Unmasking Elevated PSA: Prevalence and Modifiable Risk Factors in Men Aged ≥ 40 Years Attending Kabutare District Hospital in Rwanda

Erneste Mugenzi, Jean Paul Dusengimana, Danny Habumugisha, Happy Jean Bosco Asifiwe, Anathalie Umuhoza, Diogene Rwayitare, Tiruzer Bekele, Schifra Uwamungu, Augustin Nzitakera, Cuthbert Musarurwa Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, RwandaCorrespondence: Augustin Nzitakera; Cuthbert Musarurwa, Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, 3286, Rwanda, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of elevated PSA levels (> 4.0 ng/mL) and examine sociodemographic and modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with PSA elevation among asymptomatic Rwandan men aged ≥ 40 years.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kabutare District Hospital in Rwanda between March and April 2025, enrolling 136 asymptomatic male participants aged ≥ 40 years. Lifestyle and anthropometric data were collected via structured interviews. Serum total PSA was measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Fortress BXE0851A kit). Elevated PSA was defined as > 4.0 ng/mL. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests for bivariate associations.Results: Elevated PSA was observed in 14% of participants. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between elevated PSA and BMI category (p < 0.001), smoking status (p < 0.001), alcohol use (p < 0.001), sexual activity frequency (p = 0.018), and occupation (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Elevated PSA prevalence among asymptomatic Rwandan men mirrors global patterns observed in Black populations. Associations with underweight status, occupational exposure, and alcohol use suggest multifactorial influences. These findings highlight the need for targeted screening strategies and community-level interventions to promote early prostate cancer detection in Rwanda.Keywords: prostate cancer, PSA, modifiable risk factors, Rwanda, screening, occupational exposure, ELISA