Perception of Prostate Cancer and Uptake of Screening of Prostate Cancer Among Men in Abuloma, Port Harcourt L.G.A. Of Rivers State

This study assessed perception of prostate cancer and uptake of screening of prostate cancer among men in Abuloma, Port Harcourt L.G.A. of Rivers State, Nigeria. The primary objectives were to evaluate the level of knowledge about prostate cancer, determine screening uptake prevalence, and investigate perceptions and attitudes toward screening. The study also explored the relationship between knowledge and screening uptake, identified barriers and facilitators to screening, and examined the influence of demographic factors. A cross-sectional research design was employed, with a sample size of 382 adult males aged 40 and above involved in lower cadre jobs. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with logistic regression applied for multivariate analysis at a 0.05 alpha level. The findings revealed poor perception towards prostate cancer. Screening uptake was extremely low, with only 0.56% of men having undergone prostate cancer screening. Results showed that 121 (31.7%) respondents strongly agreed, and 187 (48.9%) agreed that a lack of awareness is a barrier to screening, while 19 (5.0%) disagreed, and 13 (3.4%) strongly disagreed. The study concluded that, there is a significant gap in the uptake of prostate cancer screening among men in Abuloma. It was recommended among others that, enhancement of access to screening services by establishing more screening centers, especially in underserved areas. Efforts should be made to reduce the cost of screening and provide free screening programs to alleviate financial barriers.