Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry

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    The impact of COVID-19 social restrictions on culture and psychosocial well-being: The Ghanaian experience
    (Mental Health Effects of COVID-19, 2021) Dai-Kosi, A.D.; Acquaye, V.A.; Pereko, K.K.A.; et al.
    In December 2019 what began as local transmission of a novel coronavirus disease in the Wuhan Province of China escalated into a global pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first reported case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ghana was recorded on 12th March 2020 when two persons tested positive for the virus (MoH, 2020). As of 16th July 2020, the disease had spread exponentially to a new global record of 13,378, 853 cases with 580,045 deaths. In Ghana, as of the same 16th July 2020, 26,125 persons were infected while 139 had lost their lives (WHO, 2020). This chapter looks at the concept of COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions especially their influence on the sociocultural life of Ghanaians. It also evaluates the impacts of corona runs on individuals about social support in a highly communal society. In addition, the chapter reviews the health beliefs and health-seeking attitudes of the people of Ghana considering the threat of coronavirus. Finally, it proffers strategies to help bring coronavirus under control while the people go about their daily activities.
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    Physical inactivity among corporate bank workers in Accra, Ghana: Implications for health promotion
    (2023) Nketiah, G.B.; Odoi-Agyarko, K.; Ndanu, T.A.; et al.
    Introduction Any type of activity that results in caloric expenditure has the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases; nonetheless, most people, especially office workers, are physically inactive. This study sought to evaluate the extent of physical inactivity and its determinants among the staff of selected banks in Accra, Ghana. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 219 banking staff randomly selected from five commercial banking institutions in Accra, Ghana. Demographic data was collected with a structured questionnaire. Physical inactivity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Study associations were determined using univariate analysis, and multivari ate logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated. Results Two hundred and nineteen (219) participants were recruited, out of which 56.6% were males and 43.4% were females. The mean age (± SD) of the participants was 40.0±7.9 years. Physical inactivity was observed in 179 (81.7%) participants. The following were independently associated with physical inactivity: travel-related activities (AOR, 0.151; 95% CI, 0.059–0.384; p<0.001); working in the bank for 6–10 years (AOR, 4.617; 95% CI, 1.590–13.405; p = 0.005); and working in the bank for 11 years and above (AOR, 2.816; 95% CI, 1.076–7.368; p = 0.035). Conclusion Physical inactivity was very high among bankers. Travel-related activities reduced physical inactivity whiles working at the bank for more than six years increased physical inactivity. Thus, promoting regular physical activity, frequent monitoring, and implementation of other appropriate healthy lifestyle intervention strategies are vital to reduce risk of early onset disease conditions associated with physical inactivity in this population.
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    Factors associated with acute kidney injury recovery in a tertiary hospital in Ghana: A prospective study
    (Pan African Medical Journal (PAMJ), 2019-07-19) Ndanu, T.A.; Okyere, P.; Okyere, I.; Osafo, C.; Amankwaa, B.
    Introduction: acute kidney injury (AKI) is a challenging problem in developing countries due to late presentation of its victims to health care facilities. Data on the pattern of AKI, its outcome and factors associated with its recovery is scanty in developing countries therefore impeding AKI management. Aim: to study AKI recovery rate and its associated factors. Methods: an observational study conducted from September 2013 to June 2014 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Participants were adults, admitted with AKI at KBTH. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria was used to diagnose and stage AKI. Results: mean age (SD) of the participants was 41.9 (± 19.2) years. About a third of the patients (34.6%) were less than 29 years with 30-39 years and 40-60 years constituting 23.0% and 23.6% respectively. Females were in the majority (56.0%). AKI stages I, II and III accounted for 11.0%, 6.8% and 70.7% respectively. Majority, 82.2% of the patients recovered their kidney function. Stage III AKI was significantly associated with decreasing odds of recovery [OR = 0.4, 95%CI = 0.4-2.6, p = 0.002]. In addition, normal blood sodium was associated with recovery from AKI [OR, 95%CI = 2.3, (1.1-5.3), p = 0.043]. Almost half (45.5%) presented with fever whereas 32.5% and 22.5% presented with peripheral oedema and pulmonary oedema respectively. Conclusion: the study demonstrated high kidney function recovery following AKI. Dominant clinical features were fever, peripheral and pulmonary oedema. Advanced stage was associated with poor recovery whereas normal serum sodium level improves kidney function recovery.
