study was the social-ecological model which posits that a relationship exists between individuals, their social networks, society, and the environment. African American males ages 40 to 65 years completed a 15-item questionnaire that included questions regarding various factors that might influence PCS. The final analysis contained 765 records. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Of the factors investigated, having a recommendation from a doctor or other health care worker to obtain a PCS had the greatest influence on intention to get a PCS. The results of the study have implications for positive social change at the individual and societal/policy levels. Health educators can collaborate with trusted community organizations and family members to develop interventions that promote PCa awareness and testing that incorporate the factors identified as having the most influence on intention to obtain a PCS. Furthermore, health educators can work with physician professional organizations to develop standardized, culturally appropriate curricula that emphasize and support PCS recommendations.

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