Intention to test for prostate cancer.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is a key tool for prostate cancer screening.
• Understanding men's intentions and determinants for PSA testing is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess men's intention to undergo PSA testing when offered by a doctor versus self-initiated.
• To identify key determinants of PSA testing intention using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).
• To evaluate the impact of a PSA testing informational leaflet on men's testing intentions.

Main Methods:

• A survey study involving 1000 men aged 40-70, randomly selected from a population database.
• Utilized the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to measure attitudes towards PSA testing.
• Administered questionnaires, with half the sample receiving an additional PSA informational leaflet.

Main Results:

• Men were significantly more likely to accept PSA testing when offered by a doctor (mean 6.0/7) than to request it themselves (mean 3.8/7).
• A positive attitude towards PSA testing was the strongest predictor for both testing scenarios.
• Men who received the PSA leaflet reported lower intentions to take the test compared to those who did not.

Conclusions:

• The majority of men surveyed expressed positive attitudes towards PSA testing, suggesting general acceptance of screening.
• Doctor recommendation strongly influences men's intention to undergo PSA testing.
• Informational leaflets about PSA testing may inadvertently decrease testing intention among men.