المؤلفون: Hidaya Mohammed, Martha Suntah Kebir, Comfort Obiribea, Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-8 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: HIV, Knowledge, Mother-to-child transmission, Women, Ghana, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant health challenge affecting many people including those from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Even though HIV can be transmitted through various means, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains the major route of transmission in children under the age of five. This study examined the correlates of knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among reproductive-age women in Ghana. Methods Data for this study were obtained from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The sample consisted of 9,106 women aged 15 to 49 years. We conducted both descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy. The results were presented using frequencies, percentages, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Approximately, 69.41% of women of reproductive age knew of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Women who had two (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.01, 1.72]) or three (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.07, 1.76]) births were more knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Women who read the newspaper (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.31, 1.86]), listened to the radio (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.05, 1.45]), lived in rural areas (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.09, 1.54]) or ever been tested for HIV (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.05, 1.37]) were more likely to be knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy than their counterparts in the reference categories. Compared to those in the Western Region, women in the Upper East (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI [0.32, 0.63]), Upper West (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.35, 0.85]), Ashanti (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.58, 0.97]) and Greater Accra Regions (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI [0.56, 0.98]) were less knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Conclusions The study highlights a gap in the knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women in Ghana. Continuous public education is required to educate women on HIV transmission from mothers to their children during pregnancy and how this may be interrupted. Such programs should involve the use of the media and take into consideration the demographic and geographic characteristics highlighted as determinants in this study. This will ultimately contribute to the reduction of MTCT of HIV in Ghana.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/de56d9f70cf648e688b1c9da970ebc71Test

المؤلفون: Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Hidaya Mohammed, Martha Suntah Kebir, Comfort Obiribea, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah

المصدر: BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: HIV, HIV testing, HIV prevention, Young women, Ghana, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216

الوصف: Abstract Background HIV/AIDS is a global health challenge and continues to threaten lives in sub-Saharan African countries such as Ghana. One of the important interventions for controlling its transmission is through testing and receiving medication. In this study, we present findings on the prevalence and factors associated with HIV testing among young women in Ghana. Methods We used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey comprising young women aged 15–24 years. We calculated the proportion of these young women who have ever been tested for HIV. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the determinants of HIV testing at a 95% confidence interval (CI), and adjusted odds ratio (aORs) and p-values were reported. All analyses were adjusted using survey weights to account for unequal sampling probabilities. Results The results showed that 31.4% (95% CI [29.63, 32.81]) of young women in Ghana had tested for HIV. The odds of HIV testing were likely to be higher among young women aged 20–24 (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI [1.75, 2.87]), those who were pregnant (aOR = 3.17, 95% CI [2.03, 4.95]) and those with one (aOR = 7.99, 95% CI [5.72, 11.17]), two (aOR = 10.43, 95% CI [6.47, 16.81]) or three or more children (aOR = 14.60, 95% CI [8.37, 25.48]) compared to their counterparts in the reference category. Women who had attained secondary education or higher (aOR = 2.66, 95% CI [1.67, 4.23]), were sexually active (aOR = 2.82, 95% CI [2.00, 3.97]), and in richer (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.17, 3.34]) and richest wealth index (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI [1.10, 3.61]) were more likely to test for HIV than those with no formal education, who had not had sex before or in the poorest wealth index. Women from the Eastern (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.04,2.72]) and Upper East regions (aOR = 2.62, 95% CI [1.44, 4.75]) were more likely than those in the Western region to get tested for HIV. However, the odds of testing for HIV were lower among women belonging to other religions (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI [0.23,0.82]) than Christians. Conclusion The findings show that HIV testing is low among young women in Ghana. To address this issue, it is recommended that both government and non-governmental organizations collaborate to create effective programmes and strategies. These may include continuous health education, regular sensitization programs and making HIV testing services much more accessible and affordable, taking into consideration the sociodemographic characteristics of young women.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1471-2334Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/ba9c3011859642bba15cb9a274f3df3eTest

