Predictors of Prostate Cancer Risk-Reduction Behaviours Among US BLACK Males Less Than 40 Years Old

Abstract

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Black men and modifications in lifestyle represent an important means of primary CaP prevention in young Black men. Thus, this study aimed to explore the cognitive-behavioral and demographic factors related to prostate cancer risk-reduction behaviors (CaPB) among young Black men in Texas, United States and to examine relationships between cognitive-behavioral and demographical factors. This was a cross-sectional study of 267 Black men aged 18 to 40 years. A survey collected information on demographics, exercise, knowledge of CaP and screening, cues to action, and current engagement in CaPB. Participants were young Black males of different ethnicities and education levels recruited from local universities, churches, organization, and fraternities. Descriptive statistics (mean, Standard Deviation, and frequency) were calculated for all variables, and multiple regression was employed to determine significant (p<0.05) predictors of CaPB. Participants had a low level of knowledge (mean=5.25±3.81; range 0-14), engaged in moderate levels, duration, and intensity of exercise (mean=6.44±3.147; range 0-10), mostly reported negative cues to action (79.4%) and engaged in low levels of CaPB (mean=13.7±5.62; range 0-40). Knowledge, academic classification, major field of study, and regular source of care were significant predictors of CaP risk-reduction behaviors, and the overall model accounted for 39% (p < 0.01) of the behaviors.Attention to the four significant factors found to predictor CaP risk-reduction behaviors, especially the modifiable ones, is important to young Black men’s engagement in CaPB. The modifiable factors should be considered in the development of strategies aimed toward increasing their engagement in CaPB.