Perspectives on TB patients' care and support: A qualitative study conducted in Accra Metropolis, Ghana 11 Medical and Health Sciences 1117 Public Health and Health Services
Date
2019-02-18
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Globalization and Health
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) was declared a global emergency in 1993 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Despite available interventions initiated by the WHO and some countries, the disease remains a key public health
problem. The rates of TB infection and its associated burden is unevenly distributed across the globe with greater
severity in low-to-middle income countries. This paper therefore explored the experiences of TB patients and health
care providers pertaining to patients’ care and support during treatment, in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana.
Methods: A qualitative approach using phenomenology was employed to explore participants’ experiences. Maximum
variation sampling, a type of purposive sampling was employed in selecting participants who exhibit a wide range of
behaviours and experiences. Thirty (30) In-depth Interviews and three (3) Key Informant Interviews were conducted in
selected facilities within a period of three months in 2018. The data was audio-recorded, transcribed, and transported
into Nvivo version 11, for data management and coding. Content analysis of data was carried out for the
generation of themes.
Results: The findings revealed that good knowledge of TB treatment practices did not spontaneously shape
perceptions towards treatment. Factors including prevailing cultural beliefs, physical and psychological stress,
consequences of patient’s interrupted labour and health system challenges were hindrances in caring for TB
patients. Physical, mental and spiritual mechanisms were adopted to cope with challenges.
Conclusion: Personal patient-related challenges and health system bottlenecks were major influencing factors in providing
care and support to TB clients. The National Tuberculosis control Program (NTP) of Ghana should adopt measures
and provide the required financial, infrastructural and human resources for the augmentation of patients’ treatment.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Tuberculosis, Direct observed treatment short course, Patient-related barriers, Health system-related challenges, Coping strategies, Phenomenology