Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences and Coping Strategies of Individuals with Disabilities at Some Selected Healthcare Facilities in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana
Main Article Content
Keywords
disability, healthcare, access to healthcare, Bosomtwe District of Ghana
Abstract
Discrimination in healthcare may exclude or deter individuals with disabilities from seeking health services for fear of stigma and discrimination. The study explored the experiences of individuals with disabilities at healthcare facilities in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana. A case study design with qualitative approach was adopted in which data was collected from 30 individuals with disabilities through face-to-face interview and focus group discussion. Participants were selected through purposive sampling technique. Data were audio and video-taped recorded and transcribed and categorized into themes which have been presented as main findings and supported by relevant quotations. The experiences found included communication difficulties between individuals with disabilities and healthcare providers, long hours of waiting at the hospital, neglect and nepotism, abuse and insults by healthcare providers, and absence of prescribed medicines. Total attainment of the Agenda 2030 will be an illusion in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana if the situation is not improved.
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Enoch Acheampong, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Kumasi
Lecturer,
Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies,
Department of Health Promotion and Disability Study
Anthony Kwaku Edusei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Professor of Public Health,
Department of Health Promotion and Disability Studies
Peter Agyei-Baffuor, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Lecturer,
Department of Health Policy and Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,
Kumasi, Ghana
Reindolf Anokye, Edith Cowan University Joondalup, Australia
PhD candidate,
School of Public Health
Godfred Atta-Osei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Postgraduate Student, MPhil in Disability Studies,
Health Promotion and Disability Studies