Effect of Perceived Self-Vulnerability on Prostate Cancer Screening Uptake and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study of Public Health Facilities in Western Kenya

BACKGROUND: Perceived self-vulnerability to prostate cancer is known to influence screening uptake among men in the general population. However, knowledge gap persists on the influence of perceived self-vulnerability to prostate cancer on uptake of screening among male health workers; a demographic that has health insurance and is assumed to have knowledge of screening services for prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of perceived self-vulnerability to prostate cancer on screening uptake among male health workers in Kisumu County, western Kenya. METHODS: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical design. A modified self-administered questionnaire on self-vulnerability was issued to 197 male health workers who were randomly sampled from a study population of 336 eligible participants. The study was conducted at purposively selected public health facilities. FINDINGS: Level of self-reported screening uptake was 27%. Rural residence (AOR = 0.71: 95% CI, 0.32–1.57, p = 0.019), education level (AOR = 5.01; 95% CI, 1.2–20.86, p = 0.027), participant’s lack of knowledge about screening services covered by health insurance schemes of which they are members (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI, 0.08–0.5, p = 0.001), good perception of health status (AOR = 4; 95% CI: 1.52–10.53, p = 005) were determinants of screening uptake for prostate cancer. Perceived self-vulnerability to prostate cancer didn’t influence screening uptake of participants (p < 0.05). Participants from rural set-up had a higher likelihood of perceiving themselves to be at risk of prostate cancer (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI, 1.17–4.72, p < 0.05) compared to those form urban settings. Old age of 60 years and above (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 0.3–40.98, p < 0.002) was predictive of perceived self-vulnerability. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study showed low uptake of screening and low perceived self-vulnerability to prostate cancer. Perceived self-vulnerability did not influence screening uptake for prostate cancer. Screening knowledge of prostate cancer as covered by health insurance, good perception of health status and level of education should be integrated in screening programs that are individualized on the basis of personal preferences and informed decision making regarding the uncertainty of benefit and the associated harms of screening.