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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Janice Yanushka Bunn, PhD, Medical Biostatistics, University of Vermont, 25H Hills Science Building, Burlington, VT 05405-0082, 802-656-2526, janice.bunn@uvm.edu, Kwadwo Bosompra, PhD, Consultant, 7671 Doverwood Drive, Mississauga, ON L5N8J2, Canada, and Takamaru Ashikaga, PhD, Medical Biostatistics Department, University of Vermont, 27 Hills Building, Burlington, VT 05405.
Research examining interest in genetic testing for cancer has focused on breast and colon cancer, with limited information available regarding genetic testing for prostate cancer. We examined factors related to the intention to undergo such testing, with intention categorized as stages of adoption (pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation), as conceived under the Transtheoretical Model. The factors studied included potential benefits, barriers, and awareness/information seeking regarding such testing.
This cross-sectional study is based on responses gathered through a telephone interview of 727 adult male residents (18-75 years of age) of New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.
While the majority of men did not intend to undergo testing in the next six months (pre-contemplation), over 19% were in the contemplation stage (would probably or definitely undergo testing in the next six months), with 23% in the preparation stage (would probably or definitely undergo testing in the next month). Having heard of genetic testing for prostate cancer appeared unrelated to the likelihood of undergoing testing; however, discussions with physicians, family or friends did appear to be related to stage. The perceived benefits to testing outweighed the barriers among individuals in the contemplation and preparation stages, while the opposite was true for those in the pre-contemplation stage.
As genetic testing for prostate cancer becomes available, the educational needs of the general population in this area take on greater importance. These results suggest avenues to address in health eduction programs meant to facilitate informed decision-making for genetic testing for prostate cancer.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Genetics, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.