Meanings of quality of life among people living with epilepsy in Ghana; a qualitative exploratory study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the meanings of quality of life among people living with epilepsy (PLWE) in Ghana. METHODS: An exploratory-qualitative study design was adopted. Face-to-face in-depth interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide, were conducted on 15 PLWE who were purposively selected for the study. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The content analysis approach was then used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Four themes - "acceptance", "support", "seizure control", and "self-reliance" emerged from the study as meanings of Quality of life (QoL). Quality of life meant unconditional acceptance from family, friends, acquaintances at home, school, and work, and by the public despite epilepsy. Receiving support in the form of protection from injury during a seizure, financial assistance to meet individual and family demands, emotional warmth, and spiritual support through prayers and encouragement, was QoL for PLWE. Achievement of control over seizures and being self-reliant in terms of selfcare and daily activities in addition to having some form of financial independence meant QoL. CONCLUSION: Meanings of quality of life among PLWE is associated with being accepted and supported by family and friends as well as being in control of seizures and attaining a status of independence.

'I decided to attend to him because it's my duty': Student Nurses perception and attitude towards care of older adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Nurses perception and attitude towards an older patient can positively or negatively influence the quality rendered. As students under training, the views of this population needs to be sought and shaped to improve the quality of care the older patients receive. This is because life expectancy is on the rise. The study aimed to explore students' perception of ageing and their attitude towards care of the older adults. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An exploratory descriptive design was used. Data form containing the sociodemographic attributes of the students and a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers in line with the literature. The participants interviewed were student nurses who had been in clinical practice for at least one semester. Four focus group discussions (FGD) were held. RESULTS: Average age of the participants was 22.30 years. An equal number of males and females (15 each) were recruited to have a balance in gender. Students expressed that they saw the older adults as their grandparents so they try to accord them respect and care. However, older adults are perceived not receptive to nurses in training. The students stated that registered nurses neglected the basic care of older adults such as diaper changes, bathing, and feeding, and would rather beckon student nurses to attend to the older adults. CONCLUSION: Gerontology as a stand-alone course is necessary for early years of training to give an in-depth education to nursing students and instil a positive attitude towards older adult patients.

Experience of epilepsy: Coping strategies and health outcomes among Ghanaians living with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the coping strategies of people living with epilepsy (PLWEs) and their health outcomes. METHODS: This was a descriptive-exploratory, qualitative study. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were carried out on a purposive sample of 13 PLWEs using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and the data were analyzed using the content analysis approach. RESULTS: Positive coping strategies adopted included problem-focused coping, faith in God, social support, and lifestyle changes. Negative coping strategies adopted were thinking and worrying and concealing diagnosis. Treatment modalities for epilepsy were spiritual intervention, traditional, or orthodox medicines or a combination of two or more. A reduction in the frequency and severity of seizures was a positive outcome, and the worsening of seizures was a negative outcome. CONCLUSION: The consultation of spiritualists and herbalists for treatment was a reflection of their beliefs about the causes of epilepsy among the participants. There is a need for increased education on epilepsy in Ghana.

Beliefs of people living with epilepsy in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana.

PURPOSE: The study aimed at describing the beliefs that People Living with Epilepsy (PLWE) have about the disease. METHODS: A descriptive-exploratory qualitative design was employed to guide the study. Thirteen (13) participants living with epilepsy in the Accra Metropolis were purposively sampled. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted and data were analysed using the content analysis approach. RESULTS: The themes that emerged from the data were beliefs about signs and symptoms, causes, consequences and beliefs about cure and control of epilepsy. Participants believed epilepsy was a disgraceful illness. Most participants believed epilepsy was due to spiritual causes. Seizures resulted in injuries and were believed to have affected the education, work and relationships of the PLWE. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the false beliefs about the causes of epilepsy were an indication of knowledge gap on the causes of epilepsy among the PLWE. Health care professionals should intensify health education campaigns on epilepsy to demystify traditional beliefs about epilepsy and promote greater understanding and acceptance of PLWE.