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    Perceptions of Medical Students About Family Medicine in Ghana
    (Ghana medical journal, 2013-12) Essuman, A.; Anthony-Krueger, C.; Ndanu, T.A.
    Objectives: To determine the perceptions of medical students in Ghana about family medicine with regard to knowledge and relevance as well as specialty preferences. Design: A descriptive study. Method: The study was conducted on first clinical year students of the University of Ghana Medical School (first group of students introduced to the specialty of family medicine) in July 2008, using structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Main outcome measures: The respondents’ awareness of family medicine, their views on the relevance of family medicine and their specialty preferences. Results: Level of awareness of the specialty was high among the students (88.0%, [95% CI 80.2-93.6]). Information from friends and relations was the major source of awareness (29.5%, CI 20.2-40.3). Majority of the students perceived that family physicians are capable of providing total health care for 85-95% of their clients (54.4%, CI 44.1-64.5) and also reduce overall cost of health care (79.8%, CI 70.5-87.2). However, only 2.4% (CI 0.4-7.6) were considering postgraduate training in family medicine. The major factor for specialty choice was personal interest (75.6%, CI 65.9- 83.6) and the main reason for not choosing family medicine was inadequate understanding of the specialty (79.3%, CI 69.5-87.0). Conclusion: There is high level of awareness of family medicine among medical students in Ghana however very few students want to choose it as a specialty because of inadequate understanding of the specialty.
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    Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes among HIV/TB-Coinfected Children in the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Network
    (Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2017) Carlucc, J.G.; Blevins Peratikos, M.; Kipp, A.M.; Lindegren, M.L.; Du, Q.T.; Renner, L.; Reubenson, G.; Ssali, J.; Yotebieng, M.; Mandalakas, A.M.; Davies, M.-A.; Ballif, M.; Fenner, L.
    Introduction: Management of tuberculosis (TB) is challenging in HIV/TB-coinfected children. The World Health Organization recommends nucleic acid amplification tests for TB diagnosis, a 4-drug regimen including ethambutol during intensive phase (IP) of treatment, and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 8 weeks of TB diagnosis. We investigated TB treatment outcomes by diagnostic modality, IP regimen, and ART status. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among HIV/TB-coinfected children enrolled at the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS treatment sites from 2012 to 2014. We modeled TB outcome using multivariable logistic regression including diagnostic modality, IP regimen, and ART status. Results: Among the 386 HIV-infected children diagnosed with TB, 20% had microbiologic confirmation of TB, and 20% had unfavorable TB outcomes. During IP, 78% were treated with a 4-drug regimen. Thirty-one percent were receiving ART at the time of TB diagnosis, and 32% were started on ART within 8 weeks of TB diagnosis. Incidence of ART initiation within 8 weeks of TB diagnosis was higher for those with favorable TB outcomes (64%) compared with those with unfavorable outcomes (40%) (P = 0.04). Neither diagnostic modality (odds ratio 1.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.86 to 3.65) nor IP regimen (odds ratio 0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 1.80) was associated with TB outcome. Discussion: In this multinational study of HIV/TB-coinfected children, many were not managed as per World Health Organization guidelines. Children with favorable TB outcomes initiated ART sooner than children with unfavorable outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of early ART for children with HIV/TB coinfection, and reinforce the need for implementation research to improve pediatric TB management. © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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    Perceptions of Medical Students About Family Medicine in Ghana
    (Ghana Medical Journal, 2013-12) Essuman, A.; Anthony-Krueger, C; Ndanu, T. A.
    OBJECTIVES: To determine the perceptions of medical students in Ghana about family medicine with regard to knowledge and relevance as well as specialty preferences. DESIGN: A descriptive study. METHOD: The study was conducted on first clinical year students of the University of Ghana Medical School (first group of students introduced to the specialty of family medicine) in July 2008, using structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The respondents' awareness of family medicine, their views on the relevance of family medicine and their specialty preferences. RESULTS: Level of awareness of the specialty was high among the students (88.0%, [95% CI 80.2-93.6]). Information from friends and relations was the major source of awareness (29.5%, CI 20.2-40.3). Majority of the students perceived that family physicians are capable of providing total health care for 85-95% of their clients (54.4%, CI 44.1-64.5) and also reduce overall cost of health care (79.8%, CI 70.5-87.2). However, only 2.4% (CI 0.4-7.6) were considering postgraduate training in family medicine. The major factor for specialty choice was personal interest (75.6%, CI 65.9-83.6) and the main reason for not choosing family medicine was inadequate understanding of the specialty (79.3%, CI 69.5-87.0). CONCLUSION: There is high level of awareness of family medicine among medical students in Ghana however very few students want to choose it as a specialty because of inadequate understanding of the specialty.
