Browsing by Author "Udofia, E.A."

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Awareness, use and main source of information on preventive health examinations: a survey of childbearing women in Uyo, Nigeria
(African journal of reproductive health, 2012-12) Udofia, E.A.; Akwaowo, C.D.; Ekanem, U.S.
The study determined awareness, use and the main source of information about preventive health examinations among 387 childbearing women attending three health facilities in Uyo, Nigeria. Respondents were consenting women aged 15-49 years who had a live birth in the two months preceding the survey. Respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaires during child welfare clinic visits at each facility. Awareness about pap smears and breast self examination was 14.2% and 35.3% respectively. Testing rates were highest for blood pressure checks, HIV and blood sugar and lowest for Pap smears and mammograms. Health workers were the main informants on preventive tests. Awareness and secondary education enhanced women's uptake of screening services across levels of health care. Secondary education as a minimum and intensified awareness creation about preventive health examinations through media, school based programs, durbars and public health campaigns are vital to the health and well being of women and children.
Biosand Filtration as a Green Approach to Septic Tank Effluent Management in a Tertiary Institution in Ghana
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018) Mensah, I.T.; Udofia, E.A.
Sewage and household effluents at some institutions in Ghana have been discharged into the ocean for years. Thisdegrades environmental media and is detrimental to ecological systems. The Three Local Plastic Barrel-Biosand Filter (TLPB-BSF) is an innovation on the slow sand filter that has been used to prevent discharge of raw sewage into the environment. The study aimed to test the performance of a modified BSF on sewage tank effluent and assess suitability of the filtrate for non-drinking purposes at a tertiary institution renamed KOTU to maintain confidentiality. Method: A filtration system made of three modified interconnected BSF was constructed on-site, with last filter connected to a storage tank. The modification was the provision of an additional media (charcoal) in the second barrel. Two sample collections were made from the system one week apart. The pre-filtrate samples were raw septic tank effluent (STE) and the samples obtained after running system was Biosand filter effluent (BSFE). Samples were analysed for physical and microbiological parameters at designated laboratories. Measured values of the parameters in pre-filtrate and filtrate samples were compared with EPA (Ghana) reference values. The removal efficiency of a parameter was computed as the difference between pre-filtrate and filtrate values expressed as a percentage of the pre-filtrate value. Results: Most of the effluent parameters from the BSF were within the EPA standards, while others were unacceptable. Removal efficiencies obtained for the parameters were: Ni trogen (83.3%), Phosphorus (89.5%), Total Suspended Solids (71.3%), Total Dissolved Solids (66.2%), Total coliform (99.9%), Faecal coliform (99.7%) and E. coli (97.6%). Conclusion: BSF is effective for upgrading physical and microbial quality of sewage at household and institutional level, prior to discharge in the environment. It produced a filtrate that met most of EPA standards for irrigation of non-edible crops.
Birth and emergency planning: a cross sectional survey of postnatal women at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.
(African journal of reproductive health, 2013-03) Udofia, E.A.; Obed, S.A.; Calys-Tagoe, B.N.; Nimo, K.P.
Birth and emergency planning encourages early decision making, helps overcome barriers to skilled maternity care and reduces preventable maternal and newborn deaths. A facility based postnatal survey of 483 childbearing women in Accra, Ghana determined birth and emergency planning steps, awareness of obstetric danger signs, reported maternal and newborn complications and birth outcome based on length of hospital stay. Supervised antenatal care and delivery were nearly universal. Overall, 62% had a birth plan, 74% had adequate knowledge of danger signs, while 64% and 37% reported maternal and newborn complications respectively. Accompaniment by a birth companion and saving money were considered the most useful planning steps. Knowledge of danger signs was associated with birth and emergency planning, and birth and emergency planning was associated with reported birth outcome. Birth and emergency planning as a critical component of antenatal care can influence birth outcomes and should be extended to all pregnant women.
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.
Factors associated with late presentation of cervical cancer cases at a district hospital: a retrospective study
(BMC Public Health, 2018-10) Dunyo, P.; Effah, K.; Udofia, E.A.
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the leading and most common female cancer among women in Ghana. Although there are screening methods to detect premalignant lesions for treatment, screening coverage in Ghana is 2.8% and late presentation of cases complicates treatment efforts. This study examined the sociodemographic, clinical and histological characteristics associated with late presentation of cervical cancer cases attending Gynecological Oncology care at Catholic Hospital, Battor. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-seven medical records of confirmed cases of cervical cancer reporting to the Outpatient Obstetrics and Gynecology Department between 2012 and 2016 were reviewed. Relevant data were retrieved using abstraction forms. Socio demographic variables investigated were level of education attained, marital status, National Health Insurance Scheme membership, employment status, place of residence and distance from hospital. Clinical variables included intermenstrual/postmenopausal bleeding, previous screening history, previous smoking history, age at menarche and number of children. Histological variables included subtypes of tumour and characteristics of tumour. Pearson's chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine correlates of late stage at presentation with cervical cancer. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of missing data. RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds (65.97%) of the cases presented in advanced stages of cervical cancer. Level of education, age at menarche and previous screening history were included in a regression model and adjusted for age. Age at menarche (n = 66) was eliminated from the model after sensitivity analysis. Among the remaining variables, only previous screening history was predictive of late stage at presentation of cervical cancer cases. Previously unscreened cases of cervical cancer were nearly four times more likely to present late, compared to those who had been screened previously (OR 3.91; 95% CI 1.43-10.69). No association was observed with sociodemographic and histological characteristics. CONCLUSION: Lack of previous screening was associated with late presentation of cervical cancer at Catholic Hospital, Battor. Efforts to promote early cervical cancer screening should be intensified and future studies may explore an association with age at menarche.
Health outcomes following retirement: a comparative study of health and non-health pensioners in Ghana
(Springer, 2021) Nuertey, B.D.; Udofia, E.A.; Yawson, A.E.; Addai, J.; Tette, E.M.A.; Calys-Tagoe, B.N.L.
Occupation is a major determinant of health outcomes. Healthcare workers are assumed to know how to prevent diseases and live a healthy life. The aim of this study is to determine the association between working in healthcare as a pre-retirement occupation and health outcomes after retirement. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted among 4813 members of the National Pensioners Association in Ghana. Thirteen study centres were used in the study. Results A total of 403 study participants (8.4%) were healthcare workers. After retirement, healthcare workers died earlier compared to non-healthcare workers. Life-table analysis of data demonstrated that 51.9% (95% CI = 47.1–56.9) of health workers died within 5 years after retirement, compared to 35.9% (95% CI = 34.5–37.4) of non-healthcare workers within same time period. Healthcare workers had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity (34.0, 95% CI = 29.5–38.8), self-reported hypertension (54.8%, 95% CI = 49.9–59.7) and high serum total cholesterol (46.4%, 95% CI = 48.7–58.5) compared to non-health workers. Logistic regression of factors on health outcomes after retirement among healthcare workers revealed that healthcare workers were nearly twice as likely to have arthritis (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2–2.1), hearing loss (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2–3.1), ischaemic heart disease (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2–3.3), and cerebrovascular accident (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1–4.0) compared to non-healthcare workers.
Home-Based Remedies to Prevent COVID-19-Associated Risk of Infection, Admission, Severe Disease, and Death: A Nested Case-Control Study
(Hindawi, 2022) Nuertey, B.D.; Addai, J.; Kyei-Bafour, P.; Bimpong, K.A.; Adongo, V.; Boateng, L.; Mumuni, K.; Dam, K.M.; Udofia, E.A.; Seneadza, N.A.H.; Calys-Tagoe, B.N.L.; Tette, E.M.A.; Yawson, A.E.; Soghoian, S.; Helegbe, G.K.; Vedanthan, R.
