[Beliefs of men from Cali, Colombia, about digital rectal examination: findings of an exploratory study]

This study used the Health Beliefs Model to explore beliefs on digital rectal examination (DRE) to screen for prostrate cancer, prior to intent to submit to the examination, in men 45 to 64 years of age in Cali, Colombia. The 267 participants answered a questionnaire by means of prior selection through proportional sampling by quotas. A univariate and bivariate analysis showed that only 25.8% of the participants had submitted previously to digital rectal examination and that 68.1% intended to do so in the following 12 months. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between a history of DRE and schooling, socioeconomic status, health system coverage, perception of susceptibility to the disease, and perception of barriers and benefits. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between intent to submit to DRE and health system coverage, perception of severity of the disease, and perception of barriers. Given the low level of history of DRE and intent to submit to the examination, the results could help improve strategies to increase this practice at the local level.