ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Experiences of family caregivers of young persons living with type 1 diabetes at the Effia Nkwanta regional hospital

The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of family caregivers of young persons living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Sekondi/Takoradi Municipality of the Western Region. This study made use of a qualitative research approach with exploratory-descriptive design and recruited fourteen family caregivers of young persons living with T1D. Participants recruited for this study were 18years and above. From the study findings emerged four major themes, namely: perceptions, experiences, challenges and coping strategies. Generally, participants reported having not heard about T1D prior to their child being diagnosed of the condition. As a result, most of them delayed in reporting their child’s condition to the hospital and went through varied experiences on hearing the news about their child’s diagnosis. However, after the diagnosis, they became very conversant with the basic knowledge required for the management of T1D at home through the health education they received at the clinic. With T1D being identified as a serious chronic disease associated with complications, participants attributed its cause to several factors. Although T1D was reported as a difficult diagnosis, participants learnt how to manage the condition and all of them were able to recount the role they play in diabetes management with the goal of seeing their child’s blood glucose within the normal ranges. Most of these participants were familiar with the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Also, the study participants reported challenges that bothered on the psychological, social and financial aspects of their lives. Finally, in order to cope with the stress associated with T1D and its managements, findings from the study identified the coping strategies family caregivers use such as religious beliefs, social support, family involvement and embracing the new normal.

Source: UCC
Experiences of Female Migrants in the Informal Sector Businesses in the Cape Coast Metropolis: Is Target 8.8 of the SDG 8 Achievable in Ghana?

Situated within the neoclassical micro-economic and migration networks theories, this study used in-depth interviews to explore the circumstances, lived experiences, risk and vulnerabilities of female migrants in selected informal sector businesses in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. The data was processed and analyzed thematically using the QSR Nvivo qualitative software version 11. Participants reported varied and complex lived experiences. Poverty, the search for employment, parental irresponsibility and marital instability were the dominant explanations for their decisions to migrate. Most participants intimated that their health and economic rights were often violated, that they endured verbal abuse, physical injury, sexual harassment, and were compelled to work even when sick. Their daily or monthly earnings were at the mercy of their employers, and their work, living and sleeping environments were unsafe. Considering that these findings reflect what generally prevails in other parts of the country, Ghana is unlikely to achieve Target 8.8 of the Sustainable Development Goal 8. There is therefore an urgent need to enforce the relevant laws and policies to protect the fundamental human rights, safety, health and well-being of females in these and similar livelihood activities in Ghana

Source: UCC
Experiences of First-Generation Students at University of Cape Coast

The study sought to find out the experiences of first-generation students at the University of Cape Coast. The study utilized the phenomenological approach. The snowballing technique was employed to collect data from 11 first-generation students of the University were collected using an unstructured in-depth interview guide. The study revealed that within the contexts of family and class status, personal expectations, cultural images, and the regulatory structure of institutions showed that first generation student experiences were characterized by a lack of knowledge both prior to and during university years. Also, participants believed that their determination contributed to their success in the University. It was also revealed that access to financial aid and college-sponsored scholarships were repeatedly cited by study participants as providing an opportunity to attend and remain in the university. It was recommended that stakeholders of education should institute and implement policies that can support first-generation students in the various tertiary institutions in the country. Another recommendation was that providing role models and developing strong relationships with potential first-generation students can led to increased number of students applying and attending the University.

Source: UCC
Experiences of informal caregivers of patients with stroke in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Many stroke survivors experience long-term impairments in physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functions that are formidable challenges to informal caregivers. During the period leading up to and including the stroke survivors‘ discharge, the informal caregiver will face immense uncertainties and new challenges. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore the experiences of informal caregivers of persons living with stroke in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Thirteen respondents were purposively selected from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and University of Cape Coast Hospital. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio recorded with each interview lasting between 25 and 45 minutes. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data and three major themes were derived namely: nature of caregiving, coping strategies and impact of caregiving. Informal caregivers‘ experiences were characterized with increased daily task, which was time-consuming, stressful, frustrating and financially demanding. However, caregiving for stroke patients strengthened the relationship between caregivers and patients. Coping strategies such as watching television, sleeping, acceptance, patience, tolerance and hope in God further self- encouragement were employed by these participants. The study also revealed that generally, caregiving for stroke patients negatively affects the caregivers‘ work, finances, social life and health. Thus, the study recommends that proper psycho-educational and counselling services should be given to informal caregivers to properly adapt to their situation.

Source: UCC
Experiences of mothers with preterm babies on support services in neonatal intensive care unit at Techiman Holy Family Hospital

Hospitalization of a preterm baby presents significant burden to parents especially the mother. This study explored the experiences of mothers of preterm babies on support services in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Techiman Holy Family Hospital. The study utilised an explorative descriptive qualitative case study design with homogenous purposive sampling of mothers of preterm babies admitted in the NICU. In-depth interviews were conducted with a semi-structured interview guide until data saturation was reached. The interviews were audio taped, transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings showed that mothers were generally provided with tangible (sleeping room, mattresses, bath rooms and toilets) and intangible support services (counselling, and health education) from nurses and doctors in the NICU. However, these support services were not adequately available to meet the needs of the mothers. The findings also showed that the few support services that were available in the unit were accessible and acceptable by mothers. Nonetheless, certain factors were identified that could positively or negatively affect effective utilization of support services including attitude of staff, experiences and skills of staff, attitude of mothers, communication and feedback and early discharge. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the hospital management should take steps to refurbish the NICU and institute policies that allow interdisciplinary collaboration among staff such as doctors, nurses, counsellors, dieticians, social workers and health promotion officers in providing holistic care to preterm mothers.

Source: UCC
The Experiences of Nurses Providing Cancer Care at the Oncology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Nurses caring for cancer patients do spend the lengthiest of time with them in the course of their treatment. These nurses by their profession and frequent contacts do bear the terminal weights of the conditions of these patients which has a resultant effect on their emotional and psychological health. This study aimed to explore the impact of adult cancer care on nurses caring for cancer patients. A descriptive qualitative design was used. The population comprised all nurses working at the Oncology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Participants were purposively selected for the study. A semi-structured interview was used to collect relevant data for the study. The results showed that caring for cancer patients exposes nurses to considerable psychological pressures such as seeing patients suffer, providing care at the end of life, and controlling their own emotional reactions to illness. The study emphasizes how important it is for healthcare institutions to prioritize nurses' psychological well-being and mental health in cancer treatment facilities. Interventions like routine debriefing sessions, counselling services, and peer support programs can be implemented to lessen the psychological impacts.

Source: UCC
Experiences Of Older Adults Living With Urinary Incontinence In Bono Regional Hospital

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) poses detrimental impacts on several domains of health. Nonetheless, there is paucity of empirical evidence on the experiences of older adults living with UI in Ghana. This study explored the experiences of older adults living with UI in the Bono Regional Hospital. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among seven purposively sampled adults aged 60 years and above who reported to the Urology Clinic of the Bono Regional Hospital. In-depth interview was conducted among the participants using a semi-structured interview guide. Braun and Clarke’s approach for thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed that UI negatively impacts the physical, psychological and social domains of life of older adults living with UI. Physical impacts of UI included general body discomfort and appearance, disturbed sleep pattern, dehydration and nutritional impairment, and impaired sexual function. Sense of worry, agony, and anxiety, and suicidal ideation, were the psychological impacts of UI experienced by the participants. Also, they experienced social impacts of UI such as impaired interpersonal interaction, limitations on traveling, and limitations on attending professional and social gathering. Nonetheless, participants coped with UI through self-encouragement and assurance, good personal hygiene, and lifestyle modification. Conclusions: This study revealed several physical, psychological, and social impacts of UI on the wellbeing of older adults. There is the need to provide older adults with the necessary physical, psychosocial, and spiritual support to help them develop effective coping strategies to manage urinary incontinence.

Source: UCC
Experiences of patients living with indwelling urethral catheter in Ajumako Enyan Essiam district of the Central Region of Ghana

This study described the lived experiences of patients living with indwelling urethral catheter in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region of Ghana. The specific objectives were: to explore patients’ experiences related to living with indwelling urethral catheter on patients’ lives; explore the challenges faced by patients who use indwelling urethral catheter; investigatecoping strategies utilized by patient’s living with indwelling urethral catheter. A qualitative, phenomenological design was used for the study. Purposive sampling technique was utilized in selecting the participants for the study. Data were collected using semi-structured face to face interviews of ten (10) patients at the emergency unit and at patient’s homes. The interviews were tape recorded with permission from the participants, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following Colaizzi’s (1978) strategy of descriptive phenomenological data analysis. The analysis revealed both positive and negative experiences which were categorized into Six (6) themes namely: physical impact; psychological impact; social impact; financial impact; coping strategies; information-seeking behaviours. Based on findings from this study the researcher is of the view that, nurses should make it a point to counsel patients’ properly, most especially on sexual and emotional needs and also should always make available all needed information (written or verbal) about the catheter to patients as this will help alleviate patients’ frustration and also enable patients to cope with the indwelling urethral catheter.

Source: UCC
Experiences of Persons Living with Schizophrenia: A Study in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Living with a chronic mental condition such as schizophrenia comes with its own challenges. Yet, there is little data on the experiences of individuals living with schizophrenia in Ghana. This study explored the experiences of persons living with schizophrenia in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive phenomenological study design using purposive sampling technique to select nine (9) persons living with schizophrenia for the study. Data collection was done through face-to-face audio-recorded in-depth interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) descriptive phenomenological analysis approach. The study revealed that participants maintained their Activities of Daily Living as long as they were in their lucid interval. Participants revealed that stigmatization, and lack of job opportunities were major challenges they faced. Hence, interventions that seek to promote maximum support, reduce stigmatization and promote medication adherence should be explored and promoted.

Source: UCC
Experiences Of Registered Nurses In Caring For Older Adult At Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital

Background: The complex and diverse needs of older adults have necessitated specialized and holistic nursing interventions. However, the challenges and opportunities faced by registered nurses in caring for older adults remain understudied. This study aimed to explore the experiences of registered nurses (RNs) providing care to elderly individuals at Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital (CCMH) in Ghana. Method: An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken, involving purposive sampling of sixteen experienced RNs. Thematic analysis was utilized to categorize the data into four main themes: RNs' perceived roles and duties, their positive and negative experiences, and the coping strategies employed. Results: RNs perceive their role in elderly care to involve monitoring, treatments, and meeting basic needs. They encounter both positive emotions like compassion and trust, and challenges such as exhaustion and conflicts. Coping strategies include self-care, social support, and resilience-building techniques to manage stress in caring for older individuals. Conclusion: RNs demonstrate a significant understanding of their perceived roles in elderly care. They adeptly navigate both positive and demanding situations when attending to older individuals. These professionals have developed effective coping mechanisms to address challenges, ensuring topnotch care for the elderly. The study recommends specialized training to alleviate RNs' workload. Moreover, policymakers and academia should consider extending the duration of studies in older adult care to cultivate more competent and specialized RNs.

Source: UCC
Experiences of Registered Nurses in carrying out their role as patients’ advocates

Patient advocacy plays a critical role in promoting patient safety and quality care. Yet, there is little or no data documenting the practice of patient advocacy among nurses in Ghana. This study explored and provided an in-depth description of experiences of registered nurses in carrying out their role of patient advocacy within the Ghanaian context at the Cape Coast Metro Hospital (CCMH). A qualitative approach with descriptive study design was used to meet the set objectives. The study was guided by Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory. Purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty-five registered nurses who were willing to participate in the study. Data were collected from the twenty-five research participants through a semi-structured interview. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Key findings based on this study revealed that the nurses had adequate understanding of the meaning of patient advocacy and were willing to advocate for their patients. Yet, advocating for the patients within the clinical setting was practically difficult owing to several existing barriers. These barriers included the health institution, physicians, patients, anticipated negative outcome of advocacy, fear of loss of job, limited communication and poor inter-personal relationships. Nurses who overcame the existing barriers succeeded in advocating for the patients, enjoyed positive physical, emotional, psychological and professional experiences as well as positive effects on the health institution. The contrary, however, occurred when the advocacy activities became unsuccessful. Based on study findings, recommendations were made for improved patient advocacy.

Source: UCC
Experiences of Registered Nurses in Carrying Out Their Role as Patients’ Advocates

Patient advocacy plays a critical role in promoting patient safety and quality care. Yet, there is little or no data documenting the practice of patient advocacy among nurses in Ghana. This study explored and provided an in depth description of experiences of registered nurses in carrying out their role of patient advocacy within the Ghanaian context at the Cape Coast Metro Hospital (CCMH). A qualitative approach with descriptive study design was used to meet the set objectives. The study was guided by Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory. Purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty-five registered nurses who were willing to participate in the study. Data were collected from the twenty-five research participants through a semi-structured interview. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Key findings based on this study revealed that the nurses had adequate understanding of the meaning of patient advocacy and were willing to advocate for their patients. Yet, advocating for the patients within the clinical setting was practically difficult owing to several existing barriers. These barriers included the health institution, physicians, patients, anticipated negative outcome of advocacy, fear of loss of job, limited communication and poor inter-personal relationships. Nurses who overcame the existing barriers succeeded in advocating for the patients, enjoyed positive physical, emotional, psychological and professional experiences as well as positive effects on the health institution. The contrary, however, occurred when the advocacy activities became unsuccessful. Based on study findings, recommendations were made for improved patient advocacy.

Source: UCC
Experiences of Residents in a Therapeutic Community Model of Addiction Management at a Psychiatric Hospital

Globally, there is a growing concern about the alarming proportions of harmful alcohol use and abuse of illicit drugs. In Ghana, the use of illegal drugs and alcohol is endemic. Therapeutic Community (TC) for Substance Used Disorders (SUDs) has been in existence for about six decades and it was introduced in Ghana about a decade ago in Pantang Mental Hospital and since 2019 at Accra Mental Hospital. However, the effectiveness of this treatment modality for drug addiction in these two institutions has not been scientifically studied; therefore, there is a need for it to be explored. This study sought to explore the experiences of clients or residents enrolled in the Therapeutic Community to unearth their impact on the residents’ journey toward recovery from drug addiction. This research adopted a qualitative study design that specifically employed the Explorative-Descriptive method. The target population for this study comprised residents who have been enrolled in the TC programme at the Pantang Mental Hospital with a sample size of 15 participants who were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and data analysed using Colizzi’s (1978) descriptive phenomenology data analysis process. The study pointed out that residents or participants mainly expressed positive experiences in the programme, including experiencing a sense of belongingness, enhanced self-esteem/self-worth, and most importantly, developing hope of a life free of addiction. The study, however, also found that the programme was structured for all residents and did not offer opportunities for individualized care, which detracted participants from the programme experience. Given the TC programme’s impact, it is recommended that out-patient-based sessions should be introduced for residents like pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and clients who cannot leave without their families to benefit from the TC programme's effectiveness.

Source: UCC
Experiences Of Students With Hearing Impairment At A Presbyterian College Of Education In Ghana

The study explored the experiences of students with hearing impairment (HI), their perceptions of academic participation, social interaction and supportive services offered to them at a College of Education in Ghana. The qualitative interpretative phenomenology design was employed for the study. Semistructured interview was used for data collection. A sample of 12 students from the Presbyterian College of Education were selected. Thematic analysis by Braun, Clarke, Hayfield, and Terry (2019) was used for the data analysis of the study. Results showed that in the absence of a sign language interpreter, students with hearing impairment (HI) had difficulty accessing information at lectures. Additionally, the majority of students with hearing impairment (HI) believe that the sign language interpreting service is unsatisfactory. It was recommended among other things that to support efficient communication and easy learning process, the College authorities should hire skilled sign language interpreters who are familiar with hearing impairment culture. Hearing students should also be taught about deaf culture by the College authorities so that students who are deaf may readily associate with them.

Source: UCC