ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Experiences of new diagnoses among HIV positive persons: implications for public health

Background: Ready acceptance of experiences of new diagnoses among HIV-positive persons is a known personal and public health safety-net. Its beneficial effects include prompt commencement and sustenance of HIV-positive treatment and care, better management of transmission risk, and disclosure of the HIV-positive status to significant others. Yet, no known study has explored this topic in Ghana; despite Ghana’s generalized HIV/AIDS infection rate. Existing studies have illuminated the effects of such reactions on affected significant others; not the infected. Methods: This paper studied qualitatively the experiences of new diagnoses among 26 persons living with HIV/ AIDS. Sample selection was random, from two hospitals in a district in Ghana heavily afected by HIV/AIDS. The paper applied the Hopelessness Theory of Depression. Results: As expected, the vast majority of respondents experienced the new diagnoses of their HIV-positive infection with a myriad of negative psychosocial reactions, including thoughts of committing suicide. Yet, few of them received the news with resignation. For the vast majority of respondents, having comorbidities from AIDS prior to the diagnosis primarily shaped their initial reactions to their diagnosis. The respondents’ transitioning to self-acceptance of their HIV positive status was mostly facilitated by receiving counselling from healthcare workers. Conclusions: Although the new HIV-positive diagnosis was immobilising to most respondents, the trauma faded, paving the way for beneficial public health actions. The results imply the critical need for continuous education on HIV/AIDS by public health advocates, using mass media, particularly, TV. Healthcare workers in VCTs should empathise with persons who experience new diagnoses of their HIV-positive status.

Source: UG
Experiences of new diagnoses among HIVpositive persons: implications for public health

Background: Ready acceptance of experiences of new diagnoses among HIV-positive persons is a known personal and public health safety-net. Its beneficial effects include prompt commencement and sustenance of HIV-positive treatment and care, better management of transmission risk, and disclosure of the HIV-positive status to significant others. Yet, no known study has explored this topic in Ghana; despite Ghana’s generalised HIV/AIDS infection rate. Existing studies have illuminated the effects of such reactions on affected significant others; not the infected. Methods: This paper studied qualitatively the experiences of new diagnoses among 26 persons living with HIV/ AIDS. Sample selection was random, from two hospitals in a district in Ghana heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. The paper applied the Hopelessness Theory of Depression. Results: As expected, the vast majority of respondents experienced the new diagnoses of their HIV-positive infection with a myriad of negative psychosocial reactions, including thoughts of committing suicide. Yet, few of them received the news with resignation. For the vast majority of respondents, having comorbidities from AIDS prior to the diagnosis primarily shaped their initial reactions to their diagnosis. The respondents’ transitioning to self-acceptance of their HIVpositive status was mostly facilitated by receiving counselling from healthcare workers. Conclusions: Although the new HIV-positive diagnosis was immobilising to most respondents, the trauma faded, paving the way for beneficial public health actions. The results imply the critical need for continuous education on HIV/AIDS by public health advocates, using mass media, particularly, TV. Healthcare workers in VCTs should empathise with persons who experience new diagnoses of their HIV-positive status.

Source: UG
Experiences of Nurses Caring for Patients with Breasts Cancer in the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

The nurse plays a key role in the Breast Cancer (BC) care continuum to provide quality care to patients and family. This study aims to explore the experiences of nurses caring for patients with BC at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. The study employed a qualitative descriptive design which was guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour by Ajzen, (1991). Thirteen (13) participants from the radiotherapy department and the adult surgical ward were purposively recruited. A semi structured interview guide was used to elicit information from the participants. The audio recorded data was transcribed verbatim and analysed manually using thematic content analysis procedure. Four main themes were generated using thematic content analysis approach. These were nurses’ knowledge on BC care, attitude of nurses’ towards BC care, subjective norms of nurses’ towards BC care and perceived behavioural control of nurses’ towards BC care. The study revealed inadequate knowledge on non-pharmarcological pain management of patients with BC. Positive attitude exhibited by the nurses included comforting patient and paying patient’s bills. However, nurses expressed negative attitude like giving placebo for pain management and avoiding wound dressing assignment. Also, nurses practiced favouritsm during job assignment. The study also identified factors such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of logistics and staffs, lack of time, and increased workload was associated with BC care. The study concluded that nurses should be knowledgeable in cancer pain management, wound dressing, and promote organizational work climate that can meet the needs of patients with BC.

