Abstract
BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers provide care for a substantial number of older adults in Ghana, underscoring their significant contribution within the health and social care systems. However, policymakers and researchers often prioritise the health and wellbeing of care recipients over those providing the care, which could undermine the health outcomes of informal caregivers. Therefore, research on health conditions and healthcare needs among informal caregivers of older adults remains limited in Ghana. To promote good health, wellbeing and equity, this study explores health conditions and healthcare needs among informal caregivers of older adults in Ghana. METHODS: This study, conducted in 14 communities within the Ashanti Region, Ghana, employed a descriptive phenomenological research design. Forty-five informal caregivers (aged 18 and above) of older adults (aged 50 and over) were recruited using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected from July 2022 to September 2022 using interviews and analysed following Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis method. RESULTS: Two main themes were identified: health conditions and healthcare needs. The first theme revealed that the participants' health conditions included chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke), infectious and tropical diseases (e.g., malaria and typhoid), waist and bodily pains (e.g., ulcers) and post-surgery complications. The burden of chronic NCDs was linked to factors like overthinking, lack of physical activity, noise from care recipients, and reduced sleep, all due to demanding caregiving duties. Infectious and tropical diseases were associated with caring for infected care recipients and working in poor environmental conditions, including not sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, which significantly increases their exposure to mosquito bites and contributes to diseases such as malaria. Waist and bodily pains were caused by caregiving tasks, such as lifting heavy items and assisting recipients with bed transfers. Stomach ulcers were linked to food insecurity, as participants often sacrificed their own food for their care recipients. The second theme revealed that the participants' healthcare needs encompassed medical treatment/regular healthcare, financial assistance, and medication needs. CONCLUSION: This study argues that meeting the healthcare needs of informal caregivers of older adults could greatly enhance their health-related quality of life. To improve the health conditions of informal caregivers, health stakeholders should enhance routine health promotion and disease prevention initiatives that emphasise adopting a healthy lifestyle (e.g., regular physical activity and adequate sleep), maintaining a healthy environment, and regular use of formal healthcare services. The government should also provide financial support to informal caregivers of older adults from low-income backgrounds by enrolling them in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty programme. This support would enhance their financial ability to access necessary healthcare services and treatment, including medication, thereby addressing their healthcare needs.