Church-Based Intervention on Prostate Cancer Screening for African American Men

Church-Based Intervention on Prostate Cancer Screening for African American Men by Sherly M. Boulay, FNP-C, ARNP, MSN/Ed. Post-Masters FNP, Indiana State University, 2015 MSN/Ed, Walden University, 2012 BSN, Barry University, 2010 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University January 2018 Abstract African American men have a significantly higher incidence of prostate cancer, they are diagnosed at a later age, have more advanced stages of cancer at diagnosis, and higher mortality rates than other ethnic group. The purpose of this project, guided by the Ottawa decision support framework and the health belief model, was to investigate whether church leaders could be trained to deliver an educational program about the value of prostate cancer screening to African American males in a church setting. The 2 participants were church leaders in a predominantly African American church. The participants were taught about prostate cancer and the value of screening using videos and informative brochures developed by the National Institute on Aging, the American Cancer Society, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A researcherdesigned preand posttest questionnaire was used to measure learning. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t test. Although small sample size may have contributed to lack of statistical significance, the mean score comparison showed knowledge acquisition, thus enabling the trainers to offer the information to members of their congregation, who could then make informed decisions. This study demonstrated the value of using unconventional educational settings, such as churches, to reach populations who might be unaware of their health risks. The results show that church leaders can be trained to have a positive impact on the physical health of their congregations and promote social change by encouraging health care practitioners to investigate alternative settings and methods to educate vulnerable populations about diseases and disease prevention.African American men have a significantly higher incidence of prostate cancer, they are diagnosed at a later age, have more advanced stages of cancer at diagnosis, and higher mortality rates than other ethnic group. The purpose of this project, guided by the Ottawa decision support framework and the health belief model, was to investigate whether church leaders could be trained to deliver an educational program about the value of prostate cancer screening to African American males in a church setting. The 2 participants were church leaders in a predominantly African American church. The participants were taught about prostate cancer and the value of screening using videos and informative brochures developed by the National Institute on Aging, the American Cancer Society, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A researcherdesigned preand posttest questionnaire was used to measure learning. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t test. Although small sample size may have contributed to lack of statistical significance, the mean score comparison showed knowledge acquisition, thus enabling the trainers to offer the information to members of their congregation, who could then make informed decisions. This study demonstrated the value of using unconventional educational settings, such as churches, to reach populations who might be unaware of their health risks. The results show that church leaders can be trained to have a positive impact on the physical health of their congregations and promote social change by encouraging health care practitioners to investigate alternative settings and methods to educate vulnerable populations about diseases and disease prevention. Church-Based Intervention on Prostate Cancer Screening for African-American Men by Sherly M. Boulay, FNP-C, ARNP, MSN/Ed. Post-Masters FNP, Indiana State University, 2015 MSN/Ed., Walden University, 2012 BSN, Barry University, 2010 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University January 2018 Dedication This doctoral degree is dedicated to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as I hold onto his promise in Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. To my husband, Jean-Michel Boulay and my three beautiful children: Sheryllyn, Mitchell and Shaynah Michelle Boulay, I love you to infinity and beyond. To my parents, Jean Cenessort Jeune and Jeanne Claudette Jeune. To all my siblings, their spouses and their children: Rooby & Joanne Jeune; Patrick & Kelly Jeune; Evens & Dana Jeune; Claire & Koby Anderson; Sheyla & Kinson Desir, and Daphney & Duwayne Peart. To Sheila Barthelemy and my goddaughter Shelby Barthelemy, my best friend for life. Thank you for encouraging and pushing me to complete this doctorate degree. You have been the sister of my soul. Our friendship started the first day of nursing school and continues to grow stronger. We have traveled many journeys, some good and some bad. But, in the end, our friendship never wavered. I am glad to call you friend and sister. I love you. Acknowledgments I want to thank Dr. Oscar Lee and Dr. Barbara Gross for being my committee chair and for always being available to listen. I am thankful for all the support that Dr. Janice Long gave me throughout this project. Thank you all for taking the time to assist me in this journey. To my beloved husband, Jean-Michel Boulay, there are no words to express the love and gratitude I have for you. I am truly blessed that God has placed you in my life. You have been my biggest supporter, cheerleader and rock. You have motivated me during all my journeys and have been by my side for every milestone achieved. Thank you for your love, patience and support. My three children, Sheryllyn, Mitchell and Shaynah Michelle Boulay, for whom this journey was undertaken: all of you have been patient through this journey. We have sacrificed much and celebrated the milestones during this journey. My love for all of you has no limit. I want to acknowledge that I could not have made it this far in my career or education without first the Lord, Jesus Christ, and my family by my side