What are the lived experiences of patients with cancer and their families in northern Ghana? A qualitative study using narrative interview and creative task approach.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Cancer poses a major burden in Ghana that is exacerbated by poor engagement with biomedical treatment. The reasons for this are not well understood for most cancers and in northern Ghana.

Design

This research took combined narrative interviews with a creative task that was analysed through reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting

A tertiary treatment centre in northern Ghana.

Participants

15 adult (>18 years) patients or their relatives who had been diagnosed and/or treated for cancer within the last 2 years.

Results

The thematic analysis highlighted the psychological burden of cancer and ways participants cope and find meaning, including through religion, trust in biomedical treatment, and occupation and social support. The findings stress the ne

SUBMITTER: Tuck CZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11865803 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature