Browsing by Author "Tetteh, J."

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Alcohol consumption and fruits and vegetable intake among older adults in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey based on WHO-SAGE Wave 2 data
(BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2020) Tachi, K.; Tetteh, J.; Archampong, T.; et.al
Background Alcohol consumption and inadequate fruits and vegetable (FnV) intake are major reasons for the shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over the years. The older Ghanaian adult is at high risk of NCD and data on alcohol and FnV consumption are required to guide policy to mitigate its effect. This analysis aimed to determine the factors associated with alcohol consumption and assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and FnV intake among Ghanaians aged 50 years and older. Methods This analysis used WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 2, Ghana data set conducted between 2014 and 2015. Data on demographic characteristics, FnV intake, and alcohol consumption were collated and analysed. Multivariable Poisson, logistic and probit regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between alcohol consumption and inadequate FnV intake. Results A total of 3533 Ghanaians aged 50 years and older, 41.0% men and 59.0% women, were included in this study. The prevalence of lifetime alcohol consumption was 22.8% (95% CI 20.7% to 25.1%). Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with sex, age group, marital status, religion, place of residence and history of smoking. The prevalence of adequate FnV intake was 52.6% with a mean daily intake of 6.45 servings: 2.98 for fruits and 3.47 for vegetables. There was a significant positive correlation between inadequate FnV intake and alcohol consumption. Inadequate FnV consumption was significantly higher among lifetime alcohol consumers compared with non alcohol consumers. (Poisson estimate; adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) (95% CI)=1.35 (1.12 to 1.63), logistic estimate; adjusted Old Ratio (aOR) (95% CI)=1.13 (1.05 to 1.21) and probit estimate; adjusted normalized coefficient (aβ) (95% CI)=0.19 (0.07 to 0.31)) Conclusion About a quarter and nearly half of older Ghanaian adults consume alcohol and inadequate FnV, respectively. Alcohol consumption is significantly associated with inadequate FnV intake. Interventions to address inadequate FnV intake among older adults in Ghana should also include policies that regulate the use of alcohol in this population.
Campylobacter Enteritis in Ghana
(Ghana Medical Journal, 1989-03) Abrahams, C.A.; Agbodaze, D.; Arai, S.; Awumbila, B.; Tetteh, J.; Ofori-Anyinam, O.; Fonnadi, H.
An investigation was carried out over a period of one year on the isolation of Campylobacter jejuni from children with and without diarrhoea in an urban and a rural area in Ghana. From a total of 836 stool specimens examined aver this period, the isolation rate of c. Jejuni was 6.6% (30/455) and 12.8% (36/281) from the urban and rural areas respectively. The incidence for the control group was 4% (4/100). C. Jejuni was found to be rather prevalent in children aged between 7-12 months. There appe~1 to be no relationship between the rain-fall pattern and the incidence of C. Jejuni Infection during the period of this study.
Comparison of in vitro antibacterial activity of streptomycin-diclofenac loaded composite biomaterial dressings with commercial silver based antimicrobial wound dressings
(International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2019-01) Pawar, H.V.; Tetteh, J.; Debrah, P.; Boateng, J.S.
Infected chronic wounds heal slowly, exhibiting prolonged inflammation, biofilm formation, bacterial resistance, high exudate and ineffectiveness of systemic antimicrobials. Composite dressings (films and wafers) comprising polyox/carrageenan (POL-CAR) and polyox/sodium alginate (POL-SA), loaded with diclofenac (DLF) and streptomycin (STP) were formulated and tested for antibacterial activity against 2 × 105 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus representing infected chronic wounds and compared with marketed silver dressings. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed higher values for DLF than STP due to non-conventional antibacterial activity of DLF. The DLF and STP loaded dressings were highly effective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. POL-SA dressings were more effective against the three types of bacteria compared to POL-CAR formulations, while the DLF and STP loaded dressings showed greater antibacterial activity than the silver-based dressings. The films, showed greater antibacterial efficacy than both wafers and silver dressings. STP and DLF can act synergistically not only to kill the bacteria but also prevent their resistance and biofilm formation compared to silver dressings, while reducing chronic inflammation associated with infection.
