The psychosocial burden of women seeking treatment for breast and cervical cancers in Ghana’s major cancer hospitals
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Psychosocial burden of cancer treatment in Ghana
Abstract
Background
Breast and cervical cancers remain the most common cancers and the leading cause of
cancer deaths in Ghana. Non-communicable diseases such as cancers, have been associated
with psychological burdens such as anxiety and depression disorders as well as severe
mental disorders such as bipolar disorder. As such the World Health Organisation has noted
that mental health and well-being are crucial in reducing the NCD burden.
Methods
A convergent mixed method approach was used to ascertain the psychosocial burden of
breast and cervical cancer patients who sought treatment in three major cancer hospitals in
Ghana. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide from 298
breast and cervical cancer patients seeking treatment at the Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye
Teaching Hospitals as well as the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre. Qualitative analysis was
done using thematic content analysis while quantitative analysis was done using logistic
regression.
Results
The findings of the study showed that patients not only battled with psychological burdens
such as anxiety, depression, pain, stigma, fear of death and loss of spouses but also struggled
with physical, social, and dietary restrictions. Patients with low educational levels and
income status, retired or unemployed, and/or had larger household sizes suffered more psychosocial
burdens.
Conclusion
There is a need for liaison psychiatrists and health psychologists to assist oncologists to provide
psychological support such as free and routine counselling services for cancer patients and their caregivers. Educational campaigns on mainstream and social media need to be
intensified to demystify the stigma surrounding cancers in Ghana.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Citation
Okyere Asante PG, Owusu AY, Oppong JR, Amegah KE, Nketiah-Amponsah E (2023) The psychosocial burden of women seeking treatment for breast and cervical cancers in Ghana’s major cancer hospitals. PLoS ONE 18(8): e0289055