Sociocultural and religious influences on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana
5 affiliations
- 1Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences
- 2Reproductive and Child Health Unit, Bolgatanga Municipal Health Directorate
- 3Department of Nursing Research, School of Nursing, University of Virginia
- 4Nursing and Midwifery Training College
- 5Department of Midwifery and Womens Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies
Abstract
Despite growing literature on cultural and religious influences on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment choices in Ghana, limited empirical evidence focuses specifically on women undergoing chemotherapy and how these beliefs shape their treatment trajectories within tertiary care settings. This study explored the sociocultural and religious influences on patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was employed. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 14 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and all interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Three major themes emerged: (1) knowledge and understanding of breast cancer and chemotherapy, (2) sociocultural influences on the acceptance of chemotherapy, and (3) religious and spiritual influences on chemotherapy acceptance and uptake. Participants showed varying knowledge of breast cancer and chemotherapy; however, misconceptions surrounding cancer causation, particularly beliefs linking breast cancer to curses and spiritual attacks, contributed to delays and reluctance toward biomedical treatment. Family members, religious leaders, and faith communities played important roles in shaping treatment decisions by providing emotional encouragement, spiritual guidance, and financial support. This study highlights the significant impact of socio-cultural and religious factors on chemotherapy acceptance among breast cancer patients in Ghana. The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive patient education, stigma reduction efforts, and collaboration with religious and community leaders. Addressing sociocultural barriers can enhance timely access and adherence to life-saving treatment.
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BibTeX
@article{afaya2026sociocultural,
title = {{Sociocultural and religious influences on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana}},
author = {Agani Afaya and Donald Babamomba Amenah and Silas Selorm Daniels-Donkor and Faith Klinogo and Rosemond Afoley Tetteh and Gborsongu Abel Yao and Richard Klutsey and Daniel Barnie Mensah and Constance Gyamfi and Eunice Appiah and Richard Adongo Afaya},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-68276-1},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68276-1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Sociocultural and religious influences on breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana
AU - Agani Afaya
AU - Donald Babamomba Amenah
AU - Silas Selorm Daniels-Donkor
AU - Faith Klinogo
AU - Rosemond Afoley Tetteh
AU - Gborsongu Abel Yao
AU - Richard Klutsey
AU - Daniel Barnie Mensah
AU - Constance Gyamfi
AU - Eunice Appiah
AU - Richard Adongo Afaya
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-68276-1
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68276-1
AB - Despite growing literature on cultural and religious influences on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment choices in Ghana, limited empirical evidence focuses specifically on women undergoing chemotherapy and how these beliefs shape their treatment trajectories within tertiary care settings. This study explored the sociocultural and religious influences on patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was employed. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 14 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and all interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Three major themes emerged: (1) knowledge and understanding of breast cancer and chemotherapy, (2) sociocultural influences on the acceptance of chemotherapy, and (3) religious and spiritual influences on chemotherapy acceptance and uptake. Participants showed varying knowledge of breast cancer and chemotherapy; however, misconceptions surrounding cancer causation, particularly beliefs linking breast cancer to curses and spiritual attacks, contributed to delays and reluctance toward biomedical treatment. Family members, religious leaders, and faith communities played important roles in shaping treatment decisions by providing emotional encouragement, spiritual guidance, and financial support. This study highlights the significant impact of socio-cultural and religious factors on chemotherapy acceptance among breast cancer patients in Ghana. The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive patient education, stigma reduction efforts, and collaboration with religious and community leaders. Addressing sociocultural barriers can enhance timely access and adherence to life-saving treatment.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -