Testicular Cancer Preventive Behavior among Nursing Males' Students: Intervention Guidelines

Abstract

Context: Testicular cancer is the most common form of urogenital cancer among young men aged between 20–40 years. The incidence of testicular cancer is rapidly increasing. It is highly curable when detected and treated early.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intervention guidelines on preventive behaviors among male nursing students.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the technical institute of Beni-Suef university through the academic year 2018- 2019. A convenient sample of 250 student male nurses has been included in this study. Tools of data collection were a self-administered questionnaire, Champion Health Belief Model Scale, testicular self-examination checklist, and a student follow-up card.

Results: The current study revealed that the mean age of students was 18.45±1.65. The study showed a significant increase in the mean score of satisfactory knowledge about testicular cancer and its preventive behaviors during follow-up post-application of the intervention guideline (p=0.001). Furthermore, an improvement in the testicular self-examination practices at post-intervention and follow (p=0.001). A statistically significant correlation was revealed between the student nurse's knowledge, practice, and preventive health believes and behaviors.

Conclusion: The study concluded that intervention guidelines designed based on the health belief model positively affect promoting testicular cancer-preventive behaviors of student male nurses by improving their knowledge, practices, and health beliefs and behaviors. The study recommended the dissemination of intervention guidelines among males at different stages of life started from adolescents to reduce the risk of testicular cancer and its consequences on males' reproductive health. Integrate the concept of TSE as a screening procedure for early detection of testicular cancer and other testicular disorders into the undergraduate curriculum of nursing faculties. Further research is required to investigate barriers influencing the practice of testicular self-examination among Egyptian males.