RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN PREDICTORS OF PSA SCREENING IN A TRI-ETHNIC POPULATION

Background: This study was carried out to identify racial/ethnic differences in predictors of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in a group of prostate cancer patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 935 prostate cancer patients were recruited from the Texas Medical Center, Houston, between 1996 and 2004. It included 372 Caucasians, 346 African Americans and 217 Hispanics. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and life-style related variables, and self-reported PSA screening history through personal interview. Results: African American (54.4%) and Hispanic patients (42.3%) were significantly less likely (p=0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively) to report having had PSA screening than Caucasian patients (63.2%). Only annual check-up was found to be a significant predictor of PSA screening in Hispanics. Among Caucasians, education and annual check-up were significant predictors of PSA screening; whereas in African Americans, education, annual check-up, marital status and BMI were significant predictors of PSA screening. Conclusions: The rates of PSA screening and its predictors varied by race/ethnicity in this tri-ethnic population. Health-education programs and culturally appropriate educational outreach efforts, especially targeted for high-risk groups, are needed to reduce these disparities.