Browsing by Subject "Accra"
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Item Accessing Healthcare in Ghana: Challenges Of and Strategies Adopted By Persons with Physical Disability in the Accra Metropolis(University of Ghana, 2018-07) Abrokwah, R.Access to quality and timely healthcare is essential to the health and well-being of all individuals with no exception to persons with physical disability. However, people in developing countries tend to have less access to healthcare than those in developed countries, with Ghana not being an exception. The issue of inadequate healthcare services at health facilities and the absence of disability friendly environment have made it difficult for persons with physical disability to access healthcare. However, there is very little information on access to healthcare for persons with physical disability in Ghana. This study explored access to healthcare for persons with physical disability in the Accra Metropolis. The study sought to ascertain the barriers persons with physical disability face in accessing healthcare in the Accra Metropolis, identify strategies persons with physical disability in the Accra Metropolis employed when they were ill and find out participants’ suggestions for improving healthcare services provided by health professionals in the Accra Metropolis. The study adopted a qualitative research design with twenty-one participants purposively sampled from the Ghana Blind Union, Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled and the Ghana National Association for the Deaf. The study found that persons with physical disability in the Accra Metropolis encountered barriers including physical, financial, attitudinal, communication, transportation and inadequate knowledge of health professionals on disability issues in accessing healthcare. The findings also revealed that persons with physical disability resorted to strategies such as hospital care, pharmacy visit, self-medication and exercising faith when they were ill. From the findings, participants suggested that availability of University of disability desks and sighted guides at health facilities would help improve healthcare provided by health professionals in the Accra Metropolis. The study concludes that, there is the need to address the issues associated with healthcare for persons with physical disability in order to improve on their overall well-being.Item Accra(Cities, 2003) Grant, R.; Yankson, P.Accra, the capital and major economic city in Ghana, is undergoing a major restructuring of much of its infrastructure and, more important, its physical form and appearance. Much of Accra's growth parallels the introduction of liberalization policies since 1983. During this time the economic foci of the urban economy have been shifting away from the old colonial city to a more diffuse spatial organization. Uneven economic and residential development is associated with these trends. Accra is developing independently of any spatial urban planning. Present-day Accra is characterized by fragmented economic and residential geographies that if left unchecked will undermine sustainable urban development. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Acute Appendicitis in Accra(Ghana Medical Journal, 1967-09) Badoe, E.A.Item Adaptation to Urban Floods Among the Poor in the Accra Metropolitan Area(University of Ghana, 2014-12) Abeka, E.A.; Asante, F.A.; Codjoe, S.N.; Laube, W.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic ResearchUrbanisation and climate change are likely to induce more floods in African cities. Nonetheless, studies on public and private adaptation to floods that centre on the urban poor in Africa are scanty. Studies in this area largely reflect the structuralist conception of adaptation. This study departs from this top-down approach as it explores household and public adaptation to urban floods among the poor in Accra from an actor-oriented perspective. Specifically, the study objectives are to: a) analyse the causes of flooding in poor urban communities in Accra from various actor perspectives; b) understand the actions and challenges of actors involved in flood adaptation; and c) determine the correlates of household flood risk and private proactive adaptation choices among the poor in Accra. The study applied both exploratory and cross-sectional designs. Data collection methods under the exploratory design were literature review, in-depth interviews with key informants and focus group discussions in three communities, namely, Glefe, Mpoase and Agbogbloshie. A mini workshop for stakeholders in flood adaptation in Accra was organised to brainstorm on challenges within the network of actors. The study employed Kendall‟s Co-efficient of Concordance, network maps and content analyses of in-depth interviews as well as focus group discussions to achieve the first and second objectives. The cross-sectional aspect of the study involved structured interviews with 330 households selected through multi-stage sampling and using logistic and ordered probability regressions to analyse the results of the household survey to achieve objective three. The study found out that the level agreement on the perceived causes of flooding among actors involved flood adaptation in Accra was rather low. The differences in opinion were influenced by externalisation of blame and responsibility among actors as well as different actor interests. The challenges to public adaptation to urban floods in Accra are legal pluralism, strict adherence to