Objective. .is study aimed at determining the various types of home-based remedies, mode of administration, prevalence of use, and their relevance in reducing the risk of infection, hospital admission, severe disease, and death. Methods. .e study design is an open cohort of all participants who presented for testing for COVID-19 at the Infectious Disease Treatment Centre (Tamale) and were followed up for a period of six weeks. A nested case-control study was designed. Numerical data were analysed using STATA version 14, and qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results. A total of 882 participants made up of 358 (40.6%) cases and 524 (59.4%) unmatched controls took part in the study. .e prevalence of usage of home-based remedies to prevent COVID-19 was 29.6% (n = 261). .ese include drinks (34.1% (n = 100)), changes in eating habits/food (33.8% (n =99)), physical exercise (18.8% (n = 55)), steam inhalation (9.9% (n = 29)), herbal baths (2.7% (n = 8)), and gurgle (0.7 (n = 2)). Participants who practiced any form of home-based therapy were protected from SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 0.28 (0.20–0.39)), severe/critical COVID-19 (OR = 0.15 (0.05–0.48)), hospital admission (OR = 0.15 (0.06–0.38)), and death (OR = 0.31 (0.07–1.38)). Analysis of the various subgroups of the home-based therapies, however, demonstrated that not all the home-based remedies were effective. Steam inhalation and herbal baths were associated with 26.6 (95% CI = 6.10–116.24) and 2.7 (95% CI =0.49–14.78) times increased risk of infection, respectively. However, change in diet (AOR = 0.01 (0.00–0.13)) and physical exercise (AOR = 0.02 (0.00–0.26)) remained significantly associated with a reduced risk of infection. We described results of thematic content analysis regarding the common ingredients in the drinks, diets, and other home-based methods administered. Conclusion. Almost a third of persons presenting for COVID-19 test were involved in some form of home-based remedy to prevent COVID-19. Steam inhalation and herbal baths increased risk of COVID-19 infection, while physical exercise and dietary changes were protective against COVID-19 infection and hospital admission. Future protocols might consider inclusion of physical activity and dietary changes based on demonstrated health gains.
Intimate Partner Violence against Men and Women in Nigeria during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: An Assessment of Prevalence and Forms
(Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care, 2024) Ezenwoko, A.Z.; Abubakar, A.U.; Udofia, E.A.; et al.
Background: The control of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the use of stringent control measures such as lockdowns by many countries of the world. This predisposed people in relationships to intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and forms of intimate partner violence against both men and women in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 538 respondents using an online electronic questionnaire which was circulated across the 36 states in Nigeria on social media platforms - nd Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. Data were collected from May 22 - July 27 2020 and descriptive analysis generated using IBM SPSS version 23. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation of respondents was 37.2± 8.0 years. The overall prevalence of IPV was 216 (40.2%). Eighty-six (44.8%) men reported experiencing IPV with sexual violence 54 (28.1%) being the most reported form followed by emotional 49 (25.5), nancial 20 (10.4%) and physical 18 (9.4%) violence. One hundred and thirty (37.6%) women experienced IPV during the lockdown period. The common forms of violence experienced by women were emotional 100 (28.9%), sexual 66 (19.1%), nancial 42 (12.1%) and physical 31 (9.0%) violence. Conclusion: The prevalence of IPV was higher in men than women. The most reported form of violence was sexual in men and emotional in women. This underscores the need for the Federal Government to put in place systems (such as helplines for counselling and legislation) to protect people who are in relationships from IPV.
Pregnancy and after: what women want from their partners – listening to women in Uyo, Nigeria Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/0167482X.2012.693551
(2012-09) Udofia, E.A.; Akwaowo, C.D.
BACKGROUND: A qualitative survey was conducted among childbearing women at three public health facilities in Uyo, Nigeria. We aimed to determine (i) women's expectations of partner support during pregnancy and the postpartum period; (ii) predictors of partner presence during childbirth. METHODS: From May to mid-July 2011, 387 eligible women were recruited serially during visits to the child welfare clinic at each facility. Interviews were conducted using semistructured questionnaires. Responses were extracted and categorized into eight distinct themes with corresponding examples. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The most desired form of partner support was assistance with domestic chores during and after pregnancy; followed by financial support during pregnancy and providing/caring for the baby in the postpartum period. Partner support during pregnancy was high 98.0% (351). While 73% of respondents expected partner presence during childbirth, 69.4% reported actual partner presence. Women with no experience of pregnancy before marriage, a husband in formal employment, and regular assistance at home had a two- to three-fold likelihood of expecting partner presence at childbirth compared to those without these attributes. Expecting partner presence increased the likelihood of partner presence at childbirth. Results suggest that women have specific expectations of partner involvement during and after pregnancy.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with non-traffic related injury in the older population in Ghana: Wave 2 of the WHO Study on Global AGEing and adult health (SAGE)
(Preventive Medicine Reports, 2019) Udofia, E.A.; Aheto, J.M.; Mensah, G.; Biritwum, R.; Yawson, A.E.
