Health Inequalities by Sexual Orientation: Results from the 2016-2017 Barcelona Health Survey

Self-reported life experiences of members of the LGBTQ+ community in Accra, Ghana

BACKGROUND

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) community members encompass individuals whose sexual orientations and gender identities do not align with the heterosexual norms in society. Even though this population has gained increasing prominence worldwide, most societies particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) abhor these sexual orientations. We explored the self-reported life experiences of members of the LGBTQ+ community in Accra, Ghana.

METHODS

In this qualitative enquiry, we recruited fifteen (15) members of the LGBTQ+ community in Accra via purposive snowballing sampling technique. We conducted in-depth interviews using a pre-tested interview guide and the interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVivo 10.0.

RESULTS

The participants recounted their experiences within their individual families, within the LGBTQ+ community, and their experiences with the public in Ghana and as well as within their extended families. The participants claimed that the general society (public) in Ghana stigmatizes against members of the LGBTQ+ community with most families rejecting members who claim to be LGBTQ+ persons. The participants however claimed that the LGBTQ+ community served as a major source of support for them and helped them cope with the rejection and stigma associated with their sexual orientations. They further claimed that the stigma and rejection contributed to poor mental health of most LGBTQ+ persons with most of them seeking asylum in more inclusive and welcoming jurisdictions.

CONCLUSION

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana face stigma and societal pressures in their families and public spaces, creating stress that contributes to mental health challenges. We recommend that the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ghana Health Service increases public education to improve cultural competence and inclusivity of this vulnerable population in society to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Patient's experiences of coughing after lung cancer surgery: A multicenter qualitative study

PURPOSE

Cough is one of the most common symptoms after lung cancer surgery, which seriously affects the quality of life. Little research has been conducted on patient's experiences of cough following lung surgery. This study aimed to elucidate the experience of coughing after lung cancer surgery from the patient's perspective regarding symptoms and their impacts on daily life, as well as triggers and dealing strategies.

METHODS

Between June 2023 and July 2023, we conducted semi-structured interviews with patients from outpatient clinics of two hospitals who were pathologically diagnosed with lung cancer and experienced cough after surgery through convenience sampling. The interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed by two researchers. The traditional content analysis and thematic analysis were used to identify the common codes, subthemes, and themes.

RESULTS

A total of 28 participants were interviewed. The mean age of the participants was 55.21 years (range: 36-75 years), and 21 participants were female. Most patients (75%) were interviewed within 6 months of surgery. We identified five themes (accompanying symptoms, incentives, effects, solution, and information sources) and 12 subthemes (local symptoms, systemic symptoms, personal factors, external factors, emotion, relationship with others, reduced quality of life, medical measures, nonmedical measures, no measures, relatives and friends, and the Internet). Patients with lung cancer may experience various cough symptoms after surgery, which a variety of internal and external factors can trigger. The coughing imposes a double burden on the physical and psychological due to the negative emotions it provokes.

CONCLUSION

We generated a concept framework of cough after lung cancer surgery, providing a basis for further development of measurement tools from the patients' perspective. The lack of knowledge related to coughing highlights the need for adequate and timely health education and professional medical care.

Patient's experiences of coughing after lung cancer surgery: A multicenter qualitative study

Purpose

Cough is one of the most common symptoms after lung cancer surgery, which seriously affects the quality of life. Little research has been conducted on patient's experiences of cough following lung surgery. This study aimed to elucidate the experience of coughing after lung cancer surgery from the patient's perspective regarding symptoms and their impacts on daily life, as well as triggers and dealing strategies.

Methods

Between June 2023 and July 2023, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with patients from outpatient clinics of two hospitals who were pathologically diagnosed with lung cancer and experienced cough after surgery through convenience sampling. The interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed by two researchers. The traditional content analysis and thematic analysis were used to identify the common codes, subthemes, and themes.

Results

A total of 28 participants were interviewed. The mean age of the participants was 55.21 years (range: 36–75 years), and 21 participants were female. Most patients (75%) were interviewed within 6 months of surgery. We identified five themes (accompanying symptoms, incentives, effects, solution, and information sources) and 12 subthemes (local symptoms, systemic symptoms, personal factors, external factors, emotion, relationship with others, reduced quality of life, medical measures, nonmedical measures, no measures, relatives and friends, and the Internet). Patients with lung cancer may experience various cough symptoms after surgery, which a variety of internal and external factors can trigger. The coughing imposes a double burden on the physical and psychological due to the negative emotions it provokes.

Conclusion

We generated a concept framework of cough after lung cancer surgery, providing a basis for further development of measurement tools from the patients' perspective. The lack of knowledge related to coughing highlights the need for adequate and timely health education and professional medical care.