Graduation Year
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.P.H.
Degree Name
MS in Public Health (M.S.P.H.)
Degree Granting Department
Public Health
Major Professor
Deborah Cragun, M.S., Ph.D.
Committee Member
Jason Beckstead, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kerry Schaffer, M.D.
Keywords
decision-making, genetic testing, judgment analysis, prostate cancer
Abstract
Identifying individuals at increased hereditary cancer risk through genetic testing can improve early detection, inform treatment decisions, and enhance outcomes for patients and their families. While prior research has largely focused on women, less is known about factors that motivate men with prostate cancer to pursue genetic testing. This study examined components of visual messaging that may influence motivation to undergo genetic testing among men with a self-reported history of prostate cancer. Participants completed a survey in which they viewed eight visual messages that systematically varied across three components: image type (family-focused vs. individualized treatment-focused), written content (familial risk-focused vs. personalized treatment-focused), and link type (frequently asked questions vs. direct access to genetic testing). After viewing each message, participants rated their likelihood of pursuing genetic testing. A linear mixed-effects model was used to evaluate the independent effects of each component on reported likelihood of testing, and metric judgment analysis was used to estimate individual-level utility weights for each message component. The family image was associated with a higher reported likelihood of pursuing genetic testing, whereas written content and link type were not independently associated with likelihood ratings. Utility estimates indicated large variability across participants in terms of the impact different message components had on genetic testing intention. Substantial heterogeneity was also observed in individual response patterns, with some participants consistently rating testing likelihood low regardless of the message components. Messaging strategies may benefit from addressing individual attitudes and prior experiences in addition to message design features to promote genetic testing access and uptake.
Scholar Commons Citation
Junge, Maximilian, "Genetic Testing Motivations Among Men with a History of Prostate Cancer: A Judgment-Based Analysis" (2026). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/11320
