Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Men Regarding Prostate Cancer in Thulamela municipality, Vhembe District

Abstract

Prostate cancer is one of the men`s killer diseases globally and the number of fatalities attributed to it is on a rise. This study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey design to investigate men's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding prostate cancer in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District. A sample size of 280 was calculated using an automated web-based online Raosoft sample size calculator. Random sampling was used to select 280 men aged 40 years and above from Ha Budeli village. A questionnaire containing close-ended questions was used to collect data. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were ensured. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25.0 was used to analyse data. Data were summarised descriptively and presented in frequencies, tables and charts. Chi-square and Phi and Cramer’s V tests were used to test for association and effects size respectively at 0.5 level of significance. Respondents’ knowledge as an explanatory variable and attitude and practice as response variables were assessed. Ethical measures were considered throughout the study. The findings of this study showed that 65% of men had adequate knowledge of Prostate Cancer risk factors and symptoms, while just 35% showed inadequate knowledge of Prostate Cancer. The results also showed that 65% of respondents have a positive attitude towards Prostate Cancer. However, the results show that the practice of men regarding Prostate Cancer is negative with only 6% of respondents saying they have visited a clinic to consult about symptoms that made them think they had Prostate Cancer. Furthermore, the study found a significant association between knowledge and attitudes. The relation between these variables was significant, X2 (4, N=285) = 29.09, p = .001. Therefore, the study recommends widespread awareness campaigns that target raising awareness about the importance of screening and influence men to regularly go for check-ups especially those at high risk.