Prostate Cancer Screening Behaviors and Health Beliefs Regarding Prostate Cancer Screening of Individuals Over 50 Years of Age: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prostate cancer screening behaviors and health beliefs related to prostate cancer screening among individuals aged 50 and over. 
 Material and Methods: The study sample consisted of 72 men aged 50 and over receiving treatment at the orthopedics and traumatology clinic of a university hospital. Data were collected using a "Personal Information Form" and the "Prostate Cancer Screening Health Belief Model Scale." 
 Results: The mean age of the participants in the study was 61.59±8.51 years. It was found that 22.2% of the participants had undergone Prostate-Specific Antigen testing, 73.6% had no knowledge about prostate cancer, and 75% had no knowledge about early detection tests for prostate cancer. Furthermore, participants who had knowledge about prostate cancer and early detection, had a family history of prostate cancer, and considered undergoing prostate examination had a higher rate of undergoing Prostate-Specific Antigen testing. Those who had never undergone a prostate examination, had no knowledge about prostate cancer and early detection tests, and did not plan to undergo prostate examination within the next six months had higher scores on the barrier perception scale, while those who had undergone Prostate-Specific Antigen testing and planned to undergo prostate examination within the next six months had higher scores on the health motivation perception scale. 
 Conclusion: The study revealed a low rate of Prostate-Specific Antigen testing for early detection of prostate cancer, and participants' knowledge and health beliefs and perceptions related to prostate cancer and early detection tests were identified as key factors influencing prostate cancer screening behaviors.