Beliefs and Practices of Active Duty Air Force Males Related to Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination

摘要

Testicular cancer is the most common neoplasm found in men between the ages of 15 and 35, with an incidence that has nearly doubled over the last 20 years. Previous studies in the United States and Europe suggests that there is a limited awareness of testicular cancer and an even more limited practice of testicular self-examination. The purpose of this research was to investigate the beliefs and practices of active duty Air Force males related to testicular cancer and testicular self-examination. This study used a descriptive design to examine concepts from the health belief model and social cognitive theory that have been predictive of self-care and prevention behaviors. A nonrandom convenience sample of 100 men was taken from the active duty Air Force population assigned to a large Air Force facility in the eastern section of the United States. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from Champion's tool measuring variables related to breast self-examination. The findings of this study revealed that an overwhelming number of men had never practiced testicular self-examination. The vast majority of participants also indicated that no specific barriers existed to impede its practice.