Psychological wellbeing and coping strategies of unmarried men with prostate cancer in urban Ghana

Background

The stereotype of having prostate cancer (PCa) and possible impairment in sexuality may lead to a deterioration of the mental health of patients with PCa. However, there is paucity of data on the psychological wellbeing and coping strategies of unmarried men with PCa in Ghana. We explored the psychological wellbeing and coping strategies of unmarried men with PCA in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we recruited ten (10) unmarried men as participants and interviewed them using a semi-structured interview guide. Data collection and analysis were done concurrently using thematic content analysis techniques with the aid of Nvivo 10. Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of the 37 Military Hospital.

Results

The findings revealed psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, distress and suicidal ideation were exhibited by participants. Worries about treatment and recurrence of symptom as well as erectile dysfunction caused anxiety among participants. Some participants were depressed as a result of frequent urinary retention, severe pains and having to deal with an indwelling catheter whereas others associated their depression with cost of treatment and erectile dysfunction. The participants employed diverse strategies of coping with their condition. Subsequently, three sub-themes of coping were identified; lifestyle modification, social contact, and acceptance.

Conclusion

Unmarried men with PCa have devastating effect on their psychological wellbeing and harbor suicidal ideations. We recommend psychological management of unmarried men with PCa.