Determinants of Primary Care Physicians’ Practice of Prostate Cancer Counseling and Screening

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to examine practices of primary care physicians and their determinants towards prostate cancer screening. Methods: Data was obtained from 204 primary care physicians using self-reports of prostate cancer screening practices, knowledge, and attitudes towards prostate cancer screening. Results: nearly half of the respondent (54.7%) were practicing counseling and referring prostate cancer patients. The mean correct knowledge score was 54.3%, the physicians’ attitude was not strong; the only statement that nearly seventy percent of physicians agreed upon was about the value of screening, however, the reliability and evidence to support DRE & PSA were in question. Knowledge and attitude were found to be the most significant predictors that determine physicians’ self practice. Conclusion: Background information and attitudes are important determinants of physicians’ practice behavior towards prostate cancer counseling and referral in our study.

Keywords

• primary care physicians
• prostate cancer; counseling; screening