Browsing by Author "Vanotoo, L."
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Insights into the Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria in Ghana: the role of caregivers and licensed chemical sellers in four regions(2016-05-10) Adjei, A.A.; Winch, P.; Laar, A.; Sullivan, D.J.; Sakyi, K.S.; Stephens, J.K.; Adjei, G.O.; Boateng, I.A.; Aubyn, V.N.A.; Kubio, C.; Tuakli, J.; Vanotoo, L.; Bortei, B.B.; Amo-Addae, M.; Sorvor, F.; Coleman, N.; Dalglish, S.; Owusu, R.; Gebreyesus, T.; Essuman, E.; Greene, R.; Ankomah, E.; Houston, K.; Bart-Plange, C.; Salamat, S.; Addison, E.A.; Quakyi, I.A.Abstract Background The Affordable Medicine Facility-malaria (AMFm) was an innovative global financing mechanism for the provision of quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) across both the private and public health sectors in eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the effectiveness of AMFm subsidies in increasing access to ACT in Ghana and documented malaria management practices at the household and community levels during the implementation of the AMFm. Methods This study, conducted in four regions in Ghana between January, 2011 to December, 2012, employed cross-sectional mixed-methods design that included qualitative and quantitative elements, specifically household surveys, focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews. Results The study indicated high ACT availability, adequate provider knowledge and reasonably low quality-assured ACT use in the study areas, all of which are a reflection of a high market share of ACT in these hard-to-reach areas of the country. Adequate recognition of childhood malaria symptoms by licensed chemical seller (LCS) attendants was observed. A preference by caregivers for LCS over health facilities for seeking treatment solutions to childhood malaria was found. Conclusions Artemisinin-based combination therapy with the AMFm logo was accessible and affordable for most people seeking treatment from health facilities and LCS shops in rural areas. Caregivers and LCS were seen to play key roles in the health of the community especially with children under 5 years of age.Item Modeling clinical and non‑clinical determinants of intrapartum stillbirths in singletons in six public hospitals in theGreater Accra Region ofGhana: a case–control study(Scientifc Reports, 2023) Vanotoo, L.; Dwomoh, D.; Laar, A.; Kotoh, A.M.; Adanu, R.The Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana records 2000 stillbirths annually and 40% of them occur intrapartum. An understanding of the contributing factors will facilitate the development of preventive strategies to reduce the huge numbers of intrapartum stillbirths. This study identified determinants of intrapartum stillbirths in GAR. A retrospective 1:2 unmatched case–control study was conducted in six public hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to quantify the effect of exposures on intrapartum stillbirth. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and the Brier scores were used to screen potential risk factors and assess the predictive performance of the regression models. The following maternal factors increased the odds of intrapartum stillbirths: pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) [adjusted Odds Ratio; aOR= 3.72, 95% CI:1.71–8.10, p < 0.001]; antepartum haemorrhage (APH) [aOR= 3.28, 95% CI: 1.33–8.10, p < 0.05] and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) [aOR= 3.36, 95% CI: 1.20–9.40, p < 0.05]. Improved management of PIH, APH, PROM, and preterm delivery will reduce intrapartum stillbirth. Hospitals should improve on the quality of monitoring women during labor. Auditing of intrapartum stillbirths should be mandatory for all hospitals and Ghana Health Service should include fetal autopsy in stillbirth auditing to identify other causes of fetal deaths. Interventions to reduce intrapartum stillbirth must combine maternal, fetal and service delivery factors to make them effective.Item Secondary analysis of snake bite data in the Western Region of Ghana: 2006-2010(Ghana Medical Journal, 2016-06) Mensah, E.K.; Karikari, K.; Aikins, M.; Vanotoo, L.; Sackey, S.; Ohuabunwo, C.; Wurapa, F.; Sifah, T.K.; Afari, E.Background: A snake bite is an injury caused by a bite from a snake, often resulting in puncture wounds, amputations and sometimes envenomation. Envenoming resulting from snake bite is a particularly important public health problem in rural areas of tropical and sub-tropical countries in Africa. This paper reports the incidence of snake bites and its associated mortality in the Western Region of Ghana. Method: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional review of 2006 - 2010 snake bite secondary data generated by the Western Regional Health Information Office in Ghana. Data was extracted from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) database. Data was managed and analyzed using SPSS Version 16.0. Univariate analyses were expressed as percentages and graphs. Results: The year 2009 recorded the highest incidence of Snake bites in the Western Region with Juabeso district recording the highest incidence of snake bites over the study period. Over the period about 55% of the incidence was between 50 – 100 per 100,000 population. The total number of snake bites recorded in the region for the period was 7,275, of which 52% (3,776) were males. About 60% of the patients were of the age group 15-49 years. A total of 12 reported snake bite deaths were recorded, of which 67% were men. This study recommends to the Districts Health Directorates in the Western Region to regularly organize community education on snake bite and the use of protective clothing by the farmers.