Soya, Sweat, And Sunlight: Predictors of Prostate Cancer Prevention Among Health Science Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jnsrr/V2E4/2026-01Keywords:
Prostate cancer prevention, soya milk consumption, physical exercise, sunlight exposure, health promotion, prevention literacy, health science studentsAbstract
Background: Prostate cancer remains a major global health concern, with increasing evidence highlighting the role of modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and sunlight exposure in its prevention. Despite growing awareness, limited research has explored how these factors influence prostate cancer prevention literacy among health science students in Rwanda. This study examined the predictive role of soya milk consumption, physical exercise, and sunlight exposure on prostate cancer knowledge and preventive behavior among students from selected institutions.
Methods: A quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 142 health science students selected through stratified random sampling from the University of Gitwe, East African Christian College, and Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK). Data were collected using a self-structured 24-item questionnaire assessing lifestyle practices and prostate cancer prevention literacy. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank-order correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data.
Findings: The results revealed moderate engagement in prostate cancer–preventive lifestyles, with composite means of 3.36 for soya milk consumption, 3.39 for physical exercise, and 3.31 for sunlight exposure. Significant positive correlations were found between lifestyle factors and prevention literacy, with sunlight exposure (ρ = 0.861), physical exercise (ρ = 0.787), and soya milk consumption (ρ = 0.723), all p < 0.001. Regression analysis indicated that sunlight exposure was the strongest predictor (β = 0.672, p < 0.001), followed by physical exercise (β = 0.172, p = 0.006) and soya milk consumption (β = 0.100, p = 0.045), explaining 76% of the variance.
Conclusion: The study concludes that integrated lifestyle practices significantly predict prostate cancer prevention literacy. Strengthening health education and promoting consistent healthy behaviors are essential to enhance preventive outcomes among health science students.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Aime Fidele Ndayiragije Mvuyekure, Jacob Kingsley Garba, Joyosthie B. Orbe, Mboneza N Kabanda, Kwizera Jules Jordan, Simon Pierre Ndayiragije Mvuyekure, Christian Ndede, Thierry Patrick Ishimwe, Rwandema Joseph, Hakizimana Philippe, Barikumana Berton, Jean Marie Vianney Mucyo, Tuyiramye Jean Claude, Daniel Muhayimana, Dushimumuremyi Jonathan, Nyirangende Jacqueline (Author)
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