Determinants of semantic and episodic memory decline among older adults in Ghana: Evidence from the WHO study on global AGEing and adult health Ghana wave 2
(Dialogues in Health, 2023) Ekem-Ferguson, G.; Tetteh, J.; Malm, K.; Yawson, A.G.; Biritwum, R.; Mensah, G.; Yawson, A.E.
Objective: Determined factors associated with semantic (SM) and episodic memory (EM) among older adults aged 50 years and older in Ghana. Methods: Data from WHO Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 2 was used for this study. Semantic memory (SM) and Episodic memory (EM) were the main study outcomes separately. The study employed Nested Ordinary Least Square regression analysis by sequentially adding 6 blocks of variables and comparison tests be tween the nested models. Results: The study involved 3575 adult Ghanaians aged 50 years and older with a mean ± standard deviation of 62.6 ± 18.4 years. The overall mean ± SD of EM and SM were 5.86 ± 2.51 and 11.69 ± 8.59 respectively. Overall, analysis from block 6 showed a significant variation in SM by approximately 16.9%(ΔR2 = 1.17%) where increasing age, never married (β = −1.55; 95% CI = −2.41–0.69), being resident in Greater Accra (regional disparity) (β = −3.45; 95% CI = −4.73–2.20), underweight (β = −0.81;95% CI = −1.34–0.27), and moderate self-rated health (SRH) (β = −0.98; 95% CI = −1.52–0.45) significantly decreased SM. Similarly, increasing age, separated/divorced (β = −0.22; 95% CI = −0.35–0.87), being resident in Greater Accra (β = −0.53; 95% CI = −0.80–0.26), and mod erate SRH (β = −0.20; 95% CI = −0.36–−0.04) significantly decrease EM with an overall significant variation of approximately 22.9%(ΔR2 = 2.7%). Conclusions: Increasing age, sex, marital status, regional disparity, and poor SRH significantly decreased both Semantic memory and Episodic memory. Higher educational attainment and life satisfaction significantly influenced SM and EM. These provide pointers to important socio-demographic determinants of SM and EM with implications for the im plementation of the Ghana national ageing policy 2010, ‘ageing with security and dignity’, and as a key consideration for healthy ageing towards 2030.
Disposal habits and microbial load of solid medical waste in sub-district healthcare facilities and households in Yilo-Krobo municipality, Ghana
(PLOS ONE, 2021) Egbenyah, F.; Udofia, E.A.; Ayivor, J.; Osei, M-M.; Tetteh, J.; Tetteh-Quarcoo, P.B.; Sampane-Donkor
The study aimed to assess disposal practices and quantify the microbial load present in SMW from ten sub-district level healthcare facilities and 385 households in Yilo Krobo munic ipality, Ghana. Disposal of solid medical waste (SMW) was assessed by questionnaire based surveys, unstructured interviews and field observations. Microbiological analysis iden tified species and counts of bacteria present in SMW from both sources. Sociodemographic factors influencing the method of SMW disposal in households were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Open burning (29%), burying (25%) and disposal at a dumpsite (49%) were common methods used by households to dis card SMW. SMW disposal at a dumpsite was associated with age of respondents in house holds. Older people (50+ years) were three times more likely to place SMW in household waste later discarded at a dumpsite, compared to younger persons (20–30 years) [a0R, 95% CI = 3.37, 1.41–8.02]. In sub-district level healthcare facilities, open burning and burying were the most common methods used. Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomo nas aeruginosa, Clostridium tetani, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter spp. Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Enterococcus faecium) were bacteria identified in SMW recovered from both the healthcare facilities and the households. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp. and Clostridium tetani were found exclusively in untreated SMW generated in the health care facilities. Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were found in one sample of treated SMW. The microbial load in SMW from healthcare facilities and households ranged from 0.036 x 103 cfc/mg to 0.167 x 103 cfc/mg and from 0.118 x 103 cfc/mg to 0.125 x 103 cfc/mg respectively. This highlights the need for institutionalizing appropriate treatment methods in sub-district level facilities or strengthening the linkages with higher level facilities to ensure regular and adequate treatment of SMW. Public guidance on management of SMW gener ated in households which is context specific should also be provided.
