Knowledge and perception regarding prostate cancer among men in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the perception and attitude towards prostate cancer and its screening practices in Pakistan.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi June to October 2019, and comprised male subjects aged >40 years with no prior diagnosis of prostate cancer who were enrolled from the community.  Data was collected using a structured questionnaire which was available in English and Urdu languages. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

Results: Of the 383 subjects, 144(37.6%) were aged 40-49 years, 302(78.9%) were married, 120(31.3%) had received education up to the secondary level, and 204(53.3%) earned <Rs20,000 per month. Overall, 217(56.7%) participants had not heard about prostate cancer and 64(16.7%) were aware of the relevant diagnostic tests. There was a significant association of knowledge about prostate cancer and its diagnosis with the level of education and monthly income (p<0.05). Overall, 134(35.1%) subjects did not feel the need to get a screening test in the absence of urological complaints, 344(89.9%) had never been screened, and 327(85.4%) had never been advised by their physicians to get themselves screened for prostate cancer.

Conclusion: The level of knowledge regarding prostate cancer and its screening practices was poor, and the attitude towards its screening was negative.

Key Words: PSA, DRE screening, Knowledge, Pakistani men, Prostate cancer.

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