ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS SCREENING FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH) AMONG MALE PATIENTS (AGED 40-80YEARS) ATTENDING SPECIALTY CLINICS AT UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI TEACHING HOSPITAL, BORNO STATE

This research project focuses on assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards screening for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) among male patients aged 40 to 80 years attending specialty clinics at UMTH. BPH is a prevalent condition affecting men, and early detection through screening plays a crucial role in timely intervention and improved health outcomes. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards BPH screening, as well as to determine the specific level of knowledge about BPH among male patients attending specialty clinics. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out using a pretested, semi-structured interviewer questionnaire. The sample size was 422. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents from different specialty clinics at UMTH. Data were collected and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences-SPSS version 23.0. Data were presented using frequency tables. The research revealed that male patients attending specialty clinics at UMTH exhibited a poor level of knowledge concerning BPH, as only 31% of the respondents demonstrated adequate awareness. There is lack of knowledge regarding BPH screening, with 94% of respondents having poor awareness. A negative attitude towards BPH is widespread among 71.3% of the respondents. The respondents have a poor perception of BPH, with 72.6% holding this view. This study has shown that the male population in the study area had poor knowledge of BPH and its screening modalities, more than two-third had negative attitude and poor perception of the condition. The findings from this research project will provide valuable insights into the current level of knowledge and awareness of BPH among the target demographic. There is need for the federal government through the state and local government, to create awareness programs on BPH and its complications among the populace through mass media, health campaigns, health talks etc.