Barriers and Facilitators to Uptake of Prostate Cancer Screening in a Kenyan Rural Community

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is curable with early detection, yet it remains a major public health problem globally and a leading cause of mortality among men. The objective of the study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to the uptake of prostate cancer screening among men aged 40–69 years in a rural community in Kenya. Methods: We utilized an explorative qualitative design and purposive sampling to select participants. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) and seven in-depth interviews were conducted among 59 men aged 40–69 years and key informants in Kiambu County, Kenya. Data was collected using a semi-structured guide and content analysis was done. Results: The facilitators of screening included experience of symptoms, proximity and prominence of cancer, accessibility, and advocacy. The barriers to screening included lack of knowledge, fatalistic beliefs, low risk perception, stigma, and male dominance factors. Conclusion: This study provides vital information for the development of interventions to enhance shared decision-making in regard to PC screening. Capacity building of clinicians, task shifting and provision of well-coordinated affordable culturally sensitive screening services should be explored. The concerted effort among policy makers and all health care workers to overcome the stated barriers to screening is highly recommended.

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Barriers and Facilitators of Prostate Cancer Screening Among Filipino Men in Hawaii

Oncology Nursing Forum ◽

10.1188/11.onf.227-233 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 38 (2) ◽

pp. 227-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Francisco A. Conde ◽

Wendy Landier ◽

Dianne Ishida ◽

Rose Bell ◽

Charlene F. Cuaresma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Prostate Cancer Screening ◽

Barriers And Facilitators

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Prostate cancer awareness and screening among men in a rural community in Kenya: a cross-sectional study

African Journal of Urology ◽

10.1186/s12301-020-00108-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ruth Gathoni Mbugua ◽

Sherry Oluchina ◽

Simon Karanja

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Rural Community ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Prostate Cancer Screening ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Cancer Awareness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cancer Symptoms

Abstract Background Globally, prostate cancer ranks as the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among men with the highest mortality rates being in Asia and Africa. The screening rates have been very low among men from developing countries with the majority presenting in advanced stages of the disease. The study aimed to assess the awareness of prostate cancer and screening among men aged 40–69 years in a rural community in Kenya. Methods This cross-sectional mixed-method survey was conducted among men aged 40–69 years. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire among 576 men and a Focus Group Discussion guide among 44 men. The study was conducted in all the community units in Gatundu North and Kiambu Sub-counties, Kenya. Results Five hundred and seventy-six men participated with a response rate of 100%. Of the men interviewed, 84% had ever heard of prostate cancer. Slightly below half (40.6%) of the respondents had ever heard of prostate cancer screening. There was the existence of myths and misconceptions which predominantly associated prostate cancer with sexual behaviors. Overall, 57.3% of the respondents had a low level of awareness of prostate cancer. The prevalence of prostate cancer screening was 5%. Willingness to undergo screening in the future was high (81%) among the participants. The most frequently cited (56.9%) reason for lack of willingness to screen was the participant’s belief that they were well. Participants who were aware of prostate cancer screening were more likely to take up screening (OR = 8.472; 95% CI: 1.554- 46.186; P = 0.014). Conclusion Awareness of prostate cancer symptoms, treatment, and screening was low with the existence of myths and misconceptions. The level of prostate cancer screening was abysmally low. It is vital for the Ministry of Health, county governments, and other stakeholders to consider the use of multifaceted approaches to increase public awareness on prostate cancer to enhance informed shared decision making. The study provides relevant information for designing prevention and control programs for prostate cancer.

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