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


METHODS
Descriptive correlational.


METHODS
11 counties of a southeastern state.


METHODS
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).


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of recommendations for prostate cancer screening is underscored.
Nivens
A S
AS
Department of Nursing at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA, USA. nivensan@mail.armstrong.edu
Herman
J
J
Pweinrich
S
S
Weinrich
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013022:South Carolina