Participants for the study were recruited through contacts within rural communities
within west central Alabama. A convenience sample of 90 African American men
between the ages of 40-82 years o f age was recruited.
Analysis of the research data indicated that there was a statistically significant
difference in motivation (health belief), knowledge, and age o f men who participated in
prostate cancer screening compared to those who did not participate in prostate cancer
screening.
Forward logistic regression was used to determine which independent variables
[health beliefs (benefits, barriers, motivation); knowledge; age; income; and education]
were predictors of prostate cancer screening. Results indicated the overall model of one
predictor, motivation, was statistically reliable in predicting prostate cancer screening
participation among the rural dwelling men surveyed. The model accounted for 15 to
20% of the variance. The sensitivity of the model in predicting those who would
participate in prostate cancer screening was 85%. The odds of those who would
participate in prostate cancer screening were 1.3 times greater for each one unit increase
in motivation.
Results indicate a need for more educational and motivational interventions to
promote informed decision making by African American men in regards to prostate
screening activities. These interventions need to be culturally sensitive and geared toward
African American men, specifically those living in rural areas.