Research Article: Awareness of prostate cancer and its associated factors among male patients attending care in the urology unit at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abstract:
Background Globally, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. It is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Symptoms may be non-specific and may not present until the cancer has progressed. Raising awareness, knowing risk factors and symptoms and seeking early medical attention is critical for prevention and detection. The objective of this study is to assess the level of awareness of prostate cancer among male patients attending care in a urology unit in Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among 241 male patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital from February to April 2021. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from published studies and cancer awareness measurement tools. We used EpiData V.4.6.0 and SPSS V.26 for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were used for analyses. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analysis identified factors associated with prostate cancer awareness. Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) at 95%?CI and p value<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 250 patients were approached, and 241 (96.4%) responded. The mean scores for awareness of prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, screening and prevention were 41.2%, 43.8%, 44.7% and 49.5%, respectively. Families with an average monthly income of more than 8900 ETB (Ethiopian birr), having heard about prostate cancer, having a regular source of care every six months or more, having a history of hospitalisation and having healthcare providers as the main source of information were all significantly associated with awareness of prostate cancer. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that male patients have a relatively low level of awareness of prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms, screening and prevention. There should be more public awareness initiatives to educate men in Ethiopia on the risk factors, symptoms, screening and prevention of prostate cancer.
Introduction:
Background According to the 2018 Global burden of cancer Statistics, an estimated 18.1?million people were newly diagnosed with cancer, while in the same year, cancer was responsible for 9.6?million deaths. 1 In sub-Saharan Africa, cancer is a major public health problem. 2 Cancer is also a serious health problem in Ethiopia and accounts for about 5.8% of total national mortality. It is estimated that the annual incidence of cancer is around 60 960 cases, and the annual mortality is over 44 000. 3 For people under…
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