Congress Abstracts 2006

72

CULTURAL BELIEFS AND ATTITUDES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVORS. Randy Jones, PhD, RN, Ann Taylor, EdD, RN, FAAN, Cheryl Bourguignon, PhD, RN, Richard Steeves, PhD, FNP, FAAN, Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, and Kerry Kilbridge, MD, MPH, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.

Cultural beliefs play a major role in the stage of prostate cancer at which African Americans are at higher risk to be diagnosed. These beliefs may assist in the decision for acceptable treatments. To provide culturally sensitive care, healthcare professionals must be aware of these beliefs.

This study examines the psychosocial cultural beliefs and attitudes of African American prostate cancer survivors toward their cancer diagnosis and treatment decision-making. How these beliefs and attitudes may or may not have influenced their health decision-making process were explored also.

This study used a mixed methods design, which the analysis of the qualitative data utilized the hermeneutic/phenomenological approach to explore the "lived experiences" of the participants. The "lived experiences" related to the participants' views on prostate cancer.

African American men (N=14) in rural Virginia, who had been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, were individually interviewed. Semi-structured interviews explored health status, demographics, prostate knowledge, literacy skills, healthcare providers and family interactions, prostate myths and religious beliefs. Data collection was terminated upon moment of data saturation. Data were analyzed using both qualitative and descriptive quantitative methods.

Half of the participants (N=7) chose to have a prostatectomy as their primary treatment. Three main themes were revealed from study findings: "spiritual needs are important to health," "trust in healthcare providers is necessary," and "how men decide on what to believe." Prayer was used by all 14 participants as a coping mechanism during cancer treatment. Each of the participants expressed the belief that God works through healthcare providers to provide appropriate healthcare treatments, and that spirituality is an important part of their lives. However, participants articulated that they would not forego medical treatment and trust only in God to treat their prostate cancer. Participants' viewpoint about health, treatment decision-making, and the healthcare system was determined mainly by their cultural beliefs and previous healthcare experiences.

Study findings may provide understanding on how African Americans decide what to believe or who to trust to improve their health. Research results may guide development of future culturally sensitive educational decision aids or programs to be used during patient and healthcare provider interaction.