Knowledge and Utilization of Prostate Cancer Screening Services among Males Aged 40 Years and Above in Kalingalinga Compound of Lusaka District, Zambia

Background: Prostate cancer remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly among men in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Zambia, its late presentation is linked to low screening uptake, poor knowledge, and sociocultural barriers. Early detection through screening can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality, yet many men remain unaware of the available services. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 384 males aged 40 years and above in Kalingalinga Compound, Lusaka. Systematic simple random sampling was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Prostate Cancer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PCAKT) and Prostate Cancer Screening Questionnaire (PCSQ). Binary logistic regression was used to assess predictors of knowledge and utilization. SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. Results: Of the 384 participants, 51.6% demonstrated good knowledge of prostate cancer, while 48.4% had poor knowledge. Only 27.1% had ever utilized prostate cancer screening services. Significant predictors of knowledge included age, marital status, level of education, and cultural beliefs (p < 0.05). Factors influencing screening uptake included age group, education, marital status, employment status, perceived health worker attitude, and cultural beliefs. Conclusion: Knowledge and utilization of prostate cancer screening services among men in Kalingalinga were suboptimal. Strategies to improve awareness, address sociocultural barriers, and enhance provider-patient interactions are essential to promote early detection and reduce prostate cancer-related morbidity and mortality.