Investigating the factors that affect the knowledge level regarding prostate cancer screenings

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge level regarding prostate cancer screenings and to examine the related factors. Material and methods:The data of this cross-sectional study were collected in 2011. Data were collected from 243 individuals who were aged 60 and above in two family health centers in the province of Kars. Personal information forms and a knowledge test of prostate cancer screenings were used for data collection. Results:The average age of the participants was 67.61±5.96 years, and the mean knowledge score was 4.85±2.38. The knowledge level of prostate cancer screenings was found to be higher in individuals who are high school and higher education graduates, have health insurance, have previously had their PSA levels measured and with family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was determined that other variables did not affect the participants' knowledge level. Conclusion:No individual in this study received a perfect score on the knowledge test. Furthermore, the overall mean score on the knowledge test was lower than previous studies. Interventional studies aimed at increasing the knowledge level may helpful.

The correlation between symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and the quality of life: A field study

“…These are shaped by patriarchy, which extends up to “showing courage and violence,” “sexual performance anxiety,” “experiencing difficulty in expressing feelings” and “men's claim of being socially superior” . In the literature, a study examined the factors affecting participation in prostate cancer screenings, and the patients expressed that they had concerns about sexuality but they thought that the prostate examination was not embarrassing, which was similar to the present study . In the present study, some participants stated: “I do not want go to the doctor at this young age due to this complaint,” “I cannot tell the doctor that I cannot hold urine,” “I do not go to the doctor because all of these complaints are caused by old age,” “I cannot go to the doctor because I'm ashamed.” These statements seemed to concentrate on not wanting to be examined because of shame and shyness.…”

“…In the literature, it is stated that health insurance and additional expenditures are primary ones among the factors affecting the examination in prostate diseases . The diagnosis and treatment services for BPH in Turkey are carried out in secondary health institutions.…”

“…In the literature, it is stated that health insurance and additional expenditures are primary ones among the factors affecting the examination in prostate diseases. [30][31][32][33] In the literature, it is stated that micturition complaints in BPH affect the quality of life of men and women in sexual function problems as well as their social life. 2 There are studies proving that life quality of males who suffer from BPH and sexual disfunction is affected negatively.…”

Knowledge Level About Prostate Cancer Screenings in Turkey

“…As for Turkey, the ministry of health data show that prostate cancer incidence is 37.6 in one 100000, and it is reported to be the second most prevalent cancer type. It also forms 28% of all cancer types in men (3,4).…”

“…Two methods used in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer are prostate examination and PSA level, which is measured by a blood test (7)(8)(9)(10). Prostate cancer is detected at a rate of 90% with the use of prostate specific antigen test (PSA), and 40% of the cases are diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer (1)(2)(3). According to the PSM and screening tests guide recommended in the ministry of health, Turkish public health institution family practice in Turkey, men over 40 who had prostate can-cer history in the family and men over 50 who had no family history should be informed and referred to an urologist for early diagnosis and prevention (11).…”