Browsing by Author "Acquah, A.A."
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Item Association between Selected Anthropometric Variables and Lumbar Vertebral Body Measurements, Disc Degeneration, and Herniation(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Acquah, A.A.; Addai, F.K.; Tagoe, C.N.B.; Hewlett, V.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, Department of AnatomyBackground: A detailed understanding of lumbar vertebral body morphometry and disc degeneration among Ghanaians is relevant for clinical and research purposes. Studies exist on how age and sex affect lumbar vertebral morphometry and disc degeneration among Caucasians, but there is paucity of similar information in African populations including Ghana. Association of weight and height with lumbar vertebral morphometry and disc degeneration remains inadequately investigated in both populations. Aim: This study investigated the association of age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) with lumbar vertebral body morphometry and disc degeneration using archived radiologic data from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Method: Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients who had accessed services at the Radiology Unit of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from March, 2014 to February, 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients’ age, sex, weight and height, were collated from available MRI records together with mid-sagittal images of the lumbar spine. The anterior, middle, and posterior vertebral body heights as well as anteroposterior diameter were measured. Disc degeneration as well as herniation was classified by standard criteria. The obtained data were analysed to determine statistical association between variables studied. Results: The study revealed that, vertebral body dimensions decreased with age but increased as an individual grew taller (P=0.001) and were greater in males than in females. BMI and body weight, however, showed no significant association with lumbar vertebral body dimensions. Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) as well as herniation increased significantly with age (P=0.001) and were most prevalent among the elderly. Body weight and BMI were positively correlated with LDD at the caudal end of the lumbar spine. There was no significant correlation with disc herniation. Height, on the other hand, was negatively correlated with disc degeneration but not disc herniation. LDD and herniation were more frequent among males than females for the first 4 intervertebral discs but higher in females at the 5th intervertebral disc. Conclusion: Vertebral body dimensions decreased with age but increased as an individual grew taller and were larger in males than in females. LDD increased with age, increasing body weight and BMI but decreased with increasing body length. LDD and herniation occurred more frequently in males than in females. Age and gender related findings observed in the present study were similar to those reported in literature.Item Effect of Particulate Matter Exposure on Respiratory Health of e-Waste Workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana(International Journal of Environmental Research, 2020-04-27) Nti, A.A.A.; Arko-Mensah, J.; Botwe, P.K.; Dwomoh, D.; Kwarteng, L.; Takyi, S.A.; Acquah, A.A.; Tettey, P.; Basu, N.; Batterman, S.; Robins, T.G.; Fobil, J.N.Background: Direct and continuous exposure to particulate matter (PM), especially in occupational settings is known to impact negatively on respiratory health and lung function. Objective: To determine the association between concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) in breathing zone and lung function of informal e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie. Methods: To evaluate lung function responses to PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm), we conducted a longitudinal cohort study with three repeated measures among 207 participants comprising 142 healthy e-waste workers from Agbogbloshie scrapyard and 65 control participants from Madina-Zongo in Accra, Ghana from 2017–2018. Lung function parameters (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF 25-75) and PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) concentrations were measured, corresponding to prevailing seasonal variations. Socio-demographic data, respiratory exposures and lifestyle habits were determined using questionnaires. Random effects models were then used to examine the effects of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) on lung function. Results: The median concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) were all consistently above the WHO ambient air standards across the study waves. Small effect estimates per IQR of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) on lung function parameters were observed even after adjustment for potential confounders. However, a 10 µg increase in PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) was associated with decreases in PEF and FEF 25–75 by 13.3% % [β = −3.133; 95% CI: −0.243, −0.022) and 26.6% [β = −0.266; 95% CI: −0.437, 0.094]. E-waste burning and a history of asthma significantly predicted a decrease in PEF by 14.2% [β = −0.142; 95% CI: −0.278, −0.008) and FEV1 by 35.8% [β = −0.358; 95% CI: −0.590, 0.125] among e-waste burners. Conclusions: Direct exposure of e-waste workers to PM predisposes to decline in lung function and risk for small airway diseases such as asthma and COPD. View