Evans Appiah Osei

Adjustment and coping in spousal caregivers of cervical cancer patients in Ghana: A qualitative phenomenological study

Cervical cancer is a common and significant health issue for women worldwide. To address the dearth of research on male partners’ experiences when their significant others are diagnosed with cervical cancer, we aim to explore the unique challenges and perspectives encountered by men in these circumstances. The study adopted interpretive phenomenological analysis to qualitatively assess the experiences of males with partners diagnosed of cervical cancer. A phenomenological research design with purposive sampling technique was used to recruit and collect data from 38 participants until saturation occurred. Face to face interviews were conducted using a developed semi-structured interview guide. The data collected was analyzed using content analysis after verbatim transcription was done. The study resulted in the identification of 2 main themes, and 10 subthemes. These themes focused on the multifaceted impact of cervical cancer on spousal caregivers’ lives and the coping and support mechanisms utilized by spouses of cervical cancer patients. The findings indicated that men faced several challenging experiences as a result of their spouses’ condition and revealed the strategies they employed to cope with the stress of caring for their wives. Almost every man adopted a strategy to cope with the condition of their wives. This study would assist other men to understand the psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual experiences the men went through to appreciate and adopt their coping strategies whenever they go through such challenges.

“I Just Went for the Screening, But I Did Not Go for the Results”. Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening and Vaccination among Females at Oyibi Community

Cervical cancer screening and vaccination practices is reported to have  low coverage in most developing countries. It has been reported that most women are aware of cervical cancer screening and vaccination worldwide.  Nevertheless, the rate at which women participate in  cervical cancer screening and vaccination was found to be low both locally and internationally. Consequently, in sub-Saharan Africa, cervical cancer screening programs have poor coverage. The aim of this study was to explore the practices of cervical cancer screening and vaccination among females at Oyibi community. The researchers employed a qualitative exploratory design to recruit 35 participants put into five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).  Five FGDs were formed with seven (7) members in each group. The members were purposely recruited. The sample size was based on data saturation. Data was retrieved using a semi-structured interview guide. The researchers served as moderators in the group. Two (2) main themes with Eight (8) subthemes were generated from the data analysis. The themes were; (cervical cancer screening and vaccination practices), and (perceived benefits of cervical cancer screening and vaccination). The subthemes that emerged were as follows: types of cervical screening and vaccination done by participants, experiences during cervical cancer screening, experiences during cervical cancer vaccination, decision to go for cervical cancer screening and vaccination, willingness to recommend cervical cancer screening and vaccination to other women,  early detection of cervical cancer through early screening, benefits of cervical cancer vaccination, and willingness to receive cervical cancer vaccine. The study also revealed that most of the women who had done the screening and vaccination were young (19-29 years). The results from the study indicated that the participants' utilization of cervical cancer screening and vaccination were poor although they were conscious of the benefits of cervical cancer screening and vaccination and were willing to recommend it to their relatives and their loved ones. .

Impact of cervical cancer on the sexual and physical health of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ghana: A qualitative phenomenological study

Introduction: Although cervical cancer is preventable, it is a major gynecological disorder among women currently. More than 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are being diagnosed across the globe, with one woman dying of cervical cancer every 2 minutes. In addition, about half of cervical cancer survivors have challenges with their sexual function. Despite these findings, literature regarding the sexual function of women with cervical cancer is scanty. The study aims to assess cervical cancer’s impact on the sexual and physical health of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ghana. Methods: The researchers of this study employed a qualitative approach with phenomenological design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 participants engaged in face-to-face in-depth interviews that were audio-recorded. The content of the transcripts was analyzed using content analysis. Results: This study revealed that cervical cancer patients experienced low libido due to the cervical cancer symptoms and the side effects of chemotherapy. This low libido made them divert their sexual gratification from the vagina to other centers of the body. Findings further revealed that some participants showed apathy toward their partners’ sexual feelings. Some physical problems experienced by the participants were also unraveled. Conclusion: Cervical cancer affects all aspects of a woman’s health, including sexual function and physical well-being. Therefore, there is the need for further studies to help address challenges faced by cervical cancer women about their sexual and physical health.