organisational goals among formal institutions involved in flood adaptation and poor integration of local knowledge into formal flood abatement systems. There is also mistrust between local communities and the metropolitan level actors. At the household level, the predictors of flood adaptation choices were tenancy status, home elevation, type of wall material, perceptions about future occurrence of floods, perceived adaptation cost, perceived adaptation efficacy and availability of bonding social capital. The study also found out that taking precautionary measures ahead of floods and living in sandcrete houses away from water bodies and at high elevations reduced household susceptibility to property damage or loss from urban floods. The study recommends streamlining power relations among institutions involved in flood adaptation and integrating informal actors into the formal flood adaptation structures at the metropolitan level. Awareness creation programmes should focus on zoning regulations, future occurrence of floods and construction materials/methods in flood zones. Finally, in-situ community upgrading, flood zone planning and enforcement of zoning regulations is also recommended to minimise exposure to flood risk in the study communities.Item Adherence To Antihypertensive Medications Among Patients Attending Ridge Hospital(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Twumasi-Ankrah, B.Introduction Accurate medication adherence and self-efficacy to properly adhere to treatment is essential for every hypertensive patient. Poor adherence to hypertensive treatment regime is the most important single reason for disease complications such as cardiovascular and renal failures. Method The study was a cross-sectional study involving 350 hypertensive patients attending Ridge Hospital. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, health and facility related tool was used to obtain information from respondents. Data obtained were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Associations were then tested using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results About 50% of the hypertensive patients attending Ridge Hospital had low adherence rates. Patient related factors (p=0.001), and health facility related factors (p=0.001), adversely influenced patients’ ability to adhere to hypertensive medications. Medication adherence was also associated with some demographic features such as age (p=0.001), sex (p=0.001), educational level (p=0.001), employment type (p=0.001), and income level (p=0.001), Conclusion This study has shown that hypertensive patients attending Ridge Hospital have low adherence rates. Patient and health related factors adversely affected patients’ ability to adhere to hypertensive medication. Intensifying health education across users and providers may improve adherence rates among this population.Item Akra Songs for Children in the Schools of the Akra and Adangme Country. (Second Edition)(L. Reinhardt, Printer, Basel., 1891) Zimmermann, J.Item Analysis of Improper Disposal of Solid Wastes in a Low-Income Area of Accra, Ghana(Redfame Publishing Inc., 2015-02) Anaman, K.A; Nyadzi, W.BWe examined the causes of poor sanitary condition in Gbawe, a low-income suburb of Accra, the capital city of Ghana in the current era of one of the worst epidemics of cholera in Accra which has been linked to improper disposal of wastes. This survey-based study identified improved and unimproved methods for disposal of household solid wastes. The likelihood of a person using an improved method of disposing solid wastes increased with increasing household income but it decreased with increasing number of household members. A conclusion arising from the study is the need for local government authorities to abolish the fees and charges imposed on users of public waste collection centres in order to encourage proper disposal of solid wastes. Indirect methods of financing local authorities such as increased levels of property taxes need to be explored to finance the development and maintenance of adequate numbers of public waste collection centres to encourage proper disposal of solid wastes by householders and the general public.Item Anemia Prvalence And Associated Factors Among School Age Children In Accra And Kumasi Metropolis In Ghana(ajfand, 2022) Egbi, G.; Larbi, I.A.; Nti, H.; Marquis, G.S.; Lartey, A.; Aryeetey, R.Anemia remains a serious public health concern, globally, affecting learning ability and physical development of children. Anemic children are at a higher risk of diminished economic productivity and low earning capacity in adulthood due to impaired school performance and reduced work capacity. Anemia contributes to about a quarter of Africa’s nutrition-related Disability Adjusted Life Years. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated risk factors among school-aged children (SAC) between ages 9 and 15 years in urban Ghana. The analysis included a randomly selected subsample of 1,634 children from a larger study on nutrition of SAC enrolled between 2009 and 2012 in private and public basic schools in the Accra and Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. Socio-demographic and household characteristics were collected with questionnaires. Weight and height were taken to the nearest 0.1kg and 0.1cm, respectively. Dietary information was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistic version 23. The relationship between hemoglobin levels and socio-demographic variables, and predictors of hemoglobin levels were determined using Chi-square and binary logistic regression. The mean hemoglobin concentration of the study participants was 12.9±1.3 g/dL. In Kumasi, SAC had higher mean hemoglobin concentration (13.1±1.2 g/dL) compared to those from Accra (12.6±1.3 g/dL; p=0.001). Mean hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher among males than females (13.0±1.4 g/dL vs 12.8±1.2 g/dL; p=0.002). Prevalence of anemia was 20.4%; mild anemia was most common (13.6% of total sample). Anemia cases were higher in public schools (24.6%) compared to private (18.2%). Two-thirds of anemia cases (64.0%) were from schools in Accra. Males had significantly higher prevalence of anemia (26.5%) than females (15.9%; p <0.05). In the adjusted logistic regression model, only city of residence (OR+1.65, 95% CI: 1.44–1.83), thinness (OR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.11-5.75), stunting (OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.99-3.10) and overweight (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-0.94) were significantly associated with anemia. In this study, anemia was significantly associated with location and nutritional status.Item Antibiotic Residues And Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Contaminating Raw Meat Sold In Accra, Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-07) Baah, D.A.Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered by the World Health Organization as one of the greatest threats to health and economies in recent times. Multidrug resistance limits treatment options and has serious implications for human and animal health. Efforts to combat AMR should be based on the One Health approach and involve human health, animal health, and the environment. In Ghana, previous studies on AMR have given little attention to animal source food, which is a major route of transmission of antibiotic-resistant zoonotic pathogens. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of antibiotic residues and multidrug-resistant bacteria in meat sold in Accra. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 270 meat samples were collected. The presence of antibiotic residues in the meat samples was detected using microbiological inhibition assays. Standard microbiological methods were employed in cultural isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens present in the meat samples. Bacteria isolated from the samples were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (using the Kirby-Bauer method) against the following antimicrobials: amikacin (30 μg), ampicillin (10 μg), amoxicillinclavulanate (20/10 μg), cefuroxime (30 μg), ceftriaxone (30 μg), ceftazidime (30 μg), cefepime (30 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (1.25/23.75 μg), ertapenem (10 μg), meropenem (10 μg), imipenem (10 μg), tigecycline (15 μg), and gentamicin (10 μg). Results: The prevalence of antibiotic residues among the meat samples was 7.7% [beef (0.0%), goat meat (0.0%), and chicken (23.3%, n = 21)]. Furthermore, thirty-two (32) different types of bacterial agents, totaling 588, were isolated from the samples. The predominant ones were Escherichia coli [262; Beef = 30.5%, n = 80; Goat meat = 30.5%, n = 80; Chicken = 38.9%, n = 102], Aeromonas hydrophila [117; Beef = 35.9%, n = 42; Goat meat = 53.0%, n = 62; Chicken = 11.1%, n = 13], Vibrio cholerae [20; Beef = 50.0%, n = 10; Goat meat = 50.0%, n = 10; Chicken = 0.0%, n = 0], Aeromonas veronii [19; Beef = 63.1%, n = 12; Goat meat = 36.8%, n = 7; Chicken = 0.0%, n = 0], and Klebsiella pneumoniae [18; Beef = 22.2%, n = 4; Goat meat = 16.7%, n = 3; Chicken = 61.1%, n = 11]. The prevalence of MDR among the contaminating bacteria was 14.9% (n = 83), and the distribution was beef (3.8%, n = 21), goat meat = (5.0%, n = 28), and chicken (6.1%, n = 34). Also, the MDR distribution among the predominant bacteria was E. coli (Overall = 18.7%, n = 49; Beef = 5.7%, n = 15; Goat meat = 5.7%, n = 15; Chicken = 7.3%, n = 19), A. hydrophila (Overall = 11.1%, n =13; Beef = 2.3%, n = 3; Goat meat = 7.7%, n = 9; Chicken = 0.9%, n = 1), V. cholerae and A. veronii (0.0% each), and K. pneumoniae (Overall = 5.6%, n = 1; Beef = 0.0%, n = 0; Goat meat = 0.0%, n = 0; Chicken = 5.6%, n = 1). Moreover, 2.0% (n = 11) of the contaminating bacteria were ESBL producers, all of which occurred in 11 of the chicken samples, and their distribution was: E. coli (1.3%, n = 7), K. pneumoniae, Pantoea spp., E. cloacae, and Serratia plymuthica (0.2% each, n = 1). Conclusion: The prevalence of antibiotic residues in the meat samples was low, and the occurrence was restricted to chicken. The major bacterial contaminants were E. coli, A. hydrophila, V. cholerae, A. veronii, and K. pneumoniae. The prevalence of multidrug resistance was moderate, while that of ESBL producers was low.Item Antimicrobial Resistance and Genetic Diversity of Staphylococcus Aureus from Surgical Site Infections at Two Hospitals in Accra(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Bentum, J.N.Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections affecting surgical patients. Such infections are often caused by methicillin-susceptible as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is resistant to the entire class of beta-lactam antimicrobials; which are largely used in clinical medicine. Patients infected with MRSAs therefore have limited therapeutic options, and this may lead to prolonged periods of hospitalisation and high heath care cost. In Ghana, information on SSI as well as the occurrence and prevalence of MRSA and MSSA from such infections are scarce. Data on bacteria species recovered from SSI is key for effective surveillance and selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. This study therefore, investigated the proportions of MRSA and MSSA using phenotypic and molecular detection tools among patients diagnosed of surgical site infections in two hospitals. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns and molecular characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus detected in patients with surgical site infections at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and 37-Military Hospital in Accra. Method This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from June to November 2018 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and 37-Military Hospital in Accra. Surgical patients diagnosed of SSI were recruited using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) case definition for surgical site infection. Patient demographic data (age, sex, type of operation etc.) and wound swabs or aspirates were collected after receiving an informed consent. S. aureus was identified using colonial morphology, coagulase testing and the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method; measured zone sizes were interpreted according the CLSI guidelines. Multiplex PCR was performed to detect mecA (methicillin-resistant gene), spa (S. aureus specific gene) and pvl (Panton Valentine Leukocidin toxin gene) in the S. aureus isolates. Libraries for illumina sequencing were prepared using the Nextera DNA Flex Library preparation kit. Whole genome sequencing was done with the MiSeq Illumina sequencer at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). Genomes were assembled using an in-house pipeline; assembled sequences were then uploaded to the centre for genomic epidemiology website (http://www.genomicepidemiology.org/) to determine the spa types, sequence types and virulence gene content of the S. aureus isolates. Results A total of 110 patients were recruited into the study, 34 (12.5%) were male and 76 (69.1%) were female. Patients between the ages of 25-44 years were highest in the number among the patients enrolled. Overall, 13 S. aureus isolates (11.8%; 13/110) were recovered and all were resistant to penicillin and susceptible to gentamicin and vancomycin. Cefoxitin resistance (4/13; 30.77%) was detected only in isolates from 37-Military Hospital. On the other hand, tetracycline (46.15%; 6/13) and norfloxacin (15.38%; 2/13) resistance was recorded at both hospitals. Sensitivity of isolates to linezolid (84.62%; 11/13), clindamycin (76.92%; 10/13), rifampicin (92.31%; 12/13), co-trimoxazole (92.31%; 12/13) and erythromycin (53.85%; 7/13) was very high. The four (30.76; 4/13) isolates resistant to cefoxitin (MRSA) and were also positive for mecA by PCR. The predominant S. aureus genotype found in the study was ST152-t355. The four MRSAs detected belonged to ST152-t355 and ST5-t586 clone. Eight (61.53%; 8/13) isolates were positive for the Panton Valentine Leukocidin toxin. Twelve other virulence genes were detected with haemolysin A and B (hlgA and hlgB) being the most prevalent. Conclusion S. aureus isolates recovered were genetically diverse. The detection of ST152 MRSA among surgical patients is particularly of interest; this global clone has also been reported in Central Europe, the Balkan, Switzerland and Denmark as a community acquired MRSA. Continuous surveillance may be required to monitor the spread of these pandemic clones in the hospital setting.Item Antimicrobial Resistance and Genetic Diversity of Staphylococcus Aureus from Surgical Site Infections at Two Hospitals in Accra.(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Bentum, J.N.Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections affecting surgical patients. Such infections are often caused by methicillin-susceptible as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is resistant to the entire class of beta-lactam antimicrobials; which are largely used in clinical medicine. Patients infected with MRSAs therefore have limited therapeutic options, and this may lead to prolonged periods of hospitalisation and high heath care cost. In Ghana, information on SSI as well as the occurrence and prevalence of MRSA and MSSA from such infections are scarce. Data on bacteria species recovered from SSI is key for effective surveillance and selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. This study therefore, investigated the proportions of MRSA and MSSA using phenotypic and molecular detection tools among patients diagnosed of surgical site infections in two hospitals. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns and molecular characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus detected in patients with surgical site infections at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and 37-Military Hospital in Accra. Method This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from June to November 2018 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and 37-Military Hospital in Accra. Surgical patients diagnosed of SSI were recruited using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) case definition for surgical site infection. Patient demographic data (age, sex, type of operation etc.) and wound swabs or aspirates were collected after receiving an informed consent. S. aureus was identified using colonial morphology, coagulase testing and the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method; measured