The prevalence of occupational stress among nurses varies significantly around the globe. Nursing is often considered a stressful occupation and can have negative effects on the mental, physical, family relationships, and quality of care given to patients. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, causes, effects, and coping strategies of occupational stress among nurses working at a health facility in Ho Municipality in Ghana.The study employed a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design. Data saturation was reached with 18 participants. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, while semistructured interview guide with voice recorders were used in data collection. Data were manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Overall, four main themes and ten subthemes were developed from this study. The main themes were nurses' perception of occupational stress, sources of occupational stress, effects of occupational stress, and coping strategies adopted to cope with occupational stress. The subthemes were as follows: negative and positive stressful feeling, individual level, hospital level, general body pain and fatigue, mental health problems, ineffective relationships, low work output, diversional therapy, positive work outcomes, and psychological support from others (family and colleagues).There are more negative effects of occupational stress on nurses. However, most of the nurses adopted coping strategies to reduce stress with little or no support from the hospital. More support from the hospital will be required to totally manage occupational stress.The study findings revealed how stress affects the daily life and work output of nurses. It is crucial to comprehend how work-related stress affects nurses and what aspects of their workplace are the most burdensome.
Historically, infectious diseases have generated fears among populations. Unhealthy handling of these fears result in the stigma and discrimination of infected patients. Globally, measures taken so far by governments to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, although helpful, have created fears in people. Consequently, there are reported Ghanaian media cases of stigmatisation against persons who were infected and recovered from COVID-19. However, these reports remain unsubstantiated. This study, therefore, sought to examine stigma and discriminatory tendencies towards COVID-19 survivors among the adult population in Ghana. This was a population-based cross-sectional study among 3,259 adults. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percentage, chi-square, and multivariable logistic regression were employed in analysing the data. Knowledge on COVID-19 was poor among 33.6% of the participants. Forty-three per cent had a good attitude towards COVID-19. Nearly half (45.9%) exhibited stigma and discriminatory tendencies towards COVID-19 survivors. Participants who had poor COVID-19 related knowledge (aOR = 1.91, 95%CI = 1.59-2.29, p<0.001) and poor attitude towards COVID-19 (aOR = 5.83, 95% CI = 4.85-6.98, p<0.001) were more likely to exhibit stigma and discriminatory tendencies towards COVID-19 survivors. Our study found relatively high proportions of poor knowledge and negative attitudes towards COVID-19. Stigma and discriminatory tendencies were consequently high. Our findings call for increased public education on COVID-19 by the Ghana Health Service and the Information Services Department, to increase the level of knowledge on the pandemic while reducing stigma and discrimination associated with it.
One of the major complications that pregnancy and childbirth can expose women of reproductive age to is postpartum depression (PPD), with estimations indicating a rise in its prevalence in developing countries. PPD has been linked to adverse growth outcomes, emotional and physical health challenges, cognitive problems among others resulting in compromised health of the mother and her baby. This study described the experiences of postnatal mothers who developed PPD in the Ho Municipality. A phenomenological study design was employed where women receiving treatment for PPD in two hospitals in the Ho municipality were selected using a purposive sampling method. Existential phenomenology explores how people give meaning to their experiences, emphasizing the importance of context and the influence of the participants’ personal backgrounds and values. Interview guide was used to collect data from the study respondents. The data was analyzed using thematic content analyses approach. Three themes and nine subthemes emerged from the study. The study examined the experiences of postnatal women suffering from PPD in the Ho municipality. The effects of PPD were found in this study to have negative impact on the general well-being of the whole family. Healthcare providers can educate expectant mothers and families about these factors, promoting awareness and proactive measures to reduce the risk of PPD. Insights from this research can inform the creation of postpartum support programs that provide new mothers with the resources and support they need to cope with PPD.
Objectiveand rationale: The study sought to explore the experiences of midwives at selected hospitals in the Ho municipality regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders, the predisposing factors, the impacts on them, and their coping strategies to mitigate the effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.MethodsThis study adopted a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological study design. Purposive sampling was employed in this study to select participants. Data was collected and recorded on voice recording devices from fifteen (15) midwives through an interview using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis.ResultsThe four emerging themes include: the lived experiences of midwives regarding musculoskeletal disorders, predisposing factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders, impact of musculoskeletal disorders, and coping strategies of midwives. These themes were further expanded by their sub-themes in describing musculoskeletal conditions, onset, understaffing of midwives, awkward posture assumption during care delivery, limited logistics, struggle with quality of life, impaired work performance, rest and good body mechanics, and teamwork.ConclusionTo lower the rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among midwives and increase work efficiency and productivity, educational programs on prevention and coping mechanisms for musculoskeletal disorders should be made mandatory for midwives.
Abstract Background Decent working time in the health sector is critical to providing quality care. It balances health workers’ well-being with health service requirements, including providing healthcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nursing and midwifery staff form the largest group in the health workforce, and comprehending their experience and challenges around duty roster is critical to effectively improving and enhancing nurses’ work conditions, and job satisfaction and increasing the quality of care. The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences of nurses and midwives using indecorously structured hospital duty rosters at selected health facilities in Ho, the Volta Region of Ghana. Method A descriptive qualitative design was used to explore the experiences of nurses and midwives with the hospital duty roster at selected health facilities in Ho, the Volta Region of Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis by a deductive approach. The researchers read through the raw data and created a list of initial codes to represent new concepts of interest. Results It was found that the duty roster is often organized in ways that are detrimental to nurses’ and midwives’ health and wellbeing, their job performance, and subsequently, to the patient care they provide. Also, nurses and midwives are at considerable risk for work-related stress, burnout, and mental health problems as they do not employ effective coping strategies toward the hospital duty roster. Conclusion Our findings highlight several factors that may be important in influencing nurses’ choice of shift patterns and the resulting outcomes for quality of care and the staff themselves. Further research should explore the extent to which nurses’ preferences are considered when designing the hospital duty roster.