Source: UG
Experiences of Nurses Managing Patients with Spinal Cord Injury at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

Nurses encounter several challenges in managing patients with spinal cord injury. However, little is known about this area of nursing care. Thus the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses managing patients with spinal cord injury at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed for this study. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit sixteen (16) nurses who were eligible for the study. The purpose, benefits and risks of the study were explained to participants to obtain their consent. Respondents were interviewed face-to-face and their accounts audio-taped. A semi structured interview guide was designed based on the research objectives and the ABCX family stress model (Lavee et al. 2011; Jones & Passey, 2012). Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study concluded that the experience of nurses‟ span from physical injury to delayed care activities, verbal abuse, emotional stress, empathy, limited logistics and social isolation. Again, the study revealed certain coping strategies that nurses at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital employed in adjusting with the stressors of the care. Some of the coping strategies included obtaining patient/family cooperation, teamwork and fellow nurses‟ contribution, and maintaining good health practices. The study therefore recommends that considering the wide experience of occupational hazards and negative experiences expressed by nurses‟, measures should be instituted to minimize negative experiences and health complications occurring among nurses.

Source: UG
Experiences of Parents of Children with Sickle Cell Disease: A Study at 37 Military Hospital

Sickle Cell Disease is the most common life-threatening hematologic disorder found in Ghanaian children. The present system of care of these children relies mostly on their parents. Studies have shown that caring for a child with SCD is associated with numerous hardships. However, there is a dearth of literature on the experiences of parents of children with SCD in Ghana. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of parents of children with SCD at the 37 Military Hospital, Ghana using the ABCX family stress model as the guiding theoretical framework. The qualitative research approach that is descriptive and exploratory was used. Using the purposive sampling technique, twelve (12) parents of children receiving care at 37 Military Hospital were engaged in a face-to-face interview. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Five (5) major themes with their corresponding sub-themes were derived from the data gathered. These themes were; caring for a child with SCD, resources used by parents, perceptions about SCD, the outcome of caregiving (crises) and determinants of the burden of caregiving. The study revealed that parents caring for their children with SCD experience a heavy burden related to the health of the child, physical, financial, occupational/work-related challenges and burden related to health services. The parents expressed a lack of support, especially financial support. The caregiving role altered the physical and psychosocial health of parents who were primary caregivers. In conclusion, the physical and psychosocial health of parents who are primary caregivers should be considered paramount in the plan of care of children with SCD. In addition, there should be adequate financial support for parents caring for children with SCD.

Source: UG
Experiences of Patients Living With Low Back Pain in the Accra Metropolis

Low back pain (LBP) is a phenomenon of global concern and affects the health and quality of life of individuals plagued with it. Despite its devastating effects, limited literature exists on low back pain in the Ghanaian context. This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients living with low back pain in the Accra Metropolis. The Biopsychosocial model of pain by Engel (1977) was applied as the main conceptual framework for the research, and the study employed a qualitative exploratory, descriptive design, and purposively selected 13 participants from the outpatient department of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. One-to-one interview was conducted with a semi-structured interview guide and audiotaped. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed concurrently using thematic content analysis. Seven (7) primary themes emerged. Findings showed that participants LBP originated from physical trauma and spiritual factors. Again, it was revealed from the study that participants had experienced their pain for several years. Furthermore, the quality of pain varied among participants, and they used various pain descriptors to describe their pain. The pain intensity also varied, and the pain was expressed verbally and non-verbally. Additionally, participant’s pain was aggravated by physical activities, and they physically had difficulties in maintaining their daily routines. The adverse psychological and social effects of LBP, such as depression and isolation, were identified. Participants used Non-pharmacological and pharmacological method such as prayer and medications to cope with the pain. It was concluded that a multidimensional approach for pain management and adequate pain assessment is needed to manage LBP.

