Cancer-related self-efficacy in African American prostate cancer patients compared to whites

Abstract

5067 Background: African American (AA) men are nearly twice as likely as white (W) men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cancer-related self-efficacy (i.e., confidence in one's ability to manage cancer) has been associated with better physical and psychosocial functioning, but little is known about self-efficacy in African American prostate cancer patients. This study compared AA and W ratings of cancer-related self-efficacy for 308 prostate cancer patients (M age = 66.13, SD = 8.48; 9% AA) who participated in a group therapy intervention. Method: Independent groups t-tests were used to determine whether there were significant differences at baseline in mean scores for each group on the Stanford Self-Efficacy Scale (SSE), which asks respondents to rate their confidence in the ability to cope with cancer on a 0–100 scale, with 0 indicating no confidence. SSE subscales measure self-efficacy in the ability to: a) communicate with family, friends, and healtcare providers; b) focus and relax; and c) cope with the possibility of dying. Results: A significant difference was observed on SSE total scores (AA mean = 60.39 vs. W mean = 72.70; t = 3.30; p = 0.003). There were also significant differences on the Focus/Relax (AA mean = 68.90 vs. W mean = 77.64; t = 2.04; p = 0.011) and Cope with Dying (AA mean = 49.72 vs. W mean = 70.12; t = 4.85; p = 0.001) subscales, with a trend towards significance on the Ability to Communicate (AA mean = 62.55 vs. W mean = 70.76; t = 3.36; p = 0.095). Conclusions: Results suggest that, compared to W men, AA men have less confidence in their ability to cope with prostate cancer following diagnosis. AA men report the least confidence in their ability to cope with the possibility of death as a result of cancer, and they also report less confidence in their ability to focus and relax. They may also have greater difficulty discussing their cancer with family, friends, and healthcare personnel. As cancer-related self-efficacy has been linked to symptom-related and psychological adjustment, interventions targeting self-efficacy in AA prostate cancer patients are needed that are tailored to their unique needs. No significant financial relationships to disclose.