Concept Mapping with Black Men: Barriers to Prostate Cancer Screening and Solutions

A structured participatory approach of group concept mapping (GCM) was used to understand barriers and concerns around prostate cancer screening (PCS) among African American (AA) men. One-hundred thirteen AA men aged 35–70 years enrolled from one urban and three rural counties in Alabama. Eighty-five men brainstormed and generated 41 unique ideas in response to a single prompt. Participants ( n = 70) sorted ideas into groups and rated them in terms of importance and feasibility to change opinions. Multi-dimensional scaling and cluster analysis were used to analyze the data. Participants ( n =50) discussed visual concept maps during three focus-groups and recommended solutions to address key barriers. The mean age of respondents was 52 (±10), 50% were rural, 37% were college-educated, 56% with income <$44,500, and 22% with PROCASE Knowledge Index ≤5. Cluster analyses revealed eight clusters. Participants ranked barriers grouped under “fear of consequences of test,” “lack of knowledge,” and “costs/no insurance” as most important to improve PCS among AA men. The same three clusters along with “dislike for digital rectal exam (DRE)” were ranked as most difficult to change. No major differences were noted by urban/rural status. Solutions to address barriers included education at a younger age, alternate testing options and open discussion about DRE, and clear and precise messaging by peers and relatable role models. Our study identified specific barriers to PCS among AA with diverse sociodemographic backgrounds. Culturally sensitive interventions delivered by trained healthcare professionals, peers, and relatable role models, can potentially increase PCS among AA men.