Browsing by Author "Adjorlolo, S."

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Advancement of neuroscience and the assessment of mental state at the time of offense
(Forensic Science International: Mind and Law, 2021) Egbenya, D.L.; Adjorlolo, S.
Neuroscience has the benefit of illuminating the neural correlates of behaviors that are of interest to the legal system. This raises the optimism that neuroscience will be able to considerably and appropriately address some perennial problems besetting the legal system. Notable among them are the determination of: (1) criminal responsibility; (2) mental states at the time of offense; (3) competence to stand trial (also known as fitness to plead or adjudicative competence); and (4) whether a defendant is telling the truth. Whereas previous discussions have focused mainly on criminal responsibility, the present review is limited to the assessment of mental states at the time of offense as a legal pre-requisite for determining criminal responsibility in trials involving defendants claiming mental incapacitation (insanity defense). This is one of the challenging forensic assessment endeavors, attracting public criticisms following acquittals based on the insanity defense. We canvas the relevant neuroscientific evidence to elucidate how neuroscientific advances can be applied to help improve upon the assessment of mental states at the time of offense examinations. We examine neuroscience assessments of intention, knowledge of the nature and quality of an act, knowledge of wrongness of an act, as well as decision-making. We conclude that neuroscience assessments would be useful as a complementary data source in insanity evaluations. Clinical opinion based on neuroscientific findings as well as psychosocial data (biopsychosocial assessment) would help to improve upon assessment results.
Adverse life experiences and mental health of adolescents in Ghana: a gendered analysis
(International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 2022) Adjorlolo, S.; Anum, A.; Huang, K.
Adolescents living in sub-Saharan Africa have increased exposure to adverse life experiences (ALEs). The current study examines gender differences in the prevalence of ALEs, mental health outcomes and association between ALEs and mental health outcomes of school-going adolescents in Ghana, West Africa. A sample of 1,886 adolescents (1,174 females) completed mental health and ALEs self-report measures. A series of descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. Results revealed girls report higher mental health problems than boys. However, there was gender similarity in the prevalence of ALEs, except for substance misuse and trauma to head were reported more by boys. The effect of ALEs on mental health outcomes was largely invariant across gender, substance misuse, victimization experiences and school-level stress significantly predict depressive symptoms in both boys and girls. Interventions targeting the ALEs investigated in this study would help improve the mental health of boys and girls
Attitudes toward the insanity defense: Examination of the factor structure of Insanity Defense Attitude-Revised (IDA-R) Scale in Ghana.
(Taylor & Francis, 2016) Adjorlolo, S.; Abdul-Nasiru, I.; Chan, H.C.; Bentum, F.
Decades of research have revealed the potential of individuals to be partial toward defendants pleading insanity at the time of offense. This study examines the internal structure of the Insanity Defense Attitude-Revised (IDA-R) scale as well as predictors of insanity defense attitude in a Ghanaian sample (N D 253). Using principal component analysis, we identified three distinct latent factors, two (i.e., strict liability, unprofessional behavior and safety concerns) of which corroborate the findings of previous studies, and a unique factor- expression of sympathy. Participants who were highly involved in religious activities were more likely to be sympathetic. Views regarding the causes and treatability of mental illness did not significantly predict insanity defense attitudes.
Can Teleneuropsychology Help Meet the Neuropsychological Needs of Western Africans? The Case of Ghana
(Applied Neuropsychology: Adult, 2015-02) Adjorlolo, S.
