KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTANCE OF PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING AMONG MIDDLE-AGED MEN IN OKE-ILA COMMUNITY, OSUN STATE

Prostate cancer screening is a crucial preventative measure for early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. This research assessed the knowledge and acceptance of prostate cancer screening among middle-aged men in Oke-Ila community, Osun State. A structured questionnaire was administered to 350 respondents. Data were analysed using Statistical Product of Services Solution (SPSS) Version 25. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentage) was used to answer the research questions and inferential statistics (Chi- Square) was used to test the hypothesis. The study revealed that majority of respondents 157 (49.1%) were aged 31-40 years, Christians 237 (74.1%), Yoruba 235 (73.4%), 262 (81.9%) were married, 208 (65.0%) had tertiary education, 287 (89.7%) earned between 51,000 and 100,000 Naira and 47 (14.7%) reported having a family history of prostate cancer. The study found that the majority of respondents had average knowledge 221 (69.1%) and poor acceptance levels of prostate cancer screening 193 (60.3%). Significant factors identified included lack of awareness, perceived high cost, fear of the screening process, and cultural stigmas. There was significant relationship between knowledge and acceptance of prostate cancer screening with (p = 0.000) and also relationship between factors associated and acceptance of prostate cancer screening with (p = 0.001). In conclusion, poor acceptance of prostate cancer screening is largely due to negative perceptions, lack of awareness, fear, and perceived costs. Addressing these barriers through education, increased accessibility, and supportive healthcare policies could significantly enhance screening uptake and early diagnosis, improving overall health outcomes and reducing rate of prostate cancer.