Injuries are a significant cause of hospitalization in the older population, leading to a decline in physical activity and greater dependence on others. Compared to traffic related injury, relatively fewer studies have been conducted on non-traffic related injury in the older population in Ghana. This analysis provides a nationwide baseline prevalence and associated factors of non-traffic related injuries among older adults in Ghana. Data from the 2014–2015 nationally representative World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 2 was used. A final sample of 3461 older adults living in 2827 households was used in the statistical modelling. Predictors of injury were examined using both single-level and multilevel binary logistic regression models. The prevalence of non-traffic related injury found in this study was 3.74%. The odds of being injured decreased among females (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.95) compared to their male counterparts and those who rated their heath state as moderate (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.94). Depression was the only risk factor identified in the multivariable model (OR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.38, 4.71). The study did not observe significant residual household-level variation in injury status. The role of depression as a risk factor suggests that interventions that aim to reduce non-traffic related injury in older adults should consider improving mental health. © 2019 The Authors
Residential characteristics as correlates of occupants' health in the greater Accra region, Ghana
(BMC Public Health, 2014) Udofia, E.A.; Yawson, A.E.; Aduful, K.A.; Bwambale, F.M.
Housing has been a relatively neglected site for public health action. However, it remains a place where human beings spend the most part of their day. As a result, the quality of housing has consequences for human health. We investigate residential characteristics associated with self-rated occupant health in five neighbourhoods in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Methods. A cross sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted among 500 informed adults aged 18 years and above to investigate residential characteristics associated with self-rated occupant health in five neighbourhoods in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Correlates of occupant rated health were determined using Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results: Forty-two per cent of houses were rented, 44% required repair and 46% shared sanitation facilities. One in twenty occupants reported poor health. Gender, employment status, income, ventilation, house wall material, odours, stale air, privacy, shared facilities, hand washing facility, type of house and house repair status were associated with poor health in the bivariate analysis. Only two variables were independently associated with poor self-rated health: occupants who lacked privacy were eight times more likely to report poor self-rated health when compared to peers who did not lack privacy [OR = 8.16, 95% CI 2.86-23.26] and women were three times more likely than men to report poor health [OR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.06-8.35]. Conclusion: The results provide further evidence of housing as a determinant of occupants' health, and identify housing characteristics and living conditions as issues for public health action in Ghana. © 2014 Udofia et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Residential characteristics as correlates of occupants¿ health in the greater Accra region, Ghana
(2014-03-11) Udofia, E.A.; Yawson, A.E.; Aduful, K.A.; Bwambale, F.M.
Abstract Background Housing has been a relatively neglected site for public health action. However, it remains a place where human beings spend the most part of their day. As a result, the quality of housing has consequences for human health. We investigate residential characteristics associated with self-rated occupant health in five neighbourhoods in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Methods A cross sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted among 500 informed adults aged 18 years and above to investigate residential characteristics associated with self-rated occupant health in five neighbourhoods in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Correlates of occupant rated health were determined using Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results Forty-two per cent of houses were rented, 44% required repair and 46% shared sanitation facilities. One in twenty occupants reported poor health. Gender, employment status, income, ventilation, house wall material, odours, stale air, privacy, shared facilities, hand washing facility, type of house and house repair status were associated with poor health in the bivariate analysis. Only two variables were independently associated with poor self-rated health: occupants who lacked privacy were eight times more likely to report poor self-rated health when compared to peers who did not lack privacy [OR = 8.16, 95% CI 2.86-23.26] and women were three times more likely than men to report poor health [OR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.06-8.35]. Conclusion The results provide further evidence of housing as a determinant of occupants’ health, and identify housing characteristics and living conditions as issues for public health action in Ghana.
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.
Solid medical waste: a cross sectional study of household disposal practices and reported harm in Southern Ghana
(BMC Public Health, 2017) Udofia, E.A.; Gulis, G.; Fobil, J.
