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


Sr No:
Page No: 45-61
Language: English
Authors: Aquel Rene Lopez*, Benjamin Ansah-Agyei, Rahmatu Budu, Akwesi Afriyie Achiampong
Received: 2025-11-23
Accepted: 2026-01-04
Published Date: 2026-01-16
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Abstract:
Background: Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among men worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana. Men working in informal occupations, including taxi drivers, may be at increased 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 prostate health, 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 and laboratory-based PSA testing using the Wamfo® Immunoassay Analyzer. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, awareness, and risk factors. Associations between socio-demographic variables, awareness, lifestyle factors, barriers, and PSA status were examined using Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval and written informed consent were obtained. Results: The prevalence of elevated PSA levels (>4.0 ng/mL) was 33%. Elevated PSA levels were more common among older drivers and those with longer driving experience. Awareness of prostate cancer was relatively high; however, specific knowledge of PSA testing and access to prostate health information were limited. No significant associations were observed between socio-demographic characteristics and awareness, lifestyle risk factors, or perceived barriers to screening. Major barriers identified included financial constraints, limited access to screening services, and social stigma, while language barriers were minimal. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of taxi drivers exhibited elevated PSA levels, indicating a high potential burden of undiagnosed prostate-related disorders within this occupational group. Despite moderate general awareness, significant gaps in actionable knowledge and access to screening persist. Targeted, occupation-focused interventions—such as subsidized PSA screening, mobile clinics at taxi stations, and culturally appropriate health education—are urgently needed to improve early detection and prostate health outcomes among taxi drivers in Ghana.
Keywords: Prostate-specific antigen, prostate cancer, taxi drivers, occupational health, screening barriers, Ghana.

Journal: IRASS Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
ISSN(Online): 3049-0073
Publisher: IRASS Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

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