Social epidemiology: a tool for examining prostate cancer early-detection decision making among older African American men.
The article explores the disparate burden of prostate cancer among older African American men, and this population's minimal use of cancer early-detection strategies. Social epidemiology is introduced as an emerging field that studies the social context of disease with an emphasis on how macrostructural forces and human interactions affect population health. A conceptual model is presented as a social epidemiological tool for investigating complex health and social issues and developing culturally relevant programs and interventions based on empirical findings. The model is then applied to the problem of prostate cancer early-detection decision making among older African American men.
a Wayne State University School of Social Work , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
Jamie A
JA
Mitchell
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D003657:Decision Making; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology*; D064890:Social Determinants of Health