In Ghana, the services of psychologists, particularly clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists, remain largely inaccessible to a large proportion of those in need. Emphasis has been placed on "physical wellness" even among patients with cognitive and behavioral problems needing psychological attention. The small number of clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists, the deplorable nature of road networks and transport systems, geopolitical factors, and a reliance on the face-to-face method in providing neuropsychological services have further complicated the accessibility problem. One way of expanding and making neuropsychological services available and accessible is through the use of information communication technology to provide these services, and this is often termed teleneuropsychology. Drawing on relevant literature, this article discusses how computerized neurocognitive assessment and videoconferencing could help in rendering clinical neuropsychological services to patients, particularly those in rural, underserved, and disadvantaged areas in Ghana. The article further proposes recommendations on how teleneuropsychology could be made achievable and sustainable in Ghana. Can Teleneuropsychology Help Meet the Neuropsychological Needs of Western Africans? The Case of Ghana | Request PDF. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272836928_Can_Teleneuropsychology_Help_Meet_the_Neuropsychological_Needs_of_Western_Africans_The_Case_of_Ghana [accessed Sep 11 2018].
Depressive symptomatology in adolescents in Ghana: Examination of psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9
(Journal of Affective Disorders, 2019) Anum, A.; Adjorlolo, S.; Kugbey, N.
Background: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) has been used extensively in research and clinical settings. However, there is limited information regarding the psychometric properties of the PHQ-9 among adolescents, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Data were collected from 553 adolescents (girls = 322, 58.1%) using a cross-sectional survey design to investigate the factorial validity, construct validity and internal consistency of the PHQ-9 in Ghana. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multi-group CFA support a one-factor structure of the PHQ-9 that was invariant across gender. The PHQ-9 correlates significantly with measures of anxiety, depression, mental wellbeing, and suicidal behavior. The internal consistency of the PHQ-9 was 0.71. Limitation: The study did not include a gold standard measure of depression to assess the diagnostic properties (e.g., sensitivity and specificity) of the PHQ-9. Conclusion: The results suggest that major depressive disorder, measured by the PHQ-9, is a homogeneous construct across gender and that the PHQ-9 can be used to screen for depressive symptoms in adolescent boys and girls in Ghana. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.
The Image of Nurses and Midwives in Ghana: Patient and Family Perspectives
(Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 2022) Ohene, L.A.; Acheampong, A.K.; Dzansi, G.; Kyei, J.; Adjei, C.A.; Adjorlolo, S.; Asante, I.N.A.; Woolley, P.; Nyante, F.; Aziato, L.
This study aims to explore the perceptions of patients and family caregivers on the image of nurses and midwives in Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory descriptive approach. A total of 25 participants were interviewed during data collection. Content and thematic analysis were applied in the data analysis to develop themes. The findings are captured under two major themes that describe the primary influences on participant images of nurses: Thus, (1) nurses’ and midwives’ attributes with four subthemes; staff appearance, communication strategies and behaviors, work attitudes, and professional competence and (2) patients’ status and subthemes were; uneducated poor and educated rich. We conclude that patients and families in Ghana recognize the professional attributes of the nurse and midwife, which reflect in their personality, grooming, communication, competencies, and attitudes. However, low publicity of the professional roles of nurses and midwives may have negative repercussions for their professional image. A policy to perform a regular public audit on the image of the Nurse/Midwife is important for professional advancement.
Impact of climate change on maternal health outcomes: An evidence gap map review
(PLOS Global Public Health, 2024) MeheraliI, S.; Adjorlolo, S.; Aziato, L.; et al.
