The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45392

Virginia Diane Woods, RN, MSN¹, Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH², Stuart M. Belle, MPH², and JJ Nortey, MBA². (1) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Ave, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909-558-7194, vwoods@sph.llu.edu, (2) Health Education & Promotion, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Ave, Loma Linda, CA 92350

Problem: In California, mortality rates for prostate cancer in black males were approximately 50 percent higher than for white males. The causes of these higher rates are largely unknown, as there is a paucity in research to identify and establish environmental and lifestyle risk factors that hamper effective preventive efforts in this population. African American men traditionally have been considered a racial rather than an ethnic group, having a unique cultural health value. Purpose: This study was designed to ascertain the extent of knowledge and understanding of African American men regarding prostate cancer risk, and cultural barriers that contribute to their reluctance to participate in prostate cancer screening. Methods: A multi-method approach, involving the sequential or concurrent use of both qualitative and quantitative research, was used to gather population-specific data on current prostate cancer prevention behaviors. A cohort of approximately 200-250 African American men, aged 45-74, and 50 primary care physicians enrolled in the study. Results: African American men were not adequately informed about prostate cancer in general, and their disease risk. Cultural health value is associated with feeling 'connected' to traditional beliefs about the causes and consequences of illness and disease. Also, perspectives on what constitutes a 'healthy' state are an important determining factor affecting health-seeking behaviors in African American men. Conclusion: Physicians, health care providers, and policy makers will benefit from understanding the relationship between culture and health to aid in the design of culturally appropriate health care services designed to address the needs of African American men.

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

• Articulate the influence of cultural health value on African American men's perception of health, and their desire to communicate with their physicians about their health concerns
• Discuss possible approaches, as identified by African American men, to building cultural competency in health care in order to facilitate greater participation of African American men in public health promotion and research

Keywords: Cultural Competency, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.