The quality of life of any soldier can be affected by a simple diagnosis of Hypertension. Hypertension has not been directly linked to a single cause; however, knowing the associated risks and early diagnosis can help with its management. This study aimed to explore and describe the causes of hypertension among soldiers and its effects on their families.To explore and describe the causes of hypertension and its effects on soldiers and their families.A qualitative technique and an exploratory descriptive design were used in this study. At saturation, a total of 10 soldiers were face-to-face interviewed and gathered data simultaneously transcribed and subjected to a content analytic method of analysis. Participants approved being audio recorded on tape with an audio recording device.Effects of hypertension on personal lives of soldiers, effects of hypertension on family life, and effects of hypertension on social life were identified as the causes and risk factors of hypertension among the soldiers. These themes are further expanded by their subthemes in the areas of decreased physical activity including sex life, decrease interaction with family, and isolation from friends.This study revealed that hypertension does have effects on one's personal life, family life, and social life. Hence, it is recommended that frequent health education on hypertension and its effects should be organized in the various Garrisons by the public health department for all soldiers and their families. Screening programs should be organized for early hypertension detection. Soldiers should be educated on appropriate eating habits, weight and financial management, and reduction in tobacco and alcohol.
Objective . The integrity and the wholesomeness of the food served to school pupils cannot be overlooked, especially when one considers the magnitude of health and sanitation issues that are plaguing the West African nations. This study aimed to investigate some of the personal hygiene practices by the pupils and the hygienic conditions in which food is cooked and served to these school-going children under the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP). Design . A cross-sectional and descriptive survey research designs were used in the study. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed in selecting participants. Participants . There were 720 respondents for the study, comprising 600 pupils, 60 teachers, and 60 kitchen staff members from 20 schools. Information was obtained using questionnaire, observation, and unstructured interview instruments. Results . Findings from the study revealed that the majority of pupils (92% in Wa and 65% in Cape Coast) did not wash their hands with soap under running water. No hand washing centers for pupils were also seen in most of the schools studied. Majority of the cooks did not have health certificate, and neither had attended any in-service training in two years. In both Wa and Cape Coast municipal schools, none of the kitchen staff admitted that pupils and teachers ever complained about the meals they served to the pupils. Conclusion . The GSFP in basic schools forms part of the integral diet of the school children; hence, provision of good quality food can affect the health, learning, and physical activities of these children. Observational checklist revealed that most of the kitchen staff do not strictly adhere to basic food hygiene practices, and this affects the wholesomeness of the food served to the children. There is, therefore, a need for kitchen staff training on hygiene and food preparation practices.
Objective Eclampsia remains a public health issue, especially in low-resource countries worldwide. Midwives are the backbone of the pregnancy and delivery process. Midwives trained in the necessary knowledge and skills are more likely to notice early warning signals of preeclampsia and immediately help clients in such emergencies. This study explored midwives’ experiences in managing patients with eclampsia in Ghana. Methods This study was conducted among eight registered midwives at maternity units of two district hospitals in the Eastern Region of Ghana, using an exploratory, descriptive qualitative research design. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select and interview participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The right of participation and withdrawal from the study was respected. Findings The three emerged overriding themes are: 1. Midwives have knowledge (warning signs, regimens, and prevention of complications) about the management of eclampsia. 2. Challenges in managing clients included inadequate equipment, staffing, and access to drugs. 3. Strategies for mitigating barriers to care for women with eclampsia (adherence to protocols, teamwork, peer mentoring and supervision, midwives’ attitude, and client education. Conclusion Midwives working in underserved facilities have the knowledge and skill to monitor and manage pregnant women experiencing eclampsia. However, they need to be supported with appropriate resources and advanced equipment to ensure adherence to protocols on managing eclampsia promptly referred. Continuous training and workshops for midwives in the management of hypertension in pregnancy are recommended and the public educated on the dangers of eclampsia.
Introduction Decent working time in the health sector is critical to providing quality care, and balancing health workers’ well-being with the requirements of 24/7 healthcare provision. Nursing and midwifery staff, comprising the largest group in the health workforce, play a crucial role. Understanding their experiences and challenges related to duty rosters is essential for improving work conditions, job satisfaction, and ultimately, the quality of care. Objective This study aims to explore the experiences of nurses and midwives with the hospital duty roster at selected health facilities in Ho, the Volta Region of Ghana. Method A qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach was employed to capture the nuanced experiences of nurses and midwives regarding the hospital duty roster. A semistructured interview guide facilitated data collection, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of participants’ experiences. Three selected health facilities in Ho, the Volta Region of Ghana, served as the study's location. The study recruited 20 participants (nurses and midwives) to reach data saturation. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through thematic content analysis, using a deductive approach. Researchers reviewed the raw data, generating initial codes to capture new concepts of interest. Results The duty roster often demonstrated organizational flaws negatively impacting the health, well-being, and job performance of nurses and midwives, consequently affecting patient care quality. The study identified that these healthcare professionals faced significant risks of work-related stress, burnout, and mental health problems due to ineffective coping strategies toward the hospital duty roster. Findings from the study also demonstrated that nurses and midwives prefer day shift because of its short time and the availability of all groups of professionals to help manage cases as compared to a night shift. Conclusions The findings underscore factors influencing nurses’ choice of shift patterns, emphasizing the need for further research to explore the extent to which nurses’ preferences are considered when designing hospital duty rosters. Such insights can contribute to improving both the working conditions of healthcare professionals and the overall quality of patient care.
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