المؤلفون: Leticia Awontayami Amaama, George Nkrumah Osei, Perditer Okyere, Victor Obiri Opoku, Theophilus Junior Yankey, Tetteh Attoh, Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Jacob Martey, Richard K D Ephraim

المصدر: Health Science Reports, Vol 7, Iss 2, Pp n/a-n/a (2024)

مصطلحات موضوعية: EQ‐5D‐5 L, Ghana, health‐related quality of life, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Medicine

الوصف: Abstract Background and Aim Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has in recent decades become a global pandemic, accounting for over 90% of DM cases. The study evaluated the health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) and identified its determinants among type 2 DM patients at the University of Cape Coast Hospital. Methods We conducted our study at the University of Cape Coast Hospital from January to March 2022. The EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire was administered to 68 type 2 DM patients. Data were then inputted into Microsoft Excel and analyzed accordingly using IBM SPSS statistical software version 26 and GraphPad Prism 8. Results The mean age of the participants was 60.71 ± 12.18 with 55.9% being females. The average systolic, diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose (FBG) of participants were 140.99 ± 22.27, 85 ± 11.14 and 7.97 ± 2.66 respectively. With the EQ‐5D‐5L scale, participants reported severe to extreme problems mainly in pain/discomfort (19.1%) and mobility (8.8%) dimensions. Approximately 21% (14/68) of patients reported themselves as being in perfect health based on the EQ‐5D index score with no significant difference between males and females (p ≥ 0.05). On a scale of 0 to 100, most (26.5%) of the participants rated their general health state at 80. Age was significantly associated with all five dimensions while patients with comorbidities had higher odds of experiencing pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Conclusion The study reveals that pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression are the most experienced problems among patients with type 2 DM. The HrQoL of type 2 DM patients was also found to be affected by age, comorbidities, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Therefore, identifying these factors and developing appropriate interventions is crucial for improving patient outcomes and enhancing treatment outcomes.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/2398-8835Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/fa3835156e2c40bf9fb8858deb109e4bTest

المؤلفون: Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Nii Armah Addy, Samuel Essien-Baidoo, Irene Esi Donkoh, Felix A. Botchway, Justice Afrifa, Prince Agyeman, Leticia Awontayami Amaama, Samuel Amoah, Felix B. K. Sorvor, Richard K. D. Ephraim

المصدر: Human Resources for Health, Vol 21, Iss 1, Pp 1-11 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Continuing professional development, Medical laboratory professionals, Healthcare, Online survey, Training needs, Medicine (General), R5-920, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270

الوصف: Abstract Background Because of the essential nature of the work of medical laboratory professionals, continuing development in knowledge and skills is indispensable. The study aimed at identifying and prioritizing the development and training needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. This is expected to help in developing focused continuing professional development (CPD) that meets the needs of practitioners as well as the changing medical trends. Methods An online cross-sectional survey in February 2022 using a structured questionnaire was conducted. Respondents were asked questions that collected demographic and work-related data about them, their participation, preference, and challenges in being part of CPDs. Finally, a list of topics based on (i) quality management systems, (ii) technical competence, (iii) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching, (iv) pathophysiology, and (iv) data interpretation and research were asked with the option to rate them on a 3-point scale (most, moderate, and least) in order of importance. Results A total of 316 medical laboratory professionals participated in the study. Overall, the most frequently selected topics for training based on domains for CPD training and ranking as most important were (i) quality management systems, (mean = 80.59 ± 9.024; 95% CI = 73.04–88.13); (ii) pathophysiology, data interpretation, and research (mean = 78.0 ± 6.973; 95% CI = 73.97–82.03); (iii) technical competence (mean = 73.97 ± 10.65; 95% CI = 66.35–81.59); and (iv) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching (mean = 72.82 ± 9.719; 95% CI = 67.44–78.2). The factors affecting the choice of training needs included the medical laboratory professionals’ current place of work, years in service, the reason for attending CPD activities, the period for attending the last CPD, being in a supervisory role, and the number of staff being supervised. Face-to-face presentations, training workshops, and hands-on workshops were the most preferred modes of CPD delivery with financial implications and workload/time constraints being the main challenges impeding CPD participation. Conclusion The identified needs will help in developing CPD programs that address what medical laboratory professionals prioritize as training needs. Stakeholders should incorporate these training needs into future programs and address the challenges highlighted in this study to have more relevant training for medical laboratory professionals.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1478-4491Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/3676b14aa01747c4be0c0e76849cfe79Test

