Browsing by Author "Boadu, I."

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Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV patients in Ghana: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(Plos Global Public Health, 2024) Boadu, I.; Manu, A.; Abdulai, M.; et al.
Maintaining a high level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical to limiting rapid viral replication, drug resistance, and viral transmission. However, ART adherence remains a major challenge in HIV/AIDS treatment success. This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to synthesize available evidence on adherence to ART among HIV/AIDS patients in Ghana.This review followed the preferred reporting item for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) criteria. A comprehensive literature search was done using five online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Africa Index Medicus, and Willey Online Library) from 25th- 30th April 2023 to identify potential studies. In addition, references of related articles were manually searched to further identify relevant studies. Search records were managed in Endnote library where duplicates were removed prior to screening. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were conducted in Ghana, designed as an observational or experimental study, and explicitly measured adherence to ART, either as a primary or secondary outcome. Studies were excluded if the proportion or prevalence of adherence to ART was not reported.A total number of 126 potential studies were identified from the literature search. Of these, 14 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the Meta-analysis. The studies involved a total number of 4,436 participants. The pooled estimate of adherence to ART was 70% (CI: 58–81%). In subgroup analysis, adolescents and young adults had a lower adherence rate (66%, CI: 46–84%) compared with adults (70%; CI: 58–81%). Publication bias was not observed among studies. The pooled estimate of optimal adherence to ART among HIV patients in Ghana was lower than is recommended (95%) to achieve viral suppression. Adherence was lower among young persons living with HIV/AIDS. To achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable development goals and the UNAIDS “95-95-95” targets, there is a need to focus on improving adherence interventions among persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially among the younger cohort.
Availability, acceptability, and utilization of micronutrient fortification for children 6-23 months in three districts in Ghana
(World Nutrition, 2024) Donkor, W.E.S.; Boadu, I.; Babae, P.; et al.
Background Micronutrient deficiencies result from multiple factors, including inadequate intake of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) from nutrient-rich diverse diets. Point-of-use fortification with a nutritional supplement powder is recommended to address micronutrient deficiencies and anemia among infants and young children (6-23 months), particularly, in low-income countries. In Ghana, about a quarter of children aged 6-59 months are anemic, or deficient in iron and vitamin A. World Vision Ghana (WVG) implemented the integrated Improved Feeding Practices (IFP) project between 2020 and 2023 in three districts in Ghana to improve diet quality and practices of women of reproductive age, and young children below age two years. One component of the project involved the distribution of a nutritional supplement powder (KOKO Plus). This is the second in a series of four papers that document the implementation and outcomes of the IFP project; the other papers are published in this journal. The current paper assessed the availability, acceptability, and utilization of KOKO Plus to households who participated in the IFP project as well as lessons learned from implementing the intervention. Methods A mixed-methods design was used, triangulating primary and secondary data. Secondary data originated from a review of IFP project documents, including project mid-year and annual reports, and implementation plans across the three interdependent components of the IFP project. Primary data were obtained from interviews in six purposively selected communities. Key informants included WVG staff, community volunteers, and local government agency staff from health and agriculture sector agencies, and beneficiaries of the intervention. Interview respondents answered questions on the project’s mechanism for KOKO Plus distribution, participant experiences of purchasing and using KOKO Plus, perceived benefits of using KOKO Plus, and lessons learned about KOKO Plus from the IFP project. Beneficiaries also provided information on their perceptions of KOKO Plus acceptability and adverse outcomes. Results The project distributed KOKO Plus free of charge to almost 14,000 (13,942) children, more than its target (4,900). In addition, Village-Based Entrepreneurs (VBE) sold 192,092 sachets of KOKO Plus in the project communities. The KOKO Plus value chain involved WVG purchased the KOKO Plus from the Ghanaian manufacturer and supplied it to VBEs either in their respective communities or at distribution centers in their respective WVG district office. KOKO Plus promotion and marketing were led by trained VBEs, VBE supervisors, and Community-Based Organizations across multiple settings (homes, child welfare clinics, markets, community durbars, and religious gatherings). There was high acceptability of KOKO Plus. Mothers attributed their acceptance of KOKO Plus to its a Corresponding author: raryeetey@ug.edu.gh 33 potential health and nutrition benefits for children. They also attributed increased child weight, and less frequent illness, to feeding meals that included KOKO Plus to their young children. KOKO Plus was added to the diverse local meals fed to young children. Diarrhea was the only mentioned adverse report, albeit rarely. At the end of the IFP project, WVG established a fund to ensure the sustainable distribution of KOKO Plus in the project communities. Conclusions The IFP project established a KOKO Plus value chain, increasing the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and utilization of KOKO Plus in the project communities. VBE successfully distributed KOKO Plus with support from community volunteers and healthcare workers. This approach to KOKO Plus distribution is feasible and sustainable and is recommended for similar contexts.
