PERCEPTIONS OF MALE NURSING STUDENTS TOWARDS TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION IN PUNJAB PROVINCE, PAKISTAN

Background: Testicular Self Examination (TSE) is a process that examines the consistency and appearance of testis. It is a quick, painless process that takes just three minutes to perform for detecting testicular cancer (TC) in its early stages. Testicular cancer is a significant public health problem, since its incidence rates have steadily climbed globally in, making it the most frequent cancer in men. Objectives: Assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices about Testicular Self-Examination and Testicular Cancer in Male Nursing Students is the objective of this study. Material and Method: A cross sectional study using voluntary sampling technique was used, including four nursing institutes: Lahore School of Nursing, Shalamar Nursing College, Multan College of Nursing and Shahida Islam Nursing College. Results: The knowledge of the participants was poor, the attitude of the participants was negative and unfavorable and the practices of the participants were unsatisfactory regarding Testicular Self Examination and Testicular Cancer among sampled BSN male undergraduate nursing institutes students. Conclusions: The lack of awareness about Testicular Self Examination and Testicular Cancer, as well as the ability to inspect the testicles, were the main reasons for not completing Testicular Self Examination. Improving the dissemination of information will assist to reduce the number of patients who present with advanced stages of Testicular Cancer and the costs associated with their treatment.