Prostate Health Risks among Taxi Drivers in Ghana: Prevalence of Elevated PSA Levels, Awareness, and Screening Barriers

Abstract:Background: Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortalityamong men worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in low- and middle-incomecountries such as Ghana. Men working in informal occupations, including taxi drivers, may be atincreased risk due to prolonged sedentary work, occupational stress, unhealthy dietary patterns,and limited access to preventive health services.Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)levels among taxi drivers at the Accra Madina Station and examined their awareness of prostatehealth, lifestyle and occupational risk factors, and perceived barriers to PSA screening.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 94 male taxi drivers aged≥40 years. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire andlaboratory-based PSA testing using the Wamfo® Immunoassay Analyzer. Descriptive statisticssummarized participant characteristics, awareness, and risk factors. Associations between sociodemographic variables, awareness, lifestyle factors, barriers, and PSA status were examinedusing Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval and writteninformed consent were obtained.Results: The prevalence of elevated PSA levels (>4.0 ng/mL) was 33%. Elevated PSA levelswere more common among older drivers and those with longer driving experience. Awareness ofprostate cancer was relatively high; however, specific knowledge of PSA testing and access toprostate health information were limited. No significant associations were observed betweensocio-demographic characteristics and awareness, lifestyle risk factors, or perceived barriers toscreening. Major barriers identified included financial constraints, limited access to screeningservices, and social stigma, while language barriers were minimal.Conclusion: A substantial proportion of taxi drivers exhibited elevated PSA levels, indicating ahigh potential burden of undiagnosed prostate-related disorders within this occupational group.Despite moderate general awareness, significant gaps in actionable knowledge and access toscreening persist. Targeted, occupation-focused interventions—such as subsidized PSAscreening, mobile clinics at taxi stations, and culturally appropriate health education—areurgently needed to improve early detection and prostate health outcomes among taxi drivers inGhana.