[Inaccurate information about the size of the penis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: about 21 information sources].
BACKGROUND
Penis size is a huge topic of anxiety for a lot of men. Some of them are unhappy with their penis size as shown in the study conducted by Tiggemann in 2008. There are relatively few studies on erect penis size. This may reflect cultural taboos of researchers or doctors interacting with men who are in a state of sexual arousal. On the other hand, it is important for people who announce details on penis size to give the average penis size first and then sizes suggested by the researchers.


METHODS
We performed a cross-sectional survey in the two major urban centres of the Democratic Republic of Congo namely Kinshasa and Lubumbashi over a period of two years from May 2014 to May 2016. A total of 21 information sources constituted our sample, 8 in Kinshasa and 13 in Lubumbashi. We found it sufficient because in our culture discussing about sexual matter is rare. The parameters studied were: the nature of the source, the accuracy of the measurement method, the presence of bibliographical reference, the announced penis size.


RESULTS
The majority of information sources used were radio or television broadcastings (23,8%); this can be explained by the fact that there are an increasing number of radio and television stations in our country and especially in large cities. With regard to accuracy of information about penis measurement method when sharing the message about penis size, our study showed that the majority of information sources did not indicate it when they announced penis size to the public (85,7%). Several sources did not report bibliographical references (57,1%). Announced data analysis on penis size showed that the average penis size was: 14 cm (28,6%), 15 cm (23,8%) and 15-20 cm (19%).


CONCLUSIONS
All these results are intended to offer a warning to all players responsible for diffusing information on sexual health (penis size): scientific rigor consists in seeking information from reliable sources.
Département de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo; Service de Sexologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Elohim, République Démocratique du Congo.
Philippe Cilundika
PC
Mulenga
Service de Sexologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Elohim, République Démocratique du Congo.
Alex Bukasa
AB
Kazadi
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015023:Democratic Republic of the Congo; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media / Q000592:standards*; D009929:Organ Size; D010413:Penis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014505:Urban Population
Accurate information; Democratic Republic of the Congo; penis size