Uptake and factors associated with prostate cancer screening among men aged 45 or more attending outpatient clinics in Kiruddu National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Prostate cancer is a prevalent disease globally, with high incidence and mortality rates. In Africa, Uganda has a particularly high incidence rate. Late detection is a major problem, leading to poor prognosis and high mortality. Black men experience higher mortality rates from prostate cancer due to various factors, including limited access to screening. Prostate cancer screening remains the most effective method for reducing mortality, but uptake is generally low in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. The government has implemented programs and policies, but studies reveal low participation. Ongoing efforts to raise awareness, improve access, and support policy initiatives are crucial in combating prostate cancer in Uganda and other developing nations. Early detection through screening is vital for better treatment outcomes. To identify factors associated with prostate cancer screening services among men aged 45 or more attending outpatient clinics at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. This study will be a descriptive cross-sectional study that will use quantitative tools of collecting data on uptake and factors associated with prostate cancer screening among men aged 45 or more attending outpatient clinics at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital involving administration of researcher administered questionnaires to the recruited participants. It will be conducted in medical outpatient Department at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. The data will be analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Majority of the participants 33.5% (77/234) were aged 45-55 years, with a median age of 63.5 [interquartile range (IQR) 50.6-76.4]. Most of them, 83.3% (195/234) were married/cohabiting, 53.8% (126/234) were self-employed, 35.9% (84/234) attained ordinary level (O’level) education and 72.2% (166/234) were urban residents. Out of the 234 participants, 13.2% (31/234) of the participants had ever undergone prostate cancer screening, while 86.8% (203/234) participants had never undergone prostate cancer screening. The internet was the most the most used source of information 26.5% (62/234). 22.2% (52/234) had a family history of prostate cancer, and majority 81.3% (170/234) were willing to screen for prostate cancer. The study illustrated a very low uptake of prostate cancer screening services among men 45 or more attending outpatient clinics at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. The study also illustrated age category of 45-55 years to be associated with prostate cancer screening