| Category | ORIGINAL_ARTICLE |
|---|---|
| Authors | Konlan Kennedy Diema, Joseph M. Kombat, Laar Elisha, Najimba T. Cecilia, Victor Mogre |
| Abstract | Introduction: Infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes mortality, morbidity and financial burden and is thus a major global health problem. The adoption of coping mechanisms is imperative in the successful control and alleviation of the hepatitis B menace in Ghana. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the coping mechanisms used by persons diagnosed with the hepatitis B virus infection in the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Methodology: The specific study design adopted was the descriptive cross sectional design. Clients who were above fifteen years of age in the Tamale teaching hospital were requested to answer the developed research questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of the study patients who responded to the research questionnaire. Results: Majority of the participants knew their status prior to diagnosis but was limited in their extent of understanding on the intricacies of the disease and the organs of the body mostly affected. Respondents preferred to blend the modern orthodox therapy methods with traditional or religious treatment options. Many respondents alter their dietary pattern in other to cope with the disease. Many respondents indicated their diagnoses have brought a lot of stress to them and their immediate families. Majority wished to protect family and friends from getting infected with the disease. Conclusion: People who report to the Tamale teaching hospital with hepatitis B virus infection adopt various coping mechanisms including dietary modification and use of social support from the family to live with the disease. KEYWORDS: Coping, Diagnosis, Disease |
| Year | 2016 |
| Month | October |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Published On | 06 Oct 2016 |
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