A Qualitative Study of Family Caregiver Perspectives on Condition and Therapy Related Factors Influencing Chemotherapy Adherence for Children in Accra, Ghana

Background Paediatric cancers are rare but remain one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide. In low-and middle-income countries, non-adherence is widespread and habitually the most common cause of treatment failure which is often based on intrinsic or extrinsic factors linked to poor health outcomes. Objectives The study sought to explore family caregivers' perspectives on condition and therapy related factors influencing adherence to chemotherapy for children in Accra, Ghana. Method This is an exploratory descriptive study with a qualitative approach. The setting was a teaching hospital in Accra, Ghana. Sixteen family caregivers of children with cancers participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews, using a pre-tested interview guide were used for data collection. Data was analyzed manually using descriptive keywords in transcripts. Rigor techniques included coding, re-coding, peer debriefing and member checking. Results The study showed that chemotherapy adherence in children is bolstered by caregivers knowing the type of cancer, seeing the efficacy of the chemotherapy, the counselling of doctors and nurses, hospital subsidies as well as the attitudes of health staff Conclusion This study concludes that appreciating the type of cancer, its description and prognosis, and the decrease in presenting symptoms as well as communicating the efficacy of chemotherapy family care givers enhances pediatric chemotherapy adherence