Cues to participation in prostate cancer screening: a theory for practice.

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To develop and test the Cues to Participation in Prostate Cancer Screening Theory, which proposes that exposure to information from certain sources cues or triggers screening. DESIGN: Descriptive correlational. SETTING: 11 counties of a southeastern state. SAMPLE: Convenience sample of 1,867 men at risk for prostate cancer (72% African American; 28% Caucasian). METHODS: Recent exposure to prostate cancer information was measured. Men were offered free screening by prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exam (DRE). MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Demographic variables (race, age, education, income, and marital status), exposure (electronic media, print media, healthcare provider recommendation, and interpersonal interactions), and screening as measured by PSA and DRE. FINDINGS: Several major propositions of the Cues to Participation Theory were supported. General exposure to prostate cancer information significantly predicted screening participation. Hearing about prostate cancer from a healthcare provider was the best predictor of screening. CONCLUSIONS: Men's demographic characteristics should be considered when providing information about prostate cancer. Hearing about prostate cancer from family and friends was not significantly related to screening behavior. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The importance of recommendations for prostate cancer screening is underscored.