Knowledge, attitude and practices towards prostate cancer screening among men aged 45 to 65years in Lira regional referral hospital, Lira district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/yhm21244Keywords:
Prostate Cancer Screening, Men Aged 45–65 Years, Screening Uptake, Lira Regional Referral HospitalAbstract
Background:
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide and is a major public health concern due to its high morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards prostate cancer screening among men aged 45–65 years at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Lira District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital among men aged 45–65 years. A sample size of 50 respondents was selected due to financial and time constraints, although the calculated sample size was 220 using the Kish and Leslie formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered through interviews in the local Luo language. Data were edited, coded, and analyzed using SPSS, and results were presented using frequency tables and percentages.
Results:
About 76% of respondents had heard about prostate cancer screening, and 64% knew the importance of screening. However, knowledge about the recommended screening interval was low, with 42% not knowing how often screening should be done. Attitude towards screening was generally poor; 58% did not believe regular screening was important, and 38% were not very interested in knowing their prostate cancer status. Regarding practices, 70% of respondents had never been screened for prostate cancer, and 42% were not aware of any screening facility in Lira. Socio-economic factors such as poverty (64%) and cultural beliefs also influenced screening behavior.
Conclusion:
Despite moderate awareness of prostate cancer screening, attitudes and practices towards screening among men aged 45–65 years were generally poor, resulting in low uptake of screening services.
Recommendations:
The Ministry of Health should increase community sensitization on prostate cancer and establish more screening facilities.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Martin Okello, Alex Katwe (Author)
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