Awareness of prostate cancer and its associated factors among men 40 years of age and older in Mizan Aman town, Bench Sheko zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, South West Ethiopia, 2019

Abstract

BackgroundProstate cancer is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among men aged 40 years and older. Evidence has shown that awareness of prostate cancer plays a greater role in the early detection of prostate cancer. However, there is a paucity of information regarding prostate cancer awareness levels in Ethiopia in general and in Mizan Aman town in particular.ObjectivesTo assess the awareness of prostate cancer and its associated factors among men aged 40 years and older in Mizan Aman, Bench Sheko zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, South West Ethiopia, 2019.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 April 2021 in Mizan Aman town. A total of 322 study subjects were selected from a total population of 1,242 in Mizan Aman town by using the simple random sampling method. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sociodemographic characteristics and personal history. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to explore further variables that were associated with the level of awareness. Significant associations were declared at a p-value of <0.05. The results were presented in text, tables, and charts.ResultsThe magnitude of prostate cancer awareness was 64%. Participants who were between 40 and 55 years of age (adjusted odd ratio = 6.16, 95% confidence interval = 2.62–14.47), who were government employees (adjusted odd ratio = 4.684, 95% confidence interval = 1.56–13.97), and whose monthly income level is greater than 5,000 birr (adjusted odd ratio = 12.45, 95% confidence interval = 3.2–47.77) were significantly associated with the level of awareness.Conclusion and recommendationThis study revealed that more than half of the men residing in Mizan Aman town had a high level of prostate cancer awareness. First-category age, better economic status, and employment were significantly associated with awareness of prostate cancer. This indicates the need for a collective effort to enhance the awareness of men regarding prostate cancer.

Evaluation of the Relationship between the Levels of Knowledge about Prostate Cancer and the Anxiety-Depression Scale of Adult Individuals in Four Different Provinces of Türkiye

“…However, no significant relationship was found between income status and knowledge level in our study. Assefa et al [5] revealed in their studies, it has been revealed that the level of knowledge of individuals with a relatively higher income level will also be higher. However, in our study, no significant relationship was found between income status and level of knowledge.…”

“…Prostate cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment in recent decades have been heavily influenced by awareness and the intention to seek care for it. Men who were aware of the DRE/PSA test were more likely to have been screened compared to men who were not aware of it [5]. Therefore, it is important to measure the level of awareness among individuals regarding prostate cancer in the country.…”

Silent Struggles: Mental Health Barriers in Men Facing Cancer

“…The intersection of these barriers for male cancer patients creates a multifaceted landscape where acknowledging mental health needs feels at odds with societal norms. The fear of appearing weak or vulnerable due to societal expectations clashes with the innate necessity for support during their cancer journey (25). The amalgamation of denial, lack of awareness, and communication barriers encapsulates the challenges faced by male cancer patients when seeking essential mental health support.…”

Assessment of the effectiveness of broadcast media campaign messages on men’s knowledge of prostate cancer in Etsako West Local Government Area

“…Broadcast media coverage of health matters play major roles in shaping public opinion and views thereby influencing medical practice. Research conducted by Ashenafi, Gugsa and Gadisa in Ethiopia in 2019 [3] reveals that about 64 percent of the sample size have access to media messages on prostate cancer which shows that information regarding prostate cancer awareness level in Ethopia in General and in Mizan Aman town in Particular is high (Ashenafi et al 2019) [3] . Media advocacy on prostate cancer has increased compare to how it was in the 80s but there is the need for a collective effort towards increasing media advocacy on prostate cancer.…”