PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING: RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND FATALISM.
Contributors: University of South Carolina.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 110
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Psychology, Behavioral.; Black Studies.
Description: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed major cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men. The incidence of prostate cancer has increased dramatically over the last 10 years by 50%. It is estimated that in 1995, there will be 244,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States. Additionally, estimates of prostate cancer deaths will be 40,400. Early detection through screening and timely treatment may result in survival for these men. Increasing prostate cancer screening is both a national and state priority.

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational research was to investigate the relationship among selected demographic factors, perceived benefits of screening, and fatalism on participation in free prostate cancer screening. While it is well documented that perceptions effect health behavior, there exists a paucity of research as to men's perceptions of free prostate cancer screening. Additionally, the concept of fatalism, prevalent among the socioeconomically disadvantaged, has not been researched in combination with perceived benefits and a dependent measure of free prostate cancer screening. Therefore, a conceptual map, representing an amalgation of key concepts from multiple models was developed and provided the framework for this research. A randomly selected sample (N = 249) of men, ages 40-70, were recruited from churches, barbershops, industries, senior centers, and car dealerships in a southeastern state. Data on demographic factors, perceived benefits and fatalism were measured using the Prostate Cancer Project Questionnaire$\sp1$. Participation in prostate cancer screening was measured by complying with the American Cancer Society's Guidelines which included having a digital rectal exam (DRE) and/or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test within one year. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations, chi-square tests of independence and logistic regression.

The average participant was African-American, (x = 53.7 years), a high school graduate and earned between $9601 to \$25,020 per year. Predictors of participation in free prostate cancer screening were race, perceived benefits, age and income. Recommendations related to increasing participation in free prostate cancer screening are presented. Additionally, the theoretical and practice implications are discussed.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-08, Section: B, page: 4246.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1995.

School code: 0202.