المؤلفون: Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Rebecca Peniel Storph, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Eugene Budu, Sanni Yaya

المصدر: Environmental Health Insights, Vol 17 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Environmental sciences, GE1-350, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270

الوصف: Background: Diarrhoea stools contain infectious agents and pose a public health threat to children and members of the entire family when exposed to them. Therefore, their hygienic disposal is essential. Empirical data are needed to stir the needed public health interventions to encourage or enforce proper disposal practices to curb associated clinical issues. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of hygienic stool disposal practices by mothers of children with diarrhoea in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data of 16 sub-Saharan African countries from 2015 to 2021 involving 22 590 mother-child pairs were analysed. Multilevel binary logistic analysis was conducted to assess the individual- and household-level factors associated with the hygienic disposal of stool practices by mothers of children with diarrhoea. The results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) at a statistical significance of P

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1178-6302Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/f639ede2ce294a66bf7d8edbc9807d44Test

المؤلفون: Samuel Essien-Baidoo, Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Bernard Adarkwa-Yiadom, Dominic Adarkwa, Anita Akua Owusu, Seth Boakye Amponsah

المصدر: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol 17, Iss 8 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine, RC955-962, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270

الوصف: Background Adequate knowledge and proper practices coupled with knowledge of the burden of disease are necessary for the eradication of Schistosoma infection. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) as well as health outcomes related to Schistosoma haematobium infection at Kwahu Afram Plains North District (KAPND). Methods A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was carried out among 140 participants from four local communities in KAPND in August 2021. From these participants, 10ml of urine was collected for determination of the presence of S. haematobium and urine routine examination. In addition, 4ml of blood was collected and used for haematological examination. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis using IBM SPSS were used to describe and represent the data collected. Results The study reports a gap in knowledge about schistosomiasis in the study area with the majority indicating that they have not heard of schistosomiasis (60.7%), do not know the mode of transmission (49.3%), and do not know how the disease could be spread (51.5%). The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 52.9%. This was associated with age, occupation, perceived mode of Schistosoma transmission, knowledge of Schistosoma prevention, awareness that schistosomiasis can be treated, frequency of visits to water bodies, and water usage patterns. In multivariate analysis, factors that remained significantly associated with S. haematobium infection were age 21–40 (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.76), 41–60 (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01–0.52) and ≥ 60 (OR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.02–0.87), informal employment (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01–0.69) and awareness of transmission by drinking water from river body (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.03–0.92). In Schistosoma infection, reduced haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, lymphocytes and eosinophils were observed. White blood cells, neutrophils, and monocytes were significantly elevated in infected states. Urine analysis revealed high pus cells and red blood cells counts among Schistosoma-positive participants. Conclusion Schistosoma infection is endemic among inhabitants in KAPND, and is associated with a gap in knowledge, awareness, and practice possibly due to inadequate education in the area. Poor clinical outcomes associated with Schistosoma infection have been demonstrated in the area. A well-structured public education, nutritional intervention, and mass drug administration will be necessary to eradicate this menace. Author summary Schistosomiasis is one of the leading neglected tropical diseases worldwide. Ghana is considered endemic to schistosomiasis and cited to be present throughout the whole country according to the 2015 World Schistosomiasis Risk Chart. Earlier studies have reported that individual and community perceptions of schistosomiasis are key factors that impact transmission rates and could help in planning and implementing control initiatives. In this study, we assessed community knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis among inhabitants living along water bodies in the KAPND of Ghana. In addition, this study highlights the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of schistosomiasis in the area. We observed a gap in knowledge, attitude, and practice in the area. Consequently, a prevalence as high as 52.9% which was related to individual characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices was observed. Schistosoma infection was associated with poor clinical outcomes in the area. Infection prevalence observed in the area indicates intense exposure and alarming transmission possibly due to poor knowledge, attitude, and practices. Control interventions targeted at controlling infection in the communities are warranted and should focus on educating inhabitants on Schistosoma prevention strategies and mass drug administration.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10431615/?tool=EBITest; https://doaj.org/toc/1935-2727Test; https://doaj.org/toc/1935-2735Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/b583d02299784714a1d7dd349bad1eaaTest

