Abstract:
Introduction: The age-standardized mortality rate for
cervical cancer in Ghana, West Africa is more than
three times the global cervical cancer mortality rate
(27.6/100,000 vs. 7.8/100,000 respectively). The Pap
test and visual inspection with acetic acid are available
at public and private hospitals in Ghana. Approximately,
2.7% of Ghanaian women obtain cervical cancer
screenings regularly. Men in middle-income countries
play a key role in cervical cancer prevention. Increasing
spousal support for cervical cancer screening may
increase screening rates in Ghana.
Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with
Ghanaian men (N = 29) to assess their cervical cancer
and cervical cancer screening knowledge and beliefs.
The qualitative data was analyzed via indexed coding.
Results: Targets for education interventions were identified
including inaccurate knowledge about cervical
cancer and stigmatizing beliefs about cervical cancer
risk factors. Cultural taboos regarding women’s health
care behaviours were also identified. Several participants
indicated that they would be willing to provide
spousal support for cervical cancer screening if they
knew more about the disease and the screening methods.
Conclusions: Men play a significant role in the health
behaviours of some Ghanaian women. Cervical cancer
education interventions targeting Ghanaian men are
needed to correct misconceptions and increase spousal
support for cervical cancer screening.