Ethnic Differences Among Black Men in Prostate Cancer Knowledge and Screening: a Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cancer Epidemiology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Black men face disproportionately high prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality rates.
• Limited research exists on ethnic variations in PCa knowledge, family history, and screening habits among different Black subgroups.
• Understanding these nuances is vital for addressing PCa health disparities within the Black community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare prostate cancer (PCa) knowledge and family history across three major Black subgroups in the USA: African Americans, Caribbean immigrants, and African immigrants.
• To assess the influence of PCa knowledge and family history on past screening behaviors and future screening intentions.
• To identify factors influencing PCa screening behaviors to inform targeted public health interventions.

Main Methods:

• A concurrent mixed-methods design involving 396 participants recruited nationwide.
• Qualitative data analyzed using grounded theory to explore themes related to risk, education, screening, and impact on sexuality.
• Quantitative data analyzed using logistic regression to determine the relationship between screening intentionality, PCa knowledge, and family history.

Main Results:

• Subjective PCa knowledge was similar across subgroups, but perceptions varied based on personal connections to the disease.
• Quantitative analysis revealed ethnic differences in PCa knowledge among the three Black subgroups.
• Family history emerged as a stronger predictor of both past screening behavior and future screening intentions compared to PCa knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Family history plays a more significant role than knowledge in driving prostate cancer (PCa) screening behaviors among Black men.
• Ethnic variations exist in PCa knowledge, necessitating tailored educational approaches for different Black subgroups.
• This study provides a deeper understanding of the interplay between family history, knowledge, and PCa screening, informing targeted health strategies.