Browsing by Author "Kugbey, N."

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Access to health information, health literacy and health-related quality of life among women living with breast cancer: Depression and anxiety as mediators
(Patient Education and Counseling, 2019-07) Kugbey, N.; Meyer-Weitz, A.; Oppong Asante, K.
Objective This study examined the direct and indirect influences of health literacy and access to health information on the quality of life among 205 women living with breast cancer in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was employed. The interviewer-administered instrument included the health literacy scale, questions on access and satisfaction with healthcare information, depression and anxiety scale, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer. Results Access to health information and health literacy had significant indirect effects on quality of life through depression and anxiety. Whereas health literacy had direct influence on quality of life after controlling for other factors, access to information had no direct influence on quality of life. Conclusion Health literacy and access to health information improve quality of life in women living with breast cancer by reducing the levels of depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety serve as possible mechanisms for the positive impacts of access to health information and health literacy on improved quality of life among breast cancer patients. Practice implications Health care providers need to ensure that the information needs of patients are met in oncology practice to reduce their negative emotional states which would lead to improved health and wellbeing.
Alcohol consumption among tertiary students in the Hohoe municipality, Ghana: analysis of prevalence, effects, and associated factors from a cross-sectional study
(BMC Psychiatry, 2021) Aboagye, R.G.; Kugbey, N.; Ahinkorah, B.O.; Seidu, A.-A.; Cadri, A.; Akonor, P.Y.
Background: Alcohol consumption constitutes a major public health problem as it has negative consequences on the health, social, psychological, and economic outcomes of individuals. Tertiary education presents students with unique challenges and some students resort to the use of alcohol in dealing with their problems. This study, therefore, sought to determine alcohol use, its effects, and associated factors among tertiary students in the Hohoe Municipaility of Ghana. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 tertiary students in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. A binary logistic regression modelling was used to determine the strength of the association between alcohol consumption and the explanatory variables. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Stata version 16.0 was used to perform the analysis. Results: The lifetime prevalence of alcohol consumption was 39.5%. Out of them, 49.1% were still using alcohol, translating to an overall prevalence of 19.4% among the tertiary students. Self-reported perceived effects attributed to alcohol consumption were loss of valuable items (60.6%), excessive vomiting (53.9%), stomach pains/upset (46.1%), accident (40.0%), unprotected sex (35.1%), risk of liver infection (16.4%), depressive feelings (27.3%), diarrhoea (24.2%), debt (15.2%), and petty theft (22.4%). In terms of factors associated with alcohol consumption, students aged 26 years and above were more likely to have consumed alcohol [AOR = 4.4, 95%CI = 1.74, 11.14] than those in 16–20 years group. Muslim students had lower odds of alcohol consumption compared to Christians [AOR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.31]. It was also found that students who had peer influence [AOR = 3.7, 95%CI = 2.31, 5.82] and those who had academic adjustment problems [AOR = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.01, 6.46] were more likely to consume alcohol. Conclusion: Lifetime prevalence of alcohol consumption is high among tertiary students in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana, with several physical, psychosocial and economic consequences. Alcohol-related education should be intensified in tertiary institutions and counseling units should be equipped with relevant assessment tools to assess and help students who are at risk and those who are already consuming alcohol.
Alcohol consumption among tertiary students in the Hohoe municipality, Ghana: analysis of prevalence, effects, and associated factors from a cross-sectional study
(BMC Psychiatry, 2021) Aboagye, R.G.; Kugbey, N.; Ahinkorah, B.O.; Seidu, A-A.; Cadr, A.; Akonor, P.Y.
