Knowledge and attitude of physicians towards prostate cancer screening in Baghdad

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is a significant health concern for men worldwide, ranking as the second most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among this population. This study examines Baghdad doctors' prostate cancer screening knowledge and attitudes. Assess the relationship between certain parameters and medical expertise and position. Method: A cross-sectional study of 100 physicians from Al-Yarmouk and Al-Kadhimya teaching hospitals from January to December 2023. All doctors inquired about: Age groupings, Gender, education (Bachelors, diploma, board), and experience. The 20-question physician knowledge test provides positive answers 2 and negative answers 0, while I don't know gives 1. The knowledge score is: 16 (bad), 17-28 (average), 28+ (good). Physicians' attitudes examined by 4 questions. Results: The study shows that 70% of doctors under 40 and 72% male, with 52% holding a Bachelor's and 41% a board degree. Sixty percent have good knowledge of prostate cancer screening, with significant correlations between knowledge and both academic degree and experience, but not with age or gender. Attitude towards screening does not significantly vary with sociodemographic factors. Conclusion: The study shows that doctors' prostate cancer screening expertise differs, with more academic credentials and experience correlating to better understanding. No significant connection was discovered between doctors' age or gender and screening knowledge or attitudes. This emphasises the need for targeted educational programmes to improve cancer screening knowledge and attitudes across all medical demographics and professional groups.