AN EVALUATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND BELIEFS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN AND THEIR FEMALE SIGNIFICANT OTHERS REGARDING PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

This study examines the knowledge, atti-tudes, and beliefs of African-American men and their female significant others regarding prostate cancer screening. Study flyers and a television interview were used to recruit participants into the study that took place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Six focus groups were conducted: four with African-American men and two with female significant others. A total of 32 people participated in the study. The groups expressed multiple apprehensions toward prostate cancer screening, including feelings of vulnerability, compromised man-hood, and discomfort. They also shared motivators for screening, including female significant others, physician recommendation, early education, and church influence. (Eth