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Improving knowledge about prostate cancer: the development of an educational program for African-Americans
M A List1, M Sinner, G W Chodak
1Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Cancer Research Center, Chicago, IL.
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases
|December 24, 2002
Summary
African-Americans have limited prostate cancer knowledge. An educational seminar significantly improved understanding, demonstrating the program
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Cancer Education
Background:
- African-Americans experience higher prostate cancer incidence and mortality.
- There is a documented need for targeted health education within this demographic.
- Existing prostate cancer information may not adequately reach or resonate with African-American communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a prostate cancer educational program for African-Americans.
- To assess the feasibility of using electronic keypads for data collection in this population.
- To identify effective recruitment strategies for health education programs.
Main Methods:
- A 1-hour educational seminar and a 12-item knowledge questionnaire were developed and refined with expert and community input.
- The program was pilot-tested among African-American men and women in Chicago.
- Data were collected using electronic keypads before and after the seminar presentations.
Main Results:
- Mean knowledge scores increased significantly from 20% pre-program to 57% post-program (P<0.001).
- Knowledge gains were observed across all individual questionnaire items.
- Electronic keypad data collection was found to be easy and acceptable to participants.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap in prostate cancer information exists among African-Americans.
- A brief educational seminar can effectively increase prostate cancer knowledge.
- Further development of recruitment strategies is essential to enhance program attendance and reach.