scholarly journals Family–Based Index Testing for HIV: a qualitative study of barriers and challenges among clients in Cape Coast, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Asamoah Ampofo ◽  
Isaac Tetteh Commey ◽  
Raphael Adu-Gyamfi ◽  
Nancy Innocentia Ebu Enyan ◽  
Elizabeth Agyare ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Family-based Index HIV Testing, (FBIT) approach is known to be associated with a relatively higher testing yield compared to Provider-Initiated Testing and Counseling. The implementation of this strategy in several countries has exposed some barriers to optimal FBIT outcomes. With the scale up of FBIT in Ghana, stakeholders’ engagement is key in identifying and addressing all barrier to implementation. This study explored index clients’ perspective of barriers and challenges of FBIT. Methods Using an exploratory descriptive qualitative design, 17 individual in-depth interviews were conducted among seventeen purposively selected clients who had been offered FBIT at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) utilizing a semi-structured interview guide. Each interview lasted between 45–60 minutes and the transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis procedure. Themes and sub-themes from the transcripts were generated and supported with verbatim texts to provide a rich understanding of the barriers and challenges. Results Age of participants ranged between 24–71 years, majority of whom were females. Themes and sub- themes emerged on barriers and challenges and these related to good understanding of the benefits of FBIT by index clients, challenge with getting family members to accept testing opportunities, fear and uncertainty of reaction of family members to a positive status, and issues of confidentiality and privacy related to health facility service provision. Key findings were: 1. Index clients perceived FBIT as a good approach to reach family members for testing. 2. Stigmatization, lack of confidentiality and privacy at service centers and 3. Inadequate information on FBIT were identified as barriers that can affect the uptake of FBIT. Getting listed family members to agree to be tested was perceived as a challenge. Conclusions Despite the acceptance of FBIT as a good strategy to reach family members of index clients for testing, there are barriers of stigmatization, fear and uncertainty of reaction of family members to a positive status, lack of confidentiality and privacy, and inadequate information on FBIT. Efforts should be made to address these barriers and challenges. Index clients and their families need tailored support to improve acceptance of this strategy.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Persico ◽  
Salome Grandclerc ◽  
Catherine Giraud ◽  
Marie Rose Moro ◽  
Corinne Blanchet

Objective: The siblings of patients suffering from Anorexia Nervosa (AN) are potentially affected by a disturbed emotional experience that often remains undetected. In order to bring them a psychological support, the Maison de Solenn proposed a support group program for these siblings. The current research explores their mental representations of AN and their emotional experience in the support group named “sibling group.”Method: This exploratory study is based on a phenomenological and inductive qualitative method. Four girls and three boys aged between 6 and 19 participating in the “sibling group” were included in a one-time focus group session using a semi-structured interview guide. The thematic data analysis was performed by applying the methods of interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results: Themes that emerged from the interview fall into four categories: AN explained by siblings; the individual emotional experience of siblings; the family experience of siblings and the experience inside the “sibling group.”Discussion: According to our participants, the “sibling group” thus functions as a good compromise between keeping an active role in the anorexic patient's care and taking a step back to avoid being eaten up by the illness. Sibling-group participants retrieved a sense of belonging, which is normally one of the functions of being a sibling. It is important to note that the “sibling group” is part of the comprehensive (or global) family-based approach included in an institutional multidisciplinary integrative care framework.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Eriksson Crommert ◽  
Karolina Petrov Fieril ◽  
Catharina Gustavsson

Abstract Background Although an increased inter-recti distance, also known as diastasis recti, is common after pregnancy, evidence-based knowledge about the condition is relatively limited. In particular, little is known about the consequences as perceived by the women. The objective of the present study was to describe how postpartum women with increased inter-recti distance experience the condition as well as the contacts they have had with healthcare providers regarding their symptoms. Methods A purposeful sampling approach was used to recruit 19 participants from an existing study cohort of 144 women. All participants had an inter-recti distance of at least two finger widths and at least one child, with the youngest child between the ages of 1 and 6 years. Individual interviews based on a semi-structured interview guide were performed and subsequently analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Four categories emerged from the interviews: the body’s function and ability has changed; the body does not look like it used to; uncomprehending attitudes and treatment in their surroundings; and trying to acquire an understanding of and strategies to cope with the diastasis. The findings reveal that women with increased inter-recti distance might experience fear of movement and engage in avoidance behaviour. In combination with feelings of physical instability in the midsection of their bodies and body dissatisfaction, many of the women restrict their everyday lives and physical activities. Conclusions The findings indicate that increased inter-recti distance is a complex phenomenon that affects the women in a multitude of ways, highlighting the importance of considering the condition for each individual in her own context from a biopsychosocial perspective.


