BackgroundTherapeutic communication is essential in the provision of quality healthcare to patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived barriers to effective therapeutic communication among patients and nurses at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,Kumasi.MethodsAn exploratory study design was employed using a qualitative approach. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 13 nurses and patients who were interviewed using an unstructured interview guide. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic content analysis.ResultsPatient-related characteristics that were identified as barriers to effective therapeutic communication included socio-demographic characteristics, patient-nurse relationship, language, misconception, as well as pain. Nurse-related characteristics such as lack of knowledge, all-knowing attitude, work overload and dissatisfaction were also identified as barriers to effective therapeutic and environmental-related issues such as noisy environment, new to the hospital environment as well as unconducive environment were identified as barriers to effective therapeutic communication among patients and nurses at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,Kumasi.ConclusionNurse-patient communication is an inseparable part of the patients’ care in every health setting; it is one of the factors that determine the quality of care. Several patient-related characteristics, nurse- related characteristics and environmental-related issues pose as barriers to effective therapeutic communication at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,Kumasi and have ultimately; resulted in reducing effective communication at the wards. Therefore, all the barriers must be eradicated to promote effective therapeutic communication.

ObjectiveLower limb amputation not only causes major disfigurement, but renders people less mobile and at risk of loss of independence. Yet with appropriate rehabilitation, many people can learn to walk or function again and live high quality lives. This study sought to explore the experiences of patients with diabetes-related lower limb amputation at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. An exploratory study design was adopted using a qualitative approach and a purposive sampling to select 10 participants for the study. A semi-structured interview guide was used with an in-depth face-to-face interview. The interview was tape-recorded with an audio recorder while notes were taken in addition to the audio recording.ResultsThere were varying degrees of experiences ranging from physical as well as psychological and economic challenges. Amputees had to cope with playing entirely new roles after the amputation. They also experienced some economic challenges which were as a result of their inability to work. Some of the amputees consoled themselves with the fact that, despite their condition, they were better than other people. Others believed that whatever happened was Gods doing and nothing could be done about it. This self-consolation and the belief in God helped them to cope.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3176-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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BackgroundAnaemia is the world’s second cause of disability and it affects over half of pre-school children in developing countries and at least 30–40% in industrial countries. In poorer malaria-endemic countries, anemia is one of the commonest preventable causes of death in children under 5 years. This study sought to determine the perceived causes, signs and symptoms as well prevention of childhood anaemia among mothers of children under 5 years in Kumasi, Ghana.MethodsA descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional study design with a sample of 228 patients attending the University Hospital, KNUST was used. A simple random sampling technique was applied in sampling and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS statistical tools.ResultsThe study found that anemia was mostly perceived to be caused by poor feeding practices (43%) and fever (37%). The signs and symptoms mentioned mostly were pale conjunctiva (47%) and pale palm (44%). It was suggested that it could be prevented by giving adequate nutrition (23%), regular deworming (19%) as well as exclusive breastfeeding (25%). Mothers education and the number of children were found to be associated with the perception regarding anaemia as respondents who had completed SHS/A level were 5.14 times likely to have a higher knowledge score on Anaemia (AOR = 5.14; 95% CI; 1.01–21.8). Also, mothers who had 5 to 6 children were 1.65 times likely to have higher knowledge score on Anaemia (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI; 0.02–2.32).ConclusionPrevious experience with Anaemia and higher educational level results in better understanding of Anaemia. Therefore, extensive health education on anemia should be undertaken by the hospital authorities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to improve knowledge of Anaemia.

Background: Considering the burden of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications which includes limb amputation, an investigation into the challenges faced by persons with limb amputation cannot be downplayed. Amputation is a surgical method by which a part or the whole extremity is removed. Objective: The main objective of the study was to explore the challenges faced by people with lower limb amputation secondary to type II diabetes mellitus Method: The study followed a qualitative research approach using an explorative, narrative and descriptive design. Thirteen participants who had their limbs amputated at the Global Evangelical hospital were purposively sampled and interviewed using an interview guide. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis. Result: The study revealed four main themes. All of the participants had an incapacitating physical challenge after amputation of the lower limb. Psychologically/ emotionally, all of the amputees were affected negatively though some had better coping strategies. Socio-economical challenge was common to them all. The males who were bread winners of their families had more serious economic issues than the females. Their coping strategies were mostly, thinking positive, having faith in God as well as social support and rehabilitation. Conclusion: Participants faced enormous challenges from cost of treating diabetes mellitus to limb amputation and associated challenges which include psychological/emotional, physical and socio-economic.