Evaluation of a prostate cancer computer assisted instructional model for communities of African Descent

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality for men of African descent. Screening tests are available but often avoided due to poverty and multiple stressors. Some health professionals warn of negative mental health consequences from unnecessary screening and treatment. This paper describes preliminary findings of the effectiveness of a Computer Assisted Instructional tool to disseminate prostate cancer risk and screening information to people of African descent. The Community Diffusion Model guided development of a partnership with the Black Church. Participants viewed the tool and completed a Pre/Posttest. Male subgroups completed a survey and attended a focus group. Data analysis featured descriptive statistics, Paired t test, and content analysis. Results suggested the CAI increased knowledge of prostate cancer in the areas of symptoms, high-risk status of men of African descent, and benefits and limitations of screening and treatment. Additionally, focus group feedback indicated that the CAI would be acceptable to people of African descent, and provided suggestions for improvement.