Relationship between the prostate cancer screening attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge levels of men working in a healthcare institution

Abstract

Objective: The attitudes and knowledge level of individuals toward prostate cancer screening are important factors affecting participation in screening. This study aimed to determine the relationship between prostate cancer screening attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge levels of men working in a tertiary healthcare institution. Material and Methods: A total of 236 healthcare personnel working in a tertiary education and research hospital were included in the study. In the collection of data, an information form, the Health Beliefs Model Scale for Prostate Cancer Screenings (HBM-PCS), and the Knowledge About Prostate Cancer Screening Questionnaire (KPCSQ) were used. Results: The mean age of the men participating in the study was 46.7±5.9 years. Of the participants, 16.1% had previously undergone a prostate-specific antigen test, and 67.4% had a low level of knowledge. When the subscales of HBM-PCS were examined, the participants had a mean score of 12.6±3.8 on susceptibility perception, 11.9±3.6 on seriousness perception, 32.9±7.6 on health motivation perception, 38.5±10.3 on barrier perception, and 24.8±5.7 on benefit perception. There was no significant difference in the participants’ HBM-PCS scores according to their KPCSQ scores. Conclusion: It was determined that the men participating in this study had a low level of knowledge, moderate levels of susceptibility, seriousness, and barrier perceptions, and high levels of health motivation and benefit perceptions concerning prostate cancer screening. It is important to raise the awareness of healthcare workers about the benefits of screening and early diagnosis of prostate cancer through training programs. Keywords: prostate cancer, screening, attitude, belief, knowledge level