Background: Pediatric healthcare delivery in low-resource settings remains a major challenge, particularly in countries like Ghana, where preventable and treatable conditions continue to contribute significantly to child morbidity and mortality. Key issues such as malnutrition, malaria, delayed care-seeking, and caregiver-related factors complicate clinical management and outcomes.
Objective: This study aims to explore clinical challenges in pediatric care through case-based analysis, focusing on malnutrition, malaria, delayed presentation, and the influence of caregiver practices in Ghana.
Methods: A qualitative case-based approach was employed using selected pediatric cases from a tertiary healthcare facility in Accra. Data was obtained from patient records, clinician observations, and caregiver interviews. Cases were purposively selected to reflect common yet complex clinical scenarios involving nutritional deficiencies, severe malaria, and delayed hospital presentation. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring clinical and psychosocial challenges.
Results: Findings revealed that severe acute malnutrition frequently coexisted with infectious diseases such as malaria, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Delayed care-seeking, often influenced by financial constraints, cultural beliefs, and reliance on home or traditional remedies, was associated with advanced disease presentation and poorer outcomes. Caregiver-related factors, including limited health literacy and decision-making autonomy, further affected adherence to treatment protocols. Clinicians reported difficulties in managing these cases due to resource constraints, including limited diagnostic tools and pediatric-specific interventions.
Conclusion: Pediatric care in low-resource settings like Ghana is shaped by a complex interplay of clinical and socio-cultural factors. Addressing these challenges requires integrated strategies that combine early detection, caregiver education, and strengthened health systems. A patient- and caregiver-centered approach, alongside improved access to essential resources, is critical to improving pediatric health outcomes.