Attitudes and Beliefs about Health among African-American Men: An Examination of Prostate Cancer Knowledge
| dc.contributor.author | Lewis, Clevon D. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-04-29T02:22:45Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-04-29T02:22:45Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2005 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The incidence of prostate cancer among African-American men is almost 60% higher than that of Caucasian males. While there is speculation as to why this disparity exists, the causes of these rates are, for the most part, still unknown. To date, there has not been much effort in research to identify attitudes and beliefs about health among African-American men that may hamper effective treatment compliance. African-American men, compared to other ethnic groups, have not been studied with a focus on their unique cultural health values. This study was designed to ascertain attitudes and beliefs about health, particularly prostate cancer, among African-American men and to identify any cultural barriers that may contribute to treatment non-compliance. A quantitative research design with a qualitative component was implemented to gather population-specific data on attitudes and beliefs about health among African-American men. A cohort of 14 African-American men, between the ages of 45-80, were enlisted in the study. Subjects were asked to complete a demographic survey, a healthcare survey, and a prostate cancer knowledge questionnaire. This study found that African-American men were somewhat knowledgeable about prostate cancer, followed through with annual physicals, feared the healthcare system, and would in fact seek treatment if diagnosed with prostate cancer. These patterns indicate that the unique psychology of African-American men needs to be considered when setting treatment goals for them. Healthcare professionals, as well as researchers, will benefit from understanding the relationship between cultural beliefs and health in the hopes that more culturally appropriate services and treatment plans will be implemented. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/3319 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher.institution | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| dc.title | Attitudes and Beliefs about Health among African-American Men: An Examination of Prostate Cancer Knowledge | |
| dc.type | Dissertation | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Psychology | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| thesis.degree.level | Doctoral | |
| thesis.degree.name | Doctor of Psychology |