المؤلفون: Rebecca Peniel Storph, Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Ruth Duku‐Takyi, Albert Akotua, Samuel Asante, Richard Armah, Irene Esi Donkoh, Prince Anim Addo

المصدر: Health Science Reports, Vol 6, Iss 4, Pp n/a-n/a (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: booster dose, COVID‐19, Ghana, vaccine, vaccine acceptance, willingness, Medicine

الوصف: Abstract Background and Aim The COVID‐19 booster dose has been cited as an important supplement for the control of the COVID‐19 pandemic due to reports of waning immunity among fully vaccinated persons. Determining factors that would affect its acceptability is necessary for initiating successful vaccination programs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with the acceptability of the COVID‐19 booster dose in Ghana. Methods We conducted an online cross‐sectional survey among the public. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, willingness to vaccinate, perceptions toward COVID‐19 vaccines, and trust in the government. Participants provided reasons and sources of advice that may affect their willingness to accept a booster dose. Using IBM SPSS and R Statistic; descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Out of 812 respondents, 375 (46.2%) intended to accept the booster dose. Individuals who were males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07−2.48), had previously received other forms of vaccination twice (aOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.07−3.57) or in most years (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.38−4.57), tested positive for COVID‐19 (aOR 3.46, 95% CI 1.23−10.52), have high trust in government (aOR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.15‐2.74) and had positive perceptions regarding COVID‐19 vaccines (OR = 14.24, 95% CI: 9.28−22.44) were more likely to accept a booster dose. Experiencing side effects from the primer dose (aOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.08−0.18) was associated with reduced acceptance. Concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy were the common reasons impeding willingness, while advice from health professionals would be the most considered. Conclusion Low intention to accept the booster dose which is associated with a range of factors including the perception of vaccines and trust in the government, is a cause for concern. Thus, more effort would have to be taken through education and policy interventions to increase booster vaccine acceptability.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/2398-8835Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/73aa6ed8ee7140de985a778ee549f005Test

المؤلفون: Eric Konadu, Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Angela Amponsah, Wisdom Xoese Kwadzo Agroh, Ernest Badu-Boateng, Stephen Yao Gbedema, Yaw Duah Boakye

المصدر: International Journal of Microbiology, Vol 2023 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Microbiology, QR1-502

الوصف: Background. Enteric protozoa infections (EPIs) could worsen clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus and therefore requires prompt and accurate diagnosis and attention. This study aimed to determine the burden of EPIs and their associated factors among patients with and without diabetics at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Ghana. Again, the diagnostic performance of parasitological techniques routinely used for diagnosis was assessed. Methods. A total of 240 participants (made up of 140 patients with diabetes and 100 patients without diabetes) were recruited into the study by simple random sampling from November 2020 to May 2021. Stool samples of participants were collected, along with their demographic information, and examined using the saline direct wet mount (DWM), formol-ether concentration (FEC), and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining (ZNS) techniques for the presence of enteric protozoans. Results. Enteric protozoa were found among 62/140 (44.3%) diabetic patients and 13/100 (13.0%) nondiabetic patients. The predominant protozoa identified were Cryptosporidium spp. (17.86%) among patients with diabetes and Blastocystis hominis (7.0%) among patients without diabetes. EPI was associated with diabetes mellitus status (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI, 1.55–7.79), having diabetes for more than five years (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI, 1.65–8.86) and having comorbidity (AOR = 2.93, 95% CI, 1.33–6.45). The FEC technique had the highest sensitivity (100.0%), specificity 94.3% (95% CI, 91.35–97.22), and accuracy 95.0% (95% CI, 88.54–98.13) when compared to other techniques for diagnosis. Conclusion. EPIs are a significant health problem among patients with diabetes at KATH, and therefore antiparasitic drugs should be included in their treatment protocols for better health outcomes. Again, the FEC technique has demonstrated better performance in detecting EPIs and is therefore recommended to achieve early and accurate diagnosis of EPIs.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1687-9198Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/5431c3110fb54de399197baeeb700e49Test

