About

Dr. Merri Iddrisu is a dedicated and experienced nursing educator specializing in adult health nursing, particularly in women's health, inclusive health access, psychosocial oncology, and palliative care. With over 19 years of clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, Dr. Iddrisu is deeply committed to advancing nursing education and improving healthcare delivery systems in Ghana. She enjoys teaching practical skills through scenarios, problem-based learning, stories, and role-play, fostering an engaging environment for students. Additionally, Dr. Iddrisu actively mentors young nurses and healthcare professionals across Africa, guiding them in their professional development.

Education and Qualification

• PhD in Nursing (2024)
  University of Ghana, School of Nursing and Midwifery
• Health Administration and Management (2018)

      Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration

• Master of Philosophy in Nursing (2018)
  University of Ghana, School of Nursing and Midwifery
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2012)
  University of Ghana, School of Nursing and Midwifery
• Diploma in Nursing (2009)
  University of Ghana, School of Nursing and Midwifery
• Registered General Nursing (2007)
  NMTC, Koforidua
• Community Health Nursing (2001)
  Nursing Training College, Ho

Research Areas

• Women's Health
• Inclusive Healthcare Access
• Psychosocial Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of Healthcare
• Home Care Nursing

Research Projects

1. Evaluation of the Clinical and Economic Impacts of Herceptin Reimbursement in HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.
2. Development of a Care Model for Home-based Nursing Care in Ghana.
3. Integration of Specialist Nurses into Healthcare Service Delivery in Ghana.

Professional Affiliations

• Fellow, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Oncology Faculty
• Member, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association
• Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
• International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care
• Member, Breast Society of Ghana
• Life Member, African Palliative Care Association

Contributions and Services

• Advisor and Mentor in various healthcare and academic initiatives.
• Active participant in committees focused on cancer care and nursing education.
• Regular speaker and presenter at national and international conferences on palliative care and nursing practices.

Publications

Dr. Iddrisu has authored and contributed to numerous research articles and book chapters in esteemed journals, focusing primarily on the psychosocial challenges of cancer patients and the integration of palliative care in Ghana.

Owusu, Y., Iddrisu, M., Quaidoo, T. G., Osei-Tutu, F., Mumuni, H. I., & Boateng, A. A. (2025). A qualitative exploratory description of the psychosocial challenges of cancer patients receiving palliative care at a major teaching hospital in Ghana. Discover Psychology, 5(1), 112.        SCOPUS

Aboagye, E. A., Iddrisu, M., Mumuni, H. I., Opare, H. S., & Boateng, B. (2025). The untold psychosocial experiences of men with partners diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana: A qualitative Exploration. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 100900.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214139125000873            SCOPUS

Sekyere, A. O., Iddrisu, M., & Konlan, K. D. (2025). “The disease and its treatment make you less of a woman”: self-reported experiences of women with breast cancer receiving care in Kumasi, Ghana. Supportive Care in Cancer, 33(8), 677.     SCOPUS

Anuga, D. W., Iddrisu, M., & Konlan, K. D. (2025). Self-reported life experiences of members of the LGBTQ+ community in Accra, Ghana. PLoS One, 20(5), e0325148.       Scopus, PubMed

Anuga, D. W., Iddrisu, M., & Konlan, K. D. (2025). Enablers and inhibitors to the utilization of healthcare services by members of the LGBTQ+ community in Accra, Ghana. Discover Public Health, 22(1), 1-17.  SCOPUS

Iddrisu, M., Poku, C. A., Pwavra, J. B., Yawson, A. O., Mensah, E., Oppong, S. S., ... & Aziato, L. (2025). From aspiration to achievements: Exploring the motivational drives behind female graduate nursing students' pursuit of higher education in Ghana. Nurse Education Today, 147, 106580.WEB OF SCIENCE 

Pwavra, J. B., Iddrisu, M., Poku, C. A., Yawson, A. O., Mensah, E., Oppong, S. S., ... & Aziato, L. (2025). A qualitative exploration of balancing family, work, and academics among female graduate nursing students in a lower-middle-income country. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 8216.        Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed

Oware, J., Iddrisu, M., Konlan, K. D., & Dzansi, G. (2024). Challenges and support systems of nurses caring for women with advanced cervical cancer in Accra, Ghana. BMC Palliative Care, 23(1), 174.SCOPUS

