Creencias respecto al examen dígito rectal como método diagnóstico predictivo del cáncer de próstata. Azogues, 2020.

Abstract

Background: The digital rectal exam is one of the methods of diagnosing prostate cancer. This procedure is usually performed on men over 40 years old. The application of the DRE has been affected by personal and sociocultural beliefs. Objective: To determine the beliefs regarding digital rectal examamination as a predictive diagnostic method for prostate cancer. Methodology: A study was carried out with a qualitative approach based on grounded theory on a sample of 10 men over 30 years of age who attended a medical consultation at the Luis Cordero Health Center. The interviews sought the principle of information saturation. The data with their respective codification were transcribed and entered into the Atlas.ti and Microsoft Word programs forsubsequent analysis. Results: The theory was built: the interrelation of knowledge, personal beliefs and the cultural context influence the performance of the rectal digit examination as a predictive method of prostate cancer; following the analysis of the categories of knowledge about prostate cancer and rectal digit examination, psycho-cultural beliefs and beliefs related to health and sexuality. Conclusion: Personal beliefs, cultural context and low knowledge have created barriers that affect the performance of digital rectal examination as a preventive method for prostate cancerKeywords: Digital rectal exam. Prostate cancer. Beliefs.