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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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Item 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.Item 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.Item Towards Industrial Ecology: An Assessment Of Environmental Practices Within The Plastic Industry In Accra, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2021-07) Gyabo, S.O.The purpose of this study is to assess corporate environmental practices being implemented by plastic producing enterprises in Accra, Ghana. The study explores existing environmental practices at the enterprise level, examines the level of compliance with environmental regulations by plastic producing enterprises, examines perception of plastic producing enterprises on the influence of growing activism against plastic pollution from the public on their strategies and the opportunities and challenges of using industrial ecology to achieve sustainable plastic production and consumption in relation to sustainable development goal 12 (responsible production and consumption). The study employed methodological triangulation on data obtained from 18 plastic-producing enterprises within the Accra and Tema Metropolis in Ghana through questionnaire survey and informal interviews. Data was analysed quantitatively and supported with qualitative data. It was revealed that enterprises engage in environmental practices such as recycling, adoption of sustainable technology and environmental management systems (EMS), use of recycled materials, and energy efficiency. Compliance with environmental regulation was found to be high amongst enterprises with 17 of 18 enterprises having met regulatory requirements and therefore certified by the regulatory body (EPA). Further, enterprises did not perceive reduced sales and profits over the last 10 years though raw materials were perceived to have become more expensive due to scarcity of resources from the natural environment. Firms also professed to putting in measures to improve their reputation in the face of the public as a result of public activisms on plastic pollution. Additionally, existing national plastic management policy (NPMP), recycling, sustainability reporting and education and awareness provides opportunity for industrial ecology to be used to achieve sustainable plastic waste management, though some challenges in these areas persist. Ecosystem principles of roundput, was being implemented by majority of enterprises through engagement in recycling and locality principle was being implemented by a few enterprises. Situating the study within the institutional theory, enterprises had normative, regulatory and cognitive reasons for engaging in environmental practices. Whereas based on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), enterprises derived competitive advantage in the form of improved efficiency and reduced cost of production, differentiation benefit and access to international markets, which were achieved through the product stewardship, pollution prevention and sustainable development practices being accomplished by enterprises.Item Raising Children In Urban Slums Of Ghana: Exploring The Experiences Of Young Mothers In Selected Slums Of Accra(University of Ghana, 2021-12) Brempong, P.N.A.Slums serve as home to a billion people, and this figure is expected to rise exponentially as most third-world countries continue to urbanise. In Ghana, about 4.8 million people live in slums and lack basic amenities. Given the unavailability of basic amenities in slum areas, raising children by young mothers in such environments becomes even more challenging as they are mostly considered not to have mastered that task of parenting. This study sought to: (a) explore the childcare practices of young mothers in raising their children in the slums of Ghana’s capital, Accra; (b) find out the challenges young mothers encounter in raising their children in the slums of Ghana’s capital, Accra; and (c) ascertain the coping mechanisms young mothers utilize in raising their children in the slums of Ghana’s capital, Accra. Using a sample size of twenty (20), the participants were purposively selected from two study sites: Old Fadama and African Eleven. A qualitative research design was used for this study, with in-depth interviews being the main data collection method. The data was categorised with the help of NVivo 12 Pro software, while Smith and Osborn’s Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that most of the participants resort to the pharmacy rather than the hospital when their children fall ill because there are no clinics or hospitals within the slums. Furthermore, young mothers exercised control over their children through corporal punishments such as beatings, deprivation of privileges, and confining them indoors whenever they displayed unruly behaviour. Additionally, young mothers in their bid to raise their children encountered some feeding challenges due to financial constraints. Notwithstanding the challenges young mothers encountered, they were able to cope through the support of their peers, friends, and co-workers within the slum. Young mothers adopted some strategies such as endurance, tolerance and denial, savings and credit facilities, and group feeding strategies such as food rationing. With this, young mothers had to skip meals, fast, and reduce the quantity of food eaten in order to provide for their children. The study concludes that the lack of basic amenities within the two slums further worsens the plight of young mothers, as such, putting them in despair. To exploit or scale up the hope of young mothers in slums, the efforts of the government, stakeholders, and local and civil society groups (including community-based and faith-based organizations) should aim at improving the socio-economic conditions (especially education, health, and infrastructure) of both slums on a sustainable basis. In the long run, social workers should help link young mothers and families to resources, interventions, or organizations that could help them improve their well-being.Item Consumption Patterns Of Energy Drinks At Lorry Stations In Accra And Concentration Of Their Main Constituents(University Of Ghana, 2022-08) Oscar, N.Y.C.Energy drinks are beverages that are rich in caffeine and sugars and contain other constituents. Energy drink consumption has become popular in Ghana in the last five years, and are mostly retailed at lorry stations in Accra. In spite of this, there is little information on the consumption patterns or reasons for consumption among consumers. There is also poor data on the concentrations of the main constituents (sugar and caffeine) of energy drinks in Ghana. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the consumption patterns of energy drinks at lorry stations in Accra, and the concentrations of the main constituents of energy drink. This was a combined cross sectional survey done at three lorry stations in Accra and laboratory analysis of main constituents (sugar and caffeine) of energy drink samples. The energy drinks that were analyzed were; Local (Rush, Storm, Run, BigBoss and 5Star energy drink) and imported (Red Bull, Xploza, Bullet, Lucozade). A total of 360 participants were surveyed in the study. Most of the participants (78.3 %) were consumers of energy drink and males were dominant. The dominant age for the consumers was (21-30 years, 39.4 %), with JHS (33 %) and SHS (30.5 %) being the dominant level of education. Commercial drivers (25.5 %) and traders (25.2 %) were the top occupations amongst the consumers. Most of the consumers drank 1-2 bottles of energy drinks in a week (29.7%), and the energy drinks were mostly drunk in the afternoons (55.3 %). The foreign energy drinks had higher caffeine concentrations than the local ones. The caffeine concentrations of imported energy drinks were above 300mg/L except for Lucozade that was below 150 mg/L whereas the local energy drinks were below 300 mg/L except Rush, which was above 320 mg/L. The sugar concentrations of the energy drinks were within similar ranges; majority of them were above 100 g/L and less than 120 g/L. The sugar concentrations of the energy drinks were within similar ranges; majority of them were above 100 g/L and less than 120 g/L. The local energy drinks were mostly consumed by the participants in the study than the foreign ones due to their cheaper price, and also they were very accessible because they were sold by hawkers at lorry stations but the foreign ones were mostly sold at marts and big malls. Energy drink consumption is highly prevalent at lorry stations in Accra. In spite of the consumption rate being excessive, few experienced adverse health effects. Some of the adverse effects were insomnia, accelerated heartbeat and sexual weakness. Most consumers of energy drink perceived it to be helpful whiles most non-consumers perceived them to be harmful.Item Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women At Jamestown Maternity, Accra(University Of Ghana, 2022-02) Atuah, M.O.Background: HBV infection is among the top 10 global causes of death, responsible for almost one million deaths each year. According to the WHO, approximately 240 million people worldwide have chronic HBV infection, most of whom live in poor or underdeveloped countries. ABO blood types have also been linked to HBV infection. In addition, an association between HBV infection and anaemia has been discovered by others. This connection, however, is still unknown. HBV infection and socio-demographic variables have been linked in several studies. The primary objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women who visited the Jamestown Maternity. Method: The design used in this study was an analytical cross-sectional design. The technique fulfilled the defined objectives of determining the prevalence of HBV infection, assessing the knowledge about HBV infection, and establishing the factors contributing to HBV infection among pregnant women attending the ANC clinic at Jamestown Maternity. The questionnaire used to survey respondents contained both closed and open-ended questions. The survey questions information and test outcomes were imported into Epi-info 7 and STATA 15.0, respectively, for interpretation. In addition, the researchers conducted univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses of the various determinants of HBV infection among pregnant women attending Jamestown Maternity. Results: HBV infection was found in 11.5 percent of pregnant women, with nearly a third (31.0 %) having no or poor knowledge of the virus and almost a quarter (23.2 %) having excellent knowledge. HBV vaccine uptake rate is among these women was 5.6%. HBV infection was seven times more common in mothers with secondary education (AOR=6.95, 95% CI: 1.15–42.08, p=0.034). Mole-Dagbani mothers were 12 times more likely than other mothers to be infected with HBV (AOR=12.0, 95% CI: 1.49 – 95.95, p=0.018). Having several sexual partners approximately quadrupled the chance of HBV infection (AOR=3.80, 95% CI: 1.37 – 10.52, p=0.011). Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection among expectant mothers at Jamestown Maternity is high. The knowledge of HBV infection and vaccine uptake among these women is generally low. More education and awareness campaigns are needed to address these public health concerns.Item Covid-19 In Patients Presenting With Malaria-Like Symptoms At Korle Bu Polyclinic, Accra(University Of Ghana, 2022-08) Asamoah, I.Malaria is one of Ghana's most frequent illnesses and the most common cause of febrile sickness. The prevalence of malaria in patients who visit the Korle Bu Polyclinic in Accra with malaria-like symptoms is around 8%. It is therefore essential to look into COVID-19's contribution to malaria-like symptoms. Most infectious diseases including COVID-19 and arboviral infections mimic malaria due to the overlapping of non-specific symptoms they both share. This study investigated COVID-19 in patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms at the Korle Bu Polyclinic, Accra. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms at the Korle Bu polyclinic from June to August, 2021. A total of 300 patients who qualify for Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Testing, and met the criteria for the study, were selected using simple random sampling. Two to three millilitres of whole blood, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples was collected for screening of Plasmodium falciparum and SARS-CoV-2 respectively. The whole blood sample was also used for COVID-19 antibody test and full blood count. Sixty out of three hundred (20%) study patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2 using Real-time PCR and twenty six out of three hundred (8.7%) tested positive using COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test. Majority were females (42/60; 70%), and participants had mean age of 28 years. Seven out of three hundred (2.3%) tested positive for Plasmodium falciparum using Malaria RDT and microscopy and eight out of three hundred (2.7%) using Nested Conventional PCR. Two coinfection of Plasmodium falciparum and SARS-CoV-2 were reported. Most of the patients came from the Ablekuma South district. Most patients with CT’s below 30 (High viral load) presented with 5 or more symptoms (p value <0.01). The most common symptom experienced by the study patients at the polyclinic was headache (95%; 57/60) followed by general body weakness and pain (78.3%;47/60), tiredness (60%; 36/60) and fever ( 51.7%; 31/60) Comorbidities reported were hypertension, diabetes, Asthma, hypertension and diabetes and none had sickle cell diseases. Most of the study patients had been previously exposure to SARS CoV-2 (113/300) and 66.7% (34/51) Astrazeneca vaccinated patients had no antibody. Due to the synergy of symptoms, screening for COVID-19 in patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms is vital for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: COVID-19, Korle Bu, AccraItem The Plastic Waste Value Chain In Greater Accra Metropolitan Area: Assessing Flows And Spatial Patterns Of Recycling.(University of Ghana, 2021-06) Fiati, K.E.Pollution from plastic wastes has become one of the global challenges and the threat to hundreds of marine species being the most visible and disturbing impact. As many regulations move countries towards circular economy models, there are real opportunities for future investments to combat the pollution from plastics. This study reports on assessing flows and spatial patterns of recycling in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area using a variety of methods including review of literature, key informant interviews and administration of questionnaires to waste pickers, aggregators, recycling companies and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. Thirteen (13) key informant interviews were done comprising of eight (8) Heads of waste management Departments at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, three (3) Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) concerned with waste management, the manager of the Kpone Landfill as well as an officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two hundred and ten (210) questionnaires were also administered, One hundred and sixty (160) to waste pickers, fifty (50) to aggregators (waste agents, small and large scale plastic waste recovery enterprises) and eight (8) plastic recycling companies. This was done to illicit responses on the plastic waste collection, the trading activities, the types and amount of waste collected daily, the interrelationship that exist between the stakeholders and the core competencies and operational capacities of the recycling companies. The demographic data from responses to questionnaires administered indicate that majority of the waste pickers (75%) are women with average age of 46 years. Majority (85%) of them have no formal education. Further, the results show that, the entire life cycle in plastic waste recycling in GAMA engages a very broad set of commercial stakeholders which includes waste management crew, street waste pickers, landfill/waste dump scavengers, plastic waste agents/ wholesalers, small scale enterprises and large scale enterprises playing diverse roles in the waste trade. Altogether the plastic recycling companies recycle/ process about 47 tons of HDPE, 41 tons of LDPE, 20 tons of PET, 15 tons of Polypropylene and 5 tons of Polyvinyl-Chloride per day, the study also revealed that all the plastic recycling facilities interviewed were located either in a highly populated area, close to a landfill or dumpsite, or in an industrial area. Other less populated areas mainly are served by the aggregators collecting and buying waste from the communities to the recycling facilities. Two hundred and two thousand, eight hundred and twenty-four (202,824) tons of plastic waste is traded among the waste pickers and the waste agents or wholesalers during the study for a year, which is valued at GH₵ 91,999,464. A full-time waste picker makes between GH₵25.00 to GHC30.00 per day. The Current Ghanaian cedi to US Dollar exchange rate was GH₵5.76 to $1 at the time of the study. Even though the plastic waste trade activity provides employment and income to the local communities, not much attention has been given to it. It is recommended that, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) should consider amending the National Plastic Management Policy to include plastic waste trade sector specific legislations, this will bring good recognition to the trade. Also, since the trade is dominated by women, there should be the creation of women-focused support from local and central government for plastic waste collection.Item La Migration, C’est Une Tradition, C’est Une Mode De Vie”: The Nigerien Migrants On The Streets Of Accra.