Effect of self-rated health status on functioning difficulties among older adults in Ghana: Coarsened exact matching method of analysis of the World Health Organization’s study on global AGEing and adult health, Wave 2
(Plos One, 2019-12-05) Tetteh, J.; Kogi, R.; Yawson, A.O.; Mensah, G.; Biritwum, R.; Yawson, A.E.
Background Functional difficulty assessment has been proven as a key factor in the health evaluation of adults. Previous studies have shown a reduction in health and functional difficulties with increasing age. This analysis was conducted to quantify the effect of poor self-rated health on functional difficulty among older adults in Ghana. Method This analysis was based on the World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health in Ghana for older adults 50 years and above. Fifteen standard functioning difficulty tools were extracted and used for the analysis. Three predictive models with the Coarsened Exact Matching method involving Negative Binomial, Logistics and Ordered logistic regression were performed using Stata 14. Results Overall, the prevalence of poor Self-rated health was 34.9% and that of functional difficulties among older adults in Ghana was 69.4%. Female sex, increasing age, being separated, having no religious affiliation, not currently working and being underweight were associated with and significantly influence poor Self-rated health [AOR(95%CI)p-value = 1.41(1.08– 1.83)0.011, 3.85(2.62–5.64)0.000, 1.45(1.08–1.94)0.013, 2.62(1.68–4.07)0.000, 2.4(1.85– 3.12)0.000 and 1.39(1.06–1.81)0.017 respectively]. In addition, poor Self-rated health and geographical location (rural vs. urban)significantly influence functioning difficulties among older adults in Ghana as predicted by the three models [Negative Binomial: PR(95%CI) = 1.62(1.43–1.82), Binary logistic: AOR(95%CI) = 3.67(2.79–4.81) and ordered logistic: AOR (95%CI) = 2.53(1.14–2.03)]. Conclusion Poor SRH is more pronounced among older adult females in Ghana. Some determinants of poor SRH include; age, geographical location (urban vs. rural), marital status, religion, and employment status. This provides pointers to important socio-demographic determinants with implications on the social function of older adults in line with the theme of the national aging policy of 2010, ‘ageing with security and dignity’ and ultimately in the national quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Effect of self-rated health status on functioning difficulties among older adults in Ghana: Coarsened exact matching method of analysis of the World Health Organization’s study on global AGEing and adult health, Wave 2
(Plos One, 2019-11-05) Tetteh, J.; Kogi, R.; Yawson, A.O.; Mensah, G.; Biritwum, R.; Yawson, A.E.
Background Functional difficulty assessment has been proven as a key factor in the health evaluation of adults. Previous studies have shown a reduction in health and functional difficulties with increasing age. This analysis was conducted to quantify the effect of poor self-rated health on functional difficulty among older adults in Ghana. Method This analysis was based on the World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health in Ghana for older adults 50 years and above. Fifteen standard functioning difficulty tools were extracted and used for the analysis. Three predictive models with the Coarsened Exact Matching method involving Negative Binomial, Logistics and Ordered logistic regression were performed using Stata 14. Results Overall, the prevalence of poor Self-rated health was 34.9% and that of functional difficulties among older adults in Ghana was 69.4%. Female sex, increasing age, being separated, having no religious affiliation, not currently working and being underweight were associated with and significantly influence poor Self-rated health [AOR(95%CI)p-value = 1.41(1.08– 1.83)0.011, 3.85(2.62–5.64)0.000, 1.45(1.08–1.94)0.013, 2.62(1.68–4.07)0.000, 2.4(1.85– 3.12)0.000 and 1.39(1.06–1.81)0.017 respectively]. In addition, poor Self-rated health and geographical location (rural vs. urban)significantly influence functioning difficulties among older adults in Ghana as predicted by the three models [Negative Binomial: PR(95%CI) =1.62(1.43–1.82), Binary logistic: AOR(95%CI) = 3.67(2.79–4.81) and ordered logistic: AOR (95%CI) = 2.53(1.14–2.03)]. Conclusion Poor SRH is more pronounced among older adult females in Ghana. Some determinants of poor SRH include; age, geographical location (urban vs. rural), marital status, religion, and employment status. This provides pointers to important socio-demographic determinants with implications on the social function of older adults in line with the theme of the national aging policy of 2010, ‘ageing with security and dignity’ and ultimately in the national quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Flexible bronchoscopy in a tertiary healthcare facility: a review of indications and outcomes
(Ghana Med J, 2021) Afriyie-Mensah, J.S.; Kwarteng, E.; Tetteh, J.; Sereboe, L.; Forson, A.
Objectives: Flexible Fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) is a major diagnostic and therapeutic tool employed largely in respiratory medicine but its use in our country has been quite limited. We performed a retrospective review of the indications, overall diagnostic yield and safety of FFB at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Study Design: Retrospective study Study Setting: Cardiothoracic Unit, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Study Participants: All bronchoscopy records from January 2017 - December 2018 Interventions: Eight-five bronchoscopy reports generated over a 2-year period were reviewed. Using a data extrac tion form, patient’s demographic details, indications for FFB, sedation given, specimen obtained and results of in vestigation, and complications encountered were recorded and entered into SPSS version 22. Descriptive analysis was performed and presented as means and percentages. Results: Suspected lung cancer was the predominant indication for bronchoscopy requests (55.3%). Diagnostic yield of endobronchial biopsy was 86.7% increased to 93.3% when biopsy was combined with bronchial washing cytol ogy. Bronchial washing geneXpert was positive in 20.8% of sputum negative cases, and 20.7% of patients with un resolved pneumonia and bronchiectasis had a positive microbial yield. Overall mild complications occurred in 5.9% of patients with no mortality. Conclusion: Flexible bronchoscopy has a significantly high diagnostic yield, particularly in evaluating lung cancers and undiagnosed lung infections with minimal associated complications, hence increasing its availability in the country and widening the diagnostic scope at the cardiothoracic unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
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.
High BMI: an important health risk factor among older adults in Ghana
(Public Health Nutrition, 2021) Yorke, E.; Tetteh, J.; Boima, V.; Yawson, AE.
Objective: We examined BMI as a health risk factor for self-reported diabetes mellitus, angina, strokes and arthritis among older Ghanaians aged 50 years and above. Design: We analysed the individual-level data from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health Ghana Wave 2 (2014/2015). The influence of BMI on self-reported chronic conditions including diabetes, angina, stroke and arthritis was examined. Setting: Households from all the administrative regions of Ghana. Participants: Included 3350 adults aged 50 years and older. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants was 22·8 % (95 % CI 20·6, 25·2) and 13·2 %, respectively (95 % CI 11·5, 15·1). With respect to individual chronic conditions, arthritis emerged with the highest prevalence rate of 7·3 (95 % CI 5·3, 9·9), while the prevalence rate of diabetes, angina and stroke was 2·8 % (95 % CI 2·0, 3·9), 1·7 % (95 % CI 1·1, 2·6) and 1·3 % (95 % CI 1·0, 1·8), respectively. The risk of diabetes among overweight and obesity was over three and two times, respectively, higher compared with participants with normal weights. Overweight and obesity were significantly more than two and three times likely to experience angina, respectively, compared with participants with normal weight. Obesity significantly influences arthritis with approximately two times increased odds compared with normal weight participants. Conclusion: Prevalence of obesity and overweight in Ghana is high and increasing, which poses a health risk at the individual and population levels. Inter-sectorial and multidisciplinary measures in line with the national non-communicable disease policies aimed at curbing this trend are imperative.
Identification of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein-specific CD8+ T cell epitopes in a malaria exposed population
(Plos One, 2020-02-10) Kusi, K.A.; Aggor, F.E.; Amoah, L.E.; Anum, D.; Nartey, Y.; Amoako-Sakyi, D.; Obiri-Yeboah, D.; Hollingdale, M.; Ganeshan, H.; Belmonte, M.; Peters, B.; Kim, Y.; Tetteh, J.; Kyei-Baafour, E.; Dodoo, D.; Villasante, E.; Sedegah, M.
Background Sterile protection against malaria, most likely mediated by parasite-specific CD8+ T cells, has been achieved by attenuated sporozoite vaccination of animals as well as malarianaïve and malaria-exposed subjects. The circumsporozoite protein (CSP)-based vaccine, RTS,S, shows low efficacy partly due to limited CD8+ T cell induction, and inclusion of such epitopes could improve RTS,S. This study assessed 8-10mer CSP peptide epitopes, present in predicted or previously positive P. falciparum 3D7 CSP 15mer overlapping peptide pools, for their ability to induce CD8+ T cell IFN-γ responses in natural malaria-exposed subjects. Methods Cryopreserved PBMCs from nine HLA-typed subjects were stimulated with 23 8-10mer CSP peptides from the 3D7 parasite in IFN-γ ELISpot assays. The CD8+ T cell specificity of IFN-γ responses was confirmed in ELISpot assays using CD8+ T cell-enriched PBMC fractions after CD4+ cell depletion. Results Ten of 23 peptide epitopes elicited responses in whole PBMCs from five of the nine subjects. Four peptides tested positive in CD8+ T cell-enriched PBMCs from two previously positive responders and one new subject. All four immunodominant peptides are restricted by globally common HLA supertypes (A02, A03, B07) and mapped to regions of the CSP antigen with limited or no reported polymorphism. Association of these peptide-specific responses with anti-malarial protection remains to be confirmed. Conclusions The relatively conserved nature of the four identified epitopes and their binding to globally common HLA supertypes makes them good candidates for inclusion in potential multi-epitope malaria vaccines
The Impact of the Free Senior High School Education Policy and Double-Track System on Quality Education Outcomes: A Quasi-Experimental Policy Evaluation Study in Ghana
(Africa Education Review, 2023) Dwomoh, D.; Tetteh, J.; Godi, A.; et al.
In the 2017/2018 academic year, the government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Education, began an educational reform policy codenamed the “Free Senior High School” (FSHS) policy to fully absorb the cost, increase enrolment, and improve the quality of education for all public senior high schools in Ghana. To accommodate more students and reduce overcrowding in schools, the government, as part of the FSHS policy, introduced the double-track system, which divides the total student population and staff into two tracks; as one of the tracks attends school, the other is on vacation and vice versa. No study has assessed this policy on education outcomes. This study assessed the impact of the FSHS policy and the double-track system on quality education outcomes and explored the challenges associated with the implementation of the policies. The study further identified strategies needed to address these challenges. The study employed a quasi-experimental study design using a pre-post data collection instrument designed to assess quality education metrics. We also used a comparative cross-sectional study design and qualitative design methodologies to evaluate the FSHS policy and the double-track system. We quantified the impact of the policies using quantile and ordinary least square regression models with cluster robust standard errors. Our evaluation of the policy showed a significant decline in quality of education outcomes and academic performance. Students who attended the double-track schools performed poorly in all the core subjects compared with non-double-track schools. The challenges associated with the implementation of the policy were financial constraints, infrastructure deficit, inadequate and delayed release of food items, lack of teaching and learning materials, inadequate contact hours, and poor implementation of the policy and the double-track system. Government must comprehensively review the FSHS policy and consider cost sharing with parents and caregivers to sustain the policy.
The mediating role of quality of life on depression and medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross‐sectional study
(Health Science Reports, 2023) Yorke, E.; Ganu, V.; Tetteh, J.; et al.
Background and Aim: Patients living with diabetes mellitus have a high burden of psychological distress such as depression and anxiety as well as impaired quality of life, which may negatively impact their adherence to medications, glucose control, and health‐related costs. This study assessed the impact of quality of life and depression on medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]) in a tertiary care setting in Ghana Methods: The study was a cross‐sectional study involving 238 patients with diabetes aged 18 years and above. Validated tools were used to assess medication adherence, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Structural Equation Modeling was adopted to examine the mediation effect of quality of life on the relationship between depression and medication adherence among participants. Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.82 ± 13.49, and 169 (71.0%) out of a total of 238 respondents were females. Depression had a significant direct relationship with the quality of life of respondents [aβ (95% confidence interval, CI) = −0.20 (−0.03, −0.00), p < 0.05; −0.21 (−0.41, −0.01) p < 0.05, respectively] and indirect relationship with quality of life [aβ (95% CI) = −0.01 (−0.02, −0.004) p < 0.001]. Educational status and religion both showed a significant indirect relationship with quality of life [aβ (95% CI) = 0.06 (0.07, 0.12), p < 0.05; 0.18 (0.01, 0.35) p < 0.05, respectively]. The mediating effect of quality of life on the relationship between depression and medication adherence was significant (Sobel = −3.19, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Depression, medication adherence, and quality of life were higher among older adults with T2DM. Depression was also found to have a strong negative association with both medication adherence and quality of life. Interventions to screen for depression and to improve the quality of life in patients living with diabetes are also recommended and this should go beyond the provision of standard treatments to explore further the mechanisms of this relationships.
