Abstract:
Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) has been a long-standing health concern
especially in tropical West Africa. CSM has been studied extensively
especially in its immunological and clinical aspects in the study area in
particular and the northern part of Ghana in general. However, begging
questions and gaps remain in its comprehensive assessment in local-specific
contexts. Consequently, the objective of the study was to gain better insight
into its patterns, perceptions and management in the Kassena-Nankana East
and West Districts within the broader context of the Meningitis Belt of Africa.
Guided by Meade’s human ecological triangle, a Geographical Information
System’s Approach was used to generate a rate map to show magnitude and
spatial patterns. Charts were also used to show seasonality and demographic
patterns. A comprehensive approach was also adopted in assessing views on
the issues of perceptions and management. A sample size of 250 respondents
was drawn from the general public and 100 respondents comprising people
who have experienced the disease before in the last two years was also
considered.
The study revealed that, meningitis is still an issue to reckon with in the study
area, as it portrays rates higher than the national average and falling within the
hyper endemic zone of the Meningitis Belt of Africa. Besides, marked spatial
variations have also been observed in relation to sub zones, as well as with
demographic categorisations (age and sex) and seasonality. The study showed
that, majority of the people have knowledge about the disease, however, both
naturalistic and supernatural attributions are made for causes of meningitis.
With the variations observed in relation to the spatial, seasonal as well as
demographic patterns, it was concluded that a holistic and strategic approach
is required in dealing with the specifics, while recommending further research
into the causes and extent of these observations.
