KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF MEN AGED 45 TO 65 YEARS TOWARDS PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING PRACTICES IN LIRA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL,LIRA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

The purpose of the study

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of men aged 45- 65 years of age towards prostate cancer screening in Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira district.

Methodology

The study employed a cross-sectional study design with simple random sampling as the sampling technique. Data was collected on a sample size of 50 respondents using semi-structured questionnaires written in the English language with open and ended questions as data collection tools; analysis was done manually using tally sheets, pens, and paper, entered in an Excel computer program; presented in tables and figures; then interpreted.

Results

Knowledge towards prostate cancer screening showed that; (76%) of respondents heard about prostate cancer screening, (50%) of the respondents had no idea about the importance of prostate cancer screening, (and 42%) never had ideas about how long should screening be done.

Overall results in regards to attitude towards prostate cancer screening showed that; (82%) of respondents thought prostate cancer was incurable, (58%) of respondents did not know regular screening was important, (78%) thought prostate cancer was a disease for men and screening would help accordingly. In regards to practices towards prostate cancer screening showed that; (70%) of respondents have never been screened, (40%) of respondents often go for prostate cancer screening, (42%) of respondents were not aware of any functional facility.

Conclusion

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of men aged 45-65 years of age towards prostate cancer screening were fairly noteworthy.

Recommendation

Health workers at Lira Regional Referral Hospital should continue with outreaches more to avail information in regards to prostate cancer screening men, teaching them on dangers of late disease screening, signs and symptoms of the disease, and also encourage respondents at regular appropriate times and age for prostate cancer screening.