Background: Alcohol consumption constitutes a major public health problem as it has negative consequences on the health, social, psychological, and economic outcomes of individuals. Tertiary education presents students with unique challenges and some students resort to the use of alcohol in dealing with their problems. This study, therefore, sought to determine alcohol use, its effects, and associated factors among tertiary students in the Hohoe Municipaility of Ghana. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 tertiary students in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. A binary logistic regression modelling was used to determine the strength of the association between alcohol consumption and the explanatory variables. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Stata version 16.0 was used to perform the analysis. Results: The lifetime prevalence of alcohol consumption was 39.5%. Out of them, 49.1% were still using alcohol, translating to an overall prevalence of 19.4% among the tertiary students. Self-reported perceived effects attributed to alcohol consumption were loss of valuable items (60.6%), excessive vomiting (53.9%), stomach pains/upset (46.1%), accident (40.0%), unprotected sex (35.1%), risk of liver infection (16.4%), depressive feelings (27.3%), diarrhoea (24.2%), debt (15.2%), and petty theft (22.4%). In terms of factors associated with alcohol consumption, students aged 26 years and above were more likely to have consumed alcohol [AOR = 4.4, 95%CI = 1.74, 11.14] than those in 16–20 years group. Muslim students had lower odds of alcohol consumption compared to Christians [AOR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.31]. It was also found that students who had peer influence [AOR = 3.7, 95%CI = 2.31, 5.82] and those who had academic adjustment problems [AOR = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.01, 6.46] were more likely to consume alcohol Conclusion: Lifetime prevalence of alcohol consumption is high among tertiary students in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana, with several physical, psychosocial and economic consequences. Alcohol-related education should be intensified in tertiary institutions and counseling units should be equipped with relevant assessment tools to assess and help students who are at risk and those who are already consuming alcohol
Alcohol use by school-going adolescents in Ghana: Prevalence and correlates
(Mental Health and Prevention, 2019-01) Oppong Asante, K.; Kugbey, N.
This study investigated the risk factors that are associated with alcohol use among a nationally representative sample of school-going adolescents in Ghana. The 2012 version of the Ghanaian Global School-based Student Health Survey on adolescents aged 11–19 years old (N = 1984) was used. Logistic regression was employed to study the relationship between alcohol use variables and socio-demographic characteristic, mental health problems, psychosocial variables and parental involvement. The prevalence of alcohol use behaviours were 6.8%, 11.1% and 12.6% for alcohol problem, lifetime drunkenness and current alcohol use respectively. Loneliness, suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts were found to independently increase the odds of alcohol use behaviours (current alcohol use, lifetime drunkenness and alcohol problems) among adolescents. Similarly behavioural problems such as truancy, current smoking of cigarette, being bullied, being physically attacked, being involved in a physical fight were found to independently increase the odds of alcohol use behaviours (current alcohol use, lifetime drunkenness and alcohol problems). Having close friends was protective of current alcohol use but not for drunkenness and alcohol problems. These results underline the need for the development of school-based health interventions for early identification of adolescents who may be at-risk for alcohol-related problems.
Caring for persons with severe burns injury: Analysis of caregivers' coping strategies and quality of life
(University of Ghana, 2015-04-17) Kugbey, N.; Bonsu, K.
Living with severe burns injury poses both psychological and physical threats to both patients and caregivers. However, the focus of attention has always been on the patients with little attention given to the caregivers who play significant roles in the recovery process. This study examined the association between coping strategies and quality of life of caregivers of persons with severe burns injury. A total of 100 caregivers were randomly sampled from the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and were administered with the Brief Cope and the WHOQOL Brief. A cross-sectional study design was used. Results from the analysis showed that only three coping strategies, denial, religion, and behavioural disengagement predicted overall quality of life among the caregivers. Some of the caregiver's coping strategies also significantly predicted the domain specific quality of life of the caregivers. It is therefore concluded that caregivers use varied coping strategies which affect their quality of life and must therefore be taken into consideration in planning psychosocial interventions for the care givers.
Community-Based Health Planning and Services Plus programme in Ghana: A qualitative study with stakeholders in two Systems Learning Districts on improving the implementation of primary health care
(2020-01-08) Bawah, A.A.; Kweku, M.; Amu, H.; Awolu, A.; Adjuik, M.; Ayanore, M.A.; Manu, E.; Tarkang, E.E.; Komesuor, J.; Asalu, G.A.; Aku, F.Y.; Kugbey, N.; Anumu, F.; Boateng, L.A.; Alornyo, J.S.; Glover, R.; Letsa, T.; Kanlisi, N.S.; Awoonor-Williams, J.K.; Phillips, J.F.; Gyapong, J.O.
In 1999, Ghana introduced the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) as the key primary health care strategy. In this study, we explored the challenges, capacity development priorities, and stakeholder perspectives on improving the CHPS concept as it has been fraught with a myriad of challenges since its inception. Our study is the outcome of the national programme for strengthening the implementation of CHPS Initiative in Ghana (CHPS+) introduced in 2017. Methods This exploratory research was a qualitative study conducted in two Systems Learning Districts (SLDs) of CHPS+ in the Volta Region of Ghana from March to May, 2018. Four focus group discussions and two general discussions were conducted among 60 CHPS+ stakeholders made up of health workers and community members. Data analyses were conducted using conceptual content analysis. Statements of the participants were presented as quotes to substantiate the views expressed. Results Negative attitude, high attrition, inadequacy and unavailability of health professionals at post when needed were challenges associated with the health professionals. Late referrals lack of proper community entry and engagement, non-availability of essential logistics, distance of CHPS compounds from communities, and inadequate funding were challenges associated with the health system. Lack of community ownership of the CHPS programme, lack of security at CHPS compounds, and late reporting of cases by the community members were also realised as challenges emanating from the community members. Priority areas for capacity development of health workers identified included logistics management, community entry and engagement, emergency delivery, managing referrals at the CHPS level, and resuscitation of newborns. Conclusion Health-worker, community, and health systems-based challenges inhibit the implementation of CHPS in Ghana. Capacity development of health professionals and continuous community engagement are avenues that can improve implementation of the programme
Cultural and psychological variables predicting academic dishonesty: a cross-sectional study in nine countries
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021) Błachnio, A.; Cudo, A.; Kot, P.; Torój, M.; Asante, K.O.; Enea, V.; Ben-Ezra, M.; Caci, B.; Dominguez-Lara, S.A.; Kugbey, N.; Malik, S.; Servidio, R.; Tipandjan, A.; Wright, M.F.
Academic dishonesty has serious consequences for human lives, social values, and economy. The main aim of the study was to explore a model of relations between personal and cultural variables and academic dishonesty. The participants in the study were N = 2,586 individuals from nine countries (Pakistan, Israel, Italy, India, the USA, Peru, Romania, Ghana, and Poland). The authors administered the Academic Dishonesty Scale to measure academic dishonesty, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale to measure distress, the Almost Perfect Scale – Revised to measure perfectionism, the Brief Self-Control Scale to measure self-control, and the Singelis Scale to measure independent self-construal. The results showed that the theoretical model was well fitted to the dataset in six countries: Pakistan, the United States, Romania, Ghana, Israel, and Poland. However, it was not well fitted in Italy, India, and Peru. Our results also showed that perfectionism significantly predicted academic dishonesty, but not in all countries. Self-control significantly predicted cheating, falsification, and plagiarism in the USA. Moreover, we found that distress was related to cheating only in Ghana. Finally, independent self-construal predicted academic dishonesty. Our findings provide a cross-cultural contribution to the debate on academic dishonesty by highlighting its significant predictors and may inform interventions aimed at eliminating it. Our results can be used in preventing and curbing academic dishonesty. Knowledge on cross-cultural differences can be useful in international education for example, as an indicator accepting or relaxing attitude toward academic dishonesty in students from different countries.
Depression, anxiety and quality of life among women living with breast cancer in Ghana: mediating roles of social support and religiosity
(Supportive Care in Cancer, 2019-09-13) Asante, K.O.; Kugbey, N.; Meyer-Weitz, A.
Purpose Depression and anxiety are common mental health comorbidities found among women living with breast cancer. The presence of these mental health comorbidities results in decreased quality of life among patients. However, the indirect effects of depression and anxiety on quality of life have not been fully established. This study therefore examined the direct and indirect effects of depression and anxiety on quality of life through social support and religiosity. Methods Using a cross-sectional survey, 205 purposively selected participants were administered measures of depression and anxiety, social support, religiosity and quality of life. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) with PROCESS Macro was used for mediation analyses. Results Findings showed that there were significant direct negative effects of depression and anxiety on quality of life. Whereas depression had a significant negative indirect effect on quality of life through social support (b = − 0.247, 95% CI = − 0.482 to − 0.071), anxiety had a significant positive indirect effect on quality of life through social support (b = 0.142, 95%CI = 0.011 to 0.324). However, depression and anxiety did not have any significant indirect effect on quality of life through religiosity. Conclusion These findings suggest that there is the need to examine the mental health of women living with breast cancer as part of the routine healthcare, and social support ties should be strengthened to improve their quality of life.
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.