Full-TextItem Evaluation Of Ergonomic Risk Factors and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated with Informal Electronic Waste Recycling at Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2020-07) Acquah, A.A.Generation of electronic waste (e-waste) is a worldwide problem due to an ever-increasing global demand for new electronic appliances, and high turnover in replacing old and obsolete electrical and electronic appliances. Agbogbloshie, an informal e-waste processing site in Accra, Ghana is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The management and recycling of e-waste in an environmentally and occupationally safe and sustainable manner is a major challenge resulting in workers developing multiple health conditions. In addition, e-waste workers are also exposed to several physical risks due to the rudimentary methods of recycling which are known pathways to developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Notwithstanding, studies on adverse health effects of e-waste recycling have focused primarily on chemical exposures with little attention to physical exposures. Physical ergonomic exposures associated with informal e-waste recycling by lowwage, low-skilled workers are poorly understood. Further, current ergonomic assessment tools are intended for well-structured work environments. Ergonomic assessment tools to determine the physical exposures in unstructured and unregulated work settings such as e-waste recycling are lacking. The aim of this thesis, therefore, was to quantify the ergonomic risk factors and work-related MSDs associated with informal e-waste recycling at Agbogbloshie. Clearly defined specific objectives led to studies that allowed for the development of an observation-based exposure assessment tool adapted to unregulated and unstructured work in an informal sector. The studies were conducted at the e-waste site in Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana. A reference population was recruited from Madina Zongo in Accra for comparison of work-related musculoskeletal disorders with e-waste workers. Participants in this thesis were conveniently sampled due to the informal and unstructured nature of the study sites. Direct field observations and in-depth interviews of eight e-waste workers were first conducted to better understand the processes and challenges associated with e-waste recycling. The obtained data were manually transcribed and coded into themes for analysis. Subsequently, a cross-sectional survey of 163 male e-waste workers complemented with direct field observations and pedometers was used to quantify workers’ occupational physical activities over a work week. The Occupational Physical Activity Questionnaire was modified by the researcher for this purpose. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used to estimate the self-reported prevalence of MSDs in 11 specific body regions of 176 e-waste workers and 41 non-e-waste workers from the reference population. To quantify exposure to physical risk factors, an observation-based tool that satisfies ease-of-use criteria and adapted for unstructured work in developing countries was designed. This new tool was used in real-time to quantify intensity and duration of e-waste workers’ exposure to ergonomic risk factors. The job categories, sample size, and the respective number of observations were determined based on preliminary observations. Thus, 6 dismantlers, 6 burners, and 11collectors were observed for 8, 6, and 3 days, respectively. Qualitative and observational data were analysed using thematic analysis while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-squared tests for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables were used to test for statistical differences among e-waste worker categories, namely, collectors, dismantlers and burners. Multiple regression was used to examine relationships between physical exposure variables and MSDs. Results addressing the specific objectives of this thesis were as follows: Thematic analysis showed that, e-waste recycling at Agbogbloshie, from collection and transport to sorting to dismantling to open air burning are done manually using crude methods that require the use of rudimentary tools and physical strength. Assessment of occupational physical activity revealed that, all three categories of e-waste workers performed frequent strenuous occupational activities which differed significantly by primary job category. In addition, a high prevalence of MSDs was reported among e-waste workers (89.2%) compared to the reference population (70.7), which was claimed to interfered with their ability to work. Lower back pain was predominant regardless of job category. The newly developed ergonomic assessment tool showed good inter-observer agreement (i.e., 89% to 100%) for most risk factors assessed. Results from using this tool indicated that, durations of severe trunk flexion were significantly higher for dismantlers and burners (98.3 ± 24.6 and 188.7 ± 25.4 minutes respectively) compared to collectors; while high forces were exerted over longer periods by collectors and dismantlers (228.3 ± 20.1 and 177.3 ± 20.4 minutes respectively). Highly repetitive movements (> 20 / min) were significantly higher for dismantlers and burners (186.9 ± 20.9 and 178.8 ± 22.5 minutes respectively) than collectors. Although contact stress was present in all jobs, vibration was predominant among dismantlers. In conclusion, e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie are exposed to