Browsing by Author "Yirenya-Tawiah, D."
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Item Awareness on waste segregation at source and willingness to pay for collection service in selected markets in Ga West Municipality, Accra, Ghana(Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2019-03) Agbefe, L.E.; Lawson, E.T.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.Proper solid waste management has become a critical environmental issue for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana. Despite the efforts of authorities to remediate the issue, it remains a great hurdle to overcome. This study assesses the readiness of the Ga West municipality to integrate waste segregation into solid waste management in its markets. Interviews conducted with key stakeholders and questionnaires administered to traders were analysed using a binomial logistic model. Findings from the interviews reveal that the municipality, in the period of this study, not only had no bylaws for waste segregation, but was also inadequately resourced. In addition, we found that 60% of the traders were willing to segregate waste, though only 23.4% were willing to pay for its collection. Income, work experience, and marital status were found to influence willingness to separate waste at source (P < 0.05). Age (20–30 years) and awareness were found to also have a significant influence on a trader’s willingness to pay for the collection of waste (P < 0.05). It is recommended that, for waste segregation to be implemented in markets, municipal authorities ought to formulate bylaws that promote waste segregation from source. Additionally, they must provide the required infrastructure, such as different waste skips for different types of waste; embark on massive education; and introduce innovative strategies such as paying less for the disposal of segregated waste. These measures can help to increase the willingness of market traders to pay for waste disposal.Item Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae prevalence among women of reproductive age living in urogenital schistosomiasis endemic area in Ghana(BMC Research Notes, 2014-06) Yirenya-Tawiah, D.; Annang, T.N.; Apea-Kubi, K.A.; Lomo, G.; Mensah, D.; Akyeh, L.; Bosompem, K.M.Background: Many studies have shown an overlap in the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urogenital schistosomiasis among young women living in schistosomiasis endemic areas. Yet we found no study assessing the prevalence of STI infections in urogenital schistosomiasis endemic areas in Ghana. As part of an epidemiological study on urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV, we sought to assess the prevalence of both Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorhoeae (NG) infections among women living in schistosomiasis endemic communities and explore the relationship between the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and self-reported symptoms. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study in which endocervical samples were collected from 191 women aged 15-49 years from October 2005 to March 2006. Samples were examined for CT and NG using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A structured questionnaire was also used to elicit information on study participant's gynaecological and obstetric history and symptoms for genital infection. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to assess association between CT and NG and other variables such as age, sexual behaviour and self-reported symptoms. Results: The overall prevalence of CT and NG were 6.3% and 2.6% respectively.The highest prevalence rates of CT were in the 15 to 19 year group while only individuals between 15 and 39 years were positive for NG. There was no association between CT and age, contraceptive use and the other variables assessed. NG on the other hand was found to be associated with age, number of births and number of sexual partners only by chi-square test. Conclusions: Our research revealed higher prevalence of CT and NG infections when compared to previous studies conducted among higher risk groups in non-urogenital schistosomiasis areas in Ghana. We therefore recommend further studies of these STIs in urogenital schistosomiasis endemic areas in the country. © 2014 Yirenya-Tawiah et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Item Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae prevalence among women of reproductive age living in urogenital schistosomiasis endemic area in Ghana(2014-06-09) Yirenya-Tawiah, D.; Annang, T.N.; Apea-Kubi, K.A.; Lomo, G.; Mensah, D.; Akyeh, L.; Bosompem, K.M.Abstract Background Many studies have shown an overlap in the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urogenital schistosomiasis among young women living in schistosomiasis endemic areas. Yet we found no study assessing the prevalence of STI infections in urogenital schistosomiasis endemic areas in Ghana. As part of an epidemiological study on urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV, we sought to assess the prevalence of both Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorhoeae (NG) infections among women living in schistosomiasis endemic communities and explore the relationship between the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and self-reported symptoms. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which endocervical samples were collected from 191 women aged 15–49 years from October 2005 to March 2006. Samples were examined for CT and NG using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A structured questionnaire was also used to elicit information on study participant’s gynaecological and obstetric history and symptoms for genital infection. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to assess association between CT and NG and other variables such as age, sexual behaviour and self-reported symptoms. Results The overall prevalence of CT and NG were 6.3% and 2.6% respectively.The highest prevalence rates of CT were in the 15 to 19 year group while only individuals between 15 and 39 years were positive for NG. There was no association between CT and age, contraceptive use and the other variables assessed. NG on the other hand was found to be associated with age, number of births and number of sexual partners only by chi-square test. Conclusions Our research revealed higher prevalence of CT and NG infections when compared to previous studies conducted among higher risk groups in non-urogenital schistosomiasis areas in Ghana. We therefore recommend further studies of these STIs in urogenital schistosomiasis endemic areas in the country.Item Environmental Assessment of the Kassena-Nankana Irrigation Scheme Vis a Vis Microbial Contamination of Tomatoes Produced From Irrigated Farms in the Kassena-Nankana East Municipality2014(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Abdulai, A.K.A.; Yeboah-Manu, D.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Institute for Environment and Sanitation StudiesThis aim of the study was to conduct an environmental assessment of three irrigation systems in the Kassena-Nankanna East Municipality and determine microbiological quality of tomato crops grown on farms irrigated from study schemes and water used for irrigation. A structured questionnaire and direct observation was used to gather background information from a total of 120 farmers from the study area in order to identify environmental conditions that may be contributing to the contamination of the irrigation water source and tomatoes. A total of 192 samples (96 samples each of water and tomatoes) from the three study sites were collected. Standard methods (Hach Company) were used for the determination of physico-chemical parameters of water samples. The bacteria load/burden (heterotrophic bacteria and coliform count) were determined by the pour plate method whiles identification of specific pathogens was done using biochemical assay. The study showed that organic fertilizer (poultry manure and cow dung) and pesticides are used by farmers for the cultivation of tomatoes in the study area. High illiteracy rate, lack of training in irrigation, open defecation among the inhabitants, free range system of animal husbandry and poor agronomic practices in the study area were factors for contamination of the irrigation water and tomatoes in the study area. The measured values of pH for canal water samples ranged from 6.70 - 7.9, while that of the Dam and river water samples ranged from 6.50 - 7.0 and 6.5 - 7.3 respectively. Temperature of the water samples ranges from 26.50C – 290C for canal, 26.70C - 27.90C and 27.130C - 27.7 0C for river water. The mean nitrate levels in the dam water sources were highest with a mean value of (23.35mg/l) and a ranged from 21mg/l - 24.9mg/l. The mean value of nitrate levels in the river water source was 11.77 mg/l with a range of 9.4mg/l-14.3mg/l. Canal water had the least mean nitrate level of 1.62mg/l and a range of 1.10mg/l - 2.8mg/l. The mean fecal coliform count in water samples from Yigwania (River) was highest (1.28 x 107cfu/100ml) followed by water samples from Doba (dam) 6.14 x 106cfu/100ml whilst samples from canal were having the least mean faecal coliform levels (3.3 x 105cfu/100ml). The mean faecal coliform count (cfu/100ml) in irrigation water sampled from the study area was higher than the world health organization (WHO, 2006) recommended level (1 x 103 cfu/100 ml) for unrestricted irrigation of crops. The highest mean fecal coliform count in external tomatoes parts was in samples from Yigwania (4.48 x 105cfu/g) followed by samples from Doba (3.535 x 105cfu/g). Samples from Bonia (canal irrigation) had the least mean fecal coliform count (2.91 x 103cfu/g). Tomatoes samples from the study area were faecally contaminated with mean faecal coliform levels exceeding the international commission on microbiological specifications for foods (ICSMF, 1974) recommended level of 103 fecal coliform per gram fresh weight. The dominant bacterial species isolated from the water and tomato samples were Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Xantomnas maltophilia, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Contaminated irrigation water and insanitary practices in and around irrigation schemes in the Kassena-Nankana East is a major source of microbial contamination of tomatoes with pathogenic bacteria. Public health authorities and other regulatory agencies should intensify their efforts in educating farmers on proper agronomic and sanitation practices as well as monitoring the conditions of sanitation and hygiene round these farms.Item Heavy Metal Contamination of Soils around a Hospital Waste Incinerator Bottom Ash Dumps Site(Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2016-03-14) Adama, M.; Esena, R.; Fosu-Mensah, B.