Adolescent student's compliance with testicular self examination

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Health Education

Background:

• Adolescent males often lack knowledge regarding testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self-examination (TSE).
• Early detection of TC is crucial, and TSE is a key method for this.
• Limited physician involvement in teaching TSE necessitates educational interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a health education program on adolescent males' knowledge and attitudes toward TC.
• To evaluate the impact of educational materials and physician lectures on monthly TSE performance.
• To determine the role of primary physicians in promoting TSE among male students.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire assessed knowledge and attitudes of 127 male students (mean age 16.14) regarding TC and TSE.
• Participants received written materials and a physician's lecture on TC and TSE.
• Knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported TSE frequency were measured before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• Initially, only 2.4% of students knew TC symptoms, and many were unsure about self-diagnosis.
• Following the educational intervention, 87.5% of students reported performing monthly TSE (P < 0.001).
• Less than 4.7% reported being taught TSE by a physician, despite 20.3% having recent physical exams.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive health education program significantly improves TC knowledge and TSE practice in adolescent males.
• Physician education and engagement are vital for increasing TC awareness and promoting regular TSE.
• Targeted interventions are needed to ensure adolescent males are adequately informed about testicular cancer and self-examination techniques.