Predictors of prostate cancer screening among health fair participants

Most previous studies of predictors for participation in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer have been conducted in purposive samples or clinical settings. This population-based study identified factors associated with documented PSA screening among health fair participants.

Cross-sectional survey of 2098 Nebraskan men aged 35 years and older who participated in a health fair in central and eastern Nebraska in 1993.

All participants were offered a PSA screening and a questionnaire to collect information on demographics, family medical history, lifestyle factors and self-perceived health status. Predictors of PSA screening were estimated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Men were more likely to accept the PSA screening if they were older than 50 years of age (OR=3.1; 2.4-3.9), had a higher income (OR=1.5; 1.1-2.1), were currently employed (OR=1.4; 1.0-2.5), perceived their health status as good (OR=1.1; 0.8-1.5) or excellent (OR=1.4; 1.0-2.1), and believed that they themselves, rather than physicians, should be responsible for their health (OR=1.3; 1.0-1.7). Compared with men aged 50-59 years, the ORs of participation were 0.8 (0.6-1.1) for age 60-69 years and 0.7 (0.5-1.1) for age 70+ years. Decision making was not related to education, marital status or body mass index. Predictors of screening remained unchanged when analysis was limited to men aged 50 years and over, whereas only high income and non-smoking status predicted participation among men younger than 50 years of age.

Age, income, employment status, perceived control of health and perceived heath status were related to participation in PSA screening for prostate cancer, particularly in men older than 50 years of age. Willingness to receive a PSA screening among men aged 50 years and over decreased with increasing age.