8 results
Search Results
2. A Qualitative Study of Consumers' Experiences of the Quality of Mental Health Services in Ghana.
- Author
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Badu, Eric, O'Brien, Anthony Paul, Mitchell, Rebecca, and Osei, Akwasi
- Subjects
MEDICAL quality control ,RESEARCH methodology ,INTERVIEWING ,PATIENT satisfaction ,PATIENTS' attitudes ,QUALITATIVE research ,QUALITY assurance ,SOUND recordings ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,THEMATIC analysis ,DATA analysis software ,MENTAL health services - Abstract
Integrating consumers' experiences into quality mental health service assessment is relevant to improve service outcomes. Despite this, limited studies have attempted to explore consumers' experiences, particularly in developing countries, such as Ghana. This paper aims to explore consumers' subjective experiences of the quality of mental health services. A qualitative method involving in-depth interviews was used to collect data from 21 consumers of mental health services. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, which is discussed using a realistic evaluation approach. The study identifies four themes, 33 inductive codes and 594 references. The themes used to interpret the verbatim narratives are the available mental health services, therapeutic interaction with the professionals, competency and skills of the professionals, and the changes experienced in the consumers' lives. The study indicates that the mental health services aim to provide a range of treatments and medications as well as recovery-oriented services, using mechanisms such as ensuring an effective therapeutic relationship and improving technical competency and skills. The contextual factors and the mechanisms have helped to achieve some changes in the lives of consumers (increased satisfaction, reduced symptoms, improved functionality, feeling normal, improved living skills and self-care, work and capabilities, and social inclusion). The study concludes that policymakers and clinicians should integrate evidence-based recovery services, principles and values into the existing mental health services. The mechanisms used to promote quality of mental health services should be strengthened, through periodic monitoring and evaluation, using approaches such as sensor data capturing, to ensure good coordination and continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Reaching young people living with HIV & AIDS and young people in detention with comprehensive sexuality education (CSE): a preparatory formative study in Ghana.
- Author
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Amo-Adjei, Joshua, Yenyi, Adwoa, Ahanotu, Brian, and Okyere, Joshua
- Subjects
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EDUCATION of prisoners , *HIV-positive persons , *FOCUS groups , *DISCRIMINATION (Sociology) , *HYGIENE , *SOCIAL stigma , *INTERVIEWING , *SEX education for teenagers , *SEX education , *HOMOSEXUALITY , *QUALITATIVE research , *ABILITY , *TRAINING , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *NEEDS assessment , *JUDGMENT sampling , *THEMATIC analysis , *AIDS patients , *HEALTH self-care - Abstract
As an interface between health and education, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) offers a potent tool among other interventions to accelerate healthy transition of adolescents into adulthood. With increasing interest in in-school CSE provision/delivery, young people in out-of-school contexts may be left behind. This study forms part of implementation research to understand if the activities used to train and support the facilitators are feasible, appropriate, acceptable, and effective in enabling them to engage a defined group of young people, deliver CSE to them in the out-of-school context, and assist them in obtaining relevant services. This paper presents findings of mapping of out-of-school CSE interventions in Ghana, ongoing or completed between 2015 and 2020, and then discusses a needs assessment of two purposively selected groups of vulnerable out-of-school youth: young people living with HIV and AIDS (YPLHIV) and those living in detention (YPiD). We conducted 10 interviews with YPLHIV and three focus group discussions with YPiD in November 2020. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using both deductive and inductive approaches. The mapping yielded 29 interventions (18/62% were ongoing) focused extensively on the delivery of CSE-related knowledge and information; none were aimed at building facilitators' capacity and most targeted the northern regions. Among YPLHIV, living positively after diagnosis, disclosure skills and use of HIV/AIDS health services were critical. YpID sought clarification on personal hygiene, consent in sexual relationships, medium/channel to deliver CSE, and issues around same-sex sexual intercourse. Both groups sought skills in dealing with stigmatisation and discrimination. Implications of the findings for our own and other interventions are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Secrets, shame and discipline: School girls' experiences of sanitation and menstrual hygiene management in a peri-urban community in Ghana.