Doctor-patient relationship mediates the effects of shared decision making on health-related quality of life among women living with breast cancer
(South African Journal of Psychology, 2018-10) Kugbey, N.; Oppong Asante, K.; Meyer-Weitz, A.
Decreased quality of life is a major challenge among women living with breast cancer due to treatment effects and other psychosocial comorbidities. However, shared decision making and doctor–patient relationship have been linked to improved quality of life, but the mechanism linking shared decision making and quality of life is poorly understood. This study therefore examined both the direct and indirect influences of shared decision making on quality of life through doctor–patient relationship among 205 women living with breast cancer in Ghana with a mean age of 52.49 years. Using a cross-sectional design, participants were administered questionnaires which measured quality of life, doctor–patient relationship, and shared decision making. Results showed that shared decision making had significant indirect influence on overall quality of life via doctor–patient relationships (b = 4.69, 95% confidence interval = [0.006, 9.555]). Shared decision making had a significant effect on doctor–patient relationships (b = 7.63, t = 6.76, p < .001) but no significant direct effect on quality of life (b = 2.72, t = 0.510, p = .61). Findings suggest that shared decision making results in improved doctor–patient relationships which probably lead to better quality of life among women living with breast cancer. These findings underscore the need for increased patient involvement in medical decisions to improve interpersonal relationships and consequently quality of life.
Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth Initiative Effects on Subjective Happiness among University Students
(Journal of Psychology in Africa, 2018-08) Kugbey, N.; Atefoe, E.A.; Anakwah, N.; Nyarko, K.; Atindanbila, S.
This study examined emotional intelligence and personal growth initiative influences on the level of subjective happiness among university students in Ghana Two hundred and sixty undergraduate students were participants (female = 69 8%; mean age = 21 72 years, SD = 3 61 years) They responded to measures of emotional intelligence, personal growth initiative, and subjective happiness After controlling for their demographic characteristics, and following hierarchical regression analysis, results indicate emotional intelligence and intentional behaviour domain of personal growth to predict students’ level of subjective happiness These findings suggest that students’ ability to manage and utilise their emotions, as well as their personal growth initiative contribute significantly to their level of happiness
English Reading Proficiency and Academic Performance Among Lower Primary School Children in Ghana
(SAGE Open, 2018-08) Nyarko, K.; Kugbey, N.; Kofi, C.C.; Cole, Y.A.; Adentwi, K.I.
There have been several issues about the reading skills and abilities of children in Ghana, and how reading proficiency might influence the academic performance of children. In view of the above, this study examined the influence of reading proficiency on the academic performance of lower primary school children in Accra. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 383 participants (Grades 1-3) were sampled in Accra. The children were administered questionnaires that measured their English reading proficiency, paternal involvement, maternal involvement, financial situation, and demographic characteristics as well as their academic performance. Results showed that reading proficiency was significantly and positively related with children’s performance on all standard performance tests after controlling for paternal involvement, maternal involvement, financial situation, and age. Type of school significantly affected academic performance, however, no gender differences were observed in the children’s academic performance. The implications for educational practice and research are espoused.
Health insurance coverage, type of payment for health insurance, and reasons for not being insured under the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana
(Health Economics Review, 2019-12-29) Tetteh, J.; Ayanore, M.A.; Ayanore, M.; Kugbey, N.; Fusheini, A.; Ayanore, A.A.; Akazili, J.; Adongo, P.B.; Groot, W.
Background: Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme has improved access to care, although equity and sustainability issues remain. This study examined health insurance coverage, type of payment for health insurance and reasons for being uninsured under the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana. Methods: The 2014 Ghana Demographic Health Survey datasets with information for 9396 women and 3855 men were analyzed. The study employed cross-sectional national representative data. The frequency distribution of socio-demographics and health insurance coverage differentials among men and women is first presented. Further statistical analysis applies a two-stage probit Hackman selection model to determine socio-demographic factors associated with type of payment for insurance and reasons for not insured among men and women under the National Health insurance Scheme in Ghana. The selection equation in the Hackman selection model also shows the association between insurance status and socio-demographic factors. Results: About 66.0% of women and 52.6% of men were covered by health insurance. Wealth status determined insurance status, with poorest, poorer and middle-income groups being less likely to pay themselves for insurance. Women never in union and widowed women were less likely to be covered relative to married women although this group was more likely to pay NHIS premiums themselves. Wealth status (poorest, poorer and middle-income) was associated with non-affordability as a reason for being not insured. Geographic disparities were also found. Rural men and nulliparous women were also more likely to mention no need of insurance as a reason of being uninsured. Conclusion: Tailored policies to reduce delays in membership enrolment, improve positive perceptions and awareness of National Health Insurance Scheme in reducing catastrophic spending and addressing financial barriers for enrolment among some groups can be positive precursors to improve trust and enrolments and address broad equity concerns regarding the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Illness perception, diabetes knowledge and self-care practices among type-2 diabetes patients: A cross-sectional study
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2015) Kugbey, N.; Oppong Asante, K; Adulai, K.
