module 3 response to classmate Isabel

Description

The CHAMP lab at the University of Maryland used the Health Belief Model in their M-PACT project which concerns raising awareness of prostate cancer screening in African American, church-attending men. Their strategy involves the training of community health advisors and is based on the Health Belief Model constructs. The Health Belief constructs that were targeted were perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits. In particular, a perceived barrier is fear of having cancer. The M-PACT project addresses this perceived barrier by reducing fear via group workshops where cancer survivors share their story. This will reduce fear by informing men at risk that cancer is treatable and can be overcome. Another perceived barrier that the CHAMP lab mentioned is fear of knowing that one has cancer and having adverse reactions to treatment. The strategy is to include information about treatment options and encourage men to screen early to get less evasive treatment options if detected early. An additional perceived barrier is access to healthcare due to lack of or insufficient insurance. Hence, the CHAMP lab put together a resource directory for PSA screening for those uninsured. Furthermore, perceived benefits were also targeted in this program by motivating men to maintain their body like how they maintain cars. Additional benefits of screening include “putting one’s mind at ease” and “doing it for one’s family” (Holt et al., 2017). References: University of Maryland School of Public Health (2013). M-PACT -Applying and Evaluating the Health Belief Model. https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&time_continue=348&v=bdMVcI-hrZ0&feature=emb_logo Holt C.L., Le D., Slade J.L., Muwwakkil B., Saunders D.R., Williams R., Atkinson N.L., Naslund M. (2017). Can women facilitate men’s prostate cancer screening informed decision-making? The M-PACT Trial. Journal of health communication, 22(12), 964-973. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2017.1382616