Climate change poses unique challenges to maternal well-being and increases complications during pregnancy and childbirth globally. This evidence gap map (EGM) aims to identify gaps in existing knowledge and areas where further research related to climate change and its impact on maternal health is required. The following databases were searched individually from inception to present: Medline, EMBASE, and Global Health via OVID; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via EBSCOhost; Scopus; and organizational websites. In this EGM, we integrated 133 studies published in English, including qualitative, quantitative, reviews and grey literature that examined the impact of climate change on maternal health (women aged 15–45). We used Covidence to screen studies and Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (Eppi reviewer)/Eppi Mapper software to generate the EGM. Data extraction and qualitative appraisal of the studies was done using critical appraisal tools. The study protocol was registered in International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) # INPLASY202370085. Out of 133 included studies, forty seven studies were of high quality, seventy nine moderate equality and seven low quality. This EGM found notable gaps in the literature regarding the distribution of research across regions. We found significant research in North America (51) and Asia (40 studies). However, Africa and the Caribbean had fewer studies, highlighting potential disparities in research attention and resources. Moreover, while the impact of extreme heat emerged as a prominent factor impacting maternal well-being, there is a need for further investigation into other climate-related factors such as drought. Additionally, while preterm stillbirth and maternal mortality have gained attention, there is an overlook of malnutrition and food insecurity indicators that require attention in future research. The EGM identifies existing research gaps in climate change and maternal health. It emphasizes the need or global collaboration and targeted interventions to address disparities and inform climate responsive policies
Interventions impacting the accessibility of sexual reproductive health services for head porters in sub-Saharan Africa- A scoping review protoco
(PLOS ONE, 2023) Jarvis, K.; Richter, S.; Adjorlolo, S.
Head porters working in markets in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are one of the world’s most vulnerable and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. They consist predominantly of uneducated women and girls seeking to escape poverty, early marriage, and other issues of domestic violence. Most female head porters are in their reproductive years and often lack access to sexual reproductive health services (SRHS) despite being at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, and gender-based vio lence. The low priority for women and girls’ SRH in many SSA countries highlights the need to explore the factors influencing the accessibility of services for failure to do so restrains human development. An initial search of the literature was conducted and revealed no current scoping or systematic reviews on the accessibility to SRHS for female head porters in SSA. We outline a scoping review protocol, using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, to determine the interventions that influence the accessibil ity of SRHS for female head porters in SSA. The protocol is registered with Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/hjfkd). Findings will not only be valuable for female head por ters but for all vulnerable female groups in SSA who experience high SRH risks and social disparities.
Interventions impacting the accessibility of sexual reproductive health services for head porters in sub-Saharan Africa- A scoping review protocol
(PLOS ONE, 2023) Adjorlolo, S.; Adjei, C.A.; Torpey, K.; et al.
Head porters working in markets in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are one of the world’s most vulnerable and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. They consist predominantly of uneducated women and girls seeking to escape poverty, early marriage, and other issues of domestic violence. Most female head porters are in their reproductive years and often lack access to sexual reproductive health services (SRHS) despite being at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, and gender-based vio lence. The low priority for women and girls’ SRH in many SSA countries highlights the need to explore the factors influencing the accessibility of services for failure to do so restrains human development. An initial search of the literature was conducted and revealed no current scoping or systematic reviews on the accessibility to SRHS for female head porters in SSA. We outline a scoping review protocol, using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, to determine the interventions that influence the accessibil ity of SRHS for female head porters in SSA. The protocol is registered with Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/hjfkd). Findings will not only be valuable for female head por ters but for all vulnerable female groups in SSA who experience high SRH risks and social disparities.
Judicial Trustworthiness in Africa: Do Macro-Level Conditions Matter?
(Crime & Delinquency, 2019-11-01) Adjorlolo, S.; Boateng, F.D.
The current study’s primary goal was to assess the extent to which specific macro-level conditions cause variation in citizens’ levels of trust in courts across 33 African countries. Using an advanced analytical technique, results revealed that a country’s levels of democracy has a significant and positive relationship with citizens’ trust in the court. However, institutional corruption and crime (homicide rate) had significant and negative relationship with citizens’ trust in the court. Moreover, findings observed indicate that the relationship between macro-level factors and trust in the court is mediated by region of the country. Policy implications of the findings are discussed
Macro-level mental health system indicators and cross-national suicide rates
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021) Andoh-Arthur, J.; Adjorlolo, S.
