Chronic health condition and risk of suicidal behaviours in two hospitals in Ghana

Background: The study examined the lived experiences of patients with chronic kidney condition and their risk of suicidal behaviours. Methods: Nine chronically ill patients from two hospitals in Ghana were interviewed. Data collected through interviews were thematically analysed. Results: The themes that emerged from the analysis highlighted participants’ perspectives on their personal conceptualisation of chronic illnesses, their experience of chronic illness, medication adherence, chronic conditions, and suicidality, as well as health services-related challenges related to their conditions and varying coping methods, including religion, information, and social support. The study revealed that chronically ill patients adopted coping strategies such as religiosity, health-seeking information, and social support to manage their condition. On the other hand, participants highlighted the negative impact of adherence-related experiences and poor attitudes among health workers on their well-being. Again, loss of meaning, feared loss of virility and chronicity and its related issues (chronic condition and suicidality) were found to increase suicide ideation in chronic kidney patients. Recommendation. The number of crisis intervention service providers in health centres should be expanded and equipped with adaptive skills to train families and religious bodies about proper coping skills, as they provide social support which is crucial in reducing the prevalence of both chronic conditions and patients’ risk of suicide. The National Health Insurance Scheme should be improved to cater for patients with chronic kidney conditions to ease their financial burden. Chronic kidney conditions place a heavy physical, emotional, and financial burden on those affected. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated and sustained efforts, including targeted policy interventions. A holistic approach is essential to improve the management of chronic kidney disease and reduce its incidence, as well as associated outcomes like suicide, especially in developing countries such as Ghana.