RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Health screening is considered a vital intervention in public health practices. Despite the strong emphasis on the need for preventative health screenings, little attention is focused on many immigrant populations. Indo-Guyanese immigrants are one of the ethnically minoritized populations facing these challenges. This study aims to identify factors associated with the likelihood that Indo-Guyanese men will undergo screening for prostate cancer. METHODS: This study is guided by a mixed-method approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses. A total of 20 participants were recruited via a snowball technique. Correlation between variables was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 27, while the qualitative data underwent a rigorous process of analysis and interpretation. RESULTS: Education, income, understanding of risk factors, and considering self at risk were positively correlated with screening. Knowledge of prostate cancer and knowledge of the screening process was negatively correlated with screening. CONCLUSION: Immigrant health has a significant impact on the U.S. public health system. Timely identification of potential barriers and providing culturally competent solutions and services will ensure a safe and healthy nation.
Assuntos
Detecção Precoce de Câncer , Neoplasias da Próstata , Masculino , Humanos , Neoplasias da Próstata/diagnóstico , Guiana , Antígeno Prostático Específico , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in many industrialized countries and is among the leading causes of death. Ranking among one of the top three forms of cancer, it is unfortunate that prostate cancer screening is not routinely recommended. This study attempts to explore the barriers to prostate cancer screening among Indo-Guyanese men. We conducted in-depth, one on one interviews among 20 Indo-Guyanese men between the ages of 45 and 75 years old, residing in the New York City neighborhood of Queens. Qualitative analysis was performed using multiple coders. Detailed analysis of the data found four major themes to be the culprit associated with a decrease in prostate cancer screening in this population: (1) lack of knowledge about the disease, (2) fear of diagnosis, (3) embarrassment and, (4) personal reservations with the rectal exam. The findings of this research suggest that Indo-Guyanese immigrants are lacking the basic understanding of prostate cancer and the importance of screening. It is possible that this deficiency is also applicable to many other disease states. By collaborating with healthcare providers and other stakeholders, such as community leaders and elected officials, we can develop culturally appropriate services specific to this population, to address these barriers to healthcare services.