Background: The relationship between macro-level mental health system indicators and population suicide rates is an area of contention in the literature, necessitating an analysis of current cross-national data to document any new trend in the relationship. Objective: This study investigated whether mental health system indicators are associated with national suicide rates. Method: Using an ecological study design and multivariate non-parametric robust regression models, data on suicide rates and mental health system indicators of 191 countries retrieved from WHOs 2017 Mental Health Atlas were compared. Results: Findings revealed that the average suicide mortality rate was significantly higher in high- income countries, relative to low-income countries. High-income countries are significantly more likely to have high number of mental health professionals, mental health policies and legislation, independent mental health authority and suicide prevention programs. These mental health system indicators demonstrated significant and positive association with suicide, suggesting that countries scoring high on these factors have higher odds of being categorized as high suicide risk countries. Conclusion: The findings have several implications for policy and practice, including the need to make existing mental health systems very responsive to suicide prevention.
Mental Health Professionals’ Attitudes Toward Offenders With Mental Illness (Insanity Acquittees) in Ghana
(International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 2018-02) Adjorlolo, S.; Abdul-Nasiru, I.; Chan, H.C.
Mental health professionals’ attitudes toward offenders with mental illness have significant implications for the quality of care and treatment rendered, making it imperative for these professionals to be aware of their attitudes. Yet, this topical issue has received little research attention. Consequently, the present study investigates attitudes toward offenders with mental illness (insanity acquittees) in a sample of 113 registered mental health nurses in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional survey and self-report methodology, the participants respond to measures of attitudes toward offenders with mental illness, attitudes toward mental illness, conviction proneness, and criminal blameworthiness. The results show that mental health nurses who reportedly practiced for a longer duration (6 years and above) were more likely to be unsympathetic, while the male nurses who were aged 30 years and above were more likely to hold offenders with mental illness strictly liable for their offenses. Importantly, the nurses’ scores in conviction proneness and criminal blameworthiness significantly predict negative attitudes toward the offenders even after controlling for their attitudes toward mental illness. Yet, when the nurses’ conviction proneness and criminal blameworthiness were held constant, their attitudes toward mental illness failed to predict attitudes toward the offenders. This initial finding implies that the nurses’ views regarding criminal blameworthiness and conviction may be more influential in understanding their attitudes toward offenders with mental illness relative to their attitudes toward mental illness.
Mentally disordered offenders and the law: Research update on the insanity defense, 2004–2019
(International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 2019-10-06) Adjorlolo, S.; Chan, H.C.; DeLisi, M.
The insanity defense is among the most controversial legal constructs that has attracted the attention of scholars, practitioners and policy makers. Here, we conducted a systematic review of the literature spanning 2004 to 2019 that produced 58 studies of insanity defense research. Findings are organized according to: (1) assessments and assessment-related issues, (2) juror decision-making in defense trials, (3) characteristics of insanity acquittees, (4) release recommendations for insanity acquittees, (5) revocation of conditional release status of insanity acquittees, and (6) additional areas of insanity defense research. Implications of the research for the insanity defense and cognate legal issues are proffered
“The Mother Beyond Delivery”: The Midwife and Maternal Mental Health
(2018-03-27) Adjorlolo, S.; Welbeck, J.
Mental illness is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality, globally. Health professionals, specifically midwives’ have significant roles to play in reducing maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, particularly in developing and resource constraint countries, as envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Consequently, following a systematic and integrated literature review, this presentation critically examines midwives involvement in promoting maternal mental health, such as identifying women at risk, assessing and referring women appropriately in Ghana and beyond. Also, in view of calls to integrate mental health into general maternal health care, the presentation examines how midwives’ can be empowered, taking into consideration sociocultural dynamics and mental illness, to screen and deliver evidenced-based, low-cost interventions through routine maternal health and reproductive care services, or make appropriate psychiatric care referrals. Midwives’ are highly skilled in developing relationships with childbearing women and their families, a privileged position that affords a unique opportunity to enhance and promote maternal mental health to contribute to the attainment of SDG 3.
Negative life events and maternal mental illness: A study of elite pregnant women in Accra metropolis
(International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 2023) Akorli, V.V.; Adjorlolo, S.; Puplampu, G.
