Severe lack of comprehension of common prostate health terms among low‐income inner‐city men. Issue 17 (3rd June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Daniel S.; Jani, Ashesh B.; Tai, Caroline G.; Sesay, Musu; Lee, Daniel K.; Goodman, Michael; Echt, Katharina V.; Kilbridge, Kerry E.; Master, Viraj A.
• Is Part Of: Cancer. Volume 119:Issue 17(2013)
• Page Start: 3204
• Page End: 3211
• Publication Date: 2013-06-03
• Subjects: prostate cancer -- patient education -- health literacy -- informed consent -- decision‐making; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-543X

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer are often counseled about treatment options with the use of terms that are part of the "core vocabulary" of prostate cancer. It is hypothesized that predominantly lower literacy patients would demonstrate a severe lack of comprehension of prostate cancer terms, thus validating the findings of a previous single‐institution study. METHODS: A previously developed survey was used to evaluate understanding of terms related to urinary, bowel, and sexual function. The survey was administered by trained evaluators at 2 safety net clinics that provide care for low‐income, predominantly African American patients. Comprehension was assessed using semiqualitative methods coded by 2 independent investigators. Literacy and numeracy were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among 109 patients who completed the study, only 5% understood the function of the prostate, and 15%, 29%, and 32% understood the terms "incontinence, " "urinary function, " and "bowel habits, " respectively. Lower levels of comprehension were observed for compound words, such as "vaginal intercourse" (58%), versus single words such as "intercourse" (95%), validating previous work. Median school level was 13 years, yet median literacy level was only ninth grade, and reading level was significantly correlated with comprehension. Only 30% of patients correctly calculated both a fraction and a percent. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of comprehension of prostate health terminology is pronounced in this patient population and may be widespread. This lack of comprehension potentially limits the ability of patients to participate in informed decision‐making. These results validate the findings of previous studies and supports a continued need for refined methods of prostate cancer education. Cancer 2013;119:3204–3211 . © 2013 American Cancer Society . Abstract : Lack of comprehension of terms related to the prostate/genitourinary system is pronounced in a low‐income patient population and appears to be widespread, including those with higher education. This lack of comprehension potentially limits the ability of patients to participate in shared, informed decision‐making and supports a continued need for refined methods of prostate cancer education.