Increasing testicular self-examination practices in male college students

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> A significant number of males attending colleges and universities in the United States have limited or no current knowledge of testicular cancer and screening practices (Tosun, Gul, &amp; Arikan, 2020).&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Problem:</strong> Lack of knowledge of testicular cancer and practice of testicular self-examinations.</p> <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The evidence-based health promotion project aimed to increase testicular self-examination practices in male college students and increase their knowledge of testicular cancer.</p> <p><strong>Theoretical Model(s):</strong> Pender&rsquo;s Health Promotion Model and the Model for Evidence-Based Practice Change.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> Surveys were modified with approval from the Center for Advocacy for Cancer of the Testes International containing basic questions about testicular cancer and testicular self-examinations. After male college students completed a pre-interventional survey, an educational intervention was executed explaining signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and incidence of testicular cancer.</p> <p><strong>Outcomes:</strong> Data was analyzed using the 2 tailed t-tests analysis tool in Excel. The sample size consisted of 10 male college student volunteer participants (n=10). De-identified results from the pre-interventional survey displayed a lack of knowledge of testicular cancer and how/when to perform testicular self-examinations. Immediately after the educational intervention and implementation of the Ball Checker&copy; application, pre- and post-interventional survey comparative quantitative data analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in knowledge of testicular cancer signs and symptoms&nbsp;(p=0.43) and common causes of testicular cancer (p=0.43). Qualitative findings revealed most participants did not have any previous testicular self-exam training.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The initiated educational intervention along with the Ball Checker&copy; reminder mobile application did increase the knowledge of testicular cancer and the practice of males performing testicular self-examinations. Testicular self-examination educational programs can be implemented in schools, colleges, and male prominent businesses to promote testicular self-examination practices and increase knowledge of testicular cancer.</p>