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.Waste incineration is the main waste management strategy used in treating hospital waste in many developing countries. However, the release of dioxins, POPs, and heavy metals in fly and bottom ash poses environmental and public health concerns. To determine heavy metal (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ag) in levels in incinerator bottom ash and soils 100m around the incinerator bottom ash dump site, ash samples and surrounding soil samples were collected at 20m, 40m, 60m, 80m, 100m, and 1,200m from incinerator.These were analyzed using the absorption spectrophotometer method. The geoaccumulation (��geo) and pollution load indices (PLI) were used to assess the level of heavy metal contamination of surrounding soils.The study revealed high concentrations in mg/kg for, Zn (16417.69), Pb (143.80), Cr (99.30), and Cd (7.54) in bottom ash and these were above allowable limits for disposal in landfill. The study also found soils within 60m radius of the incinerator to be polluted with the metals. It is recommended that health care waste managers be educated on the implication of improper management of incinerator bottom ash and regulators monitor hospital waste incinerator sites.Item Isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria from the environment of ghanian communities where buruli ulcer is endemic(American Society for Microbiology, 2016) Aboagye, S.Y.; Danso, E.; Ampah, K.A.; Nakobu, Z.; Asare, P.; Otchere, I.D.; Röltgen, K.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.; Yeboah-Manu, D.This study aimed to isolate nontuberculous mycobacterial species from environmental samples obtained from some selected communities in Ghana. To optimize decontamination, spiked environmental samples were used to evaluate four decontamination solutions and supplemented media, after which the best decontamination solution and media were used for the actual analysis. The isolates obtained were identified on the basis of specific genetic sequences, including heat shock protein 65, IS2404, IS2606, rpoB, and the ketoreductase gene, as needed. Among the methods evaluated, decontamination with 1MNaOH followed by 5% oxalic acid gave the highest rate of recovery of mycobacteria (50.0%) and the lowest rate of contamination (15.6%). The cultivation medium that supported the highest rate of recovery of mycobacteria was polymyxin B-amphotericin B-nalidixic acidtrimethoprim- azlocillin-supplemented medium (34.4%), followed by isoniazid-supplemented medium (28.1%). Among the 139 samples cultivated in the main analysis, 58 (41.7%) yielded mycobacterial growth, 70 (50.4%) had no growth, and 11 (7.9%) had all inoculated tubes contaminated. A total of 25 different mycobacterial species were identified. Fifteen species (60%) were slowly growing (e.g., Mycobacterium ulcerans, Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium mantenii, and Mycobacterium malmoense), and 10 (40%) were rapidly growing (e.g., Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium fortuitum, and Mycobacterium abscessus). The occurrence of mycobacterial species in the various environmental samples analyzed was as follows: soil, 16 species (43.2%); vegetation, 14 species (38.0%); water, 3 species (8.0%); moss, 2 species (5.4%); snail, 1 species (2.7%); fungi, 1 species (2.7%). This study is the first to report on the isolation of M. ulcerans and other medically relevant nontuberculous mycobacteria from different environmental sources in Ghana. © 2016, American Society for Microbiology.Item Latrines and Household Well Water Quality in Wa(University of Ghana, 2013-06) Braimah, J.A.; Gordon, C.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.In many developing countries of the world, the utilization of ground water is very common due to factors such as water scarcity and its relative good quality. On the other hand, basic sanitation is a challenge in many developing countries with most rural and peri-urban communities relying on on-site sanitation systems which are often poorly managed. This study, conducted in Wa the Upper West region of Ghana, aimed at assessing the influence of on-site sanitation systems on hand dug well water quality. Samples were randomly collected from thirty wells and tested using standard methods for physico-chemical and microbiological indicators of water quality. Questionnaires were administered to assess the general knowledge and perception of respondents on the quality of the water they used for domestic purposes. Also, observation was made on the general conditions of wells from which samples were collected and available sanitation structures. It was found from the study that, all the parameters assessed were within the WHO recommended limits except bacteria (of faecal origin) and turbidity. Significant variations in conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature and turbidity were observed between the dry and the rainy seasons. All the water samples were found to be positive for bacteria. The study also revealed majority that of respondents were content with their well water quality. Educational campaigns need to be undertaken to create awareness about the quality of well waters, human activities that adversely impact on the quality of well waters. Wells should be located at a minimum distance of 50 meters from a pit latrine in order to reduce contamination. The government through the Municipal Assembly should make available disinfectants to enable residents disinfect their waters.Item Perceptions and knowledge about prostate cancer and attitudes towards prostate cancer screening among male teachers in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana(African Journal of Urology, 2017-09) Yeboah-Asiamah, B.