ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Experiences Of Family Caregivers Of Patients With End Stage Renal Disease In The Accra Metropolis, Ghana.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has been on the rise and is a major public health concern. It affects both family caregivers and their patients adversely. The near-death nature of ESRD coupled with its impact on quality of life has compelled family caregivers to provide needed care from as basic as personal hygiene to complex care like wound care both in and out of health facilities. The level of participation of these family caregivers, however, is undefined and their experiences in their caregiving role are not properly understood. This among other challenges has confused the role played. Given this, the study sought to explore the experiences of family caregivers of patients with ESRD using the Caregiver Health Model. This study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative design situated within the constructivist paradigm. Purposive sampling technique aided in the recruitment of fifteen (15) participants from The Trust Hospital. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide via a face-to-face interview model. The interviews were audio-recorded. Thematic Analysis was used to review interviews, code, and group the themes. Thematic analysis was aided by using constructs of the caregiver health model while ensuring the trustworthiness of data was through member check. Family Caregiver experiences were reflected in the narratives, which highlighted caregivers’ needs, tasks, competencies, beliefs, attitudes, and health behaviors as was expected. According to study findings, Family caregivers encountered numerous challenges which they believed could be bearable with support. An emergent theme was identified overreaching the constructs of the used framework.

Source: UG
Experiences of female academics in Ghana: Negotiation and strengths as strategies for successful careers

Throughout history, women have been tasked with caring for children and keeping homes; being good wives to their husbands and mothers to their children. Women who pursue professional careers, therefore, are met with hostility, ridicule and other forms of social sanctions, especially if the field is considered to be the preserve of men. A few decades ago, the field of academia was considered an exclusive domain for men. While women have broken into and are doing well in academe, they face several challenges, many of which are rooted in patriarchy. This notwithstanding, these women have navigated this terrain and made it to the top. Using the strengths-based approach, this paper discusses the various strategies employed by some female academic staff from three public universities in Ghana to overcome the challenges that often serve as a hindrance to women's career advancement in patriarchal societies. The implications of the research for social work practice are discussed.

Source: UG
Experiences Of Frontline Nurses Managing Patients With Coronavirus Disease At Ga East Municipal Hospital, Accra

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many healthcare systems globally. Its impact was considered a serious risk to healthcare providers and had far reaching consequences on their lives. In Ghana, treatment centers were designated to help patients isolate for treatment under the care of healthcare workers. Frontline nurses managing patients with COVID-19 experienced physical and psychological challenges whilst on their duty and were perceived as carriers of coronavirus. This study aimed to explore the nurses’ experiences managing patients with COVID-19 at the Ga East Municipal Hospital, Accra. The ABC-X model of family stress and coping developed by Hill in 1949 underpinned this study. The study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design to explore and describe the experiences of fourteen (14) purposively sampled nurses using a semistructured interview guide. The interviews were audiotaped with participants’ permission, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. This study’s findings identified four themes: COVID-19 care challenges, multi-dimensional support, care-related stressors, and perceived care outcomes. The frontline nurses experienced some physical and psychological stressors whilst managing patients with COVID-19 at Ga East Municipal Hospital. They were also perceived as carriers of coronavirus who might infect their friends and family. The nurses utilized diverse strategies and support from various individuals and groups as the pandemic unfolded. The frontline nurses-built resilience amidst the challenges encountered. The stressful experiences of the frontline nurses and other healthcare personnel in the facility should be considered and addressed, with sustainable interventions outlined to reduce the stress on healthcare workers.

Source: UG
Experiences of frontline nurses with adverse medical events in a regional referral hospital in northern Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Background: Adverse medical events (AMEs) are threats to delivery of quality healthcare services, particularly in resource-poor settings such as Ghana. In sub-Saharan Africa, 30% of deaths are attributed to AMEs and a significant proportion of these events are not reported. This study explored personal experiences of nurses with AMEs and the constraints to reporting them. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study among professional (n = 133) and auxiliary (n = 88) nurses in a regional referral hospital in northern Ghana. A test for differences in experiences of professional and auxiliary nurses was done using Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test. Ordered logistic regression analysis (proportional odds ratio models) and probit regression were used to ascertain the determinants of staff’s knowledge on AMEs and the odds of exposure, respectively. Results: Overall, knowledge and awareness level on AMEs was average (mean = 3.1 out of the five-point Likert scale of 1 = “Very poor” to 5 = “Excellent”). Knowledge levels among professional nurses (mean = 3.2) were relatively higher than those among auxiliary nurses (mean = 3.0), (p = 0.006). The predominant type of AME experienced was wrongful documentation (n = 144), and the least experienced type was wrong transfusion of blood and/or intravenous fluids (IVF) (n = 40). Male staff had higher odds of experiencing medical errors relative to female staff, OR = 2.39 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34–4.26). Inadequate logistics was the most perceived cause of AMEs. Knowledge on types of AMEs was significantly associated with gender of the respondents, OR = 1.76 (95% CI, 1.05–2.94); moreover, male staff had higher odds of knowing AME post-exposure action than female staff, OR = 1.75 (95% CI, 1.04–2.93). Conclusion: Knowledge levels of nursing staff on AMEs were generally low, and even though exposures were high they were not reported. There is the need to integrate AME modules into the pre-service and in-service training curricula for nurses to enhance their knowledge on AMEs; reporting registers for AMEs should be made available in clinical sites and staff incentives given to those who report AMEs. Lastly, protocols on AMEs should form part of the quality assurance value chain for health facilities to promote compliance.

Source: UG
Experiences of frontline nursing staff on workplace safety and occupational health hazards in two psychiatric hospitals in Ghana

Background: Psychiatric hospitals need safe working environments to promote productivity at the workplace. Even though occupational health and safety is not completely new to the corporate society, its scope is largely limited to the manufacturing/processing industries which are perceived to pose greater dangers to workers than the health sector. This paper sought to explore the experiences of frontline nursing personnel on the occupational health and safety conditions in two psychiatric hospitals in Ghana. Methods: This is an exploratory cross-sectional study among 296 nurses and nurse-assistants in Accra (n = 164) and Pantang (n = 132) psychiatric hospitals using the proportional stratified random sampling technique. Multivariate Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression test was conducted to ascertain the determinants of staff exposure to occupational health hazards and the frequency of exposure to these occupational health hazards on daily basis. Results: Knowledge levels on occupational health hazards was high in Accra and Pantang psychiatric hospitals (i.e. 92 and 81% respectively), but barely 44% of the 296 interviewed staff in the two hospitals said they reported their most recent exposure to an occupational health hazard to hospital management. It was found that staff who worked for more years on the ward had higher likelihood of exposure to occupational health hazards than those who worked for lesser years (p = 0.002). The category of occupational health hazards reported most were the physical health hazards. Psychosocial hazards were the least reported health hazards. Frequency of exposure to occupational health hazards on daily basis was positively associated with work schedules of staff particularly, staff on routine day schedule (Coef = 4.49, p = 0.011) and those who alternated between day and night schedules (Coef = 4.48, p = 0.010). Conclusion: Occupational health and safety conditions in the two hospitals were found to be generally poor. Even though majority of the staff knew about occupational health and safety, less than half of them reported exposure to workplace health hazards. Key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Mental Health Authority should intensify efforts towards effective enforcement of existing policies on safety in healthcare institutions, particularly psychiatric hospitals where exposure to occupational health hazards is more prevalent. © 2018 The Author(s).

Source: UG
The Experiences of Ghanaian Midwives on the Use of Nonadjustable Delivery Beds: A Qualitative Study

More often, clients have difficulty getting in and out of beds, but the adjustable features of the beds make it possible for them to be comfortable, regardless of their condition. This situation may not be the same if nonadjustable delivery beds (NADBs) are used in conducting deliveries at health care facilities. This study explored the experiences of midwives using NADBs in selected Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) hospitals in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methods: The study employed an exploratory qualitative research design with purposive sampling. Semistructured interview data were audio recorded. The inclusion criteria were professional midwives with at least 1 year of working skills and the midwives should have conducted deliveries using NADBs during their practice. Data were collected concurrently with data transcription and analyzed using content analysis. Saturation was reached after the 20th interview. Results: Three themes emerged from the study: NADBs not comfortable to work with, assumption of awkward postures, and the nature of the delivery beds. Conclusion: The findings of the study show that midwives experience several setbacks in the use of NADBs in conducting deliveries as they sacrifice their health for work.

Source: UG
Experiences of in-field and remote monitoring of diagnostic radiological quality in Ghana using an equipment and patient dosimetry database.

A review of diagnostic radiological equipment performance and resultant patient dose values in Ghana has been undertaken. Equipment survey data was taken from 10 x-ray rooms across 7 individual hospitals in southern and central Ghana in order to establish basic equipment performance levels against IPEM standards. The x-ray kerma output data for a range of kVp values was transferred to an online relational database in order that a comprehensive dose audit could be undertaken using exposure factors emailed back to the UK using conventional data entry forms. Analysis was undertaken of the key tube performance parameters. This established a baseline level of equipment acceptability and allowed entrance surface dose values to be verified and calculated using proprietary software. Data was collected on 1968 patients who underwent a total of 2838 radiographic projections comprising chest, pelvis, lumbar spine (AP and lateral), abdomen and skull (PA and lateral). Entrance surface doses were calculated by operators and analysts inputting the data into the database containing basic output data which then corrected for the applied kVp, mAs, focus-to-skin distance and backscatter variables. The results have been analyzed and compared with IAEA Basic Safety, European and UK quality standards in patient dosimetry. Chest PA and lumbar spine lateral results are presented. A narrow range of performance variation between the radiographic equipment in the sample was found. The tube and generator performance is acceptable. However, the wide range of ESD values presented highlights that a prioritized approach is needed to address areas of investigation and noncompliance, especially where values exceed basic safety standards. The Chest PA results serve as an example of how standardization of technique could contribute to optimization. A program of patient dose monitoring is proposed, provided that a basic level of practical, cost-effective, ongoing routine equipment quality control can be undertaken.

Source: UG
Experiences of Individuals Living With Diabetic Foot Ulcers at the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital

Globally, 382 million people live with Diabetic Mellitus (DM). Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes characterized by the triad of neuropathy, infection and ischaemia. It affects 15-20% of the people diagnosed with diabetes in their live time. The disease accounts for up to 10% of non-traumatic limb amputation. Using an exploratory descriptive design, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of diabetic patients living with foot ulcers. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 participants from Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana (KBTH). In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi structured interview guide. Data was analysed using Miles and Huberman content analysis. Four major themes being participants‘ knowledge regarding diabetic foot ulcer, challenges of managing diabetic foot ulcers, coping strategies in managing diabetic foot ulcers, and support systems in managing diabetic foot ulcers emerged from the study. In conclusion, education on foot care practices must be intensified by healthcare professionals to enable patients self- manage the ulcer. Provision of emotional, social and psychological support to patients managing diabetic foot ulcers must be made a priority to help them cope with the effects of the foot ulcers. Further research in assessing foot care practices among diabetic patients and identifying determinants of these practises is vital in improving patients‘ quality of life. Additionally, it may be imperative to conduct this study at multiple sites for generalization of findings.

Source: UG
Experiences of Midwives in Neonatal Resuscitation within the Immediate Postnatal Period at the 37 Military Hospital, Accra

The birth of a child should be a time of wonder and celebration, however, babies especially in the low middle-income countries, are in extreme danger due to birth-related complications that end in poor health outcomes. Often, newborns suffer from preventable complications that end in death. Neonatal mortality remains unacceptably high and the risk is greatest in the first day of life. Major causes of neonatal mortality are infections, prematurity and intrapartum complications including birth asphyxia. Birth asphyxia is a preventable respiratory emergency. Since midwives are in the frontline as direct care providers of maternal and newborn care in Ghana, this study seeks to explore midwives’ experiences in neonatal resuscitation within the immediate postnatal period. A purposive sampling technique was used to select twelve (12) midwives from the maternity unit of the 37 Military Hospital. The entire research process was guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) propounded by Icek Ajzen (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980), which establishes that one focal determinant of behaviour is the intention to perform it. Data were collected using an exploratory descriptive research approach, through interviews with the aid of an interview guide to generate an in-depth description of midwives’ experiences in neonatal resuscitation. Each interview lasted between 45 minutes to one hour. Data were transcribed verbatim, thematically analysed and five (5) themes were generated. The study found that there are challenges in terms of midwives recognizing the “Golden Minute” immediately after birth to restore spontaneous respirations in the newborn. This was attributed to inadequate preparation to receive the newborn and delay in time for resuscitation of the newborn. Furthermore, findings of the study indicated, limited space, inadequate equipment, shortage of personnel, inadequate skills and knowledge, and resource shortage, as some challenges that prevent midwives to ensure the implementation of standard neonatal resuscitation protocol into routine practices. The result is non-adherence to standard neonatal resuscitation guidelines mostly due to organizational barriers. Given this, there is a need for policy development to assist healthcare institutions with the needed human resource, capital, and infrastructure to equip midwives in effective neonatal resuscitation for positive neonatal health outcomes in Ghana. Keywords: Experiences, Midwives, Neonatal Resuscitation, Golden Minute, Lifesaving Resources, Postnatal Period.

