International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Oxygen administration practice and associated factors among nurses in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Yeshiambaw Eshetie ,&nbsp;Yirgalem Abere ,&nbsp;Bekalu Mekonen Belay ,&nbsp;Abraham Tsedalu Amare ,&nbsp;Mengistu Ewunetu ,&nbsp;Gebrie Kassaw Yirga ,&nbsp;Astewle Andargie Baye ,&nbsp;Solomon Demis Kebede ,&nbsp;Demewoz Kefale","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100970","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100970","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Supplemental oxygen therapy is a life-saving intervention that reduces cardiopulmonary strain and ensures adequate tissue oxygenation. However, inappropriate administration may result in either over- or under-oxygenation, both of which can cause patient harm. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of supplemental oxygen therapy practice and its associated factors among nurses in Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An extensive literature search was conducted from February 3 to 27, 2025, using databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed, along with a manual search. The pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of 980 studies retrieved, 12 studies involving a total of 2,884 nurses met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of nurses’ practice regarding supplemental oxygen therapy was 54.47 % (95 % CI: 43.18, 65.76, I² = 97.39 %, P &lt; 0.001). Factors significantly associated with nurses’ practice of supplemental oxygen therapy include, receiving training (AOR = 5.94, 95 % CI: 1.90, 9.98, I² = 91.80 %, P &lt; 0.001), availability of guidelines (AOR = 2.89, 95 % CI: 1.50, 4.28, I² = 83.99 %, P &lt; 0.001), and work experience (AOR = 4.76, 95 % CI: 2.65, 6.86, I² = 87 %, P &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion and recommendation</h3><div>The pooled prevalence of supplemental oxygen therapy practice among nurses in Ethiopia was relatively low, indicating that nearly half did not adhere to appropriate practice standards. Availability of guidelines, receiving training, and greater work experience were significant determinants of appropriate practice of supplemental oxygen therapy. To improve patient safety and outcomes, it is crucial to implement regular, comprehensive in-service training, provision of clear and accessible oxygen therapy guidelines, and experience sharing platforms should be prioritized in all healthcare settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100970"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Compliance with the patients’ rights charter in private dental clinics in Rasht, Iran: a cross-sectional study","authors":"Mehrazin Rezaeifar ,&nbsp;Saeed Biroudian ,&nbsp;Amirhossein Taheri ,&nbsp;Saman Eskandari ,&nbsp;Kourosh Delpasand","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100957","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100957","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>People’s health directly affects their abilities and progress in society. Oral and dental diseases have a profound impact on people’s health and, consequently, society’s health. Raising people’s awareness and increasing the costs of health services have led to patients paying more attention to their rights.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We examined 218 clients of private dental offices in Rasht city in this cross-sectional analytical study. IBM SPSS Statistics version 16 software analyzed the obtained data after distributing and completing the questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The average score of total compliance with the patient rights charter in Rasht dental offices was 76.2%, which is at the optimal level. The provision of health services based on respect for the patient’s privacy (91.3%) and optimal receipt of health services (89.7%) achieved the highest level. We found no significant relationship between the total score and the patients’ age, gender, education level, marital status, and place of residence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The level of compliance with the charter of patients’ rights in private dental offices in Rasht is generally favorable, but with gaps. The lack of a statistically significant relationship between age, gender, education level, marital status, and place of residence of patients with the total score of compliance with the charter of patient rights indicates that the dentist does not discriminate between patients, which is a favorable condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100957"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition: a case among hospitalized adult patients in a tertiary hospital, Eastern Uganda","authors":"Francis Obaa BSN ,&nbsp;Samuel Olowo ,&nbsp;Lydia V.N. Ssenyonga ,&nbsp;Esther Nambala ,&nbsp;Stanley J. Iramiot ,&nbsp;Josephine Namujju ,&nbsp;Rebecca Nekaka","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Malnutrition among adult inpatients is often overlooked, underdiagnosed, and consequently undertreated. The global prevalence of malnutrition among adults is reported to vary between 15 % and 76 %. Malnutrition is associated with increased; “healthcare expenditure, morbidity and mortality, and poor quality of life”. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among adult inpatients at Mbale regional referral hospital in Eastern Uganda.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. Data were collected from adult inpatients admitted to the medical ward for at least 48 h, aged ≥18 years and ≤65 years. The nutrition status was assessed using “Body Mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and subjective global assessment (SGA)”. Those variables in the bivariate analysis with p-value &lt;0.25 were considered candidates for inclusion in the univariate logistic regression. The level of significance was set at 95 %.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 140 participants were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 47 ± 12.94 years. The prevalence of malnutrition was 37 % (BMI &lt; 18.5 kg/m²), 67.9 % (MUAC ≤ 19 cm), and 61.4 % (SGA). The factors associated with malnutrition were, being HIV positive (AOR = 9.87, CI: 1.43–67.71, p = 0.004); low-income status (COR = 2.03 CI: 1.35–3.04, (p = 0.001); and age &gt;40 (COR = 2.08, 95 % CI: 1.39–3.14, p = 0.000).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The prevalence of malnutrition amongst adult inpatients was found to be high. HIV status, low-income status, and age above 40 years were significantly associated with malnutrition.