Features of members of a prostate cancer patients’ association

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to compare prostate cancer (PC) patients who are and who are not members of the Dutch prostate cancer patients’ association (PCPA) with respect to demographic, medical and psychosocial characteristics. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 88 non-members and 150 members of the PCPA were included. Results: The results show that members are younger, have a higher socio-economic status and experience higher levels of distress. Furthermore, members are less content with the patient education and the psychosocial support available in hospital. Members also have a higher need to talk about problems and a more positive attitude towards participation in support groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that members of the patients’ association differ from non-members. This has clinical and methodological relevance for further study among PC patients, as well as practical relevance for the policy of patients’ associations.