Source: UG
The Experiences of Mothers Caring for Preterm Babies at Home: A Study in the Accra Metropolis

The expectation and hope of every pregnant woman is to deliver a healthy baby without any complication at the end of the pregnancy. Studies have shown that when a mother gives birth to a preterm baby, it generates feelings of despair, grief and anxiety. Preterm babies are babies born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy for gestation regardless of gestational age or birth weight. Preterm birth is an important perinatal health problem globally that needs to be given major attention. The objectives of this study were to explore the experiences of mothers caring for preterm babies at home, identify the major challenges and coping strategies of these mothers and to determine the information needs of mothers caring for preterm babies. A qualitative exploratory and descriptive method was used in the study. The study was conducted at the Department of Child Health, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Clinic of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Accra, Ghana. The target population for this study was all mothers who had delivered preterm babies, admitted at the NICU and discharged home with babies between the ages of 3 to 12 months at the time of the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit nine mothers. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using content analysis of the phenomenon being studied. The findings of the research indicated that mothers caring for preterm babies at home had an array of challenges including feeding, temperature control and attitudes of significant others. Their coping strategies included a reliance on the support of family and significant others and religion. Additionally, the findings of the study revealed that mothers with preterm babies desired more health education and support than they received. Finally, recommendations were made for nursing administration, nursing practice, policy makers and future research.

Source: UG
The experiences of mothers with children hospitalised in a children's emergency unit, Ghana.

The main purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of mothers during their stay with their children when admitted to the Children's Emergency Unit (CEU). An exploratory, descriptive and qualitative design was used to determine the experiences of mothers who stayed in hospital with their children while they were hospitalised. Ten (n = 10) mothers were purposively selected from the CEU. Semi-structured, audio-taped interviews using a general interview guide was the method of data collection. The method used to analyse the data was content analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of mothers tried remedies to treat their children at home and sought professional health care as a last resort. While in hospital, the mothers were obliged to observe and care for their children. Being a cash and carry system, mothers had to pay for almost every service obtained. Stress increased as they stayed with their children. Analysis of factors that increased their stress indicate that financial issues, cost of drugs and food, inadequate facilities, and crowded environment were prominent. The mothers were constantly anxious and worried about their children's condition. These mothers were often ill, especially as the length of stay increased. They coped by accessing various forms of support, such as from family members, friends, one another and their relationship with God.

Source: UG
Experiences of Mothers with Intellectually Challenged Children in Tamale Metropolis

Studies have shown that caring for a child who is intellectually challenged can be very stressful to all members of the family. Currently, care of children with intellectual disabilities is primarily undertaken by mothers who are considered the primary care givers based on the traditional roles they assume which often predispose them to a lot of physical, mental, psychological and economic stress. However, literature about intellectual disability in Ghana is scanty. This study therefore explored the experiences of mothers with intellectually challenged children in Tamale Metropolis using Hill‟s ABCX Family stress model as a guiding framework to understand the experiences of these mothers. A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was adopted for the study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of twelve (12) purposively selected mothers with intellectually challenged children attending Yumba Special School in Tamale. Interviews were audio taped and later transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Five (5) themes were identified and described as follows: caring for a child with intellectual challenge, crises-meeting resources, meaning mothers make of the event, outcome (crises) and factors that predispose mothers to stress. In conclusion the study found that mothers with intellectually challenged children experience physical, emotional, social, financial and work challenges but have limited resources to deal with these challenges. Characteristics of the child and mother‟s own characteristics such as educational and income status as well as access to social support services predispose mothers to physical and mental health outcomes. However healthcare workers do not provide mothers with the requisite information to help them understand and better cope with their situation. Therefore, educational curricular adjustment for health trainees to include intellectual disability issues as well as implementation of social intervention policies to support these mothers will assist them in their care giving role.

Source: UG