Promoting informed prostate cancer screening decision-making for African American men in a community-based setting

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Cancer Screening

Background:

• Current prostate cancer (PCa) screening guidelines recommend individualized decisions based on risk-benefit analysis with a primary care provider.
• Underserved populations, particularly African American men, often face barriers like lack of insurance and primary care access, hindering adherence to guidelines.
• An academic-community partnership aimed to bridge this gap by adapting a community-based screening program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a redesigned community-based screening program on informed decision-making for prostate cancer (PCa) screening.
• To assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention delivered by a clinical educator in community settings.
• To improve access to information and support for African American men regarding prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.

Main Methods:

• An intervention involving a session with a trained clinical educator was integrated into a community-based screening program.
• Eighty-eight men participated in the study, completing pre- and post-test surveys to assess outcomes.
• The study evaluated changes in participants' knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, anxiety, and self-efficacy related to PCa screening.

Main Results:

• Participants showed statistically significant improvements in knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, anxiety levels, and self-efficacy post-intervention.
• Awareness increased regarding PCa's often non-life-threatening nature and the viability of watchful waiting as a treatment option.
• Over half of the participants felt equipped to make an informed decision about PSA testing after the educational session.

Conclusions:

• The community-based educational program positively influenced men's capacity for informed decision-making regarding PCa screening.
• Educational outreach initiatives emphasizing informed decision-making can successfully address the needs of underserved populations.
• This approach demonstrates a model for balancing screening guidelines with equitable access and improved health outcomes in community settings.