Health-seeking Behaviours and Effect of Prostate Cancer on Male Soldiers in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Prostate cancer is a global public health problem and contributes to the global morbidity and mortality burden. This study aimed to explore health-seeking behaviours and the effect of prostate cancer on Ghanaian soldiers. This study employed a phenomenology qualitative research design. In-depth interviews were conducted among 24 male soldiers living with prostate cancer. Data were collected with the aid of an interview guide and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Three major themes and ten subthemes emerged from the thematic analysis. The three major themes were diagnosis, treatment and effects of prostate cancer. The subthemes under diagnosis were medical tests and symptoms of prostate cancer. The subthemes under treatment were orthodox treatment, herbal treatment and behaviour change. The subthemes under effect were poor physical, sexual, mental, social and financial wellbeing. Ghanaian soldiers living with prostate cancer adopt multiple health-seeking behaviours. Prostate cancer adversely affects the physical, sexual, mental and social wellbeing as well as the financial stability of soldiers. This study provides relevant information for public health policy and programming.