</div><div>A holistic approach is needed to mitigate malnutrition among adult inpatients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100961"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of obstetric triage team training for midwives to reduce third delay incidences and enhance timely treatment in Tanzania: Historical controlled study","authors":"Mugara Joseph Mahungururo ,&nbsp;Shigeko Horiuchi ,&nbsp;Eri Shishido","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100946","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and objective</h3><div>The health facility environment can influence the incidence of third delay in Tanzania, and delays in receiving appropriate care can significantly contribute to maternal mortality. This study aimed to evaluate an Obstetric Triage Team Training conducted to reduce incidences of third delay by enhancing timely treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>This was a historical controlled study with a pre-intervention and post-intervention group. The primary outcome was to increase the ratio of obstetric patients assessed within 15 min of arrival at the triage unit.</div></div><div><h3>Settings</h3><div>Muhimbili National Hospital located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.</div></div><div><h3>Intervention</h3><div>The intervention was education for all twelve midwives in the Obstetric Triage Team training; Helping Mothers Survive Jhpiego training package was used to teach about Hemorrhage (two days) and HDP (one day). Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) measured secondary outcomes. IBM SPSS version 21 was used to analyze the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants were obstetric patients in pre-intervention group (N = 120) and post-intervention group (N = 143). An increased ratio from 30.8 % to 95.1 % (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) of obstetric patients assessed within 15 min of their waiting time was observed. In the post-intervention group, the ratio of 15 min or less of the waiting time from registration to admission was significantly higher than in the pre-intervention group, this indicated an improvement in triage (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The post-intervention group demonstrated the positive impact of the midwives training on managing obstetric emergencies such as hemorrhage and HDP. This resulted in a significant reduction in waiting times, suggesting the potential for improved maternal health outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100946"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An ethnographic exploration of the lifeworld and clinical practices of Zambian Midwives: childbirth, postpartum and newborn care","authors":"Leena Honkavuo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100956","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100956","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Enhancing the quality and safety of midwifery practices, clinical childbirth procedures and newborn care in Zambia is fundamental to promoting health and sustaining life. The midwife community, the environment and societal values and beliefs influence these approaches, principles and goals.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To discover new knowledge and analyze clinical healthcare practices employed by midwives in Zambia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative, inductive and descriptive approach with an interpretative ethnographic design was utilized. Data were collected through fieldwork observations of midwifery care episodes, supplemented by written field notes. Five Zambian midwives participated in open, in-depth discussions resembling interviews.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis, resulting in the identification of four main themes: (i) Initial stages of childbirth; (ii) Maternal and fetal monitoring during the active phase of labor; (iii) Circumstances within the maternity ward during the childbirth effort phase and delivery; (iv) Postpartum care and care of the newborn and breastfeeding practices.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study has expanded the ethnographic horizon, discovering and highlighting cultural dimensions, possibilities and challenges associated with the Zambian midwifery profession and caring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100956"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Community-driven strategies for preventing unintended adolescent pregnancies in low and middle-income countries: Insights from international experts","authors":"Yvonne Kasine ,&nbsp;Innocent Twagirayezu ,&nbsp;Aimable Nkurunziza ,&nbsp;Jean Pierre Ndayisenga ,&nbsp;Jean Marie Vianney Nkurikiyintwali","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Unintended adolescent pregnancy remains a significant health concern in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), hindering young girls from achieving their full potential. The factors that contribute to adolescent pregnancy and childbirth expose many girls to sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy-related complications at a young age. Well-designed and effectively implemented community-based interventions may help reduce the incidence of adolescent pregnancies.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to explore the perspectives of international experts on the implementation of community-based interventions to prevent adolescent pregnancy in LMICs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We employed a descriptive qualitative design for this study. A purposive sample of 19 participants was recruited, and data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom between September and December 2024, in either English or French. The data were organized using Dedoose and analyzed through a thematic analysis approach.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The thematic analysis revealed six key themes: 1) multisectoral collaboration and stakeholder collaboration, 2) cultural sensitivity to build trust, 3) collaborative policy and legal frameworks, 4) education and information dissemination, 5) economic empowerment and support systems, and 6) health systems and service delivery.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This study underscores the need for culturally relevant, community-driven interventions to address unintended adolescent pregnancies in LMICs. The findings highlight the importance of enacting and reinforcing protective laws for girls, empowering them through comprehensive sexual education, economic opportunities, and healthcare access, including contraceptives. Engaging the community, including parents, teachers, and leaders, is essential for achieving lasting prevention outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101011"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evidence-based practice among nurses in Ethiopia: a mixed-methods systematic review of utilization, predictors, and barriers","authors":"Sadik Abdulwehab ,&nbsp;Frezer Kedir","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes and supporting effective clinical decision-making. In low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia, EBP utilization among nurses remains limited due to systemic and contextual challenges. This review explored the prevalence, predictors, barriers, and facilitators of EBP among Ethiopian nurses through a mixed-methods systematic review and <em>meta</em>-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Following PRISMA 2020 and JBI mixed-methods guidelines, we systematically searched databases up to May 1, 2025. Data were extracted between May 10 and 30, analyzed from June 1 to 30, and the report was finalized by July 5, 2025. Quantitative data were synthesized through <em>meta</em>-analysis to estimate pooled prevalence and associated factors, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. A convergent segregated approach was used for integration, and evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE and GRADE-CERQual.