A Three-Way Challenge Faced by Patients Living with Diabetic Foot Ulcers at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Diabetes Foot Ulcer, DFU remains a significant public health challenge worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries LMICs, like Ghana. However, not much has been done concerning the challenges facing patients living with DFU in Ghana. This qualitative study investigated the challenges facing patients living with DFU at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana, KATH. In-depth interviews were conducted among 11 purposively sampled individuals living with DFU at KATH to the point of data saturation and analysed using content analysis. The study found three main challenges facing patients living with DFU at KATH. These challenges were economic (cost of treatment of DFU), psychological (fear of amputation, hopelessness and sadness) and social (stigmatization, mobility and inability to attend social functions) in nature. The study advocates for policy interventions to address the economic, psychological, and social challenges faced by patients with DFU. Key among them include regular counselling programs by healthcare providers and religious bodies, strengthening social support networks, integrating psychological support, incorporating DFU treatment.