Coverage and determinants of modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa: further analysis of demographic and health surveys
(Reproductive Health, 2022) Boadu, I.
Background: The use of modern contraceptives (MC) in most African countries has been low despite the high fertility rate and unmet need for family planning. This study sought to determine the coverage and determinants of modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: Data for the study were obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 1995–2020 across 37 SSA countries. Women of reproductive age (15–49 years) was the unit of analysis. Analysis of data was done using STATA version 16 for windows. A bivariate Rao Scott’s Chi-square test of independence was done to determine factors associated with the use of modern contraceptives. Factors that showed signifcance (p<0.05) were included in a multilevel logistic regression to determine signifcant predictors of modern contraceptives. Cluster ing, stratifcation and sample weighting were accounted for in the analyses. Results: The overall prevalence of the use of MC was found to be 22.0%. This ranged from 3.5% in the Central Africa Republic to 49.7% in Namibia. The most common type of MC used were injections (39.4%), condoms (17.5%) and implants (26.5%). Women were less likely to use modern contraceptive if they: had no education (aOR=0.4, 95% CI 0.38–0.44), had no children (aOR=0.27–0.42), not told of family planning at a health facility (aOR=0.69, 95% CI 0.67–0.71), not heard of family planning in the media (aOR=0.77, 95% CI 0.74–0.79) and being poor (aOR=0.76, 95% CI 0.73–0.79). On the other hand, women were more likely to use modern contraceptive if they were between the age of 35–39 years (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 0.73–0.79), married (aOR=2.66, 95% CI 2.50–2.83), had seven or more children (aOR=1.27, 95% CI 1.17–0.38), had knowledge of any method of contraceptives (aOR=303.8, 95% CI 89.9–1027.5) and when feld worker visited and talked about family planning (aOR=1.53, 95% CI 1.39–0.68). Conclusion: The study showed a low prevalence of modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings from the study highlight the need to provide education to women to increase uptake of modern contraceptive and also re-enforce contraceptive interventions to improve women’s health and well-being.
Mass Media Usage by Indigenous Traditional Priests and Priestesses in Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Boadu, I.
Over the last two decade, there has been a remarkable rise in the use of the mass media by all religious groups in Ghana. This is largely, due to the recent liberalization of the Ghanaian media. Focusing on these developments, this study has examined the usage of the media by traditional priests and priestesses in Ghana. The study examines the influence that the appropriation of modern media technologies has brought on the current face of the indigenous religion in Ghana. The most popular among the media used by the traditional priests and priestesses in Ghana are the television, radio, internet and social media. This study, has particularly highlighted how the traditional priests and priestesses in Ghana have employed the use of the mass media to advertise and promote the African traditional religion in Ghana. In discussing the issues at stake, the study employed the phenomenological and qualitative approaches in the analysis of the issues that emerged from the study. The study also relied on interviews that basically focused on three selected traditional priests for the study. The theory of mediatization was employed as a framework to guide the analysis of the study. In highlighting the development and the effects on the use of the media on religion in general, the study has discussed the influence of new media technologies on African indigenous religious practitioners. Some of the impact and/or influence discussed centered on advertisement, the role of mediation, economics of brand names as well as the transnational networks emanating from the use of the media. Some of the findings made in the study show that not all traditional priests and priestesses undergo the normal or stipulated time of three years in the training of traditional priesthood as espoused by some scholars. The study also found out that, not all the people displaying themselves in the media can be properly designated or categorized as traditional priests. The study found out that the use of the media by traditional priests and priestesses in Ghana are purposely to make themselves relevant by responding to modernity and at the same time, promoting the African traditional religion. The study recommends the need to introduce courses in religion and media especially within the study of African Traditional Religion at the Universities to see how the indigenous traditional religion is responding to modernity through the appropriation of modern media technologies.
Psychosocial interventions and their effectiveness on quality of life among elderly persons living with HIV in Africa South of the Sahara: Systematic review and meta -analysis protocol
(2023) Abdulai, M.; Owiredu, D.; Boadu, I.; et al.