Opportunistic Infections among newly diagnosed HIV patients in the largest tertiary facility in Ghana
(Annals of Global Health, 2024) Tetteh, J.; Puplampu, P.; Asafu-Adjaye, O.; et al
Background: Opportunistic infections (OIs) among newly diagnosed HIV patients are a marker for inadequateness of HIV awareness and testing. Despite global efforts at creating awareness for early detection, late HIV diagnosis and its associated OIs still exist. This study sought to determine the prevalence and patterns of OIs and associated factors among newly diagnosed HIV patients in Ghana. Methods: A retrospective study using data extraction was conducted among 423 newly diagnosed HIV patients aged ≥18 years at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from July 1st 2018 to December 2019. Multivariate logistic regression was adopted to assess factors associated to OIs. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 16, and p-value < 0.05 was deemed significant. Results: The mean age of patients with a new HIV diagnosis was 40.15 ± 11.47 years. Male versus female sex differential was 30.3% and 69.7%, respectively. The prevalence of OIs among newly diagnosed HIV patients was 33.1% (95% CI = 34.6–44.1). About 70% (120/166) of patients with OIs were classified into WHO clinical stage III and IV. The most common OIs were candidiasis (oro-pharyhngeal-esophageal) (36.9%), and cerebral toxoplasmosis (19.9%). The odds of an OI at the time of HIV diagnosis among females was 51% lower than in males (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.28–0.86). Being employed increased the odds of OIs by 2.5 compared to the unemployed (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.11–5.61). Participants classified as World Health Organization (WHO) HIV clinical stage III and IV were 15.88 (95% CI = 9.41–26.79) times more likely to experience OIs. Conclusion: One in three patients newly diagnosed with HIV presented with an opportunistic infection, with men more likely to experience such infections. Significant attention should be given to improving case-finding strategies, especially among men.
Prevalence of malaria infection and the impact of mosquito bed net distribution among children aged 6–59 months in Ghana: Evidence from the Ghana demographic health and malarial indicator surveys
(Parasite Epidemiology and Control, 2023) Tetteh, J.; Yorke, E.; Boima, V.; Yawson, A.E.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of malaria infection and further quantify the impact of mosquito bed net distribution on malaria infection among children aged 6–59 months in Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study using Ghana Demographic Health (GDHS) and Malaria Indicator (GMIS) surveys (2014 GDHS, 2016 GMIS, and 2019 GMIS). The exposure and the main outcomes were mosquito bed net use (MBU) and malaria infection (MI). Relative percentage change (Δ) and prevalence ratio (PR) were estimated to assess the changes and the risk of MI by MBU respec tively. The Propensity-score matching treatment effect model was employed to estimate the average treatment effect (ATE) of MBU on MI. All analyses were performed using Stata 16.1 and p-value<0.05 was deemed significant. Results: The study involved 8781 children aged 6–59 months. MI ranged from 25.8%(22.3–29.7) in 2019 GMIS to 40.6%(37.0–44.2) in 2014 GDHS and the prevalence was significantly high among children who used mosquito bed net. The relative percentage change in MI prevalence showed a significant reduction rate and was high among non-MBU (p-value<0.05). In all, the adjusted PR of MI among children exposed to MBU was 1.21(1.08–1.35), 1.13(1.01–1.28), and 1.50(1.20–1.75) in 2014 GDHS, 2016 GMIS, and 2019 GMIS respectively. The average MI among participants who slept in mosquito bed net significantly increased by 8%(0.04 to 0.12), 4%(0.003 to 0.08), and 7%(0.03 to 0.11) in 2014 GDHS, 2016 GMIS, and 2019 GMIS respectively. Conclusion: Even though malaria infection prevalence among children aged 6–59 months is decreasing, the reduction rate seems not to be directly linked with mosquito bed nets distribution and/or use in Ghana. For a continued distribution of mosquito bed nets, and for Ghana to achieve her Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP) 2021–2025, program managers should ensure effective use of the distributed nets in addition to other preventive measures and nuanced consideration of community behaviours in Ghana. The effective use and care of bed nets should be emphasized as part of the distribution.
