Cues to action in prostate cancer screening.
OBJECTIVE
To describe factors that cue men of all ages to participate in prostate cancer screening programs and to explore the relationship of age to the rating of the cues.


METHODS
Exploratory survey.


METHODS
A large community prostate cancer screening program in the Midwest.


METHODS
127 men (mean = 66.3 years of age) who participated in community prostate screening.


METHODS
Subjects completed and returned by mail the 13-item Prostate Screening Follow-Up Questionnaire developed, piloted, and refined by the investigator for measuring the rating of the cues to action.


METHODS
Results of the rating of each cue to action, selected demographic variables, and comparison of the cue ratings by age group.


RESULTS
Appointment scheduling, reminder cards, a friend/family member with cancer, and newspaper promotion were perceived by the sample as most influential in their decision to have prostate cancer screening. No practical significant differences in cue ratings were found between the two age groups: 70 years of age and older and less than 70 years of age.


CONCLUSIONS
Reminder cards, specific appointments, and newspaper promotion should be used when structuring community prostate cancer screening programs. Men who have a friend or family member with cancer may be more likely to participate in screening activities.


CONCLUSIONS
By incorporating influential cues to action into their everyday practice, nurses can be instrumental in reaching the population of men who are at risk for prostate cancer. Strategies for promoting prostate cancer screening should include: educating patients and family members about prostate cancer screening guidelines, using specific influential promotional practices when setting up prostate screening programs, and networking with seniors programs in the community.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.
J M
JM
McKee
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003463:Cues; D003625:Data Collection; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017010:Reminder Systems