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.; Baafi, D.; Ackumey, M.M.Introduction Poor perceptions and attitudes about prostate cancer screening are some reasons for late reporting for PC screening and treatment. Understanding perceptions of PC and how it translates to screening and treatment is important for physicians and public health practitioners as this information clarifies existing knowledge and provides valuable information for the design of public health programmes to reduce the disease burden of PC. Objective This study examined perceptions and knowledge about PC and attitudes towards screening among male teachers in the Sunyani Municipality. Subjects and methods This is a cross-sectional study involving 160 teachers aged 45–60 years randomly sampled from primary, junior and senior high schools in the municipality. A structured questionnaire on background characteristics of respondents, perceptions about PC and attitudes towards early screening was used to elicit responses. Preliminary analysis summarised data on socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, perceptions and attitudes about PC screening. The Pearson's chi square (χ2) and Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression analysis were later used to examine the association between socio-demographic variables, knowledge, perceptions and attitudes about PC screening. Results The mean age of respondents was 49.52 (SD = ±3.95). PC was not considered to be transmitted sexually (58.8%) and caused by radiations from mobile phones, (40.6%). Majority of respondents agreed that PC screening is beneficial (95.0%) and disagreed with the assertion that going through PC screening is embarrassing (72%) and painful (49.3%), although the majority had never been screened (90%). There was no association between demographic variables and perceptions about PC. However, knowledge about PC was found to be significantly associated with perceptions about PC (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between knowledge of PC (p < 0.0001) and attitudes towards PC screening. Conclusion Considering the public health significance of PC, public health programmes should go beyond awareness creation to organise educational campaigns for all socio-economic groups. These programmes should provide clarity on healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer, the health benefits of early screening, detection and treatment, screening and treatment options and the peculiarities of each to inform health-seeking choices. © 2017Item Reduced Bacterial Counts from a Sewage Treatment Plant but Increased Counts and Antibiotic Resistance in the Recipient Stream in Accra, Ghana—A Cross-Sectional Study(MDPI, 2021) Adomako, L.A.B.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.; Nukpezah, D.; Abrahamya, A.; Labi, A.; Grigoryan, R.; Ahmed, H.; Owusu-Danquah, J.; Annang, T.Y.; Banu, R.A.; Osei-Atweneboana, M.Y.; Timire, C.; Tweya, H.; Ackon, S.E.D.; Nartey, E.; Zachariah, R.Wastewater treatment plants receive sewage containing high concentrations of bacte ria and antibiotics. We assessed bacterial counts and their antibiotic resistance patterns in water from (a) influents and effluents of the Legon sewage treatment plant (STP) in Accra, Ghana and (b) upstream, outfall, and downstream in the recipient Onyasia stream. We conducted a cross sectional study of quality-controlled water testing (January–June 2018). In STP effluents, mean bacterial counts (colony-forming units/100 mL) had reduced E. coli (99.9% reduction; 102,266,667 to 710), A. hydrophila (98.8%; 376,333 to 9603), and P. aeruginosa (99.5%; 5,666,667 to 1550). Antibiotic resistance was significantly reduced for tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime and increased for gentamicin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and imipenem. The highest levels were for amoxicillin/clavulanate (50–97%) and aztreonam (33%). Bacterial counts increased by 98.8% downstream compared to the sewage outfall and were predominated by E. coli, implying intense fecal contamination from other sources. There was a progressive increase in antibiotic resistance from upstream, to outfall, to downstream. The highest resistance was for amoxicillin/clavulanate (80–83%), cefuroxime (47–73%), aztreonam (53%), and ciprofloxacin (40%). The STP is efficient in reducing bacterial counts and thus reducing environmental contamination. The recipient stream is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria listed as critically important for human use, which needs addressing.Item A survey of female genital schistosomiasis of the lower reproductive tract in the Volta basin of Ghana.(2011-03) Yirenya-Tawiah, D.; Amoah, C.; Apea-Kubi, K.A.; Dade, M.; Ackumey, M.; Annang, T.; Mensah, D.Y.; Bosompem, K.M.To determine the prevalence of female genital schistosomiasis in riparian communities in the Volta basin of Ghana, The study was a cross-sectional study conducted among women 15-49 years in the Volta Basin. Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence was determined using microscopy. A structured questionnaire was also administered to collect information on the demography, obstetric history and reproductive health experiences. Cervical punch biopsy was collected from women who consented to be screened for FGS. Descriptive statistics was used to determine frequency of occurrence, chi squared and logistic regression to identify associated variables Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence among the women was 24.8% while 10.6% of them diagnosed with FGS. More FGS diagnosed women (57.7%, p value =0.04%) were observed to report copious discharge, vaginal itch (80.8%, p=0.042) and lower abdominal pain (66.7%, p= 0.041) compared to FGS negative women. The predominant abnormal observation of the lower genital tract made was erythematous cervix (18.8%). The study confirms the reproductive health symptoms associated with FGS and recommends awareness creation on FGS among women in endemic communities to facilitate early treatment.