Prostate Cancer Screening Behavior Based on the Health Belief Model in Men Aged Over 40 Years

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men worldwide. The early detection of prostate cancer with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) increases the disease treatment in the early stages. Moreover, knowledge and screening for PSA for prostate cancer in men decreases the mortality rate. Objectives: The present study aimed to screen prostate cancer behaviors according to the Health Belief Model in Men Aged above 40 in Dezful. Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 120 male employees aged above 40 years working at the Dezful University of Medical Sciences in 2018. The participants were selected using a random cluster sampling method. Data collection tools were a researcher-made, three-section questionnaire with questions on demographic characteristics, awareness, Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs, and prostate cancer screening behaviors. Results: The participants’ mean age was 46.22 ± 4.56 years (ranging from 40 to 60 years). Total awareness of prostate cancer and screening behavior among men was acceptable (5.59 ± 4.13). The performance of PSA was 20.8%. There was no significant difference between the mean age and PSA (P = 0.39). In the logistic regression analysis, perceived sensitivity to prostate cancer yielded a psychological predictor of prostate cancer screening behaviors (OR = 0.92, P value = 0.01). Conclusions: The findings showed a relationship between perceived sensitivity and the frequency of PSA. Moreover, the participants’ poor knowledge and performance indicated an urgent need for formal training programs to promote their sensitivity to the significance of prostate cancer screening. Factors affecting prostate cancer screening behaviors should be included in these training programs.