KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND HEALTH SEEKING PRACTICES OF MEN AGED 40YEARS AND ABOVE TOWARDS SCREENING FOR PROSTATE CANCER AND BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY AT MT ELGON HOSPITAL, MBALE LTD. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the fifth leading cause of death in men globally and it causes 358,989 deaths per year. The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and health-seeking practices of men aged 40 years and above towards screening for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy at Mt Elgon Hospital, Mbale Ltd.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study where a total of 40 male outpatients aged 40 years and above at MEH were chosen as the study sample. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique data was manually analyzed, entered into the computer, and using a computer program called Microsoft Excel and resented in the form of tables, graphs, and pie charts.

Results

21 (52.5%) were married, 8 (20.0%) were widowers, 6 (15.0%) were divorced, 4 (10.0%) separated while 1 (2.5%) was single. 25(63%) didn’t know how PC diagnosis could be done, 8 (20%) cited ultrasound scanning, 6 (15%) mentioned PSA test, and 1 mentioned digital rectal examination as a means of diagnosis of PC. 35(87%) had ever heard about prostate cancer while the least 5 (13%) had never heard about it. 9(60.0%) who had challenges with urination did nothing about it, 6 (40.0%) did self-medication and none of them 0 (0%) visited the doctor immediately.

Conclusions

The levels of awareness were low about the diagnosis of PC, but their attitude towards screening was positive in some aspects. The practice of men aged 40 years and above on screening for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy was poor.

Recommendations

The government of Uganda through different mass media should continue sensitizing masses of people about PC screening and the need to seek medical attention whenever they get challenges with Urination.