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Main Article Content
Exploring needs, preferences and cultural influences on HIV/AIDS self-management among women of reproductive age in Northern Ghana
Alhassan B. Adam
Nombulelo Sepeng
Fhumulani M. Mulaudzi
Maurine R. Musie
Abstract
Background: Women in sub-Saharan Africa experience a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS. Self-management of HIV is influenced by sociocultural and economic factors that shape adherence and well-being.
Aim: To explore and describe the perception of women regarding their needs, preferences and cultural practices influencing self-management of HIV/AIDS in Northern Ghana.
Setting: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in three main hospitals in Northern Ghana: Tamale Teaching Hospital, Northern Regional Hospital and Tamale West Hospital.
Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design was utilised for this study. Twenty women were purposively recruited. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework was conducted with NVivo 15.2 to organise codes and themes.
Results: Analysis within the perception, enablers, and nurturers (PEN-3) model identified: (1) perceptions of needs for self-anagement: knowledge of HIV disease process, consistent access to ART, well-organised clinic services and preference for long-acting injectables to
reduce pill fatigue; (2) enablers: credible communication channels (mosques, churches, community durbars, festivals, local language media) and moderated digital supports such as WhatsApp reminders and clinic micro-lessons; (3) nurturers: comprised partners, family members, trained peers and digital peer networks that provided reminders and encouragement.
Conclusion: Self-management of HIV/AIDS among women in Northern Ghana extends beyond medication adherence to include psychosocial and cultural dimensions.
Contribution: Identifying women’s needs and preferences for HIV/AIDS self-management, and how religion, sociocultural and contextual factors uniquely shape their ability to manage their condition, providing evidence for culturally relevant, women-centred education programmes.
