Knowledge, beliefs and practices of university students regarding testicular cancer and testicular self-examination

Year 2020, Volume: 10 Issue: 3, 235 - 240, 29.09.2020

Seher Yurt , Rabia Sağlam , Hasibe Kadıoğlu

Abstract

Objective: Although seen rarely, testicular cancer remains to be
a public health problem as it is the most common cancer type in males aged
between 15 and 35 years. The aim of this study is to evaluate knowledge,
beliefs and practices of male university students regarding testicular cancer
and testicular self-examination.

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 681 first-year university
students between November and December 2016. The data were collected using a
Descriptive Form, Testicular Cancer Questionnaire and the Champion’s Health
Belief Model Scale (HBMS).

Results: It was found that 91% of the students had no previous knowledge on
testicular cancer, 88.3% had never heard of Testicular Self-Examination (TSE).
Most of the students stated that they obtained information on testicular cancer
and TSE from the internet. Students were found to have moderate level of
perceived benefit, susceptibility, barrier, motivation/seriousness and
self-efficacy with respect to testicular cancer and TSE.

Conclusion: As a result of this research, it was found that university
students lacked sufficient knowledge on testicular cancer and TSE. In order to
improve the level of knowledge on testicular cancer and TSE, health
professionals may provide trainings at universities, awareness may be raised
among university students through elective courses and information may be
disseminated via mass media.

Keywords

Testicular Neoplasms, Men’s Health, students

Supporting Institution

Maltepe University

Project Number

M.Ü.BAP/001/2016

Thanks

We would like to thank all students for their participation in the study.

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