Perception, knowledge, and factors influencing Saudi nursing students toward practicing testicular self-examination: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Testicular cancer poses a substantial health burden globally, and early detection through testicular self-examination (TSE) is vital for improving prognosis. The study aims to assess the perception, awareness, knowledge, and factors associated with TSE among Saudi nursing students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 418 participants. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and t-tests. RESULTS: On average, the participants’ self-confidence in their knowledge to perform TSE was 6.18 (±3.3) out of 10. The majority of participants held misconceptions about TSE, perceiving it as painful (91.86%) and embarrassing (52.39%). The mean of correct awareness and knowledge levels of participants about steps in performing TSE was 9.2 (SD = ±3.6) out of 21. On average, the correct perception of TC and TSE was 11.73 (±4.11) out of 20. Significant relationships emerged between TSE performance and factors such as being married (P = 0.043), having good or less health status (P = 0.015), being a tobacco user (P = 0.039), having a medical problem with testicles (P = 0.005) or family history of TC (P = 0.007), has been learned about TSE (P = 0.002), high-grade point average (P = 0.012), had high self-confidence to perform TSE (P = 0.033), and had correct perception about TC and TSE (P = 0.037), had correct awareness about TSE (P = 0.021), had motivated factors that influencing to practice of TSE (P = 0.003), and had correct awareness and knowledge levels of participants about steps in performing TSE (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions and curriculum enhancements to dispel misconceptions, improve awareness, and promote accurate TSE practices among nursing students. Public health campaigns are recommended to address barriers and normalize TSE.