Knowledge about male pelvis anatomy and prostate cancer in men.

Abstract

Educational actions are recommended to stimulate behavioural changes based on healthy lifestyle habits about prostate cancer. The educational actions require methodologies that evaluate scientific knowledge and behaviours related to health. The aims of this study were to propose standards of evaluation to theoretical and practical knowledge about male anatomy, preventive attitudes, and cancer screening methods we applied questionnaires to verify knowledge about pelvic anatomy and prostate cancer issues. We use an anatomical model to analyse practical knowledge. Our results show that part of the men does not know important male anatomy concepts. We found that 68% was unaware of the relationship between the prostate and the urethra and 74% was unaware of prostate and rectum correlation. However men who had satisfactory theoretical anatomical knowledge were 1.3 times more likely to have satisfactory knowledge about prostate cancer. Our study suggests that educational investments in interventions are necessary to promote the dissemination of anatomical knowledge regarding the male pelvis which will both raise awareness and ensure men of their autonomy. These interventions will allow men to be more active in their health-illness process, in their early diagnosis, and in their disease prevention.