INFORMATION NEEDS OF MEN FOR EARLY DETECTION OF PROSTATE CANCER IN IDEMILI-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The research is a study of information needs of men for early detection of prostate cancer. This study adopted descriptive survey research design. The sample for the study comprised two hundred (200) men drawn from ten Catholic Churches in ten towns of Idemili-North, Anambra State. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using percentages and mean ratings. The major findings include that men have a serious need for information on early detection measures, particularly on knowledge of possible warning signs of prostate cancer. Men access information on prostate cancer mainly through television programmes and health centres. Men prefer certain media for effective propagation of prostate cancer such as Health centres, Town hall meetings, church meetings and men's group meetings. The hindrance factors on access to prostate cancer information are all related to absence of functional library services as well as lack of adequate information mechanisms. The study recommends that the government should make prostate cancer information propagation an enforceable integral part of the healthcare delivery system as well as set up awareness campaign committee to strategically implement it.