Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Prostate Cancer Prevention Among Male Residents

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer globally and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men, with approximately 1,200,000 new diagnoses and 359,000 deaths recorded in 2018. In Africa, it ranks as the most prevalent cancer, with 40,000 new cases and 28,000 cancer-related deaths annually. In Nigeria, it is the most common malignancy among men, accounting for 29.8% of all male cancers according to GLOBOCAN 2020 statistics. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to prostate cancer prevention among men aged 20 to 80 years residing in the Okada community. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 382 consenting male respondents. The self-administered questionnaire comprised four sections (A–D), addressing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of prostate cancer and screening, attitudes toward prostate cancer prevention, and prevention practices, respectively. The results revealed that 52.9% of respondents had inadequate knowledge of prostate cancer and screening. Although 67.8% had previously heard of prostate cancer, 78.5% demonstrated a positive attitude toward screening and prevention, while 84.6% exhibited poor prostate cancer prevention practices. The findings indicated that respondents with higher educational attainment possessed better knowledge of prostate cancer and screening than those with lower or no formal education. Younger men were more likely to express positive attitudes toward prostate cancer prevention. Furthermore, individuals with higher education levels were more likely to engage in effective prostate cancer prevention practices than those with limited or no formal education. Overall, respondents demonstrated inadequate knowledge of prostate cancer and screening, a generally positive attitude toward prevention, but poor preventive practices.