Oware, J., Iddrisu, M., Konlan, K. D., & Dzansi, G. (2024). Personal and workplace factors influencing the resilience of nurses caring for women with cervical cancer in a resource-constrained setting in Ghana. PloS one, 19(12), e0314764.SCOPUS

Iddrisu, M., Mumuni, H. I., Agyare, V. A., Attafuah, P. A. Y., & Poku, C. A. (2024). Motherhood penalty, a silent phenomenon: Unveiling the challenges and inequalities working mothers encounter. In Gender Economics and Gender Pay Gap-Trends and Explanations. Intech Open.Web of Science

Mumuni, H. I., Iddrisu, M., Laari, L., Dzansi, G., & Aziato, L. (2024). Navigating end-of-life care dilemmas: a qualitative inquiry of nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge of euthanasia and circumstantial factors influencing euthanasia in a resource-constraint setting. BMC Nursing, 23(1), 859.         Web of Science 

Quaidoo, T. G., Adu, B., Iddrisu, M., Osei-Tutu, F., Baaba, C., Quiadoo, Y., & Poku, C. A. (2024). Unlocking timely palliative care: assessing referral practices and barriers at a ghanaian teaching hospital. BMC palliative care, 23(1), 90.            SCOPUS

Iddrisu, M., Yalin, E., Aziato, L., & Kwegyir-Afful, E. (2023). Socio-cultural and economic determinants of delayed reporting of breast cancer among Ghanaian women: a qualitative study. Nursing and Health Sciences Journal (NHSJ), 3(3).    CINAHL

Osei-Tutu, F., Iddrisu, M., Dzansi, G., Quaidoo, T. G., Rasheed, O. P., & Yeboah, P. A. (2023). A qualitative study on women’s breast cancer diagnosis disclosure preferences and disclosure experiences in a middle-income country. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 19, 100614.SCOPUS

Iddrisu, M., Poku, C. A., Mensah, E., Attafuah, P. Y., Dzansi, G., & Adjorlolo, S. (2023). Work-related psychosocial challenges and coping strategies among nursing workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC nursing, 22(1), 210.    Web of Science 

Iddrisu, M., Aziato, L., & Ohene, L. A. (2021). Socioeconomic impact of breast cancer on young women in Ghana: A qualitative study. Nursing open, 8(1), 29-38. Scopus, Web of Science 

Iddrisu, M., Aziato, L., & Dedey, F. (2020). Psychological and physical effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on young Ghanaian women: a qualitative study. BMC psychiatry, 20(1), 353.SCOPUS

Iddrisu, M., Pwavra, J. B., Ohene, L. A., Ani-Amponsah, M., Buertey, A. A., & Aziato, L. (2021). Perspectives of nurses on preparedness for combating COVID-19 crisis in Ghana: a qualitative inquiry. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 15, 100382.SCOPUS

Aziato, L., Iddrisu, M., Attafuah, P. Y., Pwavra, J. B., & Ohene, L. A. (2020). African women in academia breaking the glass ceiling: Towards attainment of the sustainable development goals. In Empowering African Women for Sustainable Development: Toward Achieving the United Nations' 2030 Goals (pp. 107-119). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham: Springer International Publishing.Scopus, Web of Science

Aziato, L., Ani-Amponsah, M., Iddrisu, M., & Ohene, L. A. (2022). The Impact of Covid-19 on the African Workforce Through the Lenses of Nurses and Midwives. In Gendered Perspectives on Covid-19 Recovery in Africa: Towards Sustainable Development (pp. 111-129). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham: Springer International Publishing.Scopus, Web of Science

Iddrisu, M., Aziato, L., & Dedey, F. (2019). A qualitative study on coping strategies of young women living with breast cancer in Ghana. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 11, 100173.SCOPUS

Courses Taught

• NUR 111: Trauma and Emergency Nursing
• NURS 122: Nursing Practical I
• NURS 118: Fundamentals of Nursing
• NURS 245: Nursing Practical II
• NURS 231: Principles and Practice of Health Assessment
• NURS 254 General Medical Nursing
• NURS 305: General Nursing Practical I
• GNUR 304: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Surgical Nursing
• NURS 306: General Nursing Practical II
• GNUR 352: Advanced Practical Nursing I