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Beliefs that contribute to delays in diagnosis of prostate cancer among Afro‐Caribbean men in Trinidad and Tobago
Author(s) -
KingOkoye Michelle,
Arber Anne,
Faithfull Sara
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.5085
Subject(s) - masculinity , distrust , prostate cancer , medicine , hegemonic masculinity , prostate cancer screening , gerontology , family medicine , prostate specific antigen , psychology , cancer , psychotherapist , psychoanalysis
Objective The aim of this study was to explore Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men's prediagnosis experiences of prostate cancer (PCa). This study is part of a wider project that examined men and their partners' experiences of routes to diagnosis for PCa in TT. Methods Men (n = 51) were voluntarily recruited to semi‐structured interviews from four centres. Data were analysed following principles of grounded theory. Results Major barriers to medical help seeking were highlighted as lack of knowledge and awareness of the prostate gland and symptoms of PCa, the digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), cultural and religious beliefs, and hegemonic masculinity norms and nonreporting of bodily changes to GPs. Fear of DRE, distrust in providers, and misinterpretation of bodily changes as related to ageing and diabetes mellitus also contributed to delays towards seeking medical help. Men's interactions with pharmacists and traditional healers lengthened the time taken to consult with health care providers for prostate concerns. Conclusions TT men's PCa prediagnosis experiences are important to unearth barriers and facilitators to care along routes to diagnosis for this disease. This can help target specific health promotion strategies to motivate men to seek medical care for symptoms in a timely manner.