Health-seeking behaviour, referral patterns and associated factors among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Ghana: A cross-sectional mixed method study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Challenges exist in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune rheumatic diseases in low and middle income countries due to factors, such as poverty and under-resourced healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, other contributory factors such as societal, cultural and religious practices influence health seeking behaviour which has a bearing on access and delivery of healthcare.

Objectives

To examine the health seeking behaviour and referral patterns of Ghanaian patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases and assess the associated factors that influence these.

Method

A cross-sectional study using an explanatory sequential mixed method design was carried out in a Rheumatology clinic at a national referral centre. 110 participants were purposively recruited for

SUBMITTER: Amissah-Arthur MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9467363 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature