{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,5]],"date-time":"2026-09-05T18:12:47Z","timestamp":1788631967888,"version":"build-2803163510"},"reference-count":32,"publisher":"Springer Science and Business Media LLC","issue":"5","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,17]],"date-time":"2025-07-17T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1752710400000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,17]],"date-time":"2025-07-17T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1752710400000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100001325","name":"Cancer Association of South Africa","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100001325","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]},{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100001343","name":"University of Pretoria","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100001343","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"crossref"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":["link.springer.com"],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,10]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Background<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Prostate cancer (PCa) awareness and knowledge among men in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, remain inadequately studied despite the high local burden of the disease. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, practices, cultural beliefs, and perceived risk of PCa among men aged 40 and above in selected villages under the Mphaphuli and Niani tribal authorities.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>A quantitative survey was conducted with 431 men, utilizing a questionnaire adapted from the African Women Awareness of Cancer (AWACAN) tool. The questionnaire, translated into Tshivenda, assessed socio-demographic data, awareness, knowledge of risk factors and symptoms, health-seeking behavior, and barriers to seeking medical help.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>The study revealed that 51.3% of participants had heard of PCa, while 48.7% had not. Awareness varied significantly with age, relationship status, education level, and language. Older men and those with higher education levels were more knowledgeable about PCa. Clinics, hospitals, and media were the primary sources of information. Misconceptions about risk factors were prevalent, with 24.0% of men indicating a preference for traditional healers for PCa symptoms. Barriers to medical help included fear of the disease, procedural fears, and cultural taboos. Multivariate analysis identified significant factors associated with PCa knowledge, including age, language, access to tap water, and cell phone ownership.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Conclusion<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>These findings underscore the importance of targeted educational interventions considering sociodemographic and cultural contexts. Future public health initiatives should focus on bridging the gap between traditional and modern medical practices to enhance health outcomes in the Vhembe District and similar settings.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1007\/s40615-025-02540-4","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,17]],"date-time":"2025-07-17T17:31:13Z","timestamp":1752773473000},"page":"3832-3843","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/springer_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Men\u2019s Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Cultural Beliefs, and Perceived Risk and Susceptibility Regarding Prostate Cancer in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa"],"prefix":"10.1007","volume":"13","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-0364-0068","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Sean Mark","family":"Patrick","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-3467-1043","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Joyce","family":"Shirinde","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-9857-4250","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Vhuli","family":"Obida","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0000-2765-7828","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Zazi","family":"Zikalala","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-4524-7280","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Vanessa","family":"Hayes","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-3975-2333","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Riana","family":"Bornman","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"297","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,17]]},"reference":[{"key":"2540_CR1","unstructured":"Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Pi\u00f1eros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F. Global cancer observatory: Cancer Today Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2024 Available from: https:\/\/gco.iarc.who.int\/today."},{"issue":"1","key":"2540_CR2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"74","DOI":"10.1186\/1471-2490-13-74","volume":"13","author":"EA Tindall","year":"2013","unstructured":"Tindall EA, Bornman MSR, van Zyl S, Segone AM, Monare LR, Venter PA, Hayes VM. Addressing the contribution of previously described genetic and epidemiological risk factors associated with increased prostate cancer risk and aggressive disease within men from South Africa. BMC Urol. 2013;13(1):74. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/1471-2490-13-74.","journal-title":"BMC Urol"},{"issue":"7927","key":"2540_CR3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"552","DOI":"10.1038\/s41586-022-05154-6","volume":"609","author":"W Jaratlerdsiri","year":"2022","unstructured":"Jaratlerdsiri W, Jiang J, Gong T, Patrick SM, Willet C, Chew T, Lyons RJ, Haynes A-M, Pasqualim G, Louw M, Kench JG, Campbell R, Horvath LG, Chan EKF, Wedge DC, Sadsad R, Brum IS, Mutambirwa SBA, Stricker PD, Bornman MSR, Hayes VM. African-specific molecular taxonomy of prostate cancer. Nature. 2022;609(7927):552\u20139. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41586-022-05154-6.","journal-title":"Nature"},{"key":"2540_CR4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Culp MB, Soerjomataram I, Efstathiou JA, Bray F, Jemal A. Recent global patterns in prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates. European Urology. 2020;77(1):38\u201352. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.eururo.2019.08.005.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.eururo.2019.08.005"},{"key":"2540_CR5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"James ND, Tannock I, N\u2019Dow J, Feng F, Gillessen S, Ali SA, Trujillo B, Al-Lazikani B, Attard G, Bray F, Comp\u00e9rat, Eeles R, Fatiregun O, Grist E, Halabi S, Haran \u00c1, Herchenhorn D, Hofman MS, Jalloh M, Loeb S, MacNair A, Mahal B, Mendes L, Moghul M, Moore C, Morgans A, Morris M, Murphy D, Murthy V, Nguyen PL, Padhani A, Parker C, Rush H, Sculpher M, Soule H, Sydes MR, Tilki D, Tunariu N, Villanti P, Xie L-P. The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer: planning for the surge in cases. The Lancet. 2024;403(10437):1683\u2013722. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S0140-6736(24)00651-2.","DOI":"10.1016\/S0140-6736(24)00651-2"},{"issue":"1","key":"2540_CR6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1002\/ctm2.1142","volume":"13","author":"VM Hayes","year":"2023","unstructured":"Hayes VM, Gong T, Mutambirwa SBA, Jaratlerdsiri W, Bornman MSR. African inclusion in prostate cancer genomic studies provides the first glimpses into addressing health disparities through tailored clinical care. Clin Transl Med. 2023;13(1): e1142. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/ctm2.1142.","journal-title":"Clin Transl Med"},{"key":"2540_CR7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Hayes VM, Patrick SM, Shirinde J, Jaratlerdsiri W, Nenzhelele M, Radzuma MB, Gheybi K, Mokua W, Oyaro MO, Moreira DM, Madueke IC, Mutambirwa SBA, Prins GS, Ngugi MP, Bornman MSR. Health equity research outcomes and improvement consortium prostate cancer health precision Africa1K: closing the health equity gap through rural community inclusion. J Urol Oncol. 2024;22(2):144\u20139. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.22465\/juo.244800340017.","DOI":"10.22465\/juo.244800340017"},{"key":"2540_CR8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Baratedi WM, Tshiamo WB, Mogobe KD, McFarland DM. Barriers to prostate cancer screening by men in Sub-Saharan Africa: an integrated review. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2020;52(1):85\u201394. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/jnu.12529.","DOI":"10.1111\/jnu.12529"},{"issue":"3","key":"2540_CR9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"521","DOI":"10.1007\/s13187-013-0496-7","volume":"28","author":"CA Befort","year":"2013","unstructured":"Befort CA, Nazir N, Engelman K, Choi W. Fatalistic cancer beliefs and information sources among rural and urban adults in the USA. J Cancer Educ. 2013;28(3):521\u20136. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s13187-013-0496-7.","journal-title":"J Cancer Educ"},{"key":"2540_CR10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1200\/jgo.2016.008862","volume":"4","author":"VM Hayes","year":"2018","unstructured":"Hayes VM, Bornman MSR. Prostate cancer in Southern Africa: does Africa hold untapped potential to add value to the current understanding of a common disease? J Glob Oncol. 2018;4:1\u20137. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1200\/jgo.2016.008862.>","journal-title":"J Glob Oncol"},{"key":"2540_CR11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Mndzebele SL, Mogale JW. Prostate cancer awareness and screening behaviour among men in Gauteng Province, South Africa: utilization of primary health care services. African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance. 2015;21(sup-2):296\u2013305. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.10520\/EJC184405.","DOI":"10.10520\/EJC184405"},{"issue":"2","key":"2540_CR12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"83","DOI":"10.1002\/pon.4506","volume":"27","author":"M Saab","year":"2017","unstructured":"Saab M, Reidy M, Hegarty J, O\u2019Mahony M, Murphy M, von Wagner C, Drummond F. Men\u2019s information-seeking behaviour regarding cancer risk and screening: a meta-narrative systematic review. Psychooncology. 2017;27(2):83. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/pon.4506.","journal-title":"Psychooncology"},{"key":"2540_CR13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Maladze N, Maphula A, Maluleke M, Makhado L. Knowledge and attitudes towards prostate cancer and screening among males in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(6). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijerph20065220.","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph20065220"},{"key":"2540_CR14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Nzombe L, Shirinde J, Patrick SM. Insights into prostate cancer awareness and perceptions among men in Tshwane. South African Medical Journal. 2024:e1307\u2013e. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7196\/SAMJ.2024.v114i6b.1307.","DOI":"10.7196\/SAMJ.2024.v114i6b.1307"},{"key":"2540_CR15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Benedict MOA, Steinberg WJ, Claassen FM, Mofolo N, van Rooyen C. Knowledge, attitude and practice on screening and early diagnosis of prostate cancer of primary health care providers in the Free State. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine. 2023;15(1):1\u201312. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/phcfm.v15i1.3688.","DOI":"10.4102\/phcfm.v15i1.3688"},{"key":"2540_CR16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Mwamba M, Lombe DC, Msadabwe S, Bond V, Simwinga M, Sentoogo Ssemata A, Muhumuza R, Seeley J, Mwaka AD, Aggarwal A. A narrative synthesis of literature on the barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical Oncology. 2023;35(9):e537-e48. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.clon.2023.05.011.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.clon.2023.05.011"},{"key":"2540_CR17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Iheanacho CO, Odili VU. A review of factors influencing the uptake of prostate cancer treatment in Nigeria. Journal of Cancer Policy. 2024;41:100487. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jcpo.2024.100487.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jcpo.2024.100487"},{"key":"2540_CR18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Omotoso O, Teibo JO, Atiba FA, Oladimeji T, Paimo OK, Ataya FS, Batiha GE-S, Alexiou A. Addressing cancer care inequities in sub-Saharan Africa: current challenges and proposed solutions. International Journal for Equity in Health. 2023;22(1):189. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12939-023-01962-y.","DOI":"10.1186\/s12939-023-01962-y"},{"issue":"5","key":"2540_CR19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"696","DOI":"10.1080\/13557858.2023.2174253","volume":"28","author":"AW Kim","year":"2023","unstructured":"Kim AW, Lambert M, Norris SA, Mendenhall E. Perceptions and experiences of prostate cancer patients in a public tertiary hospital in urban South Africa. Ethn Health. 2023;28(5):696\u2013711. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/13557858.2023.2174253.","journal-title":"Ethn Health"},{"issue":"8","key":"2540_CR20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0220545","volume":"14","author":"J Moodley","year":"2019","unstructured":"Moodley J, Scott SE, Mwaka AD, Constant D, Githaiga JN, Stewart TS, Payne A, Cairncross L, Somdyala NIM, Walter FM. Development and validation of the African Women Awareness of CANcer (AWACAN) tool for breast and cervical cancer. PLoS ONE. 2019;14(8): e0220545. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pone.0220545.","journal-title":"PLoS ONE"},{"key":"2540_CR21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Henry JD, Coundouris SP, Nangle MR. Breaking the links between ageism and health: an integrated perspective. Ageing Research Reviews. 2024;95:102212. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.arr.2024.102212.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.arr.2024.102212"},{"issue":"11","key":"2540_CR22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1997","DOI":"10.1002\/pon.6032","volume":"31","author":"N Gil","year":"2022","unstructured":"Gil N, Fisher A, Beeken RJ, Pini S, Miller N, Buck C, Lally P, Conway R. The role of partner support for health behaviours in people living with and beyond cancer: a qualitative study. Psychooncology. 2022;31(11):1997\u20132006. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/pon.6032.","journal-title":"Psychooncology"},{"issue":"1","key":"2540_CR23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"886","DOI":"10.1186\/s12913-023-09869-8","volume":"23","author":"SH Sharkiya","year":"2023","unstructured":"Sharkiya SH. Quality communication can improve patient-centred health outcomes among older patients: a rapid review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2023;23(1):886. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12913-023-09869-8.","journal-title":"BMC Health Serv Res"},{"issue":"1","key":"2540_CR24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1136\/bmjph-2023-000600","volume":"2","author":"C Meier","year":"2024","unstructured":"Meier C, Vilpert S, Wieczorek M, Borrat-Besson C, Jox RJ, Maurer J. End-of-life health literacy, knowledge and behaviours towards advance care planning among older adults: cross-sectional evidence from Switzerland. BMJ Public Health. 