PROSTATE CANCER: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND SCREENING PRACTICES AMONG MALE CIVIL SERVANTS IN LAGOS STATE, SOUTH-WESTERN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of prostate cancer screening among male civil servants in Lagos state, Nigeria Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaires. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents. Responses to the knowledge and attitude questions were scored and graded as poor (<50%) and good (?50%). The mean knowledge and attitude scores were also determined. Univariate and bivariate analysis were carried out. P value?0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age and age range of the respondents were 43.06 ± 8.22 years and 20-59 years respectively. Only 75(31.12%) of the respondents had good knowledge of prostate cancer. The mean knowledge score (%) was 31.54±20.91. There was a statistically significant relationship (p?0.05) between respondents' monthly income and knowledge of prostate cancer. Attitudes toward prostate cancer screening were good among 225(93.36%) of the respondents. Mean attitude score (%) was 69.46±12.57. There was a statistically significant association (p?0.05) between respondents' level of education and attitudes toward prostate cancer screening. Only 59(24.48%) of the respondents have ever done prostate cancer screening test. There was a statistically significant relationship (p?0.05) between respondents' monthly income and practice of prostate cancer screening. Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of prostate cancer screening is poor even among seemingly educated people. Health education campaigns utilizing the electronic media should be conducted regularly by Lagos state ministry of health to increase awareness among civil servants in Lagos state. Keywords: Prostate cancer, screening, knowledge, attitu