Assessment of the knowledge and perception of prostate cancer and uptake of screening among public transport drivers in selected motor parks in Akure, Ondo State

Abstract

Objective: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men globally. The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge of prostate cancer among public transport drivers, the perception of prostate cancer among public transport drivers and to evaluate the uptake of prostate cancer screening among public transport drivers.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self- structured questionnaire with Yoruba and Igbo version was used to elicit information from the drivers. Two hundred and thirty four participants (234) were recruited for the study and SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data collected.

Results: The participants mean age being ±46 years 5.1 standard deviation and a good number of them were married, Majority of the public transport drivers had poor knowledge of Prostate Cancer and screening and the poor knowledge could be traced to low level of education among the participants. A significant proportion of the participants however, exhibited poor knowledge and negative attitudes and perceptions of prostate cancer screening and treatment. The uptake rate for prostate cancer screening among the participants was 18% which is relatively low. This study was an eye opener as it revealed significant low knowledge, perception of prostate cancer and relatively low prostate cancer screening practice The findings in this study is an indication for a need to increase public sensitization campaigns on prostate cancer and its screening tests to improve public understanding about the disease with the aim of prevention and early detection .

Conclusion: The study showed considerable source of participant's information on PCa to be from health workers and social media. However, there is considerable low screening uptake. Therefore, health education should target people with lower educational level and whose workload is strenuous this in turn will increase the uptake of screening of Prostate Cancer.