Background: Self-care practices among persons living with type-2 diabetes are very crucial in diabetes manages as poor self-care results in complications. However, little research exists within the Ghanaian context. This study examined whether type-2 diabetes patients' illness perception and diabetes knowledge significantly predict diabetes self-care practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed and a total of 160 participants (45 males and 115 females) were sampled from a general hospital in Accra. A self-administered questionnaire measuring illness perception, diabetes knowledge and diabetes self-care practices as well as demographic checklist were used collect data. Results: Results showed that illness perception and diabetes knowledge significantly predicted overall diabetes self-care practices. Analysis of domain specific self-care practices showed that patients' diet was significantly predicted by illness perception and diabetes knowledge. Exercise was significantly predicted by only illness perception while blood sugar testing and diabetes foot-care were significantly predicted by diabetes knowledge. Conclusion: Cognitive and emotional representation of diabetes and diabetes knowledge are key determinants of patients' diabetes self-care practices. It is therefore important that appropriate psychosocial interventions are developed to help patients' adherence to recommended self-care practices.
Illness perception, religiosity and mental health of diabetic patients in Ghana
(Am J App Psychol, 2014-02) Nyarko, K.; Kugbey, N.; Atindanbila, S.
This study examines the influence of diabetic patients’ perception of their illness and their levels of religiosity on their mental health problems. A sample of 194 diabetic patients was drawn from two major hospitals (Korle-Bu Teaching and Tema General Hospitals) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The cross-sectional survey method was used as the study design. Results from Pearson correlation show that the diabetic patients’ level of religiosity did not significantly correlate with their mental health problems. However, illness perception correlates significantly and positively with their general mental health problem (GSI) and specific ones such as somatization, obsessive-compulsion, depression, anxiety and psychoticism. Multiple regression analyses show that level of general mental health problem (GSI) was significantly predicted by perception of illness Coherence followed by perceptions Symptoms and Concern. Similarly, perception of coherence was the most significant predictor of both depression and anxiety among diabetic patients. The implications of the findings are discussed.
International note: Analysis of risk and protective factors for risky sexual behaviours among school-aged adolescents
(Journal of Adolescence, 2018-10) Kugbey, N.; Ayanore, M.A.; Amu, H.; Oppong Asante, K.; Adam, A.
This study examined the prevalence and associated factors of risky sexual behaviours among 1648 school-going adolescents using the 2012 Ghana Global School-based Student Health Survey. Our findings showed 33.5% of the participants had ever had sex 32.5% had multiple sexual partners and only 26.2% reported using condom during their last sexual intercourse. Being male, older age, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal ideation, being bullied, food insecurity (hunger), current alcohol and marijuana use were significant risk factors for being sexually experienced, multiple partners, but not condom use. Parental knowledge of activity was a significant protective factor against adolescents' sexual experience. These findings underscore the need to develop school-based interventions that would help reduce risky sexual behaviours among school-going adolescents.
Lived Experiences of Women Receiving Medical Treatments for Breast Cancer in Ghana: A Qualitative Study
(SAGE, 2021) Kugbey, N.; Meyer-Weitz, A.; Asante, K.O.; Yarney, J.; Vanderpuye, V.
Breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment present women with significant challenges which require adjustment in several domains to ensure good health outcomes. Any psychosocial interventions to address the challenges need to be informed by empirical evidence. However, there is dearth of empirical literature in this regard in the Ghanaian context. To address some of these gaps, we explored the lived experiences of women living with breast in Ghana to inform healthcare practice and breast cancer research. In-depth individual interviews were conducted among 11 breast cancer patients receiving medical treatment for breast cancer. The interpretative phenomenological approach was used in the data analysis. Findings from the study showed that participants’ lived experiences cluster around three major themes; burdens of breast cancer treatments, alternative/herbal medicine use, and breast cancer stigma. These findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary treatment approach to achieve optimum health outcomes among these groups of women.