2024;2(1): e000600. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bmjph-2023-000600.","journal-title":"BMJ Public Health"},{"key":"2540_CR25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Nutbeam D, Lloyd JE. Understanding and responding to health literacy as a social determinant of health. Annual Review of Public Health. 2021;42(Volume 42, 2021):159\u201373. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev-publhealth-090419-102529.","DOI":"10.1146\/annurev-publhealth-090419-102529"},{"key":"2540_CR26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Udoudom U, Igiri A, George K, Aruku K. Promoting health education through effective communication for development. ALSYSTECH Journal of Education Technology. 2023;2:68\u201388. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.58578\/alsystech.v2i1.2399.","DOI":"10.58578\/alsystech.v2i1.2399"},{"issue":"7","key":"2540_CR27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"405","DOI":"10.1108\/JD-01-2022-0004","volume":"78","author":"M Ghorbanian Zolbin","year":"2022","unstructured":"Ghorbanian Zolbin M, Huvila I, Nikou S. Health literacy, health literacy interventions and decision-making: a systematic literature review. Journal of Documentation. 2022;78(7):405\u201328. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1108\/JD-01-2022-0004.","journal-title":"Journal of Documentation"},{"issue":"6","key":"2540_CR28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3233","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph19063233","volume":"19","author":"R Ohta","year":"2022","unstructured":"Ohta R, Ryu Y, Sano C. Older People\u2019s help-seeking behaviors in rural contexts: a systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(6):3233. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijerph19063233.","journal-title":"Int J Environ Res Public Health"},{"issue":"11","key":"2540_CR29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e1487","DOI":"10.1016\/S2214-109X(21)00438-1","volume":"9","author":"Y Boum","year":"2021","unstructured":"Boum Y, Kwedi-Nolna S, Haberer JE, Leke RRG. Traditional healers to improve access to quality health care in Africa. Lancet Glob Health. 2021;9(11):e1487\u20138. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S2214-109X(21)00438-1.","journal-title":"Lancet Glob Health"},{"key":"2540_CR30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Mutale W, Matenga T, Wagner R, Clemens E, Audet C. Integrating traditional healers into the health care system: challenges and opportunities in South Africa. Medical Journal of Zambia. 2021;47:305\u201312. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.55320\/mjz.47.4.124.","DOI":"10.55320\/mjz.47.4.124"},{"key":"2540_CR31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Lampiao F, Chisaka J, Clements C. Communication Between Traditional Medical Practitioners and Western Medical Professionals. Frontiers in Sociology. 2019;4. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fsoc.2019.00037.","DOI":"10.3389\/fsoc.2019.00037"},{"key":"2540_CR32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Kalula SZ, Blouws T. Older persons\u2019 knowledge of HIV and AIDS prevention in a province of South Africa. Afr J Prm Health Care Fam Med. 2024;16(1). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/phcfm.v16i1.4264.","DOI":"10.4102\/phcfm.v16i1.4264"}],"container-title":["Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/content\/pdf\/10.1007\/s40615-025-02540-4.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s40615-025-02540-4","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/content\/pdf\/10.1007\/s40615-025-02540-4.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,5]],"date-time":"2026-09-05T17:39:50Z","timestamp":1788629990000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/10.1007\/s40615-025-02540-4"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,17]]},"references-count":32,"journal-issue":{"issue":"5","published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,10]]}},"alternative-id":["2540"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s40615-025-02540-4","relation":{},"ISSN":["2197-3792","2196-8837"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2197-3792","type":"print"},{"value":"2196-8837","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,17]]},"assertion":[{"value":"4 December 2024","order":1,"name":"received","label":"Received","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"23 June 2025","order":2,"name":"revised","label":"Revised","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"25 June 2025","order":3,"name":"accepted","label":"Accepted","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"17 July 2025","order":4,"name":"first_online","label":"First Online","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"This study was approved by the University of Pretoria Research Ethics Committee (Ethics Number 831\/2020).","order":1,"name":"Ethics","label":"Ethics Approval","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}},{"value":"The authors declare no competing interests.\u2019","order":2,"name":"Ethics","label":"Competing Interests","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}}]}}