The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44212

Stuart M. Belle, MPH¹, Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH¹, Virginia Diane Woods, RN, MSN², and JJ Nortey, MBA¹. (1) Health Education & Promotion, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Ave, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (909) 558-8382, sbelle@sph.llu.edu, (2) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Ave, Loma Linda, CA 92350

Introduction: The age-adjusted incidence of prostate cancer among African American men is approximately double that among white males in the United States. The causes of higher rates of prostate cancer among African American males are largely unknown. Additional research is needed to identify the association between physicians' and patients' perceived barriers to prostate cancer screening, and the relationship between risk communication and patients' decision-making styles around disease risk reduction. Aim: This study aims to (1) describe African American men's knowledge and understanding of prostate cancer risk, and barriers to screening, and (2) examine the lack of congruence in physicians' and patients' perceived barriers to prostate cancer screening, and how these differences translate into communication patterns and challenges about prostate cancer risk. Methods: Qualitative research methods were used to identify emerging themes around patients' and physicians' knowledge, attitudes, cultural health beliefs, and perceived barriers to prostate cancer screening. The qualitative data was then used to aid in the construction of patient and physician surveys, administered to a longitudinal cohort of 300 African American men, aged 45-74, and approximately 50 primary care physicians in southern California. Results: African American men are not well informed about their risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, varying perceptions about barriers to screening are associated with inconsistencies in risk communication between physician and patient. Conclusion: An understanding of the barriers to screening is important for open, culturally sensitive, and clear communication about prostate cancer risk for improved health care decision-making among African American men.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, members of the audience will be able to

• Describe the relationship between current prostate cancer prevention behaviors and perceived disease risk among African American men
• Identify at least three (
• differences in patients' and physicians' understanding of the barriers to prostate cancer screening
• Discuss how the lack of congruence in physicians' and patients' perceived barriers to prostate cancer screening impacts cultural competency and risk communication in health care delivery

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Risk Communication

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.