Non-Communicable Disease In Children In Ghana: Health And Social Burden Of Care On Households

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the increase among children. This paper determines the health and social burden of care imposed on households by NCDs among children in Ghana.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in three hospitals in Ghana, Ashanti, Greater Accra and Volta Regions. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed by proportions, ratios and chi square for
association between categorical outcome measures (at 95% confidence level) using SPSS version 21.
Discusion: Burden of caregiving for children with NCDs rested heavily on women (169; 75.1%) and immediate family (176; 78.3%). Managing child’s condition was expensive and created financial difficulties for households. In all 87.4% of households depended on the national health insurance scheme (NHIS) and 45.8% indicated NCDs in children was a burden. In addition, 47% of the caregivers said life was much better before they found out about child’s ailment. Families had no financial support from extended families or communities/employers. Despite enormous challenges faced by households, there was no indication families suffered isolation or
discrimination.

Conclusion: National Health Insurance coverage of NCDs especially childhood cancers will reduce the burden of care on households. Improving access to care at regional/district levels for children with NCDs is imperative.