The vulnerability of maternal mental illness (MMI) such as anxiety and depression among childbearing women is heightened during the periods of pregnancy mainly because of negative life events (NLEs). However, a major caveat in the literature relates to the overwhelming focus on women from disadvantaged socioeconomic back ground. Little is known about NLEs and MMI among women with relatively better socioeconomic background and high educational status, termed in this study as elite pregnant women. The study investigates the prevalence of NLEs and MMI (i.e., depression and anxiety) as well as the relationship between NLEs and MMI among elite pregnant women. A cross sectional survey design was used to collect data from 210 respondents recruited from three purposively selected health facilities in Greater Accra metropolis, namely Nyaho Medical Centre, Pentecost Hospital and Abokobi Health Centre. Self-report measures of NLEs, depression and anxiety were administered to the respondent. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, namely Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regression. The study revealed that majority (n = 136, 64.8 %) of the re spondents experienced at least particular NLEs and rated these events as stressful. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression were 42.4 % and 51.0 %, respectively. NLEs significantly and positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety but not with depression. Elite pregnant women are at risk of NLEs which can significantly influence their mental health. It is recommended that midwives and other health professionals pay attention to the NLEs of elite pregnant women for necessary support and intervention
Negative life events and maternal mental illness: A study of elite pregnant women in Accra metropolis
(International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 2023) Akorli, V.V.; Adjorlolo, S.; Puplampu, G.
The vulnerability of maternal mental illness (MMI) such as anxiety and depression among childbearing women is heightened during the periods of pregnancy mainly because of negative life events (NLEs). However, a major caveat in the literature relates to the overwhelming focus on women from disadvantaged socioeconomic back ground. Little is known about NLEs and MMI among women with relatively better socioeconomic background and high educational status, termed in this study as elite pregnant women. The study investigates the prevalence of NLEs and MMI (i.e., depression and anxiety) as well as the relationship between NLEs and MMI among elite pregnant women. A cross sectional survey design was used to collect data from 210 respondents recruited from three purposively selected health facilities in Greater Accra metropolis, namely Nyaho Medical Centre, Pentecost Hospital and Abokobi Health Centre. Self-report measures of NLEs, depression and anxiety were administered to the respondent. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, namely Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regression. The study revealed that majority (n = 136, 64.8 %) of the re spondents experienced at least particular NLEs and rated these events as stressful. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression were 42.4 % and 51.0 %, respectively. NLEs significantly and positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety but not with depression. Elite pregnant women are at risk of NLEs which can significantly influence their mental health. It is recommended that midwives and other health professionals pay attention to the NLEs of elite pregnant women for necessary support and intervention.
Nurses’ and midwives’ perspectives on participation in national policy development, review and reforms in Ghana: a qualitative study
(BMC Nursing, 2021) Acheampong, A.K.; Ohene, L.A.; Asante, I.N.A.; Kyei, J.; Dzansi, G.; Adjei, C.A.; Adjorlolo, S.; Boateng, F.; Woolley, P.; Nyante, F.; Aziato, L.
Background: The World Health Organization has admonished member countries to strive towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through actionable health policies and strategies. Nurses and midwives have instrumental roles in achieving UHC via health policy development and implementation. However, there is a paucity of empirical data on nurses and midwives’ participation in policy development in Ghana. The current study explored nurses and midwives’ participation in policy development, reviews and reforms in Ghana. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory design was adopted for this study. One-on-one individual interviews were conducted after 30 participants were purposefully selected. Data was audiotaped with permission, transcribed and analyzed inductively using the content analysis procedures. Results: Two main themes emerged from the data: participation in policy development and perspectives on policy reviews and reforms. The findings showed that during health policy development and reviews, nurses in Ghana were overlooked and unacknowledged. Policy reforms regarding bridging the pre-service preparation gap, staff development and motivation mechanisms and influence on admission into nursing schools were raised. Conclusion: The authors concluded that nurses and midwives are crucial members of the healthcare systems and their inputs in policy development and reviews would improve health delivery in Ghana.
