Perceptions about family-centred care among adult patients with chronic diseases at a general outpatient clinic in Nigeria

Date
2018-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publishers version
Abstract
Background: Few studies in Africa have described patients’ perceptions about family-centred care (FCC). Aim: The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of FCC among patients with chronic diseases. Setting: The study was conducted at a general outpatient clinic (GOPC) in Jos, north-central Nigeria. Methods: We used a mixed-methods phenomenological study design and conducted structured and semi-structured interviews with 21 adult patients with chronic diseases at a general outpatient clinic in north-central Nigeria. Results: Patients described FCC using progressive levels of family engagement including the doctor inquiring about history of similar disease in the family, information sharing with family members and fostering of family ties. They described current family involvement in their care as either inquiring about their health, accompanying them to the clinic or offering material or social support and health advice. Also, patients considered the value of FCC based on how it meets information needs of the family, influences individual health behaviour and addresses family dynamics. Those who were literate and older than 50 years of age favoured FCC during history taking. Those who were literate, aged lesser than 50 years and had poor disease control showed preference for FCC during treatment decision-making. Conclusion: The acceptability of FCC is a complex synthesis of age, socio-economic status, literacy and disease outcomes. Patients older than 50 years, with good treatment outcomes, and those without formal education may need further education and counselling on this approach to care.
Description
CITATION: Yakubu, K., Malan, Z., Colon-Gonzalez, M.C., & Mash, B. 2018. Perceptions about family-centred care among adult patients with chronic diseases at a general outpatient clinic in Nigeria. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 10(1):a1739, doi:10.4102/phcfm.v10i1.1739.
The original publication is available at https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm
The Masters degree for this article is available at http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/102546
Keywords
Ambulatory medical care -- Nigeria, Chronic diseases -- Nigeria, Physicians (General practice) -- Nigeria, Family medicine -- Nigeria
Citation
Yakubu, K., Malan, Z., Colon-Gonzalez, M.C., & Mash, B. 2018. Perceptions about family-centred care among adult patients with chronic diseases at a general outpatient clinic in Nigeria. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 10(1):a1739, doi:10.4102/phcfm.v10i1.1739.