- Author
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Rheinländer, Thilde, Gyapong, Margaret, Akpakli, David Etsey, and Konradsen, Flemming
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PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation ,DEFECATION ,DIGNITY ,EMOTIONS ,FOCUS groups ,PSYCHOLOGY of high school students ,HYGIENE ,INTERVIEWING ,CASE studies ,MENSTRUATION ,METROPOLITAN areas ,RESEARCH funding ,RESTROOMS ,SANITATION ,SCHOOL environment ,SCHOOLS ,SHAME ,SMELL ,SOCIAL skills ,TEACHER-student relationships ,WATER supply ,WOMEN'S health ,QUALITATIVE research ,SOCIAL support ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,TEACHING methods ,THEMATIC analysis ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
Women and girls need proper sanitation and hygiene facilities to maintain health and dignity. In this study we show how schoolgirls from a peri-urban community of Ghana, experience severe multidimensional 'hygiene poverty' when attending schools. Hygiene poverty was characterized by poor water and sanitation infrastructures and serious social and emotional challenges, including shaming and disciplining of their sanitation and menstrual practices, which forces girls to apply secretive coping strategies. We discuss the importance of changing the negative MHM discourses at schools and fostering supportive teaching methods in adolescent female health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Exploring caregiver experiences of stigma in Ghana: They insult me because of my child.
- Author
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Zuurmond, Maria, Seeley, Janet, Nyant, Gifty Gyamah, Baltussen, Marjolein, Abanga, Jedidia, Polack, Sarah, Bernays, Sarah, and Shakespeare, Tom
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CAREGIVER attitudes ,CHILDREN with cerebral palsy ,SOCIAL stigma ,FAMILIES ,EXPERIENCE ,QUALITATIVE research ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,DATA analysis software ,THEMATIC analysis - Abstract
Families of children with disabilities experience stigma by association with their child. This article examines social and internalised stigma experienced in the family by caregivers who participated in a caregiver programme in Ghana. Stigma is pervasive, and gendered, with most mothers blamed for bringing disability into the home. Emotional distress, isolation and lack of support are common experiences. We argue that the mothers can experience forms of disablism. Stigma is multi-layered, and a range of factors intersect with disability-related stigma, including poverty. A support group model can have a positive impact on caregiver internalised stigma and begin to address isolation. This should be part of a wider package of support to address wider structural issues. Families can play an important role in mediating change, but first we need to better understand the social disruption caused by disability-related stigma at the familial level. Stigma amongst family members with a child with cerebral palsy, is very common in the Ghana context, and fuelled by traditional beliefs. Caregiving and disability-related stigma is gendered. The stigma of childhood disability is often associated with women's role in child bearing and rearing. Better engagement with fathers, and other key members of the family, is needed. Emotional distress, isolation and lack of support are common caregiver experiences in Ghana. A support group model for caregivers has an impact on how they feel about themselves, reducing levels of self-blame and feelings of isolation. We know that the quality of caregiving is really important in the early years of a child's development, so it is important to address any stigma. Factors, such as poverty, play a role in fuelling stigma. These other factors also need to be addressed if we want to reduce levels of stigma experienced by families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Participants' experiences and impressions of a group-based positive psychology intervention programme for rural adults in Ghana.
