A review of the coping strategies adopted by diabetes patients in Ghana
Authors:   Department of Basic and Applied Biology, The University of Energy and Natural Resources, Post Office Box 214, Sunyani Ghana, Raji AS , Okyere S ,   University Library, the University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31. Ho, Ghana
Published: March 2024

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have shown the devastating impact of Diabetes mellitus, with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and having diabetes comorbidities having a high risk of mortality. Despite the predictability of mortality among COVID patients with diabetes, some diabetic patients survive. Diabetics use coping strategies, which are cognitive and behavioral maneuvers, to manage their condition, crises, and all of the demands that come with the condition. Objective: To conduct a review of the literature on the coping mechanisms used by diabetic patients in Ghana. Methodology: A systematic literature review technique was used for the study, and published articles and theses that addressed physical, social, and psychological coping mechanisms, as well as the financial ramifications of diabetes mellitus in Ghana, were taken into account. Among the search engines used were Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and local University Repositories. The search was restricted to peer-reviewed published research and grey literature written in English and published in Ghana between 2010 and 2021. Out of 503 items, only 26 full-text papers were eventually used for the review process. Results: Physical coping techniques included lifestyle adjustments, self-care practices, obtaining transportation assistance, collaboration and integration between traditional and orthodox healthcare systems, as well as seeking health care at health centers and health education. Psychologically, patients participate in emotional self-efficacy, preferring to internalize parts of their views rather than communicating emotionally with their support network. Religion, strong psychological will, and confidence in diabetes control or cure-all positively influenced diabetes management. Diabetic patients can receive social assistance from family and friends, religious organizations, psychologists, patient organizations of general health professionals, and non-governmental organizations. According to financial implications in diabetic management, the average monthly expenditure on a diabetic patient ranges between GHS150.00 and GHS 450.00, accounting for 60 to 90 percent of the overall cost as a direct cost. Almost all diabetic patients reported that the NHIS was their primary source of diabetes treatment funding. To cover the cost of diabetic care, some people reportedly take less medication than recommended, sell their valuables, and work longer hours. Conclusions and implications of key findings: Physical coping approaches include lifestyle changes, self-care practices, transportation support, teamwork, and integration between traditional healthcare systems. On a psychological level, patients engage in emotional self-efficacy. A support network, spirituality, psychological will, and belief in diabetes control or cure-all had a good impact on diabetes management. Among the social support mechanisms were family and friends, religious groups, psychologists, general health professionals’ patient organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The financial implications of diabetes patient maintenance range from GHS150.00 to GHS 450.00 per diabetic patient per month, with 60 to 90 percent of the total cost as a direct expense. More high-quality research is needed to correlate coping techniques with disease outcomes. There is also a need for the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to develop a strategy to incorporate these coping mechanisms into Ghana’s overall diabetes management. Keywords: Diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Coping Strategies, Coping Mechanisms, Ghana.