Coping strategies and personal reflections of postpartum women living with hypertension in an urban part of Ghana: A qualitative enquiry

Background Hypertension continues to be a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally, with postpartum hypertension posing distinct yet frequently neglected challenge. This study explored the coping strategies and personal reflections of postpartum women living with hypertension in an urban part of Ghana. Methods In this qualitative enquiry, we purposively recruited sixteen postpartum women diagnosed with hypertension and receiving allopathic care Accra, Ghana. The participants were interviewed using a pre-tested interview guide, the interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis done. Results The study found two main themes; coping strategies and personal reflections. On the main theme of coping strategies adopted by the women, we found the following sub-themes; family and peers as source of coping, talking to other mothers with similar disease and faith as a source of coping. Regarding the personal reflections of the women post diagnosis, we found the following sub-themes; emotional reactions, physical burden, social adjustment and spiritual coping as personal reflections post diagnosis. Conclusion and recommendation Diverse coping mechanisms are adopted by postpartum women diagnosed with hypertension including drawing strength from family support, peer interactions, and faith. We recommend that clinicians particularly midwives strengthen the coping measures through family education and involvement in care, as well as the involvement of spiritual leaders to enhance the long-term management of hypertension among postpartum women. Also, the Ghana Health Service and the managers of hospitals need to integrate psychosocial and spiritual support into postnatal care for women diagnosed with postpartum hypertension to improve the quality of life of these women.