AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS AND HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN IMO STATE
Among older men, prostate cancer is a main contributor to morbidity and death. This study evaluated patients with prostate cancer in particular tertiary hospitals in Imo State, Nigeria, regarding awareness and healthcare difficulties. With a sample size of 261, sociodemographic and socioeconomic da...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Faculty of Biosciences
2025-07-01
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| Series: | The Bioscientist |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://bioscientistjournal.com/index.php/The_Bioscientist/article/view/184 |
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| Summary: | Among older men, prostate cancer is a main contributor to morbidity and death. This study evaluated patients with prostate cancer in particular tertiary hospitals in Imo State, Nigeria, regarding awareness and healthcare difficulties. With a sample size of 261, sociodemographic and socioeconomic data were gathered using a hospital-based, cross-sectional, and descriptive survey involving structured questionnaires. Analysis proceeded using descriptive statistics, with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0 employed. Findings from the results show that most participants, 104(39.8%), were between the ages of 60 and 69; 244(93.5%) were married; 141(54.0%) had tertiary education, indicating a high level of education. Only 24(9.2%) had high awareness, while 240(92.0%) had heard of prostate cancer, and 216(82.8%) identified the PSA test. It was also seen that the distance to facilities and the financial burden of 200 (76.6%) were the main obstacles to healthcare. While difficulties in obtaining care were associated with occupation, income, and housing, awareness was much associated with age, marital status, and education (P < 0.05). Though the general awareness level was moderate at 66%, in-depth knowledge was limited. Cost and geographic accessibility are two major obstacles to care that still prevent efficient management. These results highlight the need for focused awareness campaigns, care subsidies, and better health facilities, particularly for Imo State's elderly and low-income communities.
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| ISSN: | 2630-7103 2630-7111 |