Knowledge on cervical cancer screening and vaccination among females at Oyibi Community

Abstract Background Awareness about cervical cancer screening and vaccination in the developed countries are high as compared to the developing countries. Sixty to eighty percent (60–80%) of the women who develop cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa live in the rural areas with inadequate awareness of cervical cancer screening. However, cervical cancer knowledge remained a significant direct predictor of screening behaviors. The study therefore aim to explore the Knowledge on Cervical Cancer Screening and Vaccination among females at Oyibi Community. Methods A qualitative exploratory design was employed to purposively recruit 35 participants who were made up of 7 members in a group forming 5 Focus Group discussions in all. Data was retrieved using a semi-structured interview guide. Results The study revealed two main themes with 7 subthemes. The two main themes were cervical cancer screening and vaccination knowledge and cervical cancer vaccination effectiveness and cost. The subthemes were; knowledge on cervical cancer screening types, knowledge about cervical cancer screening and vaccination centers, knowledge about how cancer screening is performed, knowledge about cervical cancer vaccination, cervical cancer screening and vaccination sources of information, knowledge about the effectiveness of cervical cancer vaccination and awareness about cervical cancer screening cost and vaccination cost. Conclusion Ghanaian women are increasingly becoming aware of cervical cancer, nevertheless low knowledge on screening and vaccination of cervical cancer, and effectiveness was detected with high awareness about the screening and vaccination centers. There is therefore the need for heightened sensitization regarding cervical cancer screening and vaccination in rural communities to help reduce misconceptions and increase patronage rate.

Experiences of women awaiting cervical CANCER screening results from selected hospitals in Accra, Ghana

Abstract Background The rate at which cervical cancer is diagnosed among women worldwide is alarming, nevertheless, millions of women have never undergone cervical cancer screening, and many more with cervical cancer die prematurely without accessibility to quality healthcare or effective treatment. Women’s experiences following cervical cancer screening have not been extensively studied especially in advancing countries like Ghana. Hence, the researchers aim to explore the experiences of women awaiting cervical cancer results at selected hospitals in Accra. Methods An exploratory-descriptive qualitative design was adopted to purposively sample 48 participants engaged in face-face in-depth interviews, which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim after. The interviews were guided by semi-structured interviews. Findings The findings revealed 3 themes and 10 subthemes. The themes were pre-screening experience, intra-screening experience, and post-screening experience. Participants narrated the challenges they face before the screening, during the screening, and as they waited for their results to get ready. Despite some challenges reported, most of the participants indicated that they were willing to come for a retesting if recommended. Conclusion In conclusion, participants who have undergone CCS have several experiences that may either motivate or discourage them from subsequent screening. Being aware of such experiences could help the nurses address them in order to increase the interest of the women in CCS.

Innovations in healthcare delivery: Human papilloma virus self sampling diagnostics and participatory innovations for CCS

AbstractBackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major contributor to the development of cervical cancer, resulting in over 500,000 cases and 266,000 deaths annually worldwide. Previous cervical cancer screening programs have been successful in reducing cervical cancer rates, but have faced challenges such as low acceptance and adherence rates. Innovations in screening technology, such as the HerSwab self‐sampling test, have the potential to increase awareness, acceptance, and participation in cervical cancer screening programs.AimThis literature review examines the effectiveness of HerSwab and participatory innovations in increasing adherence to cervical cancer screening.MethodThis manuscript comprised a comprehensive narrative literature review encompassing the years 2006–2022. The review process adhered to the PRISMA diagram as a guiding framework. Among the search terms utilized, a total of 200 articles were initially retrieved. However, after applying the predefined inclusion criteria, only 57 articles were included.ResultsThe HerSwab self‐sampling test is described, including how it is performed, challenges, and facilitators, and evaluation and assessment of its effectiveness. While the HerSwab diagnostic test is not currently widely available, studies should assess its feasibility in less developed countries where cervical cancer mortality rates are high.ConclusionBy increasing awareness and availability of innovative screening techniques, such as HerSwab, we can work toward reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and improving outcomes for women worldwide.

Acceptance of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers from selected churches in Accra, Ghana

Abstract Background Almost all cases of cervical and anal cancer have been linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, in addition to women who develop HPV-related cervical cancer, both men and women can also develop cancers of the anus, oral cavity, and oropharynx that are attributed to HPV. However, literature on HPV vaccination among boys globally, in Africa, and most especially in Ghana is scarce. Thus, the main objective of this study was to explore the acceptance of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers from selected churches in Accra, Ghana. Methods In this study, a qualitative exploratory design was utilized to enlist 30 mothers who have male children aged between 9 and 12 years from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The recruitment of participants was carried out using a purposive sampling technique, and they were subsequently interviewed in-depth in a face-to-face setting, with the entire conversation being recorded for reference. After transcription, the recorded data were analyzed through content analysis. Findings Upon analyzing the data, two (2) primary themes and 11 sub-themes emerged. The research showed that although the majority of the mothers were unaware of HPV in boys, they perceived it as a positive initiative and expressed a willingness to allow their sons to receive the vaccine. However, some participants mentioned certain factors that they believed could hinder the acceptance of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers. These included concerns about injection-related pain, high cost, and fears that the vaccine could make men immoral or infertile. Conclusion The study revealed poor awareness of HPV vaccination in boys among mothers, and hence, suggested the need to increase the awareness on HPV vaccination in boys among mothers as well as the public to increase its acceptance.