- Author
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Appiah, Richard, Wilson Fadiji, Angelina, Wissing, Marie P., and Schutte, Lusilda
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MENTAL illness treatment ,PREVENTION of mental depression ,POSITIVE psychology ,WELL-being ,RESEARCH ,EVALUATION of human services programs ,AFFECT (Psychology) ,RURAL conditions ,RESEARCH methodology ,SOCIAL networks ,INTERVIEWING ,INTROSPECTION ,PATIENTS' attitudes ,RESPONSIBILITY ,QUALITATIVE research ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,STATISTICAL sampling ,THEMATIC analysis ,GROUP psychotherapy ,MENTAL health services ,HEALTH promotion ,ADULTS - Abstract
Introduction: There is growing evidence that group-based mental health intervention programmes can encourage the development of peer support, psychosocial skills, and collaborative therapeutic relationships with longer lasting effects. This study explored participants' experiences of, perceived benefits of, and recommendations to improve a 10-session group-based multicomponent positive psychology intervention (mPPI)—the Inspired Life Programme (ILP)—designed to promote positive mental health and reduce symptoms of depression and negative affect in a sample of rural Ghanaian adults. Method: Face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 18 randomly selected programme participants three months after their participation in the ILP. Data were analysed thematically with an inductive approach. Results: Participants described their experience of the ILP as a forum for growth that granted them the opportunity to introspect, practicalise and situate everyday life challenges, connect with others, and to develop a sense of mutual accountability. Results indicate that the ILP led participants to develop a stronger sense of positivity and well-being, fructify their ideas, and to cultivate stronger social networks and relationships that led to increased vocational productiveness. Participants recommended that researchers include facets of physical health promotion in the programme and invite close relations of participants to participate in the programme. Conclusion: This study provides the first insight into participants' experiences of a group-based mPPI in Ghana. These findings may provide useful information to inform the design of context-appropriate community-based mental health interventions to fit participants' specific needs, capacities, and circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Ethical Problems in Planning for and Responses to Pandemic Influenza in Ghana and Malawi.
- Author
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Sambala, Evanson Z. and Manderson, Lenore
- Subjects
EPIDEMICS ,INFLUENZA ,POLICY sciences ,PUBLIC health ,STRATEGIC planning ,QUALITATIVE research ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ETHICS - Abstract
Ethical problems are addressed in various ways within countries in planning for and response to pandemic influenza. Here we report on a qualitative study, in which 46 policymakers in Malawi and Ghana were interviewed on how they identified and resolved ethical problems. The study results revealed that ethical problems involving conflicts of values and choices were raised in reference to the extent and role of resources (inequities) and nature of public health interventions (intrusive measures), including the extent and processes of decision making, reasoning, and justification. There is a need for an ethical framework within pandemic preparedness plans to resolve and avert these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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8. Evidence-based practice in local public health service in Ghana.
- Author
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Owusu-Addo, E., Cross, R., and Sarfo-Mensah, P.
- Subjects
ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,COMMUNITY health services ,INTELLECT ,INTERVIEWING ,MANAGEMENT ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL personnel ,RESEARCH ,RESEARCH evaluation ,EVIDENCE-based medicine ,QUALITATIVE research ,PROFESSIONAL practice ,JUDGMENT sampling ,EDUCATIONAL attainment ,THEMATIC analysis ,WORK experience (Employment) ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
While the role of evidence-based public health in improving health outcomes is frequently touted, there remains a dearth of research examining the use of evidence in public health service particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this research was to examine the use of evidence in local public health service in Ghana, a lower middle-income country. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with local health managers from 11 District Directorates of Health in Ashanti Region. Three organising themes emerged from the interview transcripts: understanding of evidence-based public health; the process of using evidence; and the value of evidence in public health practice. The study suggests that though evidence-based practice was not new to the local health managers, its application was very low. The process of using evidence commenced with making a decision about the direction of a programme which had been already prioritised and planned by other high-level actors and then various sources of information, including available research evidence, were used to justify the decision. The study has revealed that there is an urgent need for pre-service and in-service training programmes that build and maintain common skill sets and language among local public health practitioners in Ghana to accomplish evidence-based public health goals. Similarly, giving local health managers flexibility to prioritise and make decisions would result in increased uptake of evidence in local public health service. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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