Abstract
Men over 50 should discuss the benefits and harms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their doctors. To investigate whether shared decision making (SDM) increases the uptake of prostate cancer screening practices among Saudi men. This community-based study recruited men aged ≥ 50 years between January and April 2019. Sociodemographic characteristics, history, and current medical condition information were collected. SDM information with regards to prostate cancer screening was discussed. In total, 2034 Saudi men, aged between 50 and 88 years, agreed to participate in the current study. Prostate examination for early detection of cancer was recommended for 35.4% (720) of subjects. Of the subjects, 23.3% (473) reported that the physicians discussed the advantages and benefits of PSA testing, whereas only 5.6% (114) stated that the physicians explained the disadvantages and drawbacks of PSA testing. Our findings suggest that less than one fourth discussed the advantages and disadvantages of PSA testing with their physicians; of these, less than one third underwent PSA blood tests. Improvements are needed in SDM for and against PSA screening. SDM does not affect the intensity of PSA testing. Primary health care physicians should be actively involved in the SDM process.
Highlights
Men over 50 should discuss the benefits and harms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their doctors
Improvements are needed in shared decision making (SDM) for and against PSA screening
SDM does not affect the intensity of PSA testing
Summary
Men over 50 should discuss the benefits and harms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their doctors. Based on the new US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines, men aged 50 years and older should discuss the benefits and harms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their doctors 6. This process is called shared decision making (SDM). This study aimed to assess the implementation of SDM, to investigate whether it increased the uptake of prostate cancer screening practices among Saudi men, Methods This community-based study invited the participation of men aged ≥50 years They were recruited from primary health care outpatient clinics at different hospitals, big malls, and through a google survey. SDM information with regards to prostate cancer screening, was discussed in detail with them
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