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BMC Infectious Diseases
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | COVID-19 | Research

Challenges and opportunities for improved contact tracing in Ghana: experiences from Coronavirus disease-2019-related contact tracing in the Bono region

Authors: Isaac Tachie Asare, Mbuyiselo Douglas, Gideon Kye-Duodu, Emmanuel Manu

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

In Ghana, contact tracing received heightened attention in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic during its peak period. Despite the successes achieved, numerous challenges continue to limit the efforts of contact tracing in completely curtailing the effect of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, there are still opportunities that could be harnessed from the COVID-19 contact tracing experience for future eventualities. This study thus identified the challenges and opportunities associated with COVID-19 contact tracing in the Bono Region of Ghana.

Methods

Using a focus group discussion (FGD) approach, an exploratory qualitative design was conducted in six selected districts of the Bono region of Ghana in this study. The purposeful sampling technique was employed to recruit 39 contact tracers who were grouped into six focus groups. A thematic content analysis approach via ATLAS ti version 9.0 software was used to analyse the data and presented under two broad themes.

Results

The discussants reported twelve (12) challenges that hindered effective contact tracing in the Bono region. These include inadequate personal protective equipment, harassment by contacts, politicisation of the discourse around the disease, stigmatization, delays in processing test results, poor remuneration and lack of insurance package, inadequate staffing, difficulty in locating contacts, poor quarantine practices, poor education on COVID-19, language barrier and transportation challenges. Opportunities for improving contact tracing include cooperation, awareness creation, leveraging on knowledge gained in contact tracing, and effective emergency plans for future pandemics.

Conclusion

There is a need for health authorities, particularly in the region, and the state as a whole to address contact tracing-related challenges while simultaneously harnessing the recommended opportunities for improved contact tracing in the future for effective pandemic control.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Challenges and opportunities for improved contact tracing in Ghana: experiences from Coronavirus disease-2019-related contact tracing in the Bono region
Authors
Isaac Tachie Asare
Mbuyiselo Douglas
Gideon Kye-Duodu
Emmanuel Manu
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
COVID-19
Published in
BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-023-08317-6

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