Theses

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A long essay or dissertation or thesis involving personal research, written by postgraduates of University of Ghana for a university degree.

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    Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana
    (Journal of Obesity and Overweight, 2015) Ndanu, T.A.; Aryeetey, R.; Sackeyfio, J.; et al.
    Background: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species are major bacteria associated with dental caries. In the presence of fermentable sugars and poor oral hygiene, these bacteria increase the risk of caries. Some studies have associated obesity with dental caries while others did not. High-sugar snacks are risks for both obesity and dental caries. Citation: Ndanu TA, Aryeetey R, Sackeyfio J, Otoo G, Lartey A, et al. (2015) Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non-Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana. J Obes Overweig 1(1): 101. doi: 10.15744/2455-7633.1.101 Objectives: This study aimed at determining Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species infection and its relationship with dental caries among obese and non-obese children. Methods: Oral plaque was taken from 75 obese and non-obese children from private schools in Accra, Ghana. The plaque was pre-enriched in thioglycollate broth for 48 hours at 37 °C. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species were recovered after sub-culturing the broths onto Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB) and Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) selective plates, respectively, and incubation at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions. Bacteria isolates on the selective plates were identified using Gram morphology and catalase activity. Results: Streptococcus mutans was isolated in 51 (33.6%) of all 150 children. The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans was significantly higher in the obese children 31 (41.3%) than the non-obese 20 (26.0%), p=0.033. Recovery of Lactobacillus species was low 2 (1.3%). Caries prevalence was similar in the obese 14.9% and non-obese 15.1%. There was no significant association between Streptococcus mutans infection and the dental caries. Overall Silness and LÖe Plaque Index of 1.1 ± 0.5 indicate good oral hygiene status for the children. Conclusion: Obese school children had higher oral Streptococcus mutans infections than non-obese children but this was not significantly associated with dental caries prevalence.
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    Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana
    (Journal of Obesity and Overweight, 2015) Ndanu, T.A.; Aryeetey, R.; Sackeyfio, J.; et al.
    Background: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species are major bacteria associated with dental caries. In the presence of fermentable sugars and poor oral hygiene, these bacteria increase the risk of caries. Some studies have associated obesity with dental caries while others did not. High-sugar snacks are risks for both obesity and dental caries. Citation: Ndanu TA, Aryeetey R, Sackeyfio J, Otoo G, Lartey A, et al. (2015) Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non-Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana. J Obes Overweig 1(1): 101 Objectives: This study aimed at determining Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species infection and its relationship with dental caries among obese and non-obese children. Methods: Oral plaque was taken from 75 obese and non-obese children from private schools in Accra, Ghana. The plaque was pre-enriched in thioglycollate broth for 48 hours at 37 °C. Streptococcus mutants and Lactobacillus species were recovered after sub-culturing the broths onto Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB) and Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) selective plates, respectively, and incubation at 37 °C under anaerobic conditional morphology and catalase activity identified bacteriuria isolates on the selective privity. Results: Streptococcus mutans was isolated in 51 (33.6%) of all 150 children. The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans was significantly higher in the obese children 31 (41.3%) than the non-obese 20 (26.0%), p=0.033. Recovery of Lactobacillus species was low 2 (1.3%). Caries prevalence was similar in the obese 14.9% and non-obese 15.1%. There was no significant association between Streptococcus mutans infection and the dental caries. Overall Silness and LÖe Plaque Index of 1.1 ± 0.5 indicate good oral hygiene status for the children. Conclusion: Obese school children had higher oral Streptococcus mutans infections than non-obese children but this was not significantly associated with dental caries prevalence.
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    Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection And Its Association With Cervical Dysplasia Among HIV Positive Women Attending Art Clinic, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra
    (University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Amelor, D.K.
    Globally, about 35 million people are living with HIV of which 16 million are women aged 15 years and above, 80% of whom live in the Sub-Saharan African region These women living with HIV (WLHIV), especially those having low CD4 T-cell counts are more likely to be infected with human papillomaviruses (HPV), which are the major cause of cervical cancer and it’s precursor lesions. But less is known about the prevalence of HPV infection and the specific types involved in this particular population of women in Ghana. A cross-sectional study was carried out to establish the distribution of genital HPV genotypes among an unscreened population of WLHIV attending a special HIV outpatient clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital (KBTH) Accra, Ghana. Cervical swabs were available for 538 eligible women. A nested multiplex PCR (NMPCR) assay was conducted for the detection and typing of HPV genotypes 6/11, 16,18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. Cervical smears were also prepared and examined independently for cytologic abnormalities by two cytologists and confirmed by a pathologist. HPV DNA was detected in 52.0% of all cervical swabs tested, the prevalence of LR (Low Risk) HPV was 10.2% (95% CI: 11.3 – 17.6). while that of HR (High Risk) HPV was 29.7% (95% CI: 27.4 – 35.7). The commonest HR types were, HPV-35 (14.1%), HPV-18 (13.0%;), HPV-58 (7.4%;), HPV-52 (7.2%;), HPV-45 (4.8%;) and HPV 42, a low-risk type, was also common (7.8%;). The frequency of HPV 16 was 2.4%. Cytologicaly, 2.8% had ASCUS, 3.9% LGSIL and 2.8% HGSIL, None of the women was found to have atypical glandular cells or adenocarcinoma. There is a high burden of HPV in women living with HIV attending clinic at the KBTH. I recommend that screening for cervical dysplasia should be done for WLHIV routinely as part of their comprehensive care.
