Nursing Students' Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs About Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination

Abstract

What are the levels of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of nursing students regarding testicular cancer and testicular self-examination (TSE)? Is there a significant difference between male and female nursing students in terms of their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about testicular cancer and TSE? Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting young men, yet awareness and knowledge about the disease and early detection methods, such as TSE, remain insufficient among men. Nurses play a critical role in raising awareness and addressing gaps in knowledge about testicular cancer and TSE. This study aims to assess nursing students' knowledge, attitudes and health beliefs concerning testicular cancer and TSE, as well as the factors influencing these outcomes. Nursing students are the future of the nursing profession, and it is essential to address any gaps in their knowledge during their training to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles in patient education and care. This study employed a descriptive, correlational and multicentred design. The sample consisted of 524 nursing students. The inclusion criteria were being enrolled in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of a nursing program. Data were collected through an online survey using Google Forms. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-squared tests, independent t-tests, correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression to examine the relationships between the variables. The study revealed that both female and male nursing students had low average knowledge scores concerning testicular cancer and TSE. However, a significant gender difference was observed in previous awareness of testicular cancer, with females demonstrating higher levels of awareness compared to their male counterparts. Among the independent variables included in the model, perceived benefits and health motivation had a significant positive effect on male students' knowledge about testicular cancer (beta = 0.039, p = 0.018), while perceived barriers had a significant negative effect (beta = -0.064, p = 0.002). These variables were statistically significant predictors of male students' knowledge about testicular cancer. The study determined that nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding testicular cancer and TSE were low. Among the subscales of the Health Beliefs Scale, the highest mean score was observed for the 'seriousness' subscale, while the lowest was for the 'health motivation' subscale. Due to the structure of the scale, it was only applicable to male students, which prevented the assessment of female students' beliefs and influencing factors, representing a significant limitation of this research. To ensure nursing students graduate with sufficient knowledge about testicular cancer and TSE, it is recommended to integrate educational and awareness initiatives, such as projects, seminars and public service announcements, into undergraduate nursing curricula.