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S192-S192
Author(s):  
Nils Sjöström ◽  
David Berg ◽  
Sofia Johansson ◽  
Eva Andreasson ◽  
Margda Waern

Abstract Background In the recent years person-centered methods have been developed to involve relatives in the care of their next of kin. The Early Signs Action Plan (ESAP) was developed to facilitate relatives’ participation in the care of their next of kin in psychiatric outpatient units specialized in the treatment of persons with schizophrenia and similar disorders. The aim was to investigate relatives’ experiences regarding the activation of the action plan for their next of kin. Methods The study is a qualitative interview study using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were conducted with relatives (N=13) to outpatients whose Early Signs Action Plan had been activated. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The material was then analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results ESAP was positively received by the relatives and most of them experienced that they were participating in the planning of the care of their next of kin’s. Participating in the care also implied a feeling of security and awareness about their next of kin’s early warning signs and what to do in case of a relapse. Relatives also indicated that the ESAP is vulnerable during on call time and during vacation periods. Outdated paths to get in contact with psychiatric services on call time were reported as problematic since this information is crucial for getting in touch with care outside of office hours. Discussion ESAP seems to be a useful tool for the involvement of relatives in the care of their next of kin.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenche Torunn Mathiesen ◽  
Conrad Arnfinn Bjørshol ◽  
Sindre Høyland ◽  
Geir Sverre Braut ◽  
Eldar Søreide

AbstractBackgroundSurvival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) vary considerably among regions. The chance of survival is increased significantly by lay rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival. It is well known that for bystanders, reasons for not providing CPR when witnessing an OHCA incident may be fear and the feeling of being exposed to risk. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of why barriers to providing CPR are overcome.MethodsUsing a semi-structured interview guide, 10 lay rescuers were interviewed after participating in eight OHCA incidents. Qualitative content analysis was used. The lay rescuers were questioned about their CPR-knowledge, expectations, and reactions to the EMS and from others involved in the OHCA incident. They also were questioned about attitudes towards providing CPR in an OHCA incident in different contexts.ResultsThe lay rescuers reported that they were prepared to provide CPR to anybody, anywhere. Comprehending the severity in the OHCA incident, both trained and untrained lay rescuers provided CPR. They considered CPR provision to be the expected behavior of any community citizen and the EMS to act professionally and urgently. However, when asked to imagine an OHCA in an unclear setting, they revealed hesitation about providing CPR because of risk to their own safety.ConclusionMutual trust between community citizens and towards social institutions may be reasons for overcoming barriers in providing CPR by lay rescuers. A normative obligation to act, regardless of CPR training and, importantly, without facing any adverse legal reactions, also seems to be an important factor behind CPR provision.MathiesenWT, BjørsholCA, HøylandS, BrautGS, SøreideE. Exploring how lay rescuers overcome barriers to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a qualitative study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(1):27–32.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorkasi L. Mwakawanga ◽  
Lilian T. Mselle ◽  
Victor Z. Chikwala ◽  
Nathanael Sirili

Abstract Background: Labour pain usually bring worries and most of the concerns to a woman and her family. Thus, the majority of the women in labour pain may require some sort of pain relief method be it pharmacological or non-pharmacological during this period. However, in Tanzania, the use of non-pharmacological labour pain-relieving methods remain low among nurse-midwives. This study analyzed the experiences of nurse-midwives on the use of non-pharmacological methods to manage labour pain in two selected districts of Pwani region Tanzania.Materials and Methods: An exploratory qualitative study using a semi-structured interview guide was conducted to purposefully recruited nurse-midwives working in labour ward in two district hospitals in Pwani region Tanzania. Data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach to generate categories describing the experiences of using non-pharmacological methods in managing labour pain. Results: Encouraging women on the tolerability of pain, provision of instructions onchanging positions, deep mouth breathing techniques and exercises, provision of psychological support and provision of sacral massage emerged as the common non-pharmacological methods used by nurse-midwives. Comfortability on using the methods to both nurse-midwives and the women was stated to make both the nurse-midwives and women use them. Furthermore, some nurse-midwives did not use the methods because of limited skills, the misconception that labour pain to delivering women is necessary and lack of awareness of its benefits. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscores that knowledge on benefits on non-pharmacological methods, skills on using non-pharmacological pain and misconception of nurse-midwives on labor pain influence use of non-pharmacological labor pain management.


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Amirehsani ◽  
Jie Hu ◽  
Debra C. Wallace ◽  
Zulema A. Silva ◽  
Sarah Dick

Purpose The purpose of this study was to conduct focus groups with Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes and their family members who participated in a culturally tailored, family-based diabetes intervention about their action plans for a healthier lifestyle. Methods Five separate focus groups were led in Spanish by an experienced bicultural/bilingual moderator. The audiotaped sessions occurred at the end of the 8-week diabetes educational program. Data were transcribed in Spanish and translated into English. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the findings. Results Eighty-four Hispanic adults participated with an equal representation of patients with diabetes and family members. Most persons were female (63.1%) and the majority of persons were born in Mexico. The mean (SD) age of participants was 44.2 (14.3) years. Six themes emerged from the data: healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, taking care of my sugar, coping with emotions, for the family, and empowerment and increased self-efficacy. Conclusions Hispanics created action plans that promoted healthier lifestyle behaviors individually and as a family. This type of behavior change may result in better diabetes management and fewer complications. Research studies are needed to assess the sustainability of action plans and their impact on glycemic control and diabetes risk factors. Additional studies are needed to address emotional eating and mental health factors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lophina Sitima Phiri ◽  
Angela Chimwaza ◽  
Patrick Gladson McLeywick Chipalamnjira Phiri