Prevalence of pneumonia by chest x-ray, associated demographic characteristics and health risk factors among COVID-19 patients in Ghana
(Ghana Med J, 2021) Oliver-Comme, J.A.; Puplampu, P.; Owoo, C.; Asare-Boateng, K.; Yawson, A.O.; Tetteh, J.; Calys-Tagoe, B.N.L.; Udofia, E.; Kenu, E.; Samba, A.; Yawson, A.E.; Lartey, M.
Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of radiologically diagnosed pneumonia among COVID-19 patients and associated factors. Design, setting, and participants: A retrospective manual data extraction of 275 medical records of COVID-19 patients was conducted at two COVID-19 national treatment centres in Accra from March to May 2020. All patients had a chest x-ray done. Main outcome and analysis: The main outcome was the presence of pneumonia. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test of independence were employed to determine the associations between independent variables and the presence of pneumonia. All analysis was performed using Stata 16, and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was deemed significant Results: The prevalence of pneumonia was 44%(95%CI) =38.2-50.0). Chi-square independent test indicated that pneumonia in the COVID-19 patients was associated with educational level, history of domestic and international travel, mass gathering in the past 14 days before diagnosis, and discharge plan (p-value< 0.05). Patients classified as secondary cases (61.5%) and those discharged as fully recovered from the health facility (61.2%) had a higher preva lence of pneumonia. In addition, COVID-19 patients with hypertension (32.1%) and asthma (5.2%) had a significantly higher prevalence of pneumonia. Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of pneumonia was 44% and was associated with the demographic and personal characteristics of the patients. Early detection through contact tracing and community surveillance should be intensi fied to pick up more asymptomatic cases. The role of the chest x-ray for triaging patients and for clinical management of symptomatic patients remains key.
Reproductive-Age Women’s Knowledge and Care Seeking for Malaria Prevention and Control in Ghana: Analysis of the 2016 Malaria Indicator Survey
(Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2019-02) Ayanore, M.A.; Tetteh, J.; Ameko, A.; Axame, W.K.; Alhassan, R.K.; Adoliba Ayanore, A.; Mogre, V.; Owusu-Agyei, S.
Introduction . Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, requiring individual and environmental level controls to prevent its adverse morbidity effects. This study examined reproductive-aged women’s knowledge and care-seeking practices for malaria prevention and control in Ghana. Methods . The 2016 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey data for reproductive-age women was analysed (n=5,150). Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with reproductive-aged women’s knowledge and care-seeking practices for malaria. Results . 62.3%, 81.3%, and 64.6% knowledge levels on causes, signs/symptoms, and prevention of malaria were found, respectively, among respondents. Age, wealth and educational status, religion, region, and place of residence (rural) were found to significantly influence respondents’ knowledge of causes, signs/symptoms, and care-seeking practices for malaria. A 15% differential among Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) awareness and use was found. Increasing age (≥35 years) was associated with increasing knowledge of malaria. Regional variations were observed to significantly influence knowledge of malaria treatment. Conclusion . Though ownership of ITNs and knowledge of malaria prevention were high, it did not necessarily translate into use of ITNs. Thus, there is a need to intensify education on the importance and the role of ITNs use in the prevention of malaria.
Sex differences and factors associated with disability among Ghana’s workforce: a nationally stratified cross-sectional study
(BMJ, 2021) Tetteh, J.; Asare, I.O.; Adomako, I.; Udofia, E.A.; Seneadza, N.A.H.; Adjei-Mensah, E.; Calys-Tagoe, B.N.L.; Swaray, S.M.; Ekem-Ferguson, G.; Yawson, A.
