Education as a predictor of quality of life outcomes among disadvantaged men

Higher educational levels along with other factors such as literacy and communication with physicians have been associated with better outcomes for men with prostate cancer, but little research has focused on the relationship of educational attainment to self-efficacy for interacting with physicians been conducted on its effect on self-efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among low-income, uninsured men. Data from 425 low-income, uninsured men with prostate cancer enrolled in UCLA's Men's Health Study were examined. We found that men with higher and lower education levels, including those who did not complete high school, had similar HRQOL and self-efficacy outcomes. Because of the close relationship between income and education, broader studies into the associations of these variables and prostate cancer outcomes are needed. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2009) 12, 253-258; doi: 10.1038/pcan.2008.58; published online 27 January 2009