Background: Solid medical waste (SMW) in households is perceived to pose minimal risks to the public compared to SMW generated from healthcare facilities. While waste from healthcare facilities is subject to recommended safety measures to minimize risks to human health and the environment, similar waste in households is often untreated and co-mingled with household waste which ends up in landfills and open dumps in many African countries. In Ghana, the management of this potentially hazardous waste stream at household and community level has not been widely reported. The objective of this study was to investigate household disposal practices and harm resulting from SMW generated in households and the community. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 600 households was undertaken in Ga South Municipal Assembly in Accra, Ghana from mid-April to June, 2014. Factors investigated included socio-demographic characteristics, medication related practices, the belief that one is at risk of diseases associated with SMW, SMW disposal practices and reported harm associated with SMW at home and in the community. Results: Eighty percent and 89% of respondents discarded unwanted medicines and sharps in household refuse bins respectively. A corresponding 23% and 35% of respondents discarded these items without a container. Harm from SMW in the household and in the community was reported by 5% and 3% of respondents respectively. Persons who believed they were at risk of diseases associated with SMW were nearly three times more likely to report harm in the household (OR 2.75, 95%CI 1.15-6.54). Conclusion: The belief that one can be harmed by diseases associated with SMW influenced reporting rates in the study area. Disposal practices suggest the presence of unwanted medicines and sharps in the household waste stream conferring on it hazardous properties. Given the low rates of harm reported, elimination of preventable harm might justify community intervention. © 2017 The Author(s).
A Study of Solid Medical Waste at the Community Level: Generation and Collection in Households, among Traditional Birth Attendants and Chemical Shop Vendors, and Impacts on Health
(University of Ghana, 2016-03) Udofia, E.A.; Fobil, J.N.; Gulis, G.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health
Background: Solid waste generated from activities involving health protection, medical diagnosis and treatment, known as solid medical waste (SMW), is increasing in households due to home based care, treatment of chronic diseases, shortened lengths of hospital stay, and home management of illnesses such as malaria. The hazardous properties of SMW require specific management to minimize potential harm to human health and the environment, which is often undertaken in healthcare facilities. However, little is known about the characteristics and management of SMW from non-traditional settings in the community. Objective: To investigate the management of solid medical waste in a district in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, focusing on households, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and chemical shop vendors (CSVs). Methods: A descriptive, exploratory, mixed methods study, comprising a 3-staged study design was conducted in Ga South Municipal Assembly. The first stage explored collection, disposal, and harm from SMW in 600 households using questionnaires followed by interviews with private waste contractors and focus group discussions (FGDs) with adult members of households. In the second stage, household solid waste (HSW) was collected in dry and wet seasons from 60 households and manually segregated to obtain the SMW components. These were weighed and percentage composition calculated. The third stage explored stakeholder perspectives regarding segregation of SMW at source as a management option, using FGDs. Seasonal differences and relationships with SMW generation were evaluated, while qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Household production and per capita generation of SMW were 7.26 x 10-3kg/household/day and 1.77 x 10-3kg/person/day respectively. Medicinal waste and sharp waste comprised 98% and 2% of SMW respectively. Daily per capita generation of SMW was significantly higher in the wet season than in the dry season (z = 3.129, p = 0.002). Harm due to SMW was reported by 4.8% of households and mostly involved sharps. Barriers to segregation of SMW at source included lack of community education, storage facilities and logistics, time consumption and cost. Conclusion: Although the quantity of SMW in HSW is low, its composition, largely of medicinal waste, and a smaller proportion of sharps conferred on it some hazardous properties. Community education and logistic support for segregation at source might improve SMW management in the community.
Undiagnosed uterus didelphys with unicavitary twin gestation in a district hospital in Ghana: a case repor
(Pan African Medical Journal, 2023) Effah, K.; Manu, L.S.; Udofia, E.A.; Esse, N.O.
Uterus didelphys is a congenital anomaly of the female reproductive tract which arises from the abnormal fusion of the Mullerian ducts. We present, the first case to the best of our knowledge, of uterus didelphys with a unicavitary twin gestation to be documented in Ghana, a low middle income country. A 24-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 0+2 miscarriages, was seen and admitted to our maternity ward due to elevated blood pressure with ++ proteinuria at 36 weeks of gestation. She attended an antenatal clinic regularly during the pregnancy but was mainly seen by midwives. Apart from multiple pregnancy, two 2D ultrasound examinations (one at 25 weeks gestation and another during admission) did not reveal any uterine malformations. At 37 weeks+2 days, she underwent emergency cesarean section on account of pre-eclampsia and a twin pregnancy with the leading twin in breech presentation. After delivering both babies and the placenta, the uterus was exteriorized and inspected, during which a non-gravid bulky left uterus was first found. Each uterus had a normal ovary and fallopian tube on its lateral end. Further postoperative examination revealed a normal-looking vulva, two vaginas, and two cervices. Both babies weighed 1.9 kg, each below the fifth percentile of weight for age. The elevated blood settled postoperatively and the postoperative period was uneventful. The patient and twins were found in a stable condition on review two weeks after delivery and the twins were healthy at 5 years. Despite being a rare presentation, we wish to create awareness among health workers in rural and low-resource settings of such cases and highlight the need to improve prenatal diagnostic capabilities, as this is key to determining the mode of delivery and achieving favorable maternal and fetal outcomes.
