Male University students’ knowledge, beliefs and attitude towards screening for prostate cancer in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Beliefs and awareness towards prostate cancer screening among men is very crucial for early detection and management of the condition. From various literatures reviewed, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death amongst men. In Nigeria, it is the most common male cancer and may be as high as that seen in African Americans in the United State. In most developing countries e.g Benin Republic, Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria, access to health care and prostate cancer screening methods for early detection is limited. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, belief and attitude of male students in the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Nigeria towards prostate cancer screening in order to curb the high incidence and death rate resulting from this disease. POPULATION: The study populations will be Faculty of Social and management Science students of range 18-35 years at Benson Idahosa University, Benin-City, Nigeria. SAMPLE: All students will be selected from the number of male students that are registered in the Faculty of Social Science. METHODOLOGY: This design selected for this study is qualitative cross-sectional. METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION: Interviews and questionnaires will be used as tool for data collection. KEY FINDINGS: The students had never received information from their health care provider about prostate cancer. Very few were able to identify the possible symptoms of prostate cancer. There is low level of knowledge about prostate cancer screening and they do not know what abnormal prostate specific antigen (PSA) is. Majority of the participants gained informed knowledge about prostate cancer screening for the first time from this study. The students have a pronounced negative attitude towards prostate cancer screening. Lack of awareness about cancer screening programs is also identified as a major barrier why many Nigerian men do not go for screening. The level of education has a positive influence to prostate cancer and screening. Prostate cancer screening is not a taboo to Bini culture. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study revealed that there is low level of knowledge about prostate cancer among male university students in Benin-City, Nigeria. RECOMMENDATIONS: Initiation of cancer teachings in schools, churches, and traditional gatherings. Demonstrations with the use posters in public places about prostate cancer menace and screening should be 3 encouraged. There should be implementation of policy that every male student from age 30 be involved in health education and promotion programs for prostate cancer. KEYWORDS: male, University students, knowledge of prostate cancer, beliefs and attitude towards screening for prostate cancer, Prostate cancer screening