A community-based participatory protocol to improving communication with Black men about oral and pharyngeal cancers: Research protocol

PLoS One. 2023 Aug 17;18(8):e0288478. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288478. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Black men are disproportionately impacted by oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) mortality. This is in part due to a lack of information received about OPCs and their associated risk factors during health encounters. Discussions between dentists and Black men may improve Black men's knowledge, screening, and treatment uptake. Yet, dentists do not commonly communicate with Black men about OPCs due to their own discomfort. This paper describes the protocol for our research project, which proposes an initiative, grounded in community-based participatory research, to adapt a culturally-specific OPC communication tool. This tool will be adapted using a mixed-methods approach to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of Black men discussing OPCs and associated risk factors with dental providers. The tool will then be assessed for feasibility and acceptability among Black men, as well as dental students and dental providers in community-based clinical settings.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial Protocol
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Black People
  • Communication
  • Culturally Competent Care
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms*
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms*

Substances

  • Antioxidants

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the American Cancer Society, University of Illinois Cancer Center in the form of a grant to PS, MM, TB, CP, OB, and DW [CHERC-MSI-21-168-01-CHERC-MSI]."