Abstract:
Background: Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, particularly in underserved regions where healthcare resources are limited. It is the leading male cancer in Rwanda. Despite this there is limited study done on prevalence and associated factors of prostate cancer in Rwanda. Therefore, to conduct this study in Ngoma district elucidate the prevalence as well as risk factors of prostate cancer among men aged 40 and above in a rural area of Rwanda. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used to investigate prostate cancer prevalence, also risk factors. Data from 315 men participants systematically selected in the Remera Sector in Ngoma district. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. The outcome variable was measured using prostate-specific antigen levels (PSA). There were univariate, bivariate (chi-squared test), and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses. The significance level was set to 0.05.
Results: In this study, 315 participants were examined. The majority (64.44%) fell in the 40 to 59 age category, and most were married (89.84%). Education level was predominantly primary education 72.38%. Agriculture was the predominant occupation (50.48%). The prevalence of prostate cancer was 4.76% among men aged 40 years and above. Regarding to prostate cancer awareness, most (82.54%) had high level of awareness. After running multivariable logistic regression, smoking and the presence of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension and others) were significant risk factors for prostate cancer. Smokers were significantly 6.67 times higher to get prostate cancer (aOR = 6.668, CI: 1.129 - 39.38, p = 0.036) and those with Chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension and others) were 9.57 times more likely to develop prostate cancer (aOR = 9.572, CI: 1.762 - 51.99, p = 0.009).
Conclusion: The study's prevalence findings indicate a 4.76% prevalence rate of prostate cancer among men aged 40 and above in Ngoma District. It emphasizes the significant impact of smoking and concurrent health conditions as notable risk factors for prostate cancer. These results align with existing research, highlighting the complexity of prostate cancer.