Parental participation is one of the cornerstones of paediatric practice. Evidence from the literature has shown that effective parental participation depends on parents’ preparedness, adequate communication between parents and nurses, and the negotiation process. However, little is known about the perception of these parents regarding their participation in the care of their hospitalised children. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of parents regarding their participation in the care of their children who were hospitalised at a government hospital in Malawi. A descriptive qualitative study was carried out using a semi-structured interview guide to collect data from 20 parents in the paediatric department. Thematic analysis was done guided by Colaizzi’s method. Three main themes emerged from the data and these were lack of role negotiation by healthcare workers, inadequate role preparation for parents, and parents’ perceptions of the care they provided to their hospitalised children. The study findings showed that parents view their participation in the care of hospitalised children as appropriate, important and satisfying. However, gaps exist in the way they participate in the care of their hospitalised children due to inadequate role negotiation and role preparation for parents and inadequate information from nurses. The researchers recommend that management should develop protocols and guidelines for the implementation of parental participation in the care of hospitalised children to promote best practices and quality children’s care.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Opoku

<p>This study sought to make a comparative analysis of the effects of formal education on rural and urban families in the Central Region of Ghana. The main objective of this research was to find out whether the changes that come as a result of formal education have strengthened or weakened the structure and function of the contemporary rural Watreso and urban Cape Coast families. Using a descriptive research design, the study employed a semi-structured interview guide and four focus group discussions to elicit data from a total of 49 respondents from Watreso in the Twifo-Hemang Lower- Denkyira District and three suburbs (Cape Coast Core, Abura and Adisadel settlements) all in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The findings of the study revealed that formal education has a significant effect on the contemporary rural Watreso and urban Cape Coast families which to some extent has strengthened the structure and function of these families. However, the study also revealed some challenges and changes that the contemporary rural (Watreso) and urban (Cape Coast) families have experienced in the wake of formal education. Enmity and hatred against rich members of the family have been a problem. It was recommended that well to do members freely help the needy members in their families.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Shamim ◽  
Yvette Lena Margareta Andresen ◽  
Henriette Vind Thaysen ◽  
Ida Hovdenak Jakobsen ◽  
Jannie Nielsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Colonoscopy remains the reference standard for diagnosing and monitoring colorectal cancer and is also used for both diagnosis and surveillance of inflammatory bowel disease and it. Previous studies have shown that the preparation procedure was unpleasant for the patients, and they felt anxious about it alongside the anxiety related to the colonoscopy and the results. However, there is a limited knowledge of the patients’ needs when undergoing colonoscopy and the challenges within. The purpose of the study was to explore experiences of undergoing bowel preparation and colonoscopy.Methods: The study was designed as a qualitative longitudinal interview study with an inductive research approach. Twenty-five face to face interviews and twenty-one follow up interviews were conducted based on a semi structured interview guide. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, and results reported according to COREQ guidelines.Results: Based on the findings, three categories emerged: To weigh up participation, A greater challenge than expected, and Not so challenging after all. Throughout these categories the experience of uncertainty was reported.Conclusions: The process of undergoing bowel preparation and colonoscopy was complex and influenced by uncertainty due to insufficient information. There is a need to strengthen the patient-centered care by adjusting the information to patient’s needs. It is necessary to tailor the written information to meet patients’ needs to better support them in decision-making for participation, to better prepare them for the bowel preparation and to better prepare them for the procedure. In addition, it is vital that patients are provided with results of the colonoscopy that correspond to the timeframe specified in written the information.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-60
Author(s):  
Naa Adjeley Suta Alakija Sekyi ◽  
Brandford Bervell ◽  
Valentina Arkorful

Technology has revolutionized the culture within contemporary society. Especially for communication and sharing of information, social media has taken the epicenter. The proliferation of social media technologies in our daily communication has infiltrated into all facets of life from education, commerce, family and friends, relations etc. However, an aspect of socio-cultural life which is sex trade has also been influenced by social media technological diffusion. A notable and popular social media platform today purported to be complementing the activities of sex workers is the WhatsApp technology. In view of this, the study focuses on unraveling the actual use of WhatsApp by sex workers in managing their clients. Accordingly, the study employed the qualitative approach with the phenomenological transcendental design to find out actual usage experiences of commercial sex workers in the Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana. A purposive sample based on snowballing technique was used to collect data from fifteen (15) sex workers based on a semi-structured interview guide. A thematic analysis centred on a deductive approach was used to analyze the qualitative data. The findings revealed that sex workers had favourable and positive impressions or attitude towards WhatsApp usage. They also found WhatsApp to be very useful and benefitted immensely from it in various ways. Irrespective of this, sex workers were beset with challenges such as stigma from future leakage of their nude information as well as internet network constraints in using WhatsApp. The study derived a model based on the findings for future validation through quantitative modelling analysis.


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