Knowledge and Attitude about Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy among Male Adult Patients Attending Surgical Department at University Teaching Hospital of Butare

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitude about benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) among male adult patients attending surgical department at CHUB. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional stud of 256 of adult male patients attending surgical department at CHUB. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and the results expressed in form of frequencies and percentage. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was utilized to select study participants. Results: 256 patients were enrolled in the study most of them being in the 50-70 years age group (57.8%). Most were rural population, less educated and farmers. Most rural participants didn’t know anything about prostate diseases (51%) compared to 41.9% of urban participants. Most people especially the old ones think that the prostate is an illness rather than an organ. Highly educated people have better knowledge of prostate. Perceived reasons of delays include not knowing symptoms, poverty among others. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study adds to the theoretical understanding of health literacy by highlighting the link between socio-demographic factors such as education level, occupation, and residence on the knowledge about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). From a policy perspective, the findings emphasize the need for targeted health education policies that prioritize rural communities and populations with limited formal education. In practice, the results support the design and implementation of community-based awareness programs, particularly for farmers and other high-risk groups, to improve early detection and management of BPH.