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    Dimensional changes of resin/ionomer restoratives in aqueous and neutral media
    (Dental Materials, 2000-03) Watts, D.C.; Kisumbi, B.K.; Toworfe, G.K.
    Objectives: The aim was to study dimensional time-dependence of resin/ionomer formulations from 5 min age to one month and to separate out the intrinsic setting shrinkage and hygroscopic expansion effects, by using non-aqueous and aqueous storage media, respectively. Methods: Materials studied included: A: resin-, B: metal- and C: polyphosphonate-modified glass-ionomer cements [GICs]; and controls of D: poly-acid modified composite [compomer]; and E: resin-composite. Separate specimen groups (n = 5) were stored in different storage-media: (i) silicone fluid; (ii) de-ionized water. Experiments were repeated at 23 and 37°C. Volumetric changes of specimens (4 mm diameter × 6 mm height) were obtained via accurate mass measurements (to 10-4 g), using Archimedes principle, with silicone or water also used as the Archimedean fluid. These measurements were made periodically over a 30 day period, post fabrication. Results: In silicone at 23°C, all materials underwent further gradual intrinsic shrinkage (after 5 min from mix). This was highly significant (p < 0.05) for the RM-GIC (A). At 37°C, however the RM-GIC expanded, indicating that its cure is temperature-sensitive. In water, at 23 and 37°C, the shrinkage was either partially offset (materials C, D, E), or replaced by appreciable expansions (materials A and B). Differences between RM-GIC (A) and MM-GIC (B) were significant (p < 0.05). Significance: The deployment of dual storage media made an important contribution to the separate analysis of the volumetric changes due to the on-going setting chemistry in these systems and the time-dependent effects of an aqueous environment. © 2000 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
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    Serious complications associated with uvulectomy performed by a 'native doctor'
    (1984) Adekeye, E.O.; Kwamin, F.; Ord, R.A.
    Les thérapeutes traditionnels pratiquent souvent l'ablation de la luette pour diverses raisons: fièvre, angine, dysphagie, nausées, vomissements, douleurs abdominales, insomnies. Etude de 20 cas de complications après cette intervention observés à Kaduna (Nigeria). Les plus fréquentes sont: les hémorragies (13 cas, dont 3 avec choc hypovolémique), la dysphagie (9 cas)
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    Determination of the pH of peri-implant crevicular fluid in successful and failing dental implant sites: A pilot study
    (2005-12-12) Nyako, E.A.; Watson, C.J; Preston, A.J.
    The aims of this pilot study were to assess if a standard technique which is used to determine the pH of dental plaque around natural teeth (the 'touch electrode' technique) could be modified for use to determine the pH of crevicular fluid around dental implants, and to evaluate any possible changes in the peri-implant crevicular fluid pH in successful and failing implants. pH measurements of a sample of subjects' (n = 17) peri-implant crevicular fluid of both successful and failing dental implants present in the same oral cavities were performed using iridium/iridium oxide (Beetrode®) electrodes with 100 μm sensing tips, connected to an Orion 720 A pH meter. The technique appeared to be satisfactory for the purpose intended. The mean pH of the successful implants was 6.80 [STD ± 0.4; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 6.50-7.0], and that for the failing dental implants was 7.20 (STD ± 0.6; 95% CI, 6.90-7.50). The results showed that the technique described could be satisfactorily used to determine the pH of peri-implant crevicular fluid at dental implant sites, and that there was a significant difference between the pH of successful and failing dental implants (P < 0.05). However, the results obtained should be interpreted with caution in view of the small sample size used in this pilot study. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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    Osteomyelitis of the mandible associated with osteopetrosis: Report of a case.
    (1988-08-04) Lawoyin, D.O.; Daramola, J.O.; Ajagbe, H.A.; Nyako, E.A.; Lawoyin, J.O.
    A 45-year-old Nigerian housewife with chronic osteomyelitis associated with osteopetrosis is described and discussed. Haematological and radiographical investigations on routine admission led to the secondary diagnosis of osteopetrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of osteomyelitis of jaws associated with osteopetrosis reported in an African. © 1988.