Worldwide, chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability and the burden of chronic diseases is increasing. Modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets all increase the risk of dying from a non-communicable disease (NCD). Additionally, NCD rates are impacted by rapid unplanned urbanization, globalization of unhealthy lifestyles, aging populations and poverty. Chronic disease prevalence in Ghana has continued to increase; however, current literature on diabetes and hypertension management is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived facilitators, barriers, risk and protective factors to diabetes and hypertension management in Kumasi, Ghana using photovoice.

Methods:

This utilized the participatory action research approach photovoice developed by Caroline C. Wang and Mary Ann Burris in the early 1990s. The three main goals of photovoice are to: (1) enable people to record and reflect on their community strengths and concerns, (2) promote critical dialogue and knowledge about important community issues through large and small group discussion of photographs, and (3) reach policymakers. Focus group discussions were held with 28 study participants who were recruited to capture their lived experiences with Diabetes and Hypertension.

Results:

Majority of chronic diseases contribute to worsened overall health of patients by limiting their capacity to live well, limiting their functionality and productivity and contribute significantly to health care costs. Preliminary findings demonstrated that individuals face psychosocial, financial, structural and community barriers that hinder their care management process. Full results will include four to six images per participant with a caption attached to each image that answers whether what is pictured is a facilitator, barrier, risk or protective factor.

Conclusion and discussion:

Results from this study can inform a chronic disease policy or integrated plan. Context rich qualitative data can contribute to an increased understanding of the participants lived experiences, risks, attitudes and perceptions. By illuminating the psychosocial, financial, structural challenges faced by participants and how the lack of infrastructure further compounds their disease process, significant strides can be made to address the complexities of chronic disease care management.