Knowledge and behavioural intent to conduct testicular selfexamination (TSE) among university students in South Africa

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and behavioural intent of university students to conduct testicular self-examination (TSE). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1300 first year male and female university students to determine their knowledge, perceptions and behavioural intent to conduct a TSE. The questionnaire examined knowledge of TSE, risk factors, perception of risk to testicular cancer (TC) for males and for male friends and siblings of female respondents. Knowledge of TSE was generally low among male students with only 24.6 (n = 247) of the males saying they knew what one looks for during a TSE . Knowledge of what to look for during a TSE was very poor with only 8.2 looking for lumps, 7.1 for swelling and 1.9 for sensitivity and pain when they conduct a TSE. About 7.5 did not know what to look for when they perform a TSE. Sources of information about TSE were doctor (47.1 ), sibling (1.6 ), books or internet (36.8 ) or other sources (14.7 ). An overwhelming 84.5 (n = 692) of respondents would like to know more about TSE. Interestingly, more females (53.2 ) than males (46.8 ) wanted more knowledge about TSE. Although 73.1 of males said they have never performed a TSE before, 26.9 said they have performed a TSE. There was a positive intent to perform TSE in the next month by 63.1 of respondents. It can be concluded thaI there is need for health promotion materials focusing on TSE targeted at university students. In addition, simple straightforward information should also be provided on how a TSE should be performed, how frequently it should be done and what to look for.