Objective This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of disability and associated factors and further quantify the associated sex differential among Ghana’s workforce aged 15+ years. Design A nationally stratified cross-sectional study. Setting Ghana. Participants Individuals aged 15 years and above. Outcome measure Disability that limits full participation in life activities. Methods Three predictive models involving Poisson, logistic and probit regression were performed to assess the association between disability and covariates. Modified Poisson multivariate decomposition analysis method was employed to assess sex differential and associated factors using Stata V.16. Results The prevalence of disability was 2.1% (95% CI 1.2 to 2.4), and the risk of disability among males was approximately twice compared with females (Poisson estimate: adjusted prevalence ratio (95% CI)=1.94 (1.46 to 2.57); logistic estimate: aOR (95%CI)=2.32 (1.73 to 3.12)). Male sex increased the log odds of disability by 0.37 (probit estimate, aβ (95%CI)=0.37 (0.23 to 0.50)). The variability in age group, marital status, household (HH) size, region, place of residence, relationship to HH head, hours of work per week and asset-based wealth were significantly associated with disability-based sex differential. (Significant increased endowment: β×10−3 (95% CI×10−3)=−37.48 (−56.81 to −18.16) and significant decreased coefficient: β×10−3 (95% CI×10−3)=42.31 (21.11 to 63.49).) All disability participants were challenged with activities of daily living, limiting them in full participation in life activities such as mobility, work and social life. Conclusion The magnitude of experiencing disability among working males was nearly twice that of females. Sex differentials were significantly associated with age groups, marital status, HH size, region of residence, relationship to HH head, hours of work per week and wealth. Our findings amass the provisional needs of persons living with a disability that are indicators to consider to achieve the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Article 10. In addition,formulation of workplace policies should adopt a gender sensitive approach to reduce disparities and eliminate disability in the target population.
Succession Planning, Employee Retention and Organisational Effectiveness among Some Selected Organisations in Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Tetteh, J.; Nyarko, K.; Asumeng, M.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology
The study examined the relationship between succession planning, employee retention and organisational effectiveness among some selected organisations in Ghana. It further examined the effect of career development program on the relationship between succession planning and employee retention and also on the relationship between succession planning and organisational effectiveness. One hundred and eighty-eight (188) respondents were conveniently sampled from four organisations; two from the private and two from the public sector in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Using a quantitative design, all selected participants completed questionnaires on Succession Planning, Employee Retention, Organisational Effectiveness and Career Development Program. The Multiple Analysis of Variance and Hierarchical Multiple Regression were conducted on the data. The results indicated that, succession planning significantly predicted employee retention and organisational effectiveness. The result further indicated that, career development program significantly moderated the relationship between succession planning and employee retention. Career development program also significantly moderated the relationship between succession planning and organisational effectiveness. Based on the research findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed as well as limitations and suggestions for future research also highlighted.
Transient Impact of Dysglycemia on Sputum Conversion among Smear-Positive Tuberculosis Patients in a Tertiary Care Facility in Ghana
(SAGE, 2021) Yorke, E.; Boima, V.; Dey, I.D.; Amissah-Arthur, M.; Ganu, V.; Amaning-Kwarteng, E.; Tetteh, J.; Mate-Kole, C.C.
BACKGROUND: Apart from increasing the risk of tuberculosis (TB), diabetes may be associated with more severe disease and lower rates of sputum conversion among TB patients. METHODS: We conducted a baseline cross-sectional study with a longitudinal follow-up of newly diagnosed smear-positive TB patients for 6 months. Sputum conversion rates between those with dysglycemia and those without were compared at 2 months (end of the intensive phase) and 6 months (end of the treatment). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were computed to assess factors associated with dys glycemia as well as sputum conversion. RESULTS: A significantly higher proportion of normoglycemic patients had negative sputum compared with those with dysglycemia (83% vs 67%, P-value < .05) at 2 months but not at 6 months (87% vs 77%, P-value > .05). After controlling for age group and adjusting for other covariates, patients with dysglycemia were 66% less likely to convert sputum than those with normoglycemia. Females were at least 7 times more likely than males and those with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of 88% were less likely compared with those with low WHR for sputum conversion at 2 months, respectively. At 6 months, females (compared with males) and those with high WHR (compared with those with normal WHR) were at over 9 times increased odds and 89% less likely for sputum conversion, respectively. CONCLUSION: A significantly lower proportion of smear-positive TB patients with dysglycemia converted to smear negative after 2 months of treatment but not at the end of the treatment, thus suggesting a transient impact of dysglycemia on sputum conversion.