Source: UG
Experiences of People Living with Epilepsy in the Accra Metropolis

The study explored the experiences of People Living with Epilepsy (PLWE) in the Accra Metropolis. The study aimed at describing the beliefs that PLWE have about the disease, their coping strategies and health outcomes. A descriptive-exploratory design was employed and the Leventhal‘s common sense model was used to guide the study. Participants were purposively sampled and saturation was achieved at the 13th participant. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted and data were analysed using the thematic content analysis approach. The themes and sub themes were illness representations (identity, cause, timeline, consequences, cure and control, illness coherence, and emotional response), coping with epilepsy (problem focused coping; lifestyle changes; social support; faith in God; concealing diagnosis; thinking and worrying) and health outcomes (negative outcomes, positive outcomes and adjustment to work). Participants labelled epilepsy as a disgraceful illness. Most participants attributed the disease to spiritual causes which indicated a knowledge gap in the actual causes of epilepsy. Seizures caused injuries and affected their education, work and relationships. Fear, anxiety and sadness concerning seizures were commonly expressed. Treatment modalities for epilepsy were spiritual intervention, traditional or orthodox medicines or a combination of two or more. A reduction in the frequency and severity of seizures was a positive outcome and the worsening of seizures was a negative outcome. It was recommended that health care workers in collaboration with the media should intensify health education campaigns on epilepsy to demystify traditional concepts about epilepsy and help bring Ghanaians towards greater understanding and acceptance of PLWE.

Source: UG
Experiences Of Persons With Lower Limb Prosthesis In A Selected Orthopedic Center In Eastern Region Of Ghana

Persons with lower limb amputation (LLA) experience a myriad of physical, psychological and functional problems. Although, ambulation with a prosthesis is the goal of rehabilitation for persons with LLA, there is limited empirical data on the usability, adaptability and the comfort associated with prosthesis usage amongst users. This study therefore sought to explore experiences of persons with lower limb prosthesis in the Eastern region of Ghana using the Social-Ecological model. Exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used for the study. Overall, seventeen (17) participants were purposefully recruited for the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview was audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed deductively using thematic content analysis. The findings show that prosthetic users experience internal stigma, physical discomforts from the prosthesis, difficulty adjusting to sex-life and depended upon their family and friends for support. Additional finding shows that, prosthetic users experience discrimination and challenges with participating in community activities. Also, participants experience challenges with accessing healthcare facilities and high cost in securing or repairing a prosthetic foot. However, participants utilized social media, listening to music, reading the Bible or Quran to cope with the challenges. Interventions for addressing stigma, discrimination and cost of prosthesis are required to improve the lived experiences of persons with lower limb prosthesis.

Source: UG
Experiences of Postnatal Mothers with Stillbirth in the East Mamprusi District

Stillbirth (SB) is a global issue; an estimated 2.6 million SB occur in a year. The highest rate of SB is recorded in Africa. Data on the postnatal experiences of mothers who have had SB in Ghana is lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore the postnatal mother’s experience of SB in the East Mamprusi District of the Northern region of Ghana. Exploratory descriptive design was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit fourteen (14) participants who met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the study. Data was collected using interview guide which was pretested. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis guided by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross theoretical framework on grieving. The meaning attributed to SB pose a lot of challenges to women. Grieving mothers adopt coping strategies to overcome the burden of SB. Support from friends, family/neighbours, care providers, religion, community and spouses enable mothers to cope well with the loss. Grieving mothers expect care givers to demonstrate sensitivity and empathy and remain aware that stillbirth experience is distressing and traumatic. Findings of this study will help inform the provision of meaningful and culturally appropriate care for mothers following SB. In conclusion, the current study found that the care rendered to mothers after SB experience does not meet the expectations of mothers especially their psychological needs. Therefore there is the need for care providers to change their attitude, actions, communication and behaviour towards mothers after SB in order to provide competent and holistic care that meet the needs of mothers and families after SB.

Source: UG
Experiences of pregnancy and motherhood among teenage mothers in a suburb of Accra, Ghana: A qualitative study

Background: The proportion of teenage girls who are mothers or who are currently pregnant in sub-Saharan African countries is staggering. There are many studies regarding teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions, and family planning among teenagers, but very little is known about what happens after pregnancy, ie, the experience of teenage motherhood. Several studies in Ghana have identified the determinants of early sexual activity, contraception, and unsafe abortion, with teenage motherhood only mentioned in passing. Few studies have explored the experiences of adolescent mothers in detail with regard to their pregnancy and childbirth. This qualitative study explores the experiences of adolescent mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and care of their newborns. Methods: This qualitative study was based on data from focus group discussions and indepth interviews with teenage mothers in a suburb in Accra. Participants were recruited from health facilities as well as by snowball sampling. Results: Some of the participants became pregnant as a result of transactional sex in order to meet their basic needs, while others became pregnant as a result of sexual violence and exploitation. A few others wanted to become pregnant to command respect from people in society. In nearly all cases, parents and guardians of the adolescent mothers were upset in the initial stages when they heard the news of the pregnancy. One key fnding, quite different from in other societies, was how often teenage pregnancies are eventually accepted, by both the young women and their families. Also observed was a rarity of willingness to resort to induced abortion. Conclusion: Special programs should be initiated by the government and the various responsible departments to address ignorance on sexual matters, and the challenges and risks associated with pregnancy and parenting by adolescents. Parenting techniques should be taught in sex education programs. © 2013 Gyesaw and Ankomah.

