Effects of COVID-19 Outbreak on Persons with Chronic Health Conditions in Anglophone West Africa: A Qualitative Study Involving Key Stakeholders

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the suffering of persons with chronic health conditions due to the increased demand for healthcare services in the pandemic. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a key determinant of how health systems function, with most existing health conditions being given less attention. This study focused on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with chronic diseases in four Anglophone West African countries (Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) using in-depth interviews of a qualitative method to collect data from key stakeholders in chronic disease issues. The finding shows that COVID-19 caused fear, anxiety, and affected planned health delivery and resource location to interventions designed for chronic disease patients. The study also suggested training, improved technology in health delivery, increased resource location, and factoring persons with chronic health conditions into emergency health decision-making to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and other future pandemics on persons with chronic health conditions.