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. 2025 May 28;26(1):263.
doi: 10.1186/s12882-025-04190-4.

A qualitative study on the perceived barriers to accessing haemodialysis for patients with kidney failure (KF) in Northern Ghana: perspectives of healthcare providers

Aduni Amina Iddrisu  1 , Edward Appiah Boateng  2
Affiliations

A qualitative study on the perceived barriers to accessing haemodialysis for patients with kidney failure (KF) in Northern Ghana: perspectives of healthcare providers

Aduni Amina Iddrisu et al. BMC Nephrol. .

Abstract

Background: Managing kidney failure (KF) often necessitates dialysis. In Ghana, there are considerable challenges in providing dialysis services due to limited and unevenly distributed resources. This study explored healthcare providers' perspectives on the challenges of caring for patients with KF in northern Ghana.

Method: This study was conducted in three major hospitals in northern Ghana. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the experiences of healthcare providers. The participants were selected using purposive sampling, and the interviews were conducted via telephone.

Results: Access to dialysis in northern Ghana faces multiple challenges. These include a shortage of nephrology specialists, limited dialysis centers, the high cost of dialysis, and the geographical location of treatment centers. Additionally, healthcare providers experience emotional and psychological stress due to their inability to deliver adequate care under such constraints.

Conclusion: Policy reforms are needed to ensure equitable access to dialysis services across all regions. Recommendations include increasing dialysis centers, expanding the health care workforce, particularly nephrologists and dialysis nurses, and integrating dialysis services into national health insurance coverage. Policymakers should address these gaps, strengthen healthcare delivery, and improve outcomes for patients with kidney failure in northern Ghana.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; Haemodialysis; Healthcare providers; Kidney failure; Northern Ghana.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Committee on Human Research, Publication, and Ethics (CHRPE) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with the approval number CHRPE/AP/221/22. In addition, permission was obtained to facilitate access to the study sites (Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Wa Regional Hospital, and Tamale Teaching Hospital). Approval for Bolgatanga Regional Hospital was granted by the Bolgatanga Regional Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service, at the same time access to Wa Regional Hospital was authorized by the Wa Regional Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service. Authorization to access Tamale Teaching Hospital was obtained from the Research and Development department at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The study was conducted in full accordance with the ethical principles of the declaration of Helsinki, which emphasizes respect for persons and the protection of participants’ right, safety and well-being. In line with these principles, the participants were thoroughly informed about the nature of the study, including its purpose, procedure, potential benefits, and risks. They were given opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns before agreeing to participate. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant, confirming their voluntary agreement to participate in the study. The participants were informed that their participation was voluntary, with no obligation to participate. They were assured of their right to withdraw from the study at any point without any consequences.

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