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KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PROSTATE CANCER AMONG MALE PATIENTS OF AGE 40 YEARS AND ABOVE IN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA TEACHING HOSPITAL (UNTH), ENUGU

Volume: 152  ,  Issue: 1 , July    Published Date: 15 July 2024
Publisher Name: IJRP
Views: 78  ,  Download: 39 , Pages: 601 - 620    
DOI: 10.47119/IJRP1001521720246945

Authors

# Author Name
1 UGWU GODWIN FRIDAY
2 UDEKE UGOCHUKWU UMEADI
3 UDOYE JOEL
4 UGWUANYI CHIKA JOHNSON
5 Eze Ekpereka Deborah

Abstract

Background: Prostate Cancer  is cancer of the prostate gland. This is a very common cancer amongst males aged 40years and above. It is the most common male cancer diagnosed worldwide yet many are not aware of it and this has led to the increased mortality rate of the disease. Prostate cancer screening involves Digital Rectal examination which is done by a clinician , and PSA blood screening. Many studies in our setting have shown poor knowledge, attitude and perception of prostate cancer and its screening among males. It was on this basis  and also for the fact that it was so common, that this study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of prostate cancer and its screening among male patients of age 40 years and above in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu. Methodology: An observational cross sectional study was carried out with a sample size of 413male patients of age 40 years and above in UNTH. Using a simple random sampling, the study population was sampled. All met the inclusion criteria. A semi-structured self administered questionnaire was used for quantitative data collection. Data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Data was presented using tables, pie charts and bar charts. Result: the study showed that 87% of respondents have heard about Prostate cancer and only about 67% of respondents have heard about prostate cancer screening.There was also a positive attitude towards prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening among respondents. Despite the good knowledge of prostate cancer and positive attitude to prostate cancer screening, only about 38% has ever practiced Prostate cancer screening. It was worth noting that there was a significant relationship between the practice of prostate cancer screening and the knowledge and attitude of respondents towards prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening. There were also a positive attitude, perception and practice towards prostate cancer screening especially in patients of the older age group (>50 years). Conclusion: There was a good knowledge of Prostate cancer. Also there was a good attitude towards prostate cancer. The perception of prostate cancer was also good however,there was a poor practice of prostate cancer screening in those of younger age groups (<50years) while those of older age groups had a very good practice of prostate cancer screening. Recommendations: Adequate sensitization of the general public about prostate cancer and the burden of the disease. Introduction of health awareness programs in the communities .

Keywords

  • Knowledge
  • prostate
  • practice
  • cancer
  • atitude
  • 40 years