Although prostate cancer (Pca) screening plays important role in early diagnosis and reduction of mortality, Tanzanian men are relatively unscreened. We aimed to investigate Pca knowledge level and barriers to screening among at-risk men in northern Tanzania.
This community-based survey was conducted in northern Tanzania from May to September 2022, involving men age ≥40 years. Participants were invited by announcing in local churches, mosques, brochures, and social media groups. Participants attended a nearby health facility where survey questionnaires were administered. Knowledge level was measured on the Likert scale and scored as poor (<50 %) or good (≥50 %).
A total of 6205 men with a mean age of 60.23 ± 10.98 years were enrolled in the study. Of these, 586 (9.5 %) had ever been screened for Pca. Overall, 1263 men (20.4 %) had good knowledge of Pca. Having health insurance, knowing at least 1 risk factor or symptoms of Pca, and hospital as the source of Pca information were significantly associated with ever being screened. The most common reasons for not being screened were a belief that they are healthy (n = 2983; 53.1 %), that Pca is not a serious disease (n = 3908; 69.6 %), and that digital rectal examination (DRE) as an embarrassing (n = 3634; 64.7 %) or harmful (n = 3047; 54.3 %) procedure.
Having Pca knowledge, health insurance and hospital source of information were correlated with increased screening. False beliefs about DRE and the seriousness of Pca had negative effects on screening. Increasing community knowledge and universal health coverage would improve uptake of Pca screening.
Cancer treatment and research communications. 2024 Apr 02 [Epub ahead of print]
Bartholomeo Nicholaus Ngowi, Alex Mremi, Orgeness Jasper Mbwambo, Modesta Paschal Mitao, Mramba Nyindo, Kien Alfred Mteta, Blandina Theophil Mmbaga
Faculty of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi Tanzania; Department of Urology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P. O. Box 3010 Moshi Tanzania. Electronic address: ., Faculty of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi Tanzania; Department of Pathology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P. O. Box 3010 Moshi Tanzania., Faculty of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi Tanzania; Department of Urology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P. O. Box 3010 Moshi Tanzania., Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, P. O. Box 2236 Moshi Tanzania., Faculty of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi Tanzania., Faculty of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Moshi Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, P. O. Box 2236 Moshi Tanzania.