Unravelling the Perspectives of Day and Night Traders in Selected Markets within a Sub-Saharan African City with a Malaria Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey
(MDPI, 2021) Tetteh-Quarcoo, P.B.; Dayie, N.T.K.D.; Adutwum-Ofosu, K.K.; Ahenkorah, J.; Afutu, E.; Amponsah, S.K.; Abdul-Rahman, M.; Kretchy, J.; Ocloo, J.Y.; Nii-Trebi, N.I.; Yalley, A.K.; Hagan, O.C.K.; Niriwa, B.P.; Aghasili, C.C.; Kotey, F.C.N.; Donkor, E.S.; Ayeh-Kumi, P.F.; Udofia, E.A.
Background: Malaria is still endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with a high disease burden. Misconceptions about malaria contribute to poor attitudes and practices, further increasing the burden in endemic countries. Studies have examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of malaria among different populations. However, there seems to be no available literature reporting on the perspectives of day and night market traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on malaria KAP with a focus on day and night market traders. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving day and night market traders in 10 selected markets within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was carried out. Data were collected from consenting respondents using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 760 respondents (33.3% (n = 253) night and 66.7% (n = 507) day traders) interviewed, there was no significant difference between the day and night market traders in terms of malaria KAP. Although the market traders had an overall moderate knowledge (54.0% of the day traders and 56.5% of the night traders), misconceptions about malaria (especially that it could be caused by exposure to the sun) still existed among the traders. Moreover, the majority of the traders who demonstrated high knowledge (43.98%, n = 250) did not always take laboratory tests to confirm their suspicion, indicating poor attitude. Furthermore, the market traders’ choice of drug for malaria treatment (p = 0.001) and preferred malaria treatment type (orthodox or herbal) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with their knowledge level. Conclusions: Despite the observation that no significant difference in KAP exists between day and night market traders, appropriate health education programs and interventions still need to be directed at misconceptions, poor attitudes, and poor practices revealed by this study. This will ultimately help in the prevention and control of malaria in Ghana, and globally.
Use of reusable menstrual management materials and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Ghana: analysis of the 2017/18 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
(BMC, 2022) Anaba, E.A.; Udofia, E.A.; Manu, A.; Daniels, A.A.; Aryeetey, R.
Background: The use of unsafe materials to collect menstrual blood predisposes women and girls to infections. There is a paucity of literature on the utilization of reusable menstrual materials in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined factors associated with the use of reusable menstrual management materials among women of reproductive age in Ghana. Findings from this study can inform menstrual health programmes and reproductive health policy to address menstrual hygiene and specific areas of emphasis. Methods: We analysed secondary data from the 2017/18 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. Descriptive statistics were employed to compute frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square and complex sample Binomial Logistic Regression was conducted to identify factors associated with the use of reusable menstrual materials. Results: Half (52%) of the respondents were below 30 years old; mean (± sd) = 30.7(9.0). Thirteen percent used reusable materials to collect menstrual blood during their last period. Women aged 45–49 years (AOR = 5.34; 95% CI 3.47–8.19) were 5 times more likely to manage menstruation with reusable materials compared with those aged 15–19 years (p < 0.05). Women classified in the middle wealth quintile (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.50–0.88) were 34% less likely to use reusable materials to collect menstrual blood compared with women in the poorest wealth quintile (p < 0.05). Also, women who were exposed to television (AOR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.61–0.99) had less odds of using reusable materials compared with women who were not exposed to television (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the use of reusable menstrual materials was influenced by socio-demographic factors, economic factors and exposure to mass media. Therefore, policies and programmes aimed at promoting menstrual health should focus on less privileged women. The mass media presents an opportunity for communicating menstrual hygiene.