Positive and negative psychosis risk symptoms among adolescents in Ghana
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021) Adjorlolo, S.; Anum, A.
Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) have attracted increased scholarly attention; however, there are limited empirical studies in Africa where environmental risk factors for psychosis such as maltreatment are highly prevalent. The study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of PLEs, as well as the association between PLEs and behavioural maladies among adolescents in Ghana. Data were collected from 553 adolescents (girls = 322, 58.1%) using a cross-sectional survey design. The prevalence of the positive PLEs ranges from 3.8% to 41.2, whereas, for negative PLE, the prevalence ranges from 4.9% to 13% . The PLEs dimensions were significantly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as suicidal tendency. Cluster analysis identified three groups of participants: normative, low risk and high risk for psychosis. The psychosis risk groups significantly reported more PLEs and behavioural maladies, com pared with the normative group. This preliminary study suggests that psychosis risk symptoms are prevalent in adolescents in Ghana.
Predicting delinquency by self-reported impulsivity in adolescents in Ghana
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2018-06) Adjorlolo, S.; Asamoah, E.; Adu-Poku, S.
Background: Impulsivity is one of several variables associated with delinquent and criminal acts, but its utility depends on the psychometric properties of the measure used. Aim: To investigate the latent structure of the abbreviated Barratt Impulsivity Scale (ABIS) and its convergent validity with measures of aggression and psychopathy in a Ghanaian sample. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, high school students were recruited from two randomly selected schools in Ghana and asked to respond to the ABIS and measures of delinquency, aggression and psychopathy. Results: Three hundred and sixty-three young people, aged 15–19 were recruited, 149 (41%) boys. Findings supported a three-factor (attention, motor and non-planning) structure of impulsivity, which did not differ by sex. Motor and attentional impulsivity were associated with both violent and general delinquent behaviours. Impulsivity scores also correlated with aggression and psychopathy scores, thus providing evidence of convergent validity. Conclusion: The ABIS was shown to have sound psychometrics in a standard Ghanaian secondary school sample. Even in this group, where delinquency and antisocial behaviours were of low frequency, its motor and attention impulsivity scores were shown to have some relationship with violent and general delinquent behaviours, suggesting that the ABIS could be a useful tool across cultures for identifying adolescents at high risk of such problems and intervening early to limit damage. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Problematic Porn Use and Cross-Cultural Differences: A Brief Review
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023) Adjorlolo, S.; Ahorsu, D.K.; Nurmala, I.
Abstract Purpose of Review The proliferation of the internet and technological devices have enabled the upsurge of pornography use, especially during this coronavirus 2019 pandemic period worldwide. As there is a dearth of knowledge regarding pornography use across cultures, this brief review aimed to understand the problematic pornography use (PPU) situation across cultures (i.e., the five continents). Therefore, this review paper intends to provide an enhanced understanding of the PPU situation across cultures so as to get a holistic view of PPU throughout the world. Recent Findings European, American, and Oceanian countries seem to have deep literature on pornography, liberal beliefs, and attitudes towards pornography, as well as specialised treatment protocols and facilities. Asian countries are next in terms of literature although they are conservative in their beliefs and attitudes towards pornography which has limited the specialised treatment options and facilities for people with PPU. African countries share similarities with Asian countries except that there is a dearth of literature on pornography in Africa. All cultures revealed that PPU likely leads to aggressive sexual behaviours which may have a mental health impact on the victims. Nonetheless, European, American, and Oceanian countries strongly believe that pornography helps with sexual education. Summary The use of pornography has increased across cultures even in very conservative countries which has consequently led to an increase in PPU. Therefore, there is a need for further studies in each of these cultures in order to design bespoke treatment protocols for people with PPU.