Browsing by Author "Dzotsi, E.K."
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Item The First Cases of Lassa Fever in Ghana(Ghana medical journal, 2012-09) Dzotsi, E.K.; Ohene, S.; Asiedu-Bekoe, F.; Amankwa, J.; Sarkodie, B.; Adja-Beng, M.; Thouphique, A.M.; Ofei, A.; Oduro, J.; Atitogo, D.; Bonney, J.H.K.; Paintsil, S.C.N.; Ampofo, W.Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease endemic in West Africa but with no previous case reported in Ghana. We describe the first two laboratory confirmed cases of Lassa fever from the Ashanti Region of Ghana detected in October and December, 2011Item Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens of Diarrhoea in Two Selected Sub Metros Within the Accra Metropolis(Ghana Medical Journal, 2015-06) Dzotsi, E.K.; Dongdem, A.Z.; Boateng, G.; Antwi, L.; Owusu-Okyere, G.; Nartey, D.B.; Olu-Taiwo, M.; Adjabeng, M.J.; Amankwa, J.; Sarkodie, B.; Addo, J.; Antwi, E.; Aryee, E.; Opintan, J.A.In recent years, many localities within the Greater Accra Region (GAR) have witnessed several episodes of cholera outbreaks, with some deaths. Compared to previous epidemics, which usually followed heavy rains, recent outbreaks show no seasonality. To investigate infective bacterial diseases in selected sub metros within the GAR. We used existing disease surveillance systems in Ghana, and investigated all reported cases of diarrhoea that met our case-definition. A three-day training workshop was done prior to the start of study, to sensitize prescribers at the Korle-Bu Polyclinic and Maamobi General hospital. A case-based investigation form was completed per patient, and two rectal swabs were taken for culture at the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory. Serotyping and antibiogram profiles of identified bacteria were determined. Potential risk factors were also assessed using a questionnaire. Between January and June 2012, a total of 361 diarrhoeal cases with 5 deaths were recorded. Out of a total of 218 rectal swabs cultured, 71 (32.6%) Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa serotypes, and 1 (0.5%) Salmonella (O group B) were laboratory confirmed. No Shigella was isolated. The Vibrio cholerae isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. Greater than 80% of patients reported having drank sachet water 24 h prior to diarrhoea onset, and many (144/361) young adults (20-29 years) reported with diarrhoea. Enhanced surveillance of diarrhoeal diseases (enteric pathogens) within cholera endemic regions, will serve as an early warning signal, and reduce fatalities associated with infective diarrhoea. (PDF) Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens of Diarrhoea in Two Selected Sub Metros Within the Accra Metropolis. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281031544_Surveillance_of_Bacterial_Pathogens_of_Diarrhoea_in_Two_Selected_Sub_Metros_Within_the_Accra_Metropolis [accessed Sep 18 2018].Item Treatment Practices for Malaria in Small Children by Caregivers in the Wassa West District of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2003-08) Dzotsi, E.K.; Agyepong, I.; Binka, F.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Public HealthThe study was conducted in 5 randomly selected communities in the Wassa West district in the Western region of Ghana using both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain mothers or caregiver’s knowledge on symptoms of childhood malaria (uncomplicated and complicated) in children under five years of age in relation to its management. A total of 300 caregivers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Majority of the respondents were mothers constituting 79%. Although the study population was made up of different ethnic groups, the local term used to represent a cluster of symptoms synonymous with the clinical diagnosis of malaria was “ebun" or "fever” which were used interchangeably. All mothers or caregivers named one or more signs by which they recognized the disease. The percentage of mothers or caregivers who perceived symptoms of malaria in small children to be fever was found to be 91%. Fever (hot body), vomiting and loss of appetite were the three most common signs mentioned. Although 89% of mothers or caregivers had access to a health facility, this does not appear to influence their treatment seeking behaviour. This is indicated by the fact that as many as 60% managed their child’s disease at home and used both traditional and modem treatment. The commonest anti-malaria drug was chloroquine. This is a significant finding considering the upsurge of chloroquine resistance, although chloroquine is still currently Ghana’s official first line drug for treating malaria. 74.8% of mothers or caregivers treated children under-5 years with malaria at home for 3 days. Poverty was a major factor that encouraged home treatment as confirmed by the fact that 55% of them treated their ill children at home because they had no money to send the child to hospital. The delay in seeking early appropriate treatment may be the cause of the high under-5 mortality. Higher level of education of mothers or caregivers was significantly associated with promptness of sending their sick children to clinic/hospital at the onset of the illness. However, in the event child did not recover with selfmedication, 85% of mothers or caregivers would send their children with malaria to clinic or hospital. The results of the study call for prompt educational action targeting mothers for the correct treatment of both complicated and uncomplicated malaria in children under-5 years.Item Treatment Practices for Malaria in Small Children by Caregivers in the Wassa West District of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2003-08) Dzotsi, E.K.; Agyepong I.; Binka F.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Public HealthThe study was conducted in 5 randomly selected communities in the Wassa West district in the Western region of Ghana using both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain mothers or caregiver’s knowledge on symptoms of childhood malaria (uncomplicated and complicated) in children under five years of age in relation to its management. A total of 300 caregivers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Majority of the respondents were mothers constituting 79%. Although the study population was made up of different ethnic groups, the local term used to represent a cluster of symptoms synonymous with the clinical diagnosis of malaria was “ebun" or "fever” which were used interchangeably. All mothers or caregivers named one or more signs by which they recognized the disease. The percentage of mothers or caregivers who perceived symptoms of malaria in small children to be fever was found to be 91%. Fever (hot body), vomiting and loss of appetite were the three most common signs mentioned. Although 89% of mothers or caregivers had access to a health facility, this does not appear to influence their treatment seeking behaviour. This is indicated by the fact that as many as 60% managed their child’s disease at home and used both traditional and modem treatment. The commonest anti-malaria drug was chloroquine. This is a significant finding considering the upsurge of chloroquine resistance, although chloroquine is still currently Ghana’s official first line drug for treating malaria. 74.8% of mothers or caregivers treated children under-5 years with malaria at home for 3 days. Poverty was a major factor that encouraged home treatment as confirmed by the fact that 55% of them treated their ill children at home because they had no money to send the child to hospital. The delay in seeking early appropriate treatment may be the cause of the high under-5 mortality. Higher level of education of mothers or caregivers was significantly associated with promptness of sending their sick children to clinic/hospital at the onset of the illness. However, in the event child did not recover with selfmedication, 85% of mothers or caregivers would send their children with malaria to clinic or hospital. The results of the study call for prompt educational action targeting mothers for the correct treatment of both complicated and uncomplicated malaria in children under-5 years.