المؤلفون: Samuel Essien-Baidoo, Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Joseph Tee, Richard K. D. Ephraim, Loretta Betty Blay Mensah, Seth Boakye Amponsah, Justice Afrifa

المصدر: PLOS Global Public Health, Vol 3, Iss 11 (2023)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10659178/?tool=EBITest; https://doaj.org/toc/2767-3375Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/489769e0ab504e81aaf43ec6b7234facTest

المؤلفون: Wisdom Akrasi, Augustine Suurinobah Brah, Mainprice Akuoko Essuman, Viona Osei, Alex Boye

المصدر: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol 16, Iss 9, p e0010680 (2022)

مصطلحات موضوعية: Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine, RC955-962, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270

الوصف: BackgroundTo manage the deleterious effects of parasitic infections such as lymphatic filariasis (LF) and schistosomiasis among school children, most countries including Ghana make use of mass drug administration (MDA). Although MDA has proven effective in reducing worm burden, unfortunately adverse drug effects (ADEs) post-MDA are derailing the gains and also remain poorly monitored. The study assessed incidence and factors associated with ADEs among students following a school-based mass de-worming exercise involving administration of Praziquantel (PZQT) and Albendazole (ADZ) against LF and SCH at Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) Municipal.MethodologyAfter fulfilling all ethical obligations, a total of 598 students aged 5-20 years who received PZQT or ADZ monotherapy or a combination of the two (PZQT + ADZ) as part of the mass de-worming exercise were recruited through quota and random sampling. Bodyweight and height of students were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Students were orally interviewed to obtain information such as age, sex, intake of diet before taking drugs. Subsequently, students were monitored over 24 hours post-MDA for cases of ADEs. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 26 was used to describe data collected and to determine associations between incidence of ADEs and predictor variables.Principal findingsOut of the 598 students, 243 (40.64%) represented by 124 males (51.03%) and 119 females (48.97%) with mean (SD) age of 13.43 (2.74) years experienced one or more forms of ADE. In decreasing order, the detected ADEs included headache (64.6%), Abdominal pain (48.6%), fever (30.0%), diarrhea (21.4%) and itching (12.8%). Multivariable statistical analysis showed that age 5-9 years (OR: 2.01, p = 0.041) and underweight (OR: 2.02, p = 0.038) were associated with incidence of ADEs. Compared with students who received combination therapy, students who received ADZ only (OR: 0.05, p < 0.001) and PZQT only (OR: 0.26, p < 0.001) had low cases of ADEs. Gender and diet intake before MDA were not associated with ADE incidence.ConclusionADE incidence was common among students in the KEEA municipality. Age, underweight, and double dosing were associated with increase in ADE incidence, while gender and food intake were not associated with increase in ADE incidence. The Disease Control Unit of the Ghana Health Service should incorporate stringent ADE monitoring in post-MDA surveillance in the National MDA program in order to be able to detect, manage and report ADEs to inform planning for future MDA programs. Such initiatives will help not only in improving effectiveness of MDA programs but also identify high risk groups and exact strategies to reduce negative influence of ADE on MDA coverage and anthelminthic drug compliance.

وصف الملف: electronic resource

العلاقة: https://doaj.org/toc/1935-2727Test; https://doaj.org/toc/1935-2735Test

الوصول الحر: https://doaj.org/article/bb6b7989279248a6aeea315c8c372983Test