Health Communication for Displaced Populations| Communicatively Constructing Health and Healing: Cultural and Behavioral Determinants of Prostate Cancer Screening Among Ghanaian Men in the United States

Abstract

Prostate cancer disproportionately affects men of African descent, yet they rarely undergo screening despite the increased risk. Some factors that influence screening are common among men of African descent and others vary based on culture- and country-specific influences. Ghana has a high prevalence of prostate cancer, and recent U.S. immigrants encounter substantial challenges in accessing health care. Therefore, we investigated the cultural, behavioral, and communicative factors influencing prostate cancer screening among Ghanaian men aged 40–69 living in the United States. Using the health belief and PEN-3 model as frameworks, we conducted 15 interviews and thematically analyzed them to identify perceptions about prostate cancer and screening and the role culture plays in shaping these perceptions. Themes included the following: health care is only for the sick; orthodox medicine cannot be trusted; illness is private and socially contagious; external forces cause and cure illness; and masculinity hurts and helps screening intention. Our findings highlight that communicatively constructed notions of health and healing affect health perceptions and practices. This study emphasizes the need for interventions that address unique cultural understandings of health.