Evaluation of Training Program for Nursing Students on Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination

Abstract

Background: Testicular self-examination (TSE) is one of the most effective ways for the early detection of testicular cancer. The Medical Association and American Urological Association recommend raising the awareness of TSE and educating the public in this regard for early diagnosis. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the training given to nursing students for testicular cancer and TSE on the knowledge levels of the students. Methods: The current single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was carried out on the students continuing their education and training in the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university in Turkey within 2018 and 2019 (n=83). No sample selection was made for the determination of the study subjects (n=56). The research data were collected using a questionnaire. The data were evaluated by appropriate statistical methods, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The students participating in the study were within the age range of 20-26 years. In addition, 51.8% of the study subjects were male. Moreover, 58.9% of the students in the study stated that they did not receive any training for testicular cancer and TSE. Furthermore, 80.4% of the male students did not perform TSE 43.6% of whom reported that they did not know how to do it. However, the mean test scores of the participants for testicular cancer and TSE were reported as 12.84 and 15.73 prior to and after the training, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Nevertheless, the rate of TSE among the students was previously reported as 19.6% and increased to 100% after the training. Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that the participants, even with an ordinary awareness-raising campaign, could be informed about testicular cancer and TSE. It is recommended to raise the awareness of society in this regard through well-planned educational activities.