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Globalization and Health
Published in: Globalization and Health 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Tuberculosis | Research

Perspectives on TB patients’ care and support: a qualitative study conducted in Accra Metropolis, Ghana

Authors: Faustina Twumwaa Gyimah, Phyllis Dako-Gyeke

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2019

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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.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Perspectives on TB patients’ care and support: a qualitative study conducted in Accra Metropolis, Ghana
Authors
Faustina Twumwaa Gyimah
Phyllis Dako-Gyeke
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-019-0459-9

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