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The objective was to describe the health literacy of a sample of Canadian men with prostate cancer and explore whether sociodemographic and health factors were related to men's health literacy scores. A sample of 213 Canadian men (M age = 68.71 years, SD = 7.44) diagnosed with prostate cancer were recruited from an online prostate cancer support website. The men completed the Health Literacy Questionnaire along with demographic, comorbidity, and prostate cancer treatment–related questions online. Of the 5-point scales, men's health literacy scores were highest for "Understanding health information enough to know what to do" (M = 4.04, SD = 0.48) and lowest for "Navigating the health care system" (M = 3.80, SD = 0.58). Of the 4-point scales, men's scores were highest for "Feeling understood and supported by health care professionals" (M = 3.20, SD = 0.52) and lowest for "Having sufficient information to manage my health" (M = 2.97, SD = 0.46). Regression analyses indicated that level of education was positively associated with health literacy scores, and men without comorbidities had higher health literacy scores. Age and years since diagnosis were unrelated to health literacy. Support in health system navigation and self-management of health may be important targets for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Predictors of men's health behaviors and interest in workplace health promotion are not well known. The aim of this study was to describe men's interest in workplace health promotion and associated health behaviors. Method : Male employees (N = 781) at six workplaces in British Columbia, Canada, were invited to complete a survey of their health behaviors, demographics, and interest in health promotion prior to implementation of a workplace health program. Findings : A total of 227 male employees (M age = 43.6 years; SD = 12.1) completed the survey (response rate = 29%). Regarding health behaviors, 62.1% reported 150 weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 29.3% consumed 5+ servings of fruit/vegetables per day, 56.8% reported 7+ hours sleep/night, 14.4% smoked, and 81.3% consumed alcohol. Men spent 50% of their workday sitting, and higher body mass index (BMI), higher income, and greater hours worked were related to greater hours sitting. Age was inversely related to MVPA. Alcohol consumption was lower among men who were older, had higher income, and worked fewer hours. Most men were interested in being physically active (85%), managing stress (85%), eating healthy (89%), and cancer screening (91%). Higher stage of change for physical activity (β =.20, p =.003) and fruit/vegetable consumption (β =.18, p =.027) were related to interest in these activities. Conclusions/Application to Practice : Occupational health providers should consider worker demographics and could support interventions that target individuals with varying levels of health behaviors given the importance of meeting the needs of often sedentary workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships among identity processing styles, defense styles, and life distress were examined in a sample of 276 emerging adults (M = 19.71 years). Respondents completed the Identity Style Inventory, Revised; the Defense Style Questionnaire; and the Life Distress Inventory. Correlations and structural equation analyses revealed that the informational identity style was positively related to the mature defense style, all three identity styles were positively related to the neurotic defense style, and the diffuse-avoidant identity style was positively related to the immature defense style. Mediation analyses revealed that the positive relationship between the diffuse-avoidant style and life distress was mediated by the immature defense style. The results suggest potential implications of the diffuse-avoidant style for maladjustment through the use of immature defenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]