Health Belief Model as Predictor of the Intention to Prostate Cancer Screening Among Nigerian Men Living in South Florida

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer worldwide. Men in Nigeria and other countries have high incidences of prostate cancer. Screening is the most effective way for early detection and treatment.

Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive, correlational, predictive study was to investigate the extent to which selected constructs (perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers) of the health belief model (HBM) predicted the intention of Nigerian men living in South Florida to be screened for prostate cancer.

Theoretical Framework: Selected constructs of the HBM were used to test four hypotheses. The Purnell model for cultural competence was used for cultural aspects.

Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, predictive design was used to test the relationship among the variables. Participants were recruited from Nigerian communities in South Florida. An online questionnaire through SurveyMonkey™ and social media sites was also used. Of 91 replies received, 89 were used for data analysis after screening. Data were analyzed with logistic regression, hierarchical logistic analyses, and dichotomous analyses screening. Selected demographic variables were also considered for their relative contribution to prediction of intent to obtain screening.

Results: Hypotheses One, Two, and Three were accepted. H1A: Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers significantly predicted Nigerian men’s intention to be screened for prostate cancer. H₂A: Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers significantly predicted Nigerian men’s intention to be screened for prostate cancer after accounting for selected demographic variables. H₃A: Religious beliefs significantly predicted Nigerian men’s intention to screen for prostate cancer, after accounting for the study variables. Hypothesis Four was rejected: H4₀: There was no statistically significant difference of intent to screen for prostate cancer among Nigerian men with a primary level of education or higher.

Conclusion: The study results demonstrated that perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers of the HBM predicted intent to screen for prostate cancer of Nigerian men in South Florida. Level of education did not predict intent. The results will help nurses and other healthcare professionals to design and implement educational and culturally appropriate interventions to encourage Nigerian men to engage in prostate cancer screening.