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: I. L. Okoro, U. W. Dozie, F. C. Uzoma, C. B. Izuchukwu, G. Iwuoha, S. M. Orji
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Faculty of Biosciences 2025-07-01
Series:The Bioscientist
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Online Access:http://bioscientistjournal.com/index.php/The_Bioscientist/article/view/184
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author I. L. Okoro
U. W. Dozie
F. C. Uzoma
C. B. Izuchukwu
G. Iwuoha
S. M. Orji
author_facet I. L. Okoro
U. W. Dozie
F. C. Uzoma
C. B. Izuchukwu
G. Iwuoha
S. M. Orji
author_sort I. L. Okoro
collection DOAJ
description 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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spelling doaj-art-e583e737498a4bcc96db8cd4ac791aee2025-08-20T02:39:37ZengFaculty of BiosciencesThe Bioscientist2630-71032630-71112025-07-0113110.54117/the_bioscientist.v13i1.184AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS AND HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN IMO STATEI. L. OkoroU. W. DozieF. C. UzomaC. B. IzuchukwuG. IwuohaS. M. Orji 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. http://bioscientistjournal.com/index.php/The_Bioscientist/article/view/184Prostate cancerawarenesshealthcare barriersPSA testNigeriasocioeconomic factors
spellingShingle I. L. Okoro
U. W. Dozie
F. C. Uzoma
C. B. Izuchukwu
G. Iwuoha
S. M. Orji
AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS AND HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN IMO STATE
The Bioscientist
Prostate cancer
awareness
healthcare barriers
PSA test
Nigeria
socioeconomic factors
title AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS AND HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN IMO STATE
title_full AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS AND HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN IMO STATE
title_fullStr AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS AND HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN IMO STATE
title_full_unstemmed AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS AND HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN IMO STATE
title_short AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS AND HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN IMO STATE
title_sort assessment of awareness levels and healthcare challenges among prostate cancer patients in selected tertiary hospitals in imo state
topic Prostate cancer
awareness
healthcare barriers
PSA test
Nigeria
socioeconomic factors
url http://bioscientistjournal.com/index.php/The_Bioscientist/article/view/184
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