KNOWLEDGE ON PROSTATE HEALTH AND FOOD CHOICES AMONG GHANAIAN MEN

Abstract

Prostate disorder is a major public health problem prevailing among men worldwide. In Ghana the prevalence is on the increase. This study examined the knowledge of Ghanaian men on prostate health and its influence on food choices. The study was multistage cross-sectional and involved 894men aged 40 years and above who resided in Greater Accra, Bono and Northern Regions of Ghana. It employed a structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographics, knowledge on prostate health and consumption of foods associated with prostate health. Fruits and vegetables were defined in the study as protective foods. Alcohol, meat and meat products were considered as high-risk foods. Knowledge scores were added up to give the marks scored by respondents on their knowledge on prostate health. The Pearson’s Chisquare test (x2) and binary logistic regression analysis were used to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on prostate health and food choices. More than half of the participants had high knowledge on prostate health; respondents with a secondary education [AOR (adjusted odds ratio) = 1.664, p = 0.049], family history of prostate disorders (AOR = 1.973, p <0.001) and ever been diagnosed of prostate disorder (AOR = 2.736, p = 0.002) were at least 1.7 times more likely to have knowledge on prostate health. About three quarters of respondents consumed higher amounts of protective foods whiles 86.4% consumed lower amounts of high-risk foods. Respondents with high knowledge on prostate health were 1.4 times (AOR = 1.436, p<0.047) more likely to consume protective foods and 49% (AOR = 0.513, p = 0.002) less likely to consume high-risk foods. Interventions by various health institutions to encourage healthy food choices should include strategies that focus on prostate health.