Exploring the Behavioural Intentions of Men with Prostate Cancer Toward the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Study at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

Background : The global use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is steadily increasing. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer often turn to CAM to manage or improve their condition. Various factors affect the decision to use CAM, either as a substitute for or alongside conventional therapies. This study aimed at exploring the behavioural intentions of men diagnosed with prostate cancer toward the use of CAM. Methods : The study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative design. Sixteen (16) men with prostate cancer receiving treatment at the Teaching Hospital were purposively selected for the study. A semi-structured interview guide was specifically developed and used to collect data from the participants. The entire interview was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through thematic content analysis, coding, and categorization. Results : Findings from the study indicated that factors such as legalization and regulation of CAM treatments, integration of herbal remedies into conventional treatments, extension of the National Health Insurance Scheme to cover CAM therapies, and approval of herbal treatments by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and medical doctors positively influence CAM use among men with prostate cancer. Conclusion : The men diagnosed with prostate cancer are likely to use CAM therapies if certain measures, such as the legalization and regulation of CAM, along with FDA or medical doctors’ approval, are implemented.