Factors associated with intention to undergo annual prostate cancer screening among African American men in Philadelphia.

BACKGROUND

This study assesses whether African American men in Philadelphia are receptive to annual prostate cancer screening. Factors associated with intention to undergo prostate cancer screening are also identified.

METHODS

The authors randomly selected 218 African American men from the patient population of a large primary care practice in Philadelphia. The men were 40 to 70 years of age and were available for a telephone survey. Responses to survey items defined by the Preventive Health Model were collected from 154 respondents (71%). Univariate and multivariate analyses of screening intention were performed using survey data on sociodemographic background and medical history; knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about prostate cancer and screening; social support and influence; and, intention to undergo a screening examination.

RESULTS

Overall, 69% of subjects reported that they intended to have annual prostate cancer screening. Logistic regression analyses showed that subject belief in screening efficacy (P=0.0002) were positively and significantly associated with intention to screen.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings reported here show that African American men in an urban primary care practice setting are receptive to annual prostate cancer screening and that psychologic and social influence factors are associated with screening intention. The data highlight the need for health care professionals to provide education and advice regarding prostate cancer care to men in this population.