Epidemiological transitions and the disease burden in Ghana

Abstract

This study uses the epidemiological transitions theory to explain changes in and possible determinants of Ghana’s disease burden between the 19th and 21st century. Documents and interviews with healthcare practitioners were analysed using the thematic framework approach. Findings suggest that Ghana had undergone four stages of transition driven by population growth, colonisation and urbanisation which had gradually resulted in the doubling of the disease burden. Importantly, findings show that the epidemiological landscape has been in a state of constant transition with transition periods being unequal, short and rapid. These often produced shifts in health conditions and outcomes far beyond the health system’s capacity. The study contributes by highlighting the possible origins of the double burden of disease in Ghana while supporting the notion that health transitions are not static linear processes but may vary in outcomes, stages and processes based on unique factors indirectly linked to the healthcare system.