The effect of testicular cancer and testicular self-examination on knowledge, attitude and health beliefs in university students in Turkey

Abstract

PurposeThis research was planned and applied as a descriptive study in order to determine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self-examination (TSE) of male students who receiving health education.Design/methodology/approachThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2019 with male students. Early diagnosis of TC is quite important in terms of prognosis of the disease. The data were collected by using the questionnaire prepared by the researchers in accordance with the literature and the Turkish version of health belief model scale (HBMS) for TSE. The data were analyzed by number, percentage, mean and standard deviation and t test.FindingsTSE HBMS, it was observed that the mean score of susceptibility subscale was 11.23 ± 3.73, the mean score of seriousness subscale was 28.20 ± 7.66, the mean score of benefit subscale was 21.57 ± 5.90, the mean score of the barriers subscale was 22.74 ± 5.16, the mean score of self-efficacy subscale was 9.91 ± 3.13 and the mean score of the health motivation subscale was 8.92 ± 2.84.Originality/valueThere was a statistically significant relationship between having heard of TC and health motivation (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between the knowledge of TC and self-efficacy and health motivation (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between self-efficacy and TSE performing status (p < 0.05). There was also a significant relationship between the desire to obtain information about TSE and seriousness, barriers, self-efficacy and health motivation (p < 0.05). It was determined that majority of university students did not have any information about TC and TSE.

Perceptions of Male Nursing Students Towards Testicular Self-Examination in Punjab Province, Pakistan

“…There is negative perception about TSE due to feelings of shame and guilt; that is the red sign towards testicular neoplasm. 2 Data on teenage males is scarce in industrialized nations, and even more so in poor ones, when it comes to TSE. 14 Breast self-examination has obtained good perception among women, while men's good perception of TSE is still lacking.…”

“…1 The testicles are inner genital structures that produce spermatozoa; the male reproductive cells. 2 Whenever cells in a testis mutate and expand uncontrolled, a tumor forms. Testicular self-examination (TSE) is a process that examines the consistency and appearance of testicles.…”

“…The most common testicular tumor symptoms are dull soreness in the scrotum, swelling without discomfort, as well as a sense of weight gain. 2 To guarantee early detection, the males must examine the testes for any lumps, as well as any variations in size, shape or consistency. Importance of TSE is highlighted by the fact that early discovery and treatment results in cure.…”

“…Lack of interest in the test due to feelings of shame and guilt, as well as delays in seeing a doctor are some of the red signs towards it. 2 Poland's education policymakers have encouraged expanding TSE education in high schools for a better perception. Modules and instructional approaches for cancer prevention should also be implemented.…”

“…More emphasis needs to be placed on medical science students' educational courses. 2 Breast selfexamination has obtained good perception among women, while men's better perception of TSE is still lacking. 9…”