Perception, practice, and attitude toward prostate-specific antigen test among Sudanese urologists

Abstract

Background: The introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has revolutionized the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC). However, there is a wide variation in the daily practice of PSA testing with ongoing efforts to increase its sensitivity. This study aims to evaluate the attitude of Sudanese urologists toward the PSA test in their daily practice.

Methods: An online questionnaire was formed and sent to the academic group of Sudanese urologists; it was left for two months with weekly reminders. The group contains 135 members. Data were then collected and analyzed.

Results: Of the 135 members, 83 (61.5%) responded to the questionnaire, all were males, with 43% of them being consultants, and 37% having an experience between 5 and 10 years. Most participants (85%) use the test according to international guidelines, the majority (60%) counsel patients before the test, with 72% finding the test more than 50% reliable. In addition, >33% face problems when requesting PSA with >29% of them finding it unreliable. Moreover, in >13%, the test is unavailable. Nearly all participants (95%) think that there is a need for national guidelines to regulate the use of PSA tests.

Conclusion: For the diversity of practice toward the PSA test and the unavailability of adjunct methods that increase its sensitivity, there is a need for national guidelines to regulate the use of the test in the context of other clinical factors.