Evaluation of a preparatory community-based prostate health education program.
BACKGROUND
Medical organizations are divided on the issue of screening for prostate cancer, yet there is agreement that men should be educated about prostate health. Shared decision making involves patients and practitioners in this process, yet some men need preparatory education prior to the physician encounter. This study assessed the effectiveness of a community prostate health awareness program, focusing on men at risk for prostate cancer.


METHODS
Participants were given a pretest and a posttest to assess knowledge gains and impact on short-term intentions to address their prostate health.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant increase in knowledge. Short-term intentions increased for those participants meeting the inclusion criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Community outreach programs remain an excellent vehicle to educate the public and complement the efforts of health care providers.
Bridge
Patrick D
PD
Wayne State University, Department of Family Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA. pbridge@med.wayne.edu
Berry-Bobovski
Lisa
L
Bridge
Tana J
TJ
Gallagher
Richard E
RE
D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011469:Prostatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors