Browsing by Author "Acheampong, A.K."

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The Image of Nurses and Midwives in Ghana: Patient and Family Perspectives
(Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 2022) Ohene, L.A.; Acheampong, A.K.; Dzansi, G.; Kyei, J.; Adjei, C.A.; Adjorlolo, S.; Asante, I.N.A.; Woolley, P.; Nyante, F.; Aziato, L.
This study aims to explore the perceptions of patients and family caregivers on the image of nurses and midwives in Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory descriptive approach. A total of 25 participants were interviewed during data collection. Content and thematic analysis were applied in the data analysis to develop themes. The findings are captured under two major themes that describe the primary influences on participant images of nurses: Thus, (1) nurses’ and midwives’ attributes with four subthemes; staff appearance, communication strategies and behaviors, work attitudes, and professional competence and (2) patients’ status and subthemes were; uneducated poor and educated rich. We conclude that patients and families in Ghana recognize the professional attributes of the nurse and midwife, which reflect in their personality, grooming, communication, competencies, and attitudes. However, low publicity of the professional roles of nurses and midwives may have negative repercussions for their professional image. A policy to perform a regular public audit on the image of the Nurse/Midwife is important for professional advancement.
Nurses’ and midwives’ perspectives on participation in national policy development, review and reforms in Ghana: a qualitative study
(BMC Nursing, 2021) Acheampong, A.K.; Ohene, L.A.; Asante, I.N.A.; Kyei, J.; Dzansi, G.; Adjei, C.A.; Adjorlolo, S.; Boateng, F.; Woolley, P.; Nyante, F.; Aziato, L.
Background: The World Health Organization has admonished member countries to strive towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through actionable health policies and strategies. Nurses and midwives have instrumental roles in achieving UHC via health policy development and implementation. However, there is a paucity of empirical data on nurses and midwives’ participation in policy development in Ghana. The current study explored nurses and midwives’ participation in policy development, reviews and reforms in Ghana. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory design was adopted for this study. One-on-one individual interviews were conducted after 30 participants were purposefully selected. Data was audiotaped with permission, transcribed and analyzed inductively using the content analysis procedures. Results: Two main themes emerged from the data: participation in policy development and perspectives on policy reviews and reforms. The findings showed that during health policy development and reviews, nurses in Ghana were overlooked and unacknowledged. Policy reforms regarding bridging the pre-service preparation gap, staff development and motivation mechanisms and influence on admission into nursing schools were raised. Conclusion: The authors concluded that nurses and midwives are crucial members of the healthcare systems and their inputs in policy development and reviews would improve health delivery in Ghana.
Psychosocial Experiences of Breastfeeding Hiv Positive Mothers in Tema Metropolis
(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Acheampong, A.K.; Naab, F.; Kwashie, A.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing
Breastfeeding is one of the main modes through which HIV is transmitted from mothers to their infants. Although the rate of transmission is drastically reduced when the breastfeeding mother is managed on anti retroviral therapy, there is still a probability of transmission. This puts a considerable level of strain on breastfeeding HIV positive mothers. The purpose of this study was to explore the psychosocial experiences of breastfeeding HIV positive mothers in the Tema metropolis. The study was guided by the self efficacy theory by Albert Bandura. Thirteen breastfeeding HIV positive mothers were recruited from the Tema General Hospital to participate in the study. A semi- structured interview guide was used as the data collection tool. The five main themes which emerged after thematic content analysis of the transcribed data were; self motivating factors of breastfeeding HIV positive mothers, factors which influence initiation of breastfeeding among HIV positive mothers, the role of social persuasion in breastfeeding attitudes of HIV positive mothers, psychological emotions of breastfeeding HIV positive mothers and coping strategies used by breastfeeding HIV positive mothers. The findings of the study illustrated that, breastfeeding HIV positive mothers motivated themselves due to their own previous experiences, hope in anti-retroviral therapy, encouragement by other mothers in similar situations and counselors. Socially, the opinions of their spouses, counselors and members of their community had a role to play in their decision to breastfeed. Psychologically, the women had fear, anxiety, blame and guilt. Strategies such as support groups, prayer and denial were some of the coping mechanisms. Therefore, breastfeeding HIV positive mothers should be attended to in private at the clinic so that their unique needs are met adequately
Qualitative exploration of psychological reactions and coping strategies of breastfeeding mothers living with HIV in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
(International Breastfeeding Journal, 2017) Acheampong, A.K.; Naab, F.; Kwashie, A.
Background: Exploring the psychological reactions of breastfeeding mothers living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an important step which may improve guidelines for counselling. The purpose of this study was to explore the psychological reactions and coping strategies of breastfeeding mothers living with HIV in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Methods: Qualitative descriptive exploratory design was used to explore the psychological experiences and coping strategies of 13 breastfeeding mothers living with HIV in a main referral public hospital, at the greater Accra Region of Ghana. An interview guide was designed and piloted before it was used to collect data between November, 2014 and February, 2015. Data was content analyzed for themes and subthemes to emerge. Results: The two major themes that emerged included psychological reactions and coping strategies. Some of the subthemes were fear, anxiety, blame, hope, denial, prayer and trust in positive situations of life. Conclusion: The women used denial, prayer and hope in ART, among others to cope with their emotions. This highlights the need for HIV counsellors to detect signs of denial since it can lead to non-adherence to ART as well as relapse. Health workers should therefore put the coping strategies in context during counselling of mothers in this category. © 2017 The Author(s).
Suicidal ideations and coping strategies of mothers living with physical disabilities: a qualitative exploratory study in Ghana
(BMC psychiatry, 2018-11) Acheampong, A.K.; Aziato, L.
Background Suicide is higher among adults with disabilities compared to their counterparts without disabilities and suicide is mostly preceded with suicidal ideations. For each successful suicide, there could be many ideations and attempts. Limited scientific data exist on the issue of mothers with disabilities and suicidal ideations. Therefore, this study explored suicidal ideations and coping strategies of mothers living with physical disabilities in Ghana. Methods Qualitative descriptive exploratory design was used and data was collected through individualized in-depth interviews. All participants were purposefully selected after informed consent was sought. Data was audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed inductively using content analysis technique. Results Almost all the women in this study reported suicidal ideations from time to time. Poisoning was the most predominant means which the women had considered to use if they ever attempted the suicide. Suicidal thoughts were precipitated mainly by discrimination. Their resilience and ability to cope were due to self-motivation, children, counselling, assistance from relatives and prayer. Conclusion We concluded that, it is crucial for all health professionals to explore and identify suicidal intentions among mothers with disabilities for them to be referred to the appropriate units for necessary help.
The Voices That Influence HIV-Positive Mothers’ Breastfeeding Practices in an Urban, Ghanaian Society
(Journal of Human Lactation, 2018-02) Acheampong, A.K.; Naab, F.; Kwashie, A.
Background: The World Health Organization recommends that HIV-positive mothers should breastfeed for at least 1 year. There are people in the lives of these mothers who influence their decisions. Research aim: The aim was to explore the role of social persuasion in the decision-making processes of HIV-positive breastfeeding mothers. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory research design was employed (N = 13). Participants were recruited from a public hospital in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One-on-one interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the contents of the transcripts were analyzed for emerging themes. Results: The perspectives of spouses, health workers, counselors, and siblings about breastfeeding affect the breastfeeding practices of mothers living with HIV in Ghana. Most of the women had negative experiences with their midwives. Because of complex social and cultural influences, the opinions of spouses, health professionals, siblings, and members of the communities in which breastfeeding mothers with HIV live influence breastfeeding practices. Conclusion: This study described HIV-positive, breastfeeding mothers’ perceptions of the role played by spouses, health professionals, siblings, and the community in breastfeeding decisions and practices. Influential people in the lives of breastfeeding mothers with HIV should be involved during interventions by HIV counselors to promote breastfeeding practices.