Unmasking Elevated PSA: Prevalence and Modifiable Risk Factors in Men Aged ≥ 40 Years Attending Kabutare District...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Prostate cancer screening is crucial for early detection.
• Understanding PSA elevation prevalence and risk factors in diverse populations is vital.
• Rwandan men aged 40+ represent an understudied demographic for prostate health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (> 4.0 ng/mL) in asymptomatic Rwandan men aged 40 years and above.
• To identify sociodemographic and modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with elevated PSA in this population.
• To inform public health strategies for prostate cancer early detection in Rwanda.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 136 asymptomatic Rwandan men aged ≥ 40 years.
• Data collection included structured interviews for lifestyle and anthropometric factors.
• Serum total PSA levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; elevated PSA defined as > 4.0 ng/mL.

Main Results:

• Elevated PSA was detected in 14% of the study participants.
• Significant associations were found between elevated PSA and BMI category (p < 0.001), smoking status (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p < 0.001), sexual activity frequency (p = 0.018), and occupation (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of elevated PSA in asymptomatic Rwandan men aligns with global trends in Black populations.
• Underweight status, occupational exposures, and alcohol use are identified as significant contributing factors.
• Findings underscore the necessity for tailored screening programs and community interventions to enhance early prostate cancer detection in Rwanda.