(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Osei, I.B.The presence of Tuareg migrants on the streets of Accra confirms the idea that south-south migration is prominent on the African continent. It also presents a case of international migration for begging as a form of economic mobility outside formal labour markets yet within the framework of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement. Drawing on 21 in-depth interviews and informal conversations with participants from the Accra mall area and Sabon Zongo in Accra, this study examines the distinctive form of migration for begging amongst the Tuareg migrants on the streets of Accra as part of intra-regional migration flows in West Africa. Data were analysed within the framework of the Push-Pull Plus model and the culture of migration with themes generated accordingly. My findings show that following the 1970s and the 1980s drought in Niger and other parts of the Sahel region, and the various Tuareg rebellions that have happened between that time and now in Niger and Mali, racially white Tuareg migrants, in particular, have been drawn to Ghana. Over the years, these Tuareg migrants have developed a culture of migration for begging in Ghana. This is because Ghana is a politically stable country with democratic provisions that allow the Tuareg migrants some rights and freedoms. The political and economic freedoms afforded the Tuareg migrants in Ghana match their economic interests. This international migration for begging amongst the Tuaregs in Accra is engendered by the fact that begging is a common phenomenon in Ghana’s Zongo communities, which are usually the first places of residence for the Tuareg migrants in Accra. These, coupled with the fact that there is a somewhat lax approach to the implementation of laws on begging in Ghana as compared to other countries in the sub-region where the Tuareg migrants report negative experiences with the law enforcement agencies, make begging a favourable means to income generation amongst the Tuareg migrants. Furthermore, the Tuareg migrants on the streets of Accra, albeit foreigners in another country, are not totally cut off the Ghanaian society. Although they prefer residential segregation, there are nonetheless aspects of their living arrangements that have traces of Ghanaian societies.Item Predictors Of Potentially High Risk For Preeclampsia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics At Selected Hospitals In Accra(University Of Ghana, 2021-07) Abban, H.A.Introduction: Preeclampsia/Toxemia (PE) is a genuine hypertension condition related with maternal and infant ill health and death during pregnancy. Preeclamptics as well as their babies/children develop health conditions including cardiovascular disease as well as growth conditions well along in life. In Ghana, prevalence of PE has been known to be as low as 2.5% in Ghana Police hospital and as high as 48.8% in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Most of the studies carried out on PE has been case control and hence do not have enough data on the possible exposures at the early stages of pregnancy which may have led to the developing of PE. Also only a few studies has been carried out on the predictors associated with preeclampsia. Objective: This current prospective cohort study sought to determine the factors at the various stages of pregnancy; ≤ 20 weeks gestation through 28 –32 weeks and during 6 weeks postpartum which may predispose the pregnant women to a potentially high risk for PE. Methodology: This was prospective cohort study involving 403 pregnant women who were recruited at ≤ 20 weeks gestation. Nonetheless, 21 participants dropped out between weeks 28 and 32, and 24 participants also dropped out at 6 weeks postpartum leaving 358 participants in the study. The study took place at the Ghana Police Hospital, Cantonment, and the University of Ghana Hospital, Legon, both in Accra. The entire study lasted for 21 months (May, 2018 – Feb.2020). Structured questionnaires that had been pre-tested were used to obtain information on the participants' backgrounds, lifestyle practices, gynecological factors, dietary factors, stress status, BMI, biochemical data (haemoglobin, proteinuria), clinical data (blood pressure), family history of chronic conditions, morbidities among other factors. The criteria used for potentially high risk for preeclampsia was having at least a systolic blood pressure of ≥130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥80 mmHg or oedema or proteiunuria. Background categorical variables were computed as frequencies and percentages, whereas continuous variables were enumerated as median (interquartile range; Q1, Q3) or means ± SD, as appropriate. The predictors of possibly high risk for PE were investigated using binary logistic regression and finally path analysis was run to determine the path way through which the predictors operate. Results: The age on average of expectant mothers is 31 ± 5 years, a greater number 194 (48%) of expectant mothers had attained tertiary education, median gestational age at first time ante natal booking was 14 (12, 17) weeks, Akan ethnicity was dominating 166 (41.0%) and 347 (86.0%) of the women were married. Prevalence of serum vitamin D and calcium deficiencies were 48.3% and 53.2% respectively with 34.0% being at a potentially high risk for PE. Predictors of potentially high risk for PE were the following; estimated pre – pregnancy body mass index (≥ 30 kg/m2) AOR = 3.6 (95% CI = 1.01 – 11.750) p value 0.040 and estimated pre- pregnancy weight (> 71 kg) AOR = 3.4 (95% CI = 1.250 - 12.703) p 0.019. From path analysis, path relationship for anthropometric indices (estimated pre – pregnancy BMI and estimated pre- pregnancy weight) and potentially high risk for preeclampsia shows a favorable and significant direct association (β = 0.519; t-value = 8.545; p-value = 0.001). Conclusion: Predictors of potentially high risk for PE among the participants were estimated pre-pregnancy BMI and estimated pre-pregnancy weight (weight measured at the first antenatal clinic). In contrast to findings of most studies, serum vitamin D and calcium deficiencies had no association with PE.