Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among men in Ghana however, the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected patients remains underexplored in the Ghanaian context. Prostate cancer and its treatments impair physical, emotional, and social well-being, with side effects such as urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue contributing to long-term HRQoL deterioration. Financial toxicity further worsens psychological outcomes, including depression and anxiety.
METHODS: A cross-sectional cost-of-illness study was conducted among 174 prostate cancer patients receiving treatment at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital between April and July 2025. HRQoL was assessed using the Ghana-specific EQ-5D-5L utility index and the EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS). Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were applied to examine sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with HRQoL outcomes.
RESULTS: The mean EQ-5D utility score was 0.74 (SD = 0.17), and the mean EQ-VAS score was 53.80 (SD = 15.11). Approximately 78% of patients reported pain or discomfort, and 91% experienced some level of anxiety or depression, with over 40% reporting severe or extreme anxiety and depression. Older patients 70 years and above reported higher EQ-VAS scores (62.00) than those below 49 years (41.67). Older men with basic education reported higher HRQoL scores. Patients receiving a combination of surgery and medication reported the highest HRQoL scores. Age, educational level, facility type, treatment type, employment status, and cancer stage were the main factors significantly associated with HRQoL outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer adversely affects HRQoL, particularly in the domains of anxiety, depression, and pain. A holistic care approach integrating psychological and palliative support alongside clinical management is essential to improve the overall well-being of prostate cancer patients in Ghana.