prolonged durations and high intensities of multiple ergonomic risk factors that predisposes workers to MSDs. The thesis identifies the ergonomics risk factors that need to be prioritised in the development of locally adapted ergonomic interventions for the efficient recycling of e-waste and the reduction of health and safety risks posed by unregulated and unstructured work in developing countries. The observational tool developed demonstrates promise in addressing the need for ergonomic tools tailored to informal and unregulated manual work settings, but needs refining to improve the measurement effort and precision in the assessment of risk factors and MSDs.Item Knowledge of pregnant women about birth defects(2013-02-20) Bello, A.I.; Acquah, A.A.; Quartey, J.N.A.; Hughton, A.Abstract Background Occurrence of birth defects (BD) remains an important public health issue. Inadequate knowledge about the defects among prospective mothers could result in delayed interventions. The study determined the knowledge of BD among pregnant women in relation to their socio-demographic profile. Method Four hundred and forty-three (443) pregnant women gave their consent to participate in this study. A researcher-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics from the participants and their knowledge about BD. The questionnaire was assessed for test re-test reliability before been administered. The possible scores on the knowledge domain of the questionnaire were categorized into three levels: low knowledge (0–4), moderate knowledge (5–8) and high knowledge (9–12) levels. Data were analyzed using percentages while Spearman’s rank correlation was used to determine the relationship between the knowledge of BD among the participants and their socio-demographic profile. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05. Results A greater proportion of the participants, 235(53.0%) were found in the age range 21 to 30 years, and 234(52.8%) attained secondary level of education. Majority of the participants, 205(46.3%) had high knowledge on the risk factors while 213(48.1%) and 224(50.6%) had moderate overall knowledge and specific knowledge about BD respectively. Most of the participants (48.1%) believed that BD were of supernatural origin. The age, level of education, number of antenatal visits and parity of the participants were not significantly correlated (p > 0.05) with their specific and overall knowledge. Conclusions Particpants generally had moderate knowledge about BD. However, this had no bearing on their socio-demographic profile. The knowledge base about BD seems to be influenced by traditional belief of the participants. This finding should therefore serve as a guide for health care providers while planning awareness campaign about BD.Item Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana(MDPI, 2021) Acquah, A.A.; D’Souza, C.; Martin, B.J.; Arko-Mensah, J.; Dwomoh, D.; Nti, A.A.A.; Kwarteng, L.; Takyi, S.A.; Basu, N.; Quakyi, I.A.; Robins, T.G.; Fobil, J.N.Informal recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has myriad environmental and occupational health consequences, though information about the chronic musculoskeletal health effects on workers is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and intensity of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie in Ghana—the largest informal e-waste dumpsite in West Africa—relative to workers not engaged in e-waste recycling. A standardized musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire was administered to 176 e-waste workers (73 collectors, 82 dismantlers, and 21 burners) and 41 workers in a reference group. The number of body parts with musculoskeletal discomfort were 1.62 and 1.39 times higher for collectors and dismantlers than burners, respectively. A 1-week discomfort prevalence was highest for collectors (91.8%) followed by dismantlers (89%), burners (81%), and the reference group (70.7%). The discomfort prevalence for e-waste workers was highest in the lower back (65.9%), shoulders (37.5%), and knees (37.5%). Whole-body pain scores (mean ± SE) were higher for collectors (83.7 ± 10.6) than dismantlers (45.5 ± 7.6), burners (34.0 ± 9.1), and the reference group (26.4 ± 5.9). Differences in prevalence, location, and intensity of MSD symptoms by the e-waste job category suggest specific work-related morbidity. Symptom prevalence and intensity call attention to the high risk for MSDs and work disability among informal e-waste workers, particularly collectors and dismantlers.Item Occupational and Environmental Health Effects of Informal Electronic Waste Recycling – A Focus on Agbogbloshie, Ghana(Springer, 2021) Fobil, J.; Abotsi, P.; Acquah, A.A.; Arko-Mensah, J.; D’Souza, C.; Martin, B.The unregulated and unorganized structure of informal electronic waste recycling worksites exposes workers to numerous occupational hazards. This context also presents research challenges in collecting exposure data to establish linkages with adverse health effects and development of risk-mitigating strategies. This paper presents some findings from a 5-year multinational and multi-institutional collaboration of academic and government partners, which documented extensive occupational and environmental health conditions at the Agbogbloshie electronic waste site in central Accra, Ghana.Item A preliminary assessment of physical work exposures among electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana(International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2021) Acquah, A.A.; D’Souza, C.; Martin, B.J.; Arko-Mensah, J.; Botwe, P.K; Tettey, P.; Dwomoh, D.; Nti, A.A.; Kwarteng, L.; Takyi, S.; Quakyi, I.A.; Robins, T.G.; Fobil, J.N.Occupational exposure associated with unstructured, informal e-waste recycling has received very limited attention. This study aimed to quantify the occupational physical exposures among informal e-waste workers at the largest e-waste site in Africa. A cross-sectional field survey of 163 male e-waste workers was conducted using a self-report occupational physical activity questionnaire, along with direct work observations, and pedometer estimates of walking activity for a subset of workers (n = 42). Results indicated significant differences in self-reported 7-day work exposures among the three main e-waste job categories, namely, collectors (n = 70), dismantlers (n = 73) and burners (n = 20). Prolonged walking, sitting and standing on five or more days in the workweek was frequently reported by collectors (87%), dismantlers (82%) and burners (60%), respectively. Nearly 90% of collectors and burners and 60% of dismantlers reported lifting and carrying on five or more days in the workweek. The exposure combinations identified suggest a risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Findings call attention to the need for research examining potential associations between physical exposures and MSDs affecting e-waste workers in Agbogbloshie. The high exposure variability both between and within workers has implications for future exposure assessments conducted in unregulated, informal work settings.Item A preliminary assessment of physical work exposures among electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana(International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2021) Acquah, A.A.; D’Souza, C.; Martin, B.J.; Arko-Mensah, J.; Botwe, P.K.; Tettey, P.; Dwomoh, D.; Nti, A,A.; Kwarteng, L.; Takyi, S.; Quakyi, I.A.; Robins, T.G.; Fobil, J.N.Occupational exposure associated with unstructured, informal e-waste recycling has received very limited attention. This study aimed to quantify the occupational physical exposures among informal e-waste workers at the largest e-waste site in Africa. A cross-sectional field survey of 163 male e-waste workers was conducted using a self-report occupational physical activity questionnaire, along with direct work observations, and pedometer estimates of walking activity for a subset of workers (n = 42). Results indicated significant differences in self-reported 7-day work exposures among the three main e-waste job categories, namely, collectors (n = 70), dismantlers (n = 73) and burners (n = 20). Prolonged walking, sitting and standing on five or more days in the workweek was frequently reported by collectors (87%), dismantlers (82%) and burners (60%), respectively. Nearly 90% of collectors and burners and 60% of dismantlers reported lifting and carrying on five or more days in the workweek. The exposure combinations identified suggest a risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Findings call attention to the need for research examining potential associations between physical exposures and MSDs affecting e-waste workers in Agbogbloshie. The high exposure variability both between and within workers has implications for future exposure assessments conducted in unregulated, informal work settings.Item A Systematic Review of the Effects of Temperature on Anopheles Mosquito Development and Survival: Implications for Malaria Control in a Future Warmer Climate(International Journal, 2021) Agyekum, T.P.; Botwe, P.K.; Arko-Mensah, J.; Issah, I.; Acquah, A.A.; Hogarh, J.N.; Dwomoh, D.; Robins, T.G.; Fobil, J.N.The rearing temperature of the immature stages can have a significant impact on the life-history traits and the ability of adult mosquitoes to transmit diseases. This review assessed published evidence of the effects of temperature on the immature stages, life-history traits, insecticide susceptibility, and expression of enzymes in the adult Anopheles mosquito. Original articles published through 31 March 2021 were systematically retrieved from Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases. After applying eligibility criteria, 29 studies were included. The review revealed that immature stages of An. arabiensis were more tolerant (in terms of survival) to a higher temperature than An. funestus and An. quadriannulatus. Higher temperatures resulted in smaller larval sizes and decreased hatching and pupation time. The development rate and survival of An. stephensi was significantly reduced at a higher temperature than a lower temperature. Increasing temperatures decreased the longevity, body size, length of the gonotrophic cycle, and fecundity of Anopheles mosquitoes. Higher rearing temperatures increased pyrethroid resistance in adults of the An. arabiensis SENN DDT strain, and increased pyrethroid tolerance in the An. arabiensis SENN strain. Increasing temperature also significantly increased Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) expression and decreased insecticide toxicity. Both extreme low and high temperatures affect Anopheles mosquito development and survival. Climate change could have diverse effects on Anopheles mosquitoes. The sensitivities of Anopeheles mosquitoes to temperature differ from species to species, even among the same complex. Notwithstanding, there seem to be limited studies on the effects of temperature on adult life-history traits of Anopheles mosquitoes, and more studies are needed to clarify this relationship.