Perspectives on the formalisation of complementary and alternative medicine among current users with prostate cancer: a study at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

BACKGROUND: The global use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is steadily rising. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer often turn to CAM to manage or improve their condition. As CAM becomes increasingly common in cancer care, understanding patients' views on formalising it within the healthcare system has grown more important. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the perspectives on the formalisation of CAM among current users diagnosed with prostate cancer at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. METHODS: The study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative design. The design and reporting conformed to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist to ensure clarity and methodological rigour. Sixteen men with prostate cancer receiving treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital were purposively selected to take part in the study. A semi-structured interview guide was specifically developed and used to gather data from the participants. The entire interview was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed through thematic content analysis, coding, and categorisation. RESULTS: The study found that participants view the legalisation and regulation of CAM treatments, the incorporation of herbal remedies into conventional treatments, the extension of the National Health Insurance Scheme to include CAM therapies, and the approval of herbal medicines by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and medical practitioners as positive factors that influence the formalization and use of CAM among men with prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: To promote safe and integrated care, Ghanaian health authorities should prioritise the formal regulation and potential insurance coverage of CAM therapies, as these measures are critical in supporting the views of men with prostate cancer regarding CAM formalisation.