Knowledge and attitude of young male adults in two markets in metropolitan Lagos towards prostate cancer screening and awareness of prostate cancer symptoms

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer in both sexes combined. It is a slow growing cancer and its morbidity and mortality can be reduced through regular screening. To assess the knowledge and attitude of young male adults in metropolitan Lagos towards prostate cancer screening, their awareness of prostate cancer symptoms and to identify socio-demographic factors that influence knowledge and attitude of young male adults towards prostate cancer screening. A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among young male adults in two different markets in Lagos metropolis. Data was collected and analysed using SPSS version 21. Numerical and categorical variables were expressed as counts and/or percentages. Inferential statistics was performed using Chi Square test, with a level of significance set at p<0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. A total of 421 questionnaires were distributed with 95% response rate. One hundred and ninety (47.5%) had heard about prostate cancer. Majority of the respondents, 371 (92.8%) were not aware of prostate cancer symptoms. Three hundred and seven (77.8%) were also not aware of prostate cancer screening. Majority of the respondents, 305 (76.3%) indicated that they would like to be screened and to know more about prostate cancer screening (330 respondents, 82.5%). This study showed a poor knowledge of prostate cancer, its symptoms and prostate cancer screening among young male adults operating in two markets in Lagos, Nigeria.