Prostate cancer screening practices and barriers to seeking information and medical care related to prostate cancer among males in rural communities in southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men worldwide. It is a significant public health concern. In developing countries, prostate cancer is mostly diagnosed at a late stage, indicating the need for better detection programmes. This study examines the existing gaps in knowledge, perceptions, screening practices, and barriers to seeking information and medical care related to prostate cancer among males in rural communities in southern Nigeria. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study among 312 men aged 30 years and above, selected by a multistage sampling technique. The knowledge, perceptions, screening practices, and barriers to seeking information and medical care related to prostate cancer among males in rural communities in southern Nigeria were studied. A pro forma was used to collect data. All statistical analyses used IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Associations between the variables were tested for statistical significance using appropriate statistical tools. At a 95% confidence level, p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Overall, only 27.2% demonstrated good knowledge of prostate cancer symptoms, with 66.7% showing a poor overall perception of vulnerability to prostate cancer. Only 23.7% have heard of prostate cancer screening tests, and 7.7% have had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Barriers to seeking information and medical care include fear of the diagnosis (67%), treatment side effects (12.5%), stigma (23.7%), and a lack of trust in the health system (11.9%). Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance knowledge, dispel misconceptions, and overcome barriers to prostate cancer awareness and screening practices. The diverse beliefs within the community emphasise the importance of tailored educational campaigns.