zone sizes were interpreted according the CLSI guidelines. Multiplex PCR was performed to detect mecA (methicillin-resistant gene), spa (S. aureus specific gene) and pvl (Panton Valentine Leukocidin toxin gene) in the S. aureus isolates. Libraries for illumina sequencing were prepared using the Nextera DNA Flex Library preparation kit. Whole genome sequencing was done with the MiSeq Illumina sequencer at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). Genomes were assembled using an in-house pipeline; assembled sequences were then uploaded to the centre for genomic epidemiology website (http://www.genomicepidemiology.org/) to determine the spa types, sequence types and virulence gene content of the S. aureus isolates. Results A total of 110 patients were recruited into the study, 34 (12.5%) were male and 76 (69.1%) were female. Patients between the ages of 25-44 years were highest in the number among the patients enrolled. Overall, 13 S. aureus isolates (11.8%; 13/110) were recovered and all were resistant to penicillin and susceptible to gentamicin and vancomycin. Cefoxitin resistance (4/13; 30.77%) was detected only in isolates from 37-Military Hospital. On the other hand, tetracycline (46.15%; 6/13) and norfloxacin (15.38%; 2/13) resistance was recorded at both hospitals. Sensitivity of isolates to linezolid (84.62%; 11/13), clindamycin (76.92%; 10/13), rifampicin (92.31%; 12/13), co-trimoxazole (92.31%; 12/13) and erythromycin (53.85%; 7/13) was very high. The four (30.76; 4/13) isolates resistant to cefoxitin (MRSA) and were also positive for mecA by PCR. The predominant S. aureus genotype found in the study was ST152-t355. The four MRSAs detected belonged to ST152-t355 and ST5-t586 clone. Eight (61.53%; 8/13) isolates were positive for the Panton Valentine Leukocidin toxin. Twelve other virulence genes were detected with haemolysin A and B (hlgA and hlgB) being the most prevalent. Conclusion S. aureus isolates recovered were genetically diverse. The detection of ST152 MRSA among surgical patients is particularly of interest; this global clone has also been reported in Central Europe, the Balkan, Switzerland and Denmark as a community acquired MRSA. Continuous surveillance may be required to monitor the spread of these pandemic clones in the hospital setting.Item Assessing residential satisfaction among low income households in multi-habited dwellings in selected low income communities in Accra(SAGE JOURNALS, 2015) Addo, A.IMulti-habitation is the predominant housing strategy adopted by low income households to address their housing needs in urban areas in Ghana. The recent housing policy draft in Ghana recommends multi-habitation as an urban low income housing strategy. However, a couple of researches indicate that households living in multi-habited houses are faced with a myriad of challenges. One such challenge is conflict over inadequate shared facilities. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, this paper examines multi-habited households’ residential satisfaction with a holistic approach where the characteristics of the dwelling unit, the social networks and neighbourhood facilities are all considered in accessing household satisfaction. Five low income communities in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area were studied. The research found out that the dwelling characteristics have a negative influence on the residential satisfaction of the respondents. Households derived the most satisfaction from community support but were moderately satisfied with their neighbourhood characteristics. The significance of this finding on multi-habited housing development and planning in Ghana reflects in the design, location and maintenance of such dwellings.Item Assessing The Level Of Knowledge And Barriers To Low Vision Services In Selected Eye Health Facilities In Accra, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Buxton, E.N.A.Introduction: Low vision services and devices assist rehabilitation of low vision patients, however, these facilities are not fully utilized in Ghana. These services and devices prevents visually impaired people from total blindness. Studies have indicated that, inadequate knowledge and other barriers such as inability to afford and accessibility lead to non-utilization of the services, which in turn will lead to total blindness in the low vision patients. Objective: The objective of the study is to access the level of knowledge and barriers to the use of low vision services among eye health workers and low vision patients in selected eye health facilities in Accra, Ghana. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study, and employed 43 low vision patients and 65 eye health workers purposively. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to the study participants. The data collected from respondents was entered into MS EXCEL for organization, and analyzed using STATA version 14. Results: The study found high level of knowledge among eye health workers, although only about half the patients with low vision were been referred. Identified barriers such as lack of motivation in the area of low vision and lack of training as well as lack of standard referral pathways are some of the barriers to the non-utilization of low vision services by eye health worker. Among the low vision patients, about half the population sampled had some knowledge on the LVS, however affordability was the major barrier identified for patients. Conclusion: Although there was adequate knowledge on LVS, it was observed that identified barrier were some of the reasons to the non-utilization of the LVS. Hence the need for recommendations such as education on low vision services, training of eye health workers and the formulation of policies on low vision services.Item Assessment of coastal communities’ vulnerability to floods using indicator-based approach: a case study of Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana(Springer, 2017-11) Yankson, P.W.K.; Owusu, A.B.; Owusu, G.; Boakye-Danquah, J.; Tetteh, J.D.Coastal towns along the coast of Africa are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts such as flooding and sea level rise. Yet, because coastal conditions in many parts of the region are poorly understood, knowledge on which population groups are at the most risk is less known, particularly in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) of Ghana, where the capital city Accra is located. Without adequate information about the risk levels and why, the implementation of locally appropriate adaptation plans may be less effective. This study enriches our understanding of the levels of flood risks along the coast of GAMA and contributes knowledge to improve understanding of place-specific adaptation plans. The study uses data from a 300-household survey, stakeholder meetings, and interviews with local community leaders to construct an integrated vulnerability index. The index includes seven components made up of: dwelling type; house and house environment; household socioeconomic characteristics; experience and perception of flood risk; household and community flood adaptation strategies; house location, and physical characteristics. Our findings show that exposure to floods, particularly from local flash floods is relatively high in all communities. However, significant differences in sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the communities were observed due to differences in location, socioeconomic characteristics, and perception of risks to flooding and sea level rise. The complexity of factors involved in the determination of local-level vulnerability requires that the implementation of adaptation strategies needs to involve cross-sectorial partnerships, involving local communities, in building a comprehensive multi-risk adaptation strategy.Item An assessment of household’s perception of private security companies and crime in urban Ghana.(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2016-12) Owusu, G.; Owusu, A.Y.; Oteng-Ababio, M.; Wrigley-Asante, C.; Agyapong, I.Amidst the growing incidence of urban crime in Ghana is the proliferation of private security companies (PSCs). As of December 2014, Ghana’s Ministry of Interior, responsible for the registration and regulation of PSCs, reported that there were as many as 176 licensed companies in ‘good standing’ (that is, companies which have renewed their operating licenses) in the country. In broad terms, the proliferation of PSCs reflects a global trend and represents a logical extension of economic liberalization and privatization efforts of the Ghanaian state. The broad proposition in the security literature is that as the state cuts back on public services such as policing and security, the popular doctrine of resilience shifts the burden of security to society and consequently justifying the use of private security organizations. While PSCs have proliferated in recent decades, little studies have been done regarding their conform‑ ity with the existing policy, institutional and legal framework that set them up and the public perceptions about their activities and crime prevention in Ghanaian cities. More importantly, the extent to which PSCs have impacted on crime incidence and the public’s perceptions on their operations and accessibility remain to be explored. Based on key informant interviews as well as a survey of 2745 households undertaken in key Ghanaian cities (Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Tamale), this study seeks to bridge these knowledge gaps by critically examining households’ perceptions of PSCs and crime in large Ghanaian metropolitan cities. Quite contrary to the dominant propositions in the literature, the household survey identifies job creation/business as the single most important driver for the prolif‑ eration of PSCs.Item Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Of Sanitation And Health Of Market Users At The Agbogbloshie Market In Accra, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Hotor, S.M.Background: Globally, one major feature of markets is the generation of all manner of waste – animal waste, waste from food products sold, human waste, among others. To prevent negative occurrences as diseases and food poisoning, sanitation at markets must be adequately addressed. Objectives: The study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of sanitation and health of market users at the Agbogbloshie market in Accra, Ghana. It explored three objectives as follows: assessing market users’ knowledge of sanitation and health; examining attitudes of market users toward sanitation and health; and investigating the sanitation and health practices of market users. Methods: The research employed the descriptive survey method with questionnaire administration and face to face interviews as the data collection tools using the mixed methods approach. The qualitative study employed the purposive sampling technique to select 5 participants for the in-depth interviews. The quantitative research