Barriers to orthodox medical care of prostate cancer in Ghana
Recommended Citation
Maison POM, Arkoh P, Sani A, Mensah-Baidoo EE, Owusu G, Danso EY, Koufie NB, Andzie S, Gyamfi P, Omane E, Antwi S, Palanisamy N, Hwang C, Walker E, Ofori Aboah V, and Jiagge EM. Barriers to orthodox medical care of prostate cancer in Ghana. Sci Rep 2025; 15(1):1051.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-7-2025
Publication Title
Sci Rep
Abstract
Traditional medicine is widely used in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana, where it is commonly integrated with modern orthodox medicine. This study examines the barriers that delay the pursuit of orthodox medical care for prostate cancer (PCa) in Ghana's Central region, where a blend of traditional and modern orthodox medicine exists. The preference for indigenous traditional medicine often results in late-stage presentations of PCa, adversely affecting patient outcomes. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2022 at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) and in four local communities. We investigated why men prefer traditional over orthodox medicine and identified cultural beliefs, attitudes, and gaps in health awareness that contribute to delays in diagnosing and treating PCa. The study involved administering questionnaires, providing education on PCa, and conducting free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Research Committee of the Ghana Health Service. A total of 282 patients participated, including 268 men from the communities and 14 diagnosed with PCa at CCTH after initially consulting traditional healers. Of the community-recruited patients who underwent PSA testing, 26% had elevated PSA levels and underwent further diagnostic procedures. Ultimately, nine of 268 community patients were confirmed to have PCa. Most patients (57.4%) had limited education, which correlated with late presentations and various misconceptions about PCa. The study highlights significant cultural and economic barriers that lead to the late-stage presentation of PCa among men in Ghana's Central region. There is a critical need for a culturally sensitive, multi-pronged strategy that enhances public education about the benefits of early diagnosis and fosters collaboration between traditional healers and orthodox healthcare providers to improve prostate cancer outcomes in Ghana.
Medical Subject Headings
Male; Humans; Ghana; Prostatic Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Medicine, African Traditional; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Adult; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed ID
39775019
Volume
15
Issue
1
First Page
1051
Last Page
1051
