Article abstract

Journal of Educational Research and Review

Research Article | Published August 2018 | Volume 6, Issue 3, pp. 47-53

Challenges and Coping Strategies of People Living with HIV/AIDS Seeking Health Care at Manhyia District Hospital, Ghana

 

 

 

Ramatu Agambire*
Cecilia Ackon Ansong
Christa Osei-Mensah

Email Author

 

  Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Garden City University College, Ghana.

 

 

 

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 Citation: Agambire R, Ansong CA, Osei-Mensah C (2018). Challenges and Coping Strategies of People Living with HIV/AIDS Seeking Health Care at Manhyia District Hospital, Ghana. J. Edu. Res. Rev. 6(3): 47-53.
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 Abstract 

 

HIV/AIDS has emerged as a global public health concern requiring a multidimensional response. It is estimated that approximately 36.7 million people are HIV-positive worldwide with more than 70% of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Adherence, follow -ups and counselling by extension are key components of prevention. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) require lifelong treatment and it is essential that health care services are organized in such a way that it promotes healthy living, long life and also minimize the spread of the disease. The aim of the study was to explore the challenges faced when accessing healthcare and the coping strategies used by people living with HIV/AIDS at Manhyia District Hospital. The study was a qualitative study and it used in-depth interview with semi-structured questions. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) accessing healthcare at Manhyia hospital. Data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. The common challenges were financial constraints, emotional disturbance, fear of stigmatization and the side effects of drugs. Most PLWHA used coping strategies such as attending prayer camps, counseling usually from faith healers and diversional activities such as watching TV and attending social gatherings. The study recommends that health facilities should offer periodic education to patients on how to cope with side effects of the anti-retroviral drugs and also work with faith healers to promote adherence.

 

Keywords  anti-retroviral    coping strategies   challenges   health care   non-adherence   stigmatization 

 

 

Copyright © 2018 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0



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