Testicular self-examination, knowledge, attitudes and practices among University student-Athletes: a case study of Makerere University

Abstract

Most university student-athletes are predisposed to testicular cancer on account of their age. Physical activity has been implicated as a risk factor in the development of Testicular Cancer but the relationship remain controversial and inconclusive. Testicular Self-Examination (TSE) is a simple testicular cancer screening method yet TSE knowledge, attitude and practices is poor. This study assessed testicular cancer and self-examination knowledge, attitude and practices of Makerere University student-athletes. A cross-sectional study was used to assess 120 Makerere university student-athletes participating in over 15 different sports programs after a research sample calculation. Online questionnaires were developed and used to collect data after required clearance and permission. Data was entered, cleaned, stored and analyzed using excel. Descriptive statistics was presented in tables,percentages and frequencies. 120 participants were approached and 77% (38% females and 62% males) responses were obtained giving the study a 68% response rate. While awareness of TSE and TC was high, a substantial knowledge gap existed regarding TSE technique. Female respondents had limited knowledge about TC and TSE (13% and 27.6%respectively) while 83.3 % and 31.3% of males were aware of TC and TSE respectively. Participants had a favorable attitude towards TSE and lack of knowledge was the major factor for failure to perform TSE by male athletes. Conclusion: There is limited knowledge about the practice of TSE, student-athletes had a fairly good attitude towards TSE although very few practiced TSE as per the recommendations and lack of knowledge and fear of discovering a lump were the major barriers to practicing TSE.