A Three-Way Challenge Faced by Patients Living with Diabetic Foot Ulcers at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A Qualitative Study

A Three-Way Challenge Faced by Patients Living with Diabetic Foot Ulcers at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Background: Diabetes Foot Ulcer, DFU, remains a significant public health challenge worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries LMICs, like Ghana. However, not much has been done to address the challenges facing patients living with DFU in Ghana. This qualitative study investigated the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ajaratu Lampinley, Isaac Hayford Budu, Abigail Kusi-Amponsah Diji, Alberta Yemotsoo Lomotey, Olivia Nyarko Mensah, Saviour Yao Davor, Felix Apiribu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences
Subjects:
Challenges
Diabetic foot ulcer
Qualitative study
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214139125000435
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Summary:Background: Diabetes Foot Ulcer, DFU, remains a significant public health challenge worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries LMICs, like Ghana. However, not much has been done to address the challenges facing patients living with DFU in Ghana. This qualitative study investigated the challenges facing patients living with DFU at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana, KATH. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted among 11 purposively sampled individuals living with DFU at KATH to the point of data saturation and analysed using content analysis. Results: The study found three main challenges facing patients living with DFU at KATH. These challenges were economic (cost of treatment of DFU), psychological (fear of amputation, hopelessness and sadness) and social (stigmatization, mobility and inability to attend social functions) in nature. Conclusion: The study advocates for policy interventions to address the economic, psychological, and social challenges faced by patients with DFU. Key among them include regular counselling programs by healthcare providers and religious bodies, strengthening social support networks, integrating psychological support, and incorporating DFU treatment.
ISSN:2214-1391

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