Mental adjustment to cancer and quality of life among women living with breast cancer in Ghana
(International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 2018-10) Kugbey, N.; Meyer-Weitz, A.; Oppong Asante, K.
Objective This study examined whether cancer-specific coping strategies have any significant influence on the quality of life of 205 women living with breast cancer in Ghana. Methods Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants were administered questionnaires which measured their cancer-specific coping strategies and health-related quality of life. Results Correlation analysis showed that helplessness-hopelessness negatively correlated with physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, functional wellbeing, and breast cancer additional concerns. Anxious preoccupation negatively correlated with all the domains of quality of life, whereas fighting spirit was positively correlated with emotional and functional wellbeing. Cognitive avoidance was positively correlated with functional wellbeing, while fatalism was positively related with all the domains of quality of life. Regression analysis revealed that anxious preoccupation predicted significant decreases in all the domains of quality of life, while helplessness-hopelessness predicted significant decreases in emotional and functional wellbeing domains. However, cognitive avoidance predicted significant increase in the functional domain of quality of life. Conclusion These findings underscore the need for psychosocial support for breast cancer patients to adopt effective coping strategies to deal with their challenges in managing their illness.
Parental involvement could mitigate the effects of physical activity and dietary habits on mental distress in Ghanaian youth
(Public Library of Science, 2018-05) Glozah, F.N.; Asante, K.O.; Kugbey, N.
Introduction Parental involvement in physical activity and dietary habits have been found to play a substantial role in the mental health of young people. However, there is little evidence about the associations between parental involvement, health behaviours and mental health among Ghanaian youth. This study sought to examine the role of parental involvement in the association between physical activity, dietary habits and mental health among Ghanaian youth. Methods Data were obtained from the 2012 Ghana Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). The study population consisted of 1,984 school going youth in high schools with a median age of 15 years old, (53.7%) males. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression statistical models using complex samples method were performed. Results The prevalence of mental distress was 18.1%, 16.6% and 23% for loneliness, feeling worried and suicidal ideation respectively. Younger students were more likely to feel lonely, worried and have suicidal ideation than older students. Students from low socio-economic backgrounds were significantly more likely to report loneliness, worry and suicidal ideation. After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, some physical activity and eating habits were associated with experiencing loneliness, worry and suicidal ideation but after introducing parental involvement, there was a decrease in the likelihood of some health behaviour factors in both physical activity and dietary habits to be associated with loneliness, worry and suicidal ideation. Conclusion Physical inactivity and poor dietary habits could have a negative effect on mental distress, however, parental involvement could mitigate the impact of these lifestyle habits on mental distress and should therefore be taken into consideration in efforts aimed at encouraging positive lifestyle habits for good mental health among Ghanaian youth. © 2018 Glozah et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Perceived seriousness mediates the influence of cervical cancer knowledge on screening practices among female university students in Ghana
(BMC Women's Health, 2019-11-19) Annan, F.M.; Asante, K.O.; Kugbey, N.
Background: Cervical cancer knowledge and awareness, as well as an individual’s perceptions about cervical cancer have been shown to significantly influence the screening practices of female students. Despite these studies, the mechanisms linking cervical cancer knowledge to screening practices among female students remain unexplored in the literature. Thus, this study examined the direct and indirect influences of cervical cancer knowledge on screening practices through perceptions about cervical cancer as informed by the health belief model. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design with a purposive sample of 200 female students were used in the study. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure cervical cancer knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and cervical cancer screening behaviours. The Pearson productmoment correlation co-efficient and mediation analyses were used to analyse the data. Results: Our findings showed that cervical cancer knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness and perceived benefits were significant and positively correlated with increased screening behaviours. However, only perceived seriousness significantly mediated the relationship between cervical cancer knowledge and screening behaviour. Cervical cancer knowledge remained a significant direct predictor of screening behaviour in all the models. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for increased awareness with emphasis on the seriousness of cervical cancer among female university students as it plays a key role in influencing their screening behaviours.