Investigating the factors that affect the knowledge level regarding prostate cancer screenings

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge level regarding prostate cancer screenings and to examine the related factors. Material and methods: The data of this cross-sectional study were collected in 2011. Data were collected from 243 individuals who were aged 60 and above in two family health centers in the province of Kars. Personal information forms and a knowledge test of prostate cancer screenings were used for data collection. Results: The average age of the participants was 67.61 +/- 5.96 years, and the mean knowledge score was 4.85 +/- 2.38. The knowledge level of prostate cancer screenings was found to be higher in individuals who are high school and higher education graduates, have health insurance, have previously had their PSA levels measured and with family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was determined that other variables did not affect the participants' knowledge level. Conclusion: No individual in this study received a perfect score on the knowledge test. Furthermore, the overall mean score on the knowledge test was lower than previous studies. Interventional studies aimed at increasing the knowledge level may helpful.