Background The number of elderly people living with HIV (EPLHIV) has increased significantly as a result of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and this has brought about a variety of psychosocial chal lenges that have an impact on their quality of life (QoL). Various psychosocial interventions have been tried or implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to improve QoL of EPLHIV. However, there is paucity of data on the types and effectiveness of these interventions. This systematic review, therefore, aims to explore available psychosocial interventions in SSA and their effectiveness in improving the QoL of EPLHIV. Methods We will search PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, HINARI, Africa Journals Online, Scopus and Web of Science to retrieve publications on psychosocial interventions implemented to improve QoL of EPLHIV from inception of the identified data bases to 31st December 2023 without language restrictions. Also, supplementary sources such as conference proceedings, preprint repositories, databases of dissertations, as well as WHO and governmental databases can be explored for additional studies. For unpub lished studies, trial registries and experts would be contacted, and reference lists of retrieved papers will be manually searched. Retrieved studies will be deduplicated using Mendeley and exported to Rayyan. At least two reviewers will independently select studies, extract data and assess the quality of the included studies using validated tools.Dichotomous outcomes data will be assessed and reported as odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) and for continuous outcomes, mean difference (MD) will be used; all reported with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity will be explored graphically by inspecting the overlapping of CIs and assessed quantitatively using the I 2 statistic. Expected outcomes This systematic review will be the first to rigorously identify psychosocial intervention on QoL of EPLHIV in SSA and assess their effectiveness with the aim to provide regional and country- specific data that will inform the selection and implementation of appropriate and socially acceptable policies across countries in SSA. Key findings of the review are expected to contribute critical evidence on availability, types and effectiveness of psychoso cial interventions for improving quality of life of vulnerable elderly persons in SSA living with HIV. Furthermore, the review will explore any variation and possible correlates of psychoso cial interventions by age, sex, CD4 count (if available), setting and geographic location within SSA that will provide healthcare professionals with reliable evidence, with the ultimate goal of inspiring countries in SSA to adopt innovative interventions to improve HIV care.
Psychosocial interventions and their effectiveness on quality of life among elderly persons living with HIV in Africa South of the Sahara: Systematic review and meta -analysis protocol
(PLOS ONE, 2023) Abdulai, M.; Owiredu, D.; Boadu, I.; et al.
Background The number of elderly people living with HIV (EPLHIV) has increased significantly as a result of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and this has brought about a variety of psychosocial chal lenges that have an impact on their quality of life (QoL). Various psychosocial interventions have been tried or implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to improve QoL of EPLHIV. However, there is paucity of data on the types and effectiveness of these interventions. This systematic review, therefore, aims to explore available psychosocial interventions in SSA and their effectiveness in improving the QoL of EPLHIV. Methods We will search PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, HINARI, Africa Journals Online, Scopus and Web of Science to retrieve publications on psychosocial interventions implemented to improve QoL of EPLHIV from inception of the identified data bases to 31st December 2023 without language restrictions. Also, supplementary sources such as conference proceedings, preprint repositories, databases of dissertations, as well as WHO and governmental databases can be explored for additional studies. For unpub lished studies, trial registries and experts would be contacted, and reference lists of retrieved papers will be manually searched. Retrieved studies will be deduplicated using Mendeley and exported to Rayyan. At least two reviewers will independently select studies, extract data and assess the quality of the included studies using validated tools. Dichotomous outcomes data will be assessed and reported as odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) and for continuous outcomes, mean difference (MD) will be used; all reported with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity will be explored graphically by inspecting the overlapping of CIs and assessed quantitatively using the I 2 statistic. Expected outcomes This systematic review will be the first to rigorously identify psychosocial intervention on QoL of EPLHIV in SSA and assess their effectiveness with the aim to provide regional and country- specific data that will inform the selection and implementation of appropriate and socially acceptable policies across countries in SSA. Key findings of the review are expected to contribute critical evidence on availability, types and effectiveness of psychoso cial interventions for improving quality of life of vulnerable elderly persons in SSA living with HIV. Furthermore, the review will explore any variation and possible correlates of psychoso cial interventions by age, sex, CD4 count (if available), setting and geographic location within SSA that will provide healthcare professionals with reliable evidence, with the ultimate goal of inspiring countries in SSA to adopt innovative interventions to improve HIV care.
The role of nutrition in the pathophysiology and management of sickle cell disease among children: A review of literature
(Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2018-01) Ohemeng, A.; Boadu, I.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the common inherited blood disorders in humans and has been associated with decreased dietary intake which results in poor nutritional status and impaired growth. Nutrition is one of the most important but often forgotten aspect of care of patients with chronic disorders and there have been emerging concern in literature on increased nutritional needs of SCD patients. This paper sought to review the available literature on the roles of individual nutrients in the pathophysiology and management of SCD among children. Children with SCD have been shown to exhibit suboptimal status with respect to both macronutrients and micronutrients. Thus, nutrition could play an important role in the management of SCD. However, there is paucity of evidence coming from trials with large sample sizes to support the suggestion that supplementation with various nutrients that have been considered in this review will be helpful.