International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, with mortality disproportionately higher in low-and middle-income countries LMICs. In Namibia, systemic barriers, such as financial constraints, inadequate patient education, and workforce shortages, hinder effective treatment. The study examines socio-demographic, financial, social, and system-level factors influencing access to healthcare among prostate cancer patients.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the healthcare professionals managing prostate cancer patients in Namibia. A total of 304 questionnaires were distributed, of which 242 were completed and returned (response rate: 79.6%). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and diversity indices to assess demographics, professional roles, experience, financial impact, psychosocial challenges, and perceptions of system support. Results: Respondents were predominantly female (73.0%), aged 25-34 years (46.9%), single (63.5%), and highly educated (99.6% with tertiary education). Employment was skewed towards full-time work (92.9%). Registered nurses comprise the largest group (52.3%), followed by enrolled nurses (21.2%), with smaller proportions of doctors (8.7%) and radiographers/radiotherapists (6.6%). Mean years of experience were 6.7 (SD 4.8), with most reporting 1-3 years. Financial strain was severe for 60.6% of respondents, moderate for 33.6%. Psychosocial burdens were evenly distributed across isolation, stigma, family stress, and relationship strain. Nearly half (49.6%) perceived healthcare financial support as insufficient, compared to 14.9% who judged it adequate. Conclusions: Findings highlight a young, nursing-dominant workforce facing significant financial and psychosocial challenges, alongside systemic inadequacies. Strengthened financing, workforce development, and patient education are urgently needed to improve prostate cancer outcomes in Namibia and similarly in other LMICs. Further studies related to early detection, treatment, and social domains on prostate cancer in LMICs should be conducted, while effective interventions for the detection, treatment, and management of prostate cancer should be developed. Unique contribution: This study demonstrates that prostate cancer care in Namibia is constrained by financial hardship, psychosocial burdens, and systemic inadequacies, underscoring the urgent need for stronger health financing, workforce development, and patient education to improve outcomes in LMICs. Key recommendations: The findings of this study highlight two urgent priorities for Namibia and Sub-Saharan Africa. First, policy interventions must address the hidden and indirect costs of PCa treatment, ensuring that supportive care and logistics are incorporated into the financial protection scheme. Second, the health system must prioritise timely treatment initiation by strengthening the supply chain, expanding diagnostic capacity, and reducing financial barriers.