Prostate Cancer Knowledge, Perceptions and Screening Behaviour among Male University Students in Ghana

Abstract

Inadequate literature exists on knowledge and perception of prostate cancer and screening behaviour particularly among male tertiary students in Ghana. This paper sought to examine prostate cancer knowledge, perceptions and screening behaviour among male students in the University of Cape Coast and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional survey design for the study, systematic and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select 438 participants for the study. Questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. The study revealed that the participants lacked knowledge on key risk factors and symptoms of prostate cancer. However, the majority of the participants had a quite correct perception of prostate cancer. Also, the participants had a poor screening behaviour for prostate cancer. The University Health Services should promote regular and effective prostate cancer sensitisation programmes for students particularly the males.