ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a theory-based health education intervention on awareness of prostate cancer and intention to screen among men in Western Jamaica.

Methods: One hundred and eighty-eight men attending outpatient clinics in a hospital in Western Jamaica completed an interviewer-administered pretest survey. Following the pretest, participants received a health education intervention related to prostate cancer and an immediate post-test survey.

Results: There were statistically significant increases in the percentage of correct responses between the pretest and post-test (p < 0.05). The greatest improvement was among items measuring knowledge of prostate cancer screening tests. Participants moved across the Stages of Change theoretical constructs indicating intention to screen.

Conclusion: The sample was receptive to information about prostate cancer and the use of a theory based educational intervention positively influenced knowledge of prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, and types of screenings.

Practice implications: This theory-based patient education programme can be replicated to promote awareness of prostate cancer and informed screening methods including potential risk associated with screening behaviours.