Evaluating a theory-based health education intervention to improve awareness of prostate cancer among men in Western Jamaica

West Indian Med J. 2012 Sep;61(6):580-6.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a theory-based health education intervention on awareness of prostate cancer and intention to screen among men in Western Jamaica.

Methods: One hundred and eighty-eight men attending outpatient clinics in a hospital in Western Jamaica completed an interviewer-administered pretest survey. Following the pretest, participants received a health education intervention related to prostate cancer and an immediate post-test survey

Results: There were statistically significant increases in the percentage of correct responses between the pretest and post-test (p < 0.05). The greatest improvement was among items measuring knowledge of prostate cancer screening tests. Participants moved across the Stages of Change theoretical constructs indicating intention to screen.

Conclusion: The sample was receptive to information about prostate cancer and the use of a theory-based educational intervention positively influenced knowledge of prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, and types of screenings.

Practice implications: This theory-based patient education programme can be replicated to promote awareness of prostate cancer and informed screening methods including potential risk associated with screening behaviours.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Health Education*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Jamaica
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Program Evaluation
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / psychology*