Prostate Cancer and Afro-Caribbean Men: Experiences, Perceptions, and Beliefs

Prostate Cancer and Afro-Caribbean Men: Experiences, Perceptions, and Beliefs by Harold E. Taitt MBA, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, 1990 Graduate Certificate, Health Services Management, DeVry University, 2010 B.S., University of Minnesota, 1989 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University May 2015 Abstract Despite the high incidence of prostate cancer (PC) amongst men of African descent, there is a paucity of qualitative data that explores how Afro-Caribbean men perceive their risk, susceptibility to, and management of this disease. This phenomenological study sought to explore and analyze beliefs about PC in a sample of Afro-Caribbean men who reside in the United States (U.S.). The research questions considered the perceptions, beliefs, and lived experiences of participants. The conceptual framework is a synthesis of the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA), primarily because the TRA allows for a culturally-based relevance and perspective that is lacking in the HBM. Data were collected using in-depth interviews from a purposive sample of 13 U.S. participants from 7 Caribbean territories, who provided detailed descriptions of their perceptions. Data management and inductive, iterative analysis were facilitated through the use of the NVivo 10 software program. This study found that participants had a low level of awareness and education about PC, but they also believed that if PC were caught early, they have a good chance of a long life. There was no indication that culture played a significant role in their attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of the disease. Education about PC should be targeted to this population as well as their significant others. In addition, qualitative research is needed to compare perspectives of Afro-Caribbean,Despite the high incidence of prostate cancer (PC) amongst men of African descent, there is a paucity of qualitative data that explores how Afro-Caribbean men perceive their risk, susceptibility to, and management of this disease. This phenomenological study sought to explore and analyze beliefs about PC in a sample of Afro-Caribbean men who reside in the United States (U.S.). The research questions considered the perceptions, beliefs, and lived experiences of participants. The conceptual framework is a synthesis of the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA), primarily because the TRA allows for a culturally-based relevance and perspective that is lacking in the HBM. Data were collected using in-depth interviews from a purposive sample of 13 U.S. participants from 7 Caribbean territories, who provided detailed descriptions of their perceptions. Data management and inductive, iterative analysis were facilitated through the use of the NVivo 10 software program. This study found that participants had a low level of awareness and education about PC, but they also believed that if PC were caught early, they have a good chance of a long life. There was no indication that culture played a significant role in their attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of the disease. Education about PC should be targeted to this population as well as their significant others. In addition, qualitative research is needed to compare perspectives of Afro-Caribbean, African American, and African men who all reside in the United States. This study may contribute to positive social change by providing practical strategies that may increase screening and early diagnosis among Afro-Caribbean men, thereby reducing the mortality from this disease. Prostate Cancer and Afro-Caribbean Men: Experiences, Perceptions, and Beliefs by Harold E. Taitt MBA, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, 1990 Graduate Certificate, Health Services Management, DeVry University, 2010 B.S., University of Minnesota, 1989 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University May 2015 Dedication To my dad Harold Taitt Senior, who is 91 and has been an inspiration to persevere and achieve all that I can. His love of God, his concern for family, and the stories he shares about his travels and experiences during World War II have never ceased to intrigue and fascinate me. Despite having to leave school at the tender age of 12, he obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Religion later in life and became an ordained minister. My dad also has a history of prostate issues and that was a partial reason why I chose a topic relating to prostate cancer. I also dedicate this accomplishment to my daughter Nyoka Taitt, whose confidence and desire to succeed will take her wherever she chooses to go in this life. Acknowledgments I want to acknowledge and thank Dr. Robert Hoye, who has been my mentor for the duration of my studies at Walden University and the chair of my dissertation committee. Dr. Hoye has been a tremendous source of encouragement and has been willing to communicate with me at a moment’s notice, especially during those times when I needed to deal with family issues and felt discouraged during my journey. To my other committee member, Dr. Jim Goes, who took the time to ensure that my efforts were consistent with the high standards that Walden University is known for. To my Knowledge Area Module assessors, Dr. Hoye, Dr. Goes, and Dr. Jeanne Connors, I thank you for your patience and encouragement, and the high level of excellence you consistently demanded. To my colleagues in our research forum, thank you for the comments, ideas, and suggestions we shared over my 4 years at Walden. To my brother Colin, who was always available when I had computer issues. Finally, many thanks to my friend Cynthia Abdulla, who patiently spent many hours editing this paper and transcribing the data from my research, as well as encouraging me throughout this journey.