The Use of Religious Capital as a Coping Strategy in Self‑care by Type 2 Diabetes Patients in a Ghanaian Hospital

Abstract

Given the importance Ghanaians attribute to spirituality and religiosity in terms of disease causation and management, this study explored the use of religious capital as a coping strategy by individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in self-care at the Techiman Holy Family Hospital Diabetes Clinic in the Bono East Region of Ghana. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was employed for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of twenty-seven (27) individuals recruited from the diabetes clinic. Content analysis was employed to find themes, which included: (1) Use of Prayer and Fasting for Courage from God, (2) Reliance on God as the Creator of Human Beings who Cures and Heals Diseases in the Body, (3) God as Source of life in times of Illness (Drawing life from God in times of illness), (4) Faith and Hope in God, and (5) Doctors and Nurses as Substitutes for God. The findings advocate the need to incorporate religiosity and spirituality into the provision of healthcare for individuals with diabetes to help them live productive lives.