Religious Coping and Types and Sources of Information Used in Making Prostate Cancer Treatment Decisions

Abstract

Treatment experiences for prostate cancer survivors can be challenging and dependent on many clinical and psychosocial factors. One area that is less understood is the information needs and sources men utilize. Among these is the influence of religion as a valid typology and the value it may have on treatment decisions. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between race, religion, and cancer treatment decisions in African American men compared with White men. Data were from the Diagnosis and Decisions in Prostate Cancer Treatment Outcomes Study that consisted of 877 African American and White men. The main dependent variables sought respondents’ use of resources or advisors when making treatment decisions. Questions also assessed men perceptions of prostate cancer from the perspective of religious coping. After adjusting for age, marital status, education, and insurance status, race differences in the number of sources utilized were partially mediated by cancer was a punishment from God (β = −0.46, SE = 0.012, p < .001), cancer was a test of faith (β = −0.49, SE = 0.013, p < .001), and cancer can be cured with enough prayer (β = −0.47, SE = 0.013, p < .001). Similarly, race differences in the number of advisors utilized in making the treatment decision were partially mediated by cancer was a punishment from God (β = −0.39, SE = 0.014, p = .006), and cancer was a test of faith (β = −0.39, SE = 0.014, p = .006). Religious views on prostate cancer may play an important role in explaining race differences in information used and the number of advisors utilized for treatment decision making for prostate cancer.

Barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising post-treatment psychosocial support by Black men treated for prostate cancer—a systematic review and qualitative synthesis

“…This suggests the potential benefit of a collaborative approach to CaP care which recognises the autonomy of men as experts of their illness experience, medical expertise of HCPs and influence of social networks on men’s help-seeking for post-treatment support. The use of culturally acceptable channels (e.g., partners and religious leaders) to mediate health behaviour change in Black men with CaP is well recognised in the literature [ 4 , 48 , 49 ] and should be adopted when developing post-treatment psychosocial support services for them. Given the increasing digitalisation of healthcare service delivery (including cancer services) [ 50 ] facilitated by rapid technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for HCPs to consider the reluctance of Black men towards online support.…”

Church Attendance and Mobility Limitation Among Black and White Men With Prostate Cancer

“…The Diagnosis and Decisions in Prostate Cancer Treatment Outcomes study was conducted between October 2009 and December 2011, and included participants who classified themselves as Black or White, were at least 35 years of age, and received a diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer. Potential participants were identified from reports generated by a research network of hospitals affiliated with the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry and a rapid case ascertainment procedure described elsewhere ( Bowie et al, 2017 ; Kinlock, Parker, Bowie, et al, 2017 ; Kinlock, Parker, Howard, et al, 2017 ) was used to confirm eligibility. Eligible prospective participants were mailed an information packet containing a recruitment letter describing the study, a North Carolina Central Cancer Registry brochure, and a copy of the consent forms.…”

Religious Coping and Quality of Life Among Black and White Men With Prostate Cancer

“…Potential study participants who were at least 35 years of age, diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, and classified themselves as black or white were identified from reports generated by a research network of hospitals affiliated with the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry. A rapid case ascertainment procedure, which has been described elsewhere, 12 , 13 , 42 was used to confirm eligibility, and prospective study participants received a DADs study information packet via mail containing a recruitment letter describing the study, a North Carolina Central Cancer Registry brochure, and a copy of the consent forms. The study office phone number was provided in the materials for prospective participants to call for questions or to decline participation.…”

“…35 , 38 Numerous studies have examined the impact of religious coping on variety a of health outcomes over the past 3 decades 39 - 41 ; yet, remarkably few examine the degree to which faith-oriented resources can reduce racial disparities in outcomes associated with prostate cancer and other chronic diseases. 18 , 42 The purpose of this study is to assess the associations between religious coping and quality of life among black and white men with prostate cancer.…”