Male Nursing Students’ Attitudes on Testicular Examination: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitudes of self-identified male nursing students who are in a risky age group regarding testicular cancer and testicular self-examination. Method In this cross-sectional survey, the data was collected on 208 Turkish students between the ages of 18–22 years. The data was collected by using the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale for Testicular Cancer Screenings and the Personal Information Form. Results The mean age of the participants in this survey conducted in the 2018–2019 academic Spring semester was 21.46 ± 2.031. The mean scores for the subscales were as follows: for perceived susceptibility 11.49 ± 4.70 (min = 5, max = 25), for seriousness 21.04 ± 6.11 (min = 7, max = 35), for self-examination benefits 10.88 ± 3.05 (min = 3, max = 15), for self-examination barriers 11.49 ± 3.75 (min = 5, max = 25) and for self-efficacy subscale 18.12 ± 5.52 (min = 6, max = 30). Also it was determined that 68.6% of the students do not know how to perform self-examination. Students’ sensitivity to testicular cancer and related screenings increased with their level of knowledge. Conclusion The results will explain how students’ health beliefs were affected by their individual knowledge level. Nursing students should be exposed to information on testicular self-examination. Therefore, some suggestions are presented according to the health belief model to increase awareness of individuals, especially in the risky group, and improve people’s health behaviors.