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    Common Perinatal Mental Health Problems: Correlates, Birth Outcomes and Quality of Life among Women in Accra
    (University of Ghana, 2017) Adomako, B.
    Mental health problems are a key determinant of maternal and child mortality and morbidity, but are not currently recognized in existing initiatives to promote perinatal mental health, resulting in poor health outcomes for women, their children, families and the society as a whole. The main aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between perinatal mental health problems, birth outcomes and quality of life among women in Accra. A three phased iterative sequential mixed methods design was utilized for this research. The setting of this research was the Accra Metropolitan Area. Study One (1), was a phenomenological study with findings indicating, that pregnancy was considered a mix bag of joys and distress. Again, pregnancy was experienced on various levels; through the lens of mother, within family, and within the health system. Furthermore, there was low awareness of perinatal mental disorders. Finally, various coping mechanisms such as faith and engagement in productive activity were employed to deal with the perinatal mental health problems experienced. The results from Study One, fed into Study Two, which was a two-wave prospective panel study, consisting of one hundred and twenty-two (122) purposively sampled women, who were within the perinatal period. Standardized instruments were administered at two time points (during pregnancy and after birth). Results of Study Two indicated that; there was a negative significant relationship between depressive symptomatology and quality of life during pregnancy and after birth with Social Support moderating these relationships. Intimate partner relationship however did not have any moderating effect on those same relationships. Also, there were no lagged effects between CMD‘s during pregnancy and quality of life after birth. A third study (Study Three) was conducted as a follow up to Study Two, in order to explore the contextual factors that might underlie some of its findings. It emerged from this study that participants ‘conceptions of childbirth were shaped by their cultural context. In addition, explanatory models accounting for CMD symptomatology were based on multilevel experiences, with a sense of self efficacy and beliefs in spirituality being used as coping mechanisms. It also emerged from Study Three, that constructions of intimate partner relationship reflected the male hegemony in Ghanaian cultural settings. A further exploration into perinatal mental health care services in Accra showed an unmet need as well as the essence of a culturally competent perinatal mental health service within Accra. The implications of the findings for clinical practice and policy, as well as the limitations and recommendations from this research are addressed.
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    Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviour of Police Prosecutors at the Criminal Investigation Department, Headquarters, Accra.
    (University of Ghana, 2005) Adu, K.K.
    This study investigated the information needs and information seeking behaviour of Police Prosecutors at The Greater Accra Region. This study sought to identify the sources of information for Police Prosecutors, the effect of age, education and experience on information seeking behaviour and perception, police prosecutors hold about the Library. The study also investigated the barriers to information seeking by Police Prosecutors and the extent to which Police Prosecutors rely on the Library for their information needs as well as the limitation of the Library in providing adequate information to Police Prosecutors. Questionnaires were distributed to 50 Prosecutors. Thirty-five (35) usable responses received. The responses have been presented and analyzed. Results gathered from the analyses indicate that a great number of Prosecutors are much aware of the pivotal role of the library. They are of the view that the Library should be expended, resourced with the current books and staff of Police Service be trained in Library skills to enhance effective information provision. The Police Service in general is bedeviled with many constraints to information. Among them are suspects of crime unwillingness to share information, lack of funding for the library, and the changing nature of the law relating to crime. Among the recommendation made to enhance the Prosecutor's ability to combat crime and to keep abreast of the law are the holding of regular Meeting and Seminars and Six months' training on Criminal Code
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    Youth Volunteerism in Accra: Motivations, Benefits, and Constraints
    (University of Ghana, 2019-07) Klu, E.
    Volunteerism has been touted globally as one of the tools for involving the youth in development processes especially in the wake of dwindling public expenditure on public services and public sector employment. Despite the global support and advocacy, volunteerism has received less attention among scholars and policymakers in Ghana. This study seeks to contribute in this regard by exploring; factors that motivate young people to volunteer, benefits they seek to derive volunteering as well as constraints that influence or prohibit participation in volunteer work. The study adopted a mixed-method approach using surveys and interviews. 351 young people were recruited constituting; 228 volunteers and 103 non-volunteers through surveys and 20 participants; 13 volunteers, 4 non-volunteers and 3 key informants. The findings show that young people saw volunteer work as an opportunity to ‘while away time’ while waiting for a permanent job. Other motivation factors included altruism, the desire to create change, contribution to development, acquisition of new skills, building career portfolios. For benefits, volunteers recounted factors such as personal development, social capital acquisition, and psychological gains including overcoming fear and low esteem as well as ease of boredom. Constraints are said to either inhibit volunteering or influence the volunteering experience and satisfaction. Three forms of constraints emerged from the study. These include Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Structural. Interpersonal and structural constraints were reported by both volunteers and non-volunteers while intrapersonal constraints were peculiar to only non-volunteers. It is concluded that young people in Ghana volunteer for a myriad of reasons tied to their interest and expectation. Volunteers attribute benefits to their volunteering endeavors when their expectations are met. The cost of volunteering and inadequate information on volunteer work are major constraints to be summonted in efforts to encourage volunteering culture in Ghana.