ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER AMONG MEN IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among men worldwide, with increasing prevalence in Nigeria. This study examined level of awareness and knowledge about prostate cancer among men in selected local government areas of Anambra state, Nigeria. One research question and one hypothesis were used in assessing such awareness and knowledge of men towards prostate cancer. The research design employed was cross-sectional survey. The target population for the study was adult males aged 18 years and above from whom a sample size of 1110 respondents was drawn through a combination of multistage and simple random sampling techniques. However, six interviewees and all participants in the three sessions of focus group discussions (FGD) conducted during the study were purposively selected. Instruments used for data collection were questionnaire, in-depth interview (IDI) guide and focus group discussion (FGD) guide. Quantitative data were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 27, and analyzed with the aid of descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, simple percentages, mean, median, as well as pie and bar charts. Qualitative data were first transcribed and thereafter analyzed using manual content analyses techniques; while relevant quotes were extracted and used to support or contrast findings arising from quantitative data. The study hypothesis was tested using chi-square (x2) inferential statistics. The study found that low awareness and limited knowledge of risk factors, fueled by sociocultural factors impede on attitudes, awareness, knowledge and perception of men towards prostate cancer. The result also revealed that there is very little public health education and awareness programmes on prostate cancer in the study area, hence most men exhibit poor response dispositions to the disease. These response patterns such as denial and delayed screening gave rise to negative consequences including late diagnosis, reduced participation in screening programmes, and missed opportunities for timely intervention against prostate cancer. It was recommended that screening and awareness programmes should be scaled up, prioritizing older men, rural populations and low-income men. Also, more public health education campaigns and engagement of both traditional and religious leaders should be undertaken to sensitize men on prostate cancer screening and treatment. Furthermore, multilevel actions and integrated approach whereby prostate cancer control is brought into primary healthcare services should be encouraged.