Source: UG
Experiences of Pregnant Women Diagnosed with HIV.AIDS. A Study at Accra Metropolis

Women who test positive for HIV during pregnancy continue to increase in Ghana. The experiences of pregnant women diagnosed with HIV during antenatal clinic visit were explored. The descriptive qualitative design was used to obtain narrative accounts on test experiences, coping strategies and availability of support for HIV positive pregnant women. Respondents were purposively selected from Ridge Hospital in Accra. Required data saturation was attained with a sample size of 10 respondents from in-depth interviews. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis of the text data through a systematic classification process of coding and identifying themes and patterns was done concurrently. The major themes that emerged from the data were discovery and diagnosis of HIV in pregnant women, disclosure of status, attitude of midwives, experience of taking antiretroviral drugs, social support and coping strategies. Stigmatisation, rejection, lack of support and unfavourable experiences with midwives and other health professionals was prevalent during antenatal care and labour among pregnant women diagnosed with HIV. The women were unwilling to disclose their status because of the negative outcomes. It is imperative that prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV strategy place emphasis on psychosocial support for HIV positive pregnant women to enhance their quality of life.

Source: UG
Experiences of Professional Nurses with Continuing Professional Education in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Continuing professional education is indispensable to the nursing profession. Rapid changes in health care delivery requires that nurses participate in continuing professional education in order to provide better care to patients. Nurses have the opportunity to participate in both formal and informal continuing professional education. The objective of the study was to explore the experiences of registered nurses with continuing professional education using the Cross chain of response model. The qualitative descriptive design was used. Participants in the study were selected using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interview guide was used to explore the experiences of participants. Analysis of data was done using thematic content analysis. The study was guided by four themes which were perception of continuing professional education, motivation to seek continuing professional education, barriers to continuing professional education and strategies to enhance participation in continuing professional education. The findings of the study indicate that nurses have a positive perception of continuing professional education. Participants were motivated by factors such as acquiring knowledge and skills, upgrading, renewal of professional lincence and social networking. Barriers to continuing professional education such as family responsibilities, high cost of fees, rigid schedules were identified by participants. Participants also suggested strategies such as review of policy on study leave, health facility strategies, nursing administration strategies and financial support. The recommendations of the study are continuing professional education should be included in the basic training of student nurses so as to sensitize students about the need to continue learning after basic training. All bodies responsible for organizing continuing professional education for professional nurses should do a thorough needs assessment to aid them in designing appropriate programs that will promote continuing professional education for nurses.

Source: UG
The experiences of providing caregiving for patients with schizophrenia in the Ghanaian context

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that is often characterized by significant distortions in thinking and perception, accompanied by the exhibition of inappropriate emotions (Zhai, Guo, Chen, Zhao, & Su, 2013). It alters one's perception of reality, often manifesting in the af fected individual to think and act in ways that are strange or abnormal. It is estimated that schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the global population (Fatemi, 2010). According to the World Health Or ganization (WHO), around 450 million people are suffering from a mental or behavioral disorder worldwide (WHO, 2003). Schizophrenia usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and follows a variable course, with complete symptomatic and social recovery in only one third of cases (Tandon, Keshavan, & Nasrallah, 2008). The impact of schizophrenia has multiple contexts. Awad and Voruganti (2012) classified the effect of schizophrenia at three levels: 1) the patient un dergoing personal suffering, 2) the caregiver and/or families experi encing the burden of care along with the added responsibility of tran sitioning the relative from inpatient to outpatient treatment, and 3) society due to the strain on the health care delivery system (e.g., fre quent hospitalizations), as well as long-term financial and psychosocial support. Globally, there has been a shift from institutionalized car egiving of patients with schizophrenia to informal caregiving primarily by family (Chan, 2011). Some of the positive outcomes of such a shift, as argued by Björkman and Hansson (2002), are reduced stigmatization and improved quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.

Source: UG