Abstract:
Objective: To explore the experiences of clients accessing assisted reproductive technology
(ART) services in selected health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana.
Methods: An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design using a purposive sampling
technique was employed. Overall, 12 women and six men participated in the study. In-depth
interviews were conducted using a semi-structured
interview guide. The Braun
and Clarke (2006) procedure for data analysis was followed. Data collection spanned
9 months (January to October 2017).
Results: Five major challenges were identified that were commonly experienced by our
participants at every phase of the ART treatment, including the high cost of ART treatment,
the long distance to treatment centers, drug treatment challenges, disturbances
in daily routine and work, and anxiety about pregnancy outcome.
Conclusion: Given the emotional and psychological challenges reported by the participants
in the present study, an integration of counseling units in the ART centers is recommended,
manned by qualified personnel such as clinical psychologists and counselors
to support clients at every stage of the treatment. Also, given the high cost of ART
services, as reflected in the participants’ views, it is recommended that private health
insurance companies fund some aspect of ART services, such as laboratory investigations
and medications.