employed the simple random sampling technique in selecting a sample size of 410 respondents making a total of 415 participants. Findings: The quantitative findings indicated that, market users at Agbogbloshie market displayed moderate levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sanitation and health with no significant relationships between knowledge, attitudes and practices. The qualitative findings also depicted poor sanitation management, apathy toward clean-up campaigns and indiscriminate defecation practices by market sellers. Conclusions: The study contradicted previous ones which claimed that market users had high levels of knowledge regarding sanitation and health, poor attitudes and good practices. This study therefore recommended that the Accra Metropolitan Authority collaborates with stakeholders to educate the market users on sanitation and health and provide decent places of convenience.Item An Assessment of Migration Process, Livelihood, Challenges and Coping Strategies of Migrant Traffic Entrepreneurs in the Ga-East District, Accra(university of Ghana, 2018-07) Ocloo, C.E.Rural poverty and regional difference in social and infrastructural development has resulted in the high rate of rural-urban migration. This has brought about the rapid urbanization which results unmet demand for jobs and other opportunities. Many are now engaged in traffic entrepreneur business as a source of livelihood for their dependants and families both at the destination and origin. In pursuance of their source of livelihood which is selling on the street, traffic entrepreneurs are faced with the resistance from the Ga-East Municipal Assembly city authorities who view their activities as illegal and a distortion to urban aesthetics. Traffic entrepreneurs in the quest to make a living, sometimes ignore rules and regulations that govern the use of urban space. This results in traffic entrepreneurs using unapproved public space for their activities. Municipal authorities and taskforce are forced to use means like demolition, decongestion and fining of offender to regulate their activities. This study therefore sought to explore the challenges migrant traffic entrepreneurs encounter and some coping strategies they have adopted in the Ga-East District. Specifically , the study tries to explore the socio-demographic characteristics of the migrants traffic entrepreneurs ; the factors that influence them to migrate to Accra; to examine the relationship between traffic entrepreneurs and city Authorities; to find out the challenges the face on daily basis; to find out and the coping and adaptation strategies they have developed to overcome these challenges and to examine the effect of migration on their livelihoods and those of their families at both the destination and origin. The mixed method approach which involves using both the qualitative and quantitative method was used in this study to gather data from 100 traffic entrepreneurs who have migrated to Accra for the survey questionnaires, in-depth interview of 6 informants and 6 key informants from the Ga-East Municipal Assembly. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents for the interview. The study revealed that traffic entrepreneurs are often evicted from doing business in unapproved open public space by the Task force of the Ga-East Municipal Assembly .Traffic entrepreneurs have also adopted strategies to avoid the hurdles of constant eviction from the pavement and open public places by the Municipal taskforce. Some recommendations have been made at the end of the survey to regularize the activities of traffic entrepreneurs effectively and how the city officials can have a better relation with them.Item Assessment of Nutritional Status and Associated Factors in Children Under-Five Years at Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital in Accra, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2019-10) Addy, A.A.B.Introduction: Malnutrition remains the main public health problem in most less developed countries. Children are mostly exposed to malnutrition because they are still developing. Sufficient nutrition, during childhood, will ensure correct organ development, adequate growth, neurological and cognitive development, as well as an improved immune system. If the nutritional needs of a child are not met in the early years, it has an enduring effect on the child. Objective: The main aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and associated factors in children under five years attending the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital, in Accra. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study involving children under-five years paired with their parents or guardian was carried out at the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital, in Accra. A simple random sampling (SRS) technique was used to randomly select parents or guardians of the children under-five years. Questionnaires were administered to these parents or guardians and data on factors associated with under nutrition in children below five years were collected. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were the two statistical tools used in determining the relationship between the outcome variable and various independent variables. Results: The prevalence of underweight was 26.9%, stunting 34.5% and wasting 19.3% among the study participants. The age of the child, vaccination status, mother’s age at birth of child, educational level of the mother were all found to have a positive relationship with under nutrition. Time period of start of breastfeeding, breastfeeding exclusively and bottle feeding were also found to have a positive relationship with stunting, wasting and underweight of these infants. Poor sanitation and an unprotected source of drinking water also contributed to under nutrition. Conclusion: Most of the factors found to have a relationship with under nutrition among these infants are factors that can be prevented. As such measures need to be put in place to curb them so as to reduce the high prevalence of under nutrition.Item Assessment Of Pregnant Women’s Awareness And Knowledge Of Mercury Toxicity In Smoked Fish On Pregnancy Outcomes In Greater Accra Region(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Tour, F.V.Background: Fish is recognised as a rich source of quality protein and other essential nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids needed for good health. However, it may be contaminated with mercury above tolerable limits which may pose health risks to consumers especially pregnant women and the developing foetus. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge level of pregnant women on mercury toxicity in fish on pregnancy outcomes and determine the concentration of mercury and proximate composition of smoked fish. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 384 pregnant women attending Adabraka Clinic, Madina Polyclinic and Tema General Hospital. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information on participant’s demographic characteristics, identify widely and frequently consumed fish and knowledge of mercury toxicity from fish consumption on pregnancy outcomes. Focus group discussion was organised among fish sellers to identify the most dominant and widely purchased fish. The most widely consumed smoked fish species, apataa (tilapia zilli), brolovi (chrysichthys nigrodigitatus), salmon (scomber japonicas), herrings (katsuwono pelamis), tuna (Sardinella maderensis), saflo (caranx crysos), Oheneba (bagrus bayad) and red fish (entex angolensis) as reported by the pregnant women were bought from Madina, Tema and Adabraka markets and transported in polyethene bags to the laboratory for proximate analysis and determination of mercury concentration. Results: Most (68.8%) of the participants consumed fish 5-7 meals/week. Though, more than half (57.3%) of the pregnant women who took part in this study were aware of mercury contamination of fish the majority (65.5%) of them had poor knowledge of its toxicity on pregnancy outcomes. All the analysed smoked fish species had high levels of protein, fat, fibre and ash content. The mercury concentrations of the analysed smoked fish samples were all within the recommended (0.2 μg/g wwt) allowable safe limit intake for pregnant women except apataa (0.327±0.006 μg/g) from Madina and Brolovi from Tema (0.214±0.023 μg/g) and Adabraka (0.347±0.03 μg/g). All the fish species had lower target hazard quotients (THQ) values less than 1 (THQ < 1) except apataa (1.42) and brolovi (1.50) from Madina and Adabraka markets respectively. Conclusion: Majority of the pregnant women consumed fish 5-7 meals/week and the most frequently consumed fish was herring. More than half of the pregnant women were aware of mercury contamination in fish but majority had poor knowledge of its toxicity on pregnancy outcomes. Mercury concentration and THQ were high in apataa from Madina and Brolovi from Tema and Adabraka. The high THQ in these fishes may pose health risk to pregnant women. There is the need to educate the general public especially pregnant women on mercury contamination of fish and its possible health risk on pregnancy outcomes.Item An Assessment of Residents’ Housing Satisfaction and Coping in Accra, Ghana(Springer, 2011) Baiden, P.; Arku, G.; Luginaah, I.; Asiedu, A.B.Aim: The present paper is an original research that explores housing satisfaction and residents’ ability to cope with day-to-day demands, taking into account other dimensions of housing and socio-demographic factors. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional survey (n=562) was randomly administered to residents in three neighbour-hoods (Labone, Asylum Down and Nima) in Accra, Ghana. The association between the outcome variables and housing attributes were analysed using logistic regression. Results: The findings indicate that housing satisfaction was significantly predicted by age, with older people more likely to be dissatisfied with their housing arrangement. Respondents were dissatisfied with housing arrangements if they lived in Nima [odds ratio (OR) =2.75, p<.001], Asylum Down (OR=1.72, p<.01), crowded households (OR=1.158, p<.05) or in compound houses (OR=2.50, p<.001). In the context of housing attribute variables, respondent’s ability to cope with day-to-day demands was significantly associated to their income level. Odour annoyance as an indicator of housing condition emerged as a strong predictor of respondent’s inability to cope with daily demands with OR ranging from 1.68 to 2.33. Those who were dissatisfied with the location of their home as a place to live also reported poor coping abilities (OR=1.86, p<.01). Discussion and conclusions: From the findings, government policy on housing should encourage the construction of more affordable housing units to ease the crowding situation in Accra. There is also a need for the Accra City Council to provide clearer guidelines for both tenants and landlords in response to increasing tenancy disputes in context.