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of EBP utilization among Ethiopian nurses was 46.7% (95% CI: 38.9%–54.6%). Predictors of utilization included good knowledge, positive attitudes, self-efficacy, advanced education, training, internet access, and managerial support. Barriers comprised time constraints, limited digital access, inadequate training, and weak leadership. Facilitators included leadership support, professional development, positive attitudes, and institutional readiness. Convergent findings emphasized the need for multilevel interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>EBP utilization among Ethiopian nurses remains suboptimal due to structural, educational, and cultural barriers. However, existing facilitators provide opportunities for improvement. Strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing leadership engagement, and expanding continuous professional training are essential to establish a sustainable, evidence-based nursing culture in Ethiopia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100993"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Work engagement and its relationship with workplace performance among midwives in public health facilities: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Mudasir Mohammed Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Iddrisu Mohammed Sisala ,&nbsp;Sheila Kansig Puotege ,&nbsp;Mary Tusungu ,&nbsp;Beatrice Asakiya ,&nbsp;Zariatu Yakubu ,&nbsp;Letitia Chanayireh ,&nbsp;Abubakari Wuni","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Work engagement is a critical determinant of workplace performance and healthcare quality. However, empirical evidence among midwives in Ghana remains limited. This study examined work engagement and its relationship with workplace performance among midwives in Northern Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 midwives across three public health facilities using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Work engagement was assessed using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9), while workplace performance was measured with the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, linear regression, and path analysis with SPSS and AMOS.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean work engagement score was 2.41 ± 0.98, with absorption recording the highest mean score (2.51 ± 1.06). The mean workplace performance score was 1.98 ± 0.67; task performance was the highest-scoring dimension (2.67 ± 1.04), whereas counterproductive work behavior was the lowest (0.78 ± 0.77). Work engagement had a significant positive effect on workplace performance (β = 0.66, S.E. = 0.03, p &lt; 0.001). Vigor, dedication, and absorption were positively correlated with task and contextual performance. Age, work experience, and workplace significantly predicted work engagement, while educational level, work experience, and workplace were significant predictors of workplace performance (p &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Work engagement is a significant positive predictor of workplace performance among midwives in Northern Ghana. Interventions that enhance engagement, particularly dedication and absorption, within supportive organizational environments may improve midwives’ performance and contribute to improved maternal healthcare outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101028"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The stigma surrounding cancer genetics: a societal challenge","authors":"Kusum Kumari ,&nbsp;Nikhil Kumar ,&nbsp;Ranwir Kumar Sinha","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100972","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100972","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetic discoveries in oncology have revolutionized personalized medicine, early diagnosis, and targeted interventions. Yet, these scientific advances are not immune to social repercussions. One of the most pressing and under-recognized issues is the stigma associated with cancer genetics. This stigma affects individuals’ willingness to undergo genetic testing, disclose results, and seek support. Rooted in cultural beliefs, historical fears, and a lack of public understanding, the stigma surrounding cancer genetics poses ethical, psychological, and healthcare access challenges. This review examines the multifaceted nature of this stigma, its impact on individuals and communities, and strategies for reducing its burden in contemporary society.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100972"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disclosure of HIV status to partners: A qualitative enquiry among adults diagnosed with HIV receiving care in a resourced-constrained hospital in rural Ghana","authors":"Dogbey Abigail Dziedzorm,&nbsp;Kennedy Dodam Konlan,&nbsp;Kennedy Kwasi Addo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite global advancements in treatment and awareness, stigma and socio-environmental factors continue to hinder open discussions among individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study explored the disclosure of HIV status to partners by adults diagnosed with HIV receiving care in a resourced-constrained hospital in rural Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, we purposively sampled 15 adult PLWHA receiving care. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVivo 13.0.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis of the data generated five main themes: fear and mistrust, internal emotional reactions, community reactions and stigmatization, physical environmental limitations, partner disclosure dynamics. The participants stated that they hesitated to disclose their status due to fear of stigma and gossip, fear of losing social support and respect, shock and denial, loneliness, gossip and public shaming, lack of privacy and trust, unaware of partner’s status and possibly selective disclosure to children.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion and recommendation</h3><div>Disclosure of HIV status to partners by PLWHA in rural Ghana is influenced by individual fears, psychological vulnerabilities, and environmental barriers. We recommend that hospital administrators should initiate community sensitization programs in collaboration with religious, youth, and traditional leaders. These programs should aim to reduce HIV-related stigma, promote acceptance, and raise awareness of the benefits of partner disclosure on the quality of life of PLWHA. The Ghana Aids Commission and the Ghana Health Service must embark on community education to mitigate stigma and enhance disclosure so as to improve adherence to treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100990"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}