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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    Street Foods Contribute To Nutrient Intakes Among Children From Rural Communities In Winneba And Techiman Municipalities, Ghana
    (African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2012) Micah, E.B.; Colecraft, E.K.; Lartey, A.; et al.
    The contribution of Street Foods (SF) to the energy and nutrient intake of young children in rural African communities has been understudied. Under the Enhancing Child Nutrition through Animal Source Food Management (ENAM) project, a microcredit and nutrition education intervention with caregivers of children 2-to 5- years old in rural Ghana, the prevalence of SF consumption by young children and the contribution SF makes to children’s energy, nutrient, and Animal Source Food (ASF) intakes were assessed. A simple random sample of 172 caregiver-child pairs residing in the ENAM intervention communities in Winneba and Techiman municipalities participated in this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview caregivers about SF purchased for their 2- to 5-year-old children in the previous week. During two non-consecutive 12-hour home observations, all foods consumed by a subsample of the children (n=45) were weighed. The energy and nutrient content of weighed foods were estimated using the Ghanaian food composition table. About 80% of caregivers purchased SF for their child at least once that previous week. Most (76%) SF purchased were grain-based and were purchased as complete meals. The children’s total ASF intake was 69.9 ± 11.0 g; the quantity of ASF consumed was similar but their sources of ASF differed between the two municipalities. In Techiman, SF contributed 36% of the ASF consumed over the two observation days compared to 4.2% in Winneba (P=0.003). Overall, SF contributed 35% of energy and 43% of vitamins. A, 20% of vitamin B12, 30% of zinc, 34% of iron, and 54% of calcium consumed by children. The contribution of SF to young children’s dietary intakes, especially their ASF intakes and hence micronutrient intakes, may improve overall dietary quality. This study provides evidence that SF is an important part of children’s diets in rural Ghana could be an important target for food-based interventions to enhance nutrition in young children.
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    Incidence of Self-esteem among Children Exposed to Sexual Abuse in Kenya
    (Global Social Welfare, 2018) Mutavi, T.; Dako-Gyeke, M.; Obondo, A.; et.al
    It has been established that sexual abuse against children is a widespread global problem (Stoltenborgh et al. 2011). Some scholars have reported that child abuse, including sexual abuse among children, is high in Africa, as well as other continents (Filkelhor et al. 2013; Hillis et al. 2016). Sexual abuse against children is a public health concern because its outcomes are detrimental to the health of children, families, and society (Madu et al. 2010). Often, mental health problems among children are detected late, and identification rates by health professionals are quite low (Grant & Brito, 2010; Ndetei et al. 2009).
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    Household Biomass Fuel Use and Respiratory Health among Children Living In Madina Zongo: An Informal Settlement in Accra. Ghana
    (University of Ghana., 2019-07) Adika·Bensah, F.A.
    Background: incidentally, more than 95% of Zongo communities in Ghana often considered to live in deplorable conditions rely on the use of traditional biomass fuels (BMFs) for cooking and heating. Burning of BMFs can release harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter, direct exposure of which could be harmful to human health. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationship between biomass fuel exposure and respiratory health of children aged from 5-5 years, living in households at Madina Zongo, an informal settlement in the Accra Metropolis. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from May to July. 2019 which included 400 children (aged from 5 to I5 years) selected from two hundred (200) households in Madina Zongo. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data of households including heads and children, household cooking characteristics and child exposure to biomass fuel. Weight and height measurements of the children were taken to assess their nutritional status. Data on respiratory symptoms of the children were also collected. An Easy One Spirometer was used to assess Lung function, Forced Expiratory Volumes (FEVs) and Forced Vital Capacities (FVCs) of the children. Instantaneous concentrations of PM were measured during data collection with a portable Met one Aerocet 831 particle counter. Results: The mean age of children was 9.2 ±2.6 years. The most commonly self-reported respiratory symptoms included Cold (90%). Occasional dry cough (71.8%) and 4.2% of the children reported of persistent dry cough. Itchy and watery eyes, sore throat excessive phlegm was reported by 79.5%, 71.5% and 62.0% of the children respectively. From the results of the Spirometry, a higher percentage (60.5%) of the children presented with reduced lung function and 39.5% were normal. A higher average exposure rate score significantly associated with the increased likelihood of persistent dry cough (aOR=8.51, p-value= 0.039), repeated sneezing (aOR- 1.97. p-value=0.003), itchy and watery eyes (aOR- 4.35, p-value<0.034) and difficult breathing (aOR=9.21, p-value<0.28). Also, a significant association was observed between years of BMF exposure and lung function of the participants. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrated a significant statistical relationship between biomass fuel exposure and respiratory health (respiratory symptoms and lung function indices)
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    “Nasal Colonization With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Among Sickle Cell Disease Children”
    (University of Ghana, 2019) Appiah, V.A.
    Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a public health threat as it is extensively resistant to antimicrobials, is associated with persistent outbreaks in hospital and community settings, and is associated with markedly increased healthcare costs. Moreover, sickle cell disease patients frequently visit hospitals and often consume antibiotics, hence could potentially harbor MRSA, and consequently serve as reservoirs for dissemination of the pathogen. Globally, little is known about MRSA carriage among sickle cell disease patients. General aim: The aim of this study was to investigate nasal carriage of S. aureus and MRSA among children with and without sickle cell disease in Accra, including the prevalence, risk factors and antibiogram. Methodology: “This study was cross-sectional, and involved 120 children with sickle cell disease and 100 apparently healthy children without the disease recruited at the Princess Marie Louis Children’s Hospital (PML) in Accra. ‘Nasal swab specimens were collected from the study participants and cultured. S. aureus isolates were confirmed by the tube coagulase test, while MRSA was confirmed via PCR targeting the mecA gene. S. aureus susceptibility to standard antimicrobial agents was tested by the Kirby Bauer method. A pretested structured questionnaire was also used to obtain data on demographic, household, and clinical features of the study participants. A binary logistic regression was used to identify determinants of S. aureus and MRSA carriage among the study participants. Results: The nasal carriage prevalence of S. aureus were 33.3% (n = 40) and 10% (n = 10) respectively among the sickle cell disease children and the participants of the control group. With regard to MRSA nasal carriage prevalence, the respective values were 9.2% (n = 11) and 5% (n = 5). Sickle cell disease was significantly associated with S. aureus colonization (χ2 = 16.91, p < .0001, OR = 4.045), but not MRSA colonization (χ2 = 1.4, p = .237). The significant predictors of S. aureus colonization among the sickle cell disease patients were increasing age (p = 0.003; OR = 1.275), male gender (p = 0.018; OR = 0.344), living in self-contained apartments (p = 0.033; OR = 3.632), and practice of self-medication (p = 0.039; OR = 0.233). In the control group, history of hospitalization in the past year was a risk factor for carriage of both S. aureus (p = 0.048; OR = 14.333) and MRSA (p = 0.044; OR = 21.176). The proportion of S. aureus isolates that were multidrug resistant (MDR) was 92.5% (37/40) in the sickle cell group and 100% (10/10) in the control group. Conclusions: Among children in Accra, sickle cell disease predisposed to carriage of S. aureus, but not MRSA; the odds ratio of S. aureus carriage in relation to the presence of sickle cell disease was 4.045. In addition, increasing age, male gender, living in self-contained apartments, and practice of self-medication, were risk factors for carriage of S. aureus among the sickle cell disease children. History of hospitalization in the past year, was a risk factor for MRSA and S. aureus carriage. Finally, both the sickle cell disease children and participants of the control group harbored multidrug resistant S. aureus, and this may be due to extensive antimicrobial use in the country.
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    The Influence of Sociocultural Practices of Child Work on the Rights of Children
    (University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Buame, K.S.
    Work is generally good for children as they obtain experiences that prepare them for their future. Therefore, work must not hinder their growth, but rather contribute to their growth. The nature and condition of work must be taken into account when involving children in work because they are the factors in determining the suitability of working children. This research, in its primary goal, identifies how sociocultural practices of child work violates children's rights and further recommends how such methods can be eliminated or reduced. A qualitative design with a purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study. The sample included 16 participants upon reaching the point of saturation. Eight were males, and eight were also females. Primary data was used for analysis and discussions purposes. Thematic analysis were employed to derive themes, which included; the basic, organizing and global themes. With respect to the first objective which is, cultural perspective of child work, it proved that, a lot of meanings have been ascribed to child work, these were cultural factors, Cultural perspective of child work and implication for violation of rights and economic reasons. Findings on the importance of child work as a socio cultural practice for children’s development also proved that, the work children engage in provides them with some level of informal education which has positive influence on children. Further findings of the study looks at the socio cultural practices of child work and its violation of the rights of children. Findings on that regard also proved that children’s right were violated. In conclusion, the study revealed that, it is good for children to work, but must be in accordance to the legal frameworks which guides and protects children. It is recommended that, institutions must, be tasked to educate communities on the rights of children while government also puts in measures to ensure that there are legal forms of training for children who want to acquire vocational training.
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    The Influence of Sociocultural Practices of Child Work on the Rights of Children
    (University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Buame, S. K.
    Work is generally good for children as they obtain experiences that prepare them for their future. Therefore, work must not hinder their growth, but rather contribute to their growth. The nature and condition of work must be taken into account when involving children in work because they are the factors in determining the suitability of working children. This research, in its primary goal, identifies how sociocultural practices of child work violates children's rights and further recommends how such methods can be eliminated or reduced. A qualitative design with a purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study. The sample included 16 participants upon reaching the point of saturation. Eight were males, and eight were also females. Primary data was used for analysis and discussions purposes. Thematic analysis were employed to derive themes, which included; the basic, organizing and global themes. With respect to the first objective which is, cultural perspective of child work, it proved that, a lot of meanings have been ascribed to child work, these were cultural factors, Cultural perspective of child work and implication for violation of rights and economic reasons. Findings on the importance of child work as a socio cultural practice for children’s development also proved that, the work children engage in provides them with some level of informal education which has positive influence on children. Further findings of the study looks at the socio cultural practices of child work and its violation of the rights of children. Findings on that regard also proved that children’s right were violated. In conclusion, the study revealed that, it is good for children to work, but must be in accordance to the legal frameworks which guides and protects children. It is recommended that, institutions must, be tasked to educate communities on the rights of children while government also puts in measures to ensure that there are legal forms of training for children who want to acquire vocational training.
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    Assessment of Risk Factors of Dental Caries Among Urban Primary School Children in the Adentan Municipality
    (University of Ghana, 2017-07) Ephraim, A.M.
    Background: Oral health is a key part of the general health of an individual and is crucial to quality of life. Several oral diseases can affect individuals' oral health and one of these diseases is dental caries. It occurs as a result of acids produced when sugars react with bacteria found in the plaque on the enamel of the tooth. Objectives: To assess the risk factors of dental caries among urban primary school children. Method: The study used a cross sectional design and 420 primary school children were sampled using simple random sampling technique in six school in Adentan Municipality. A face-to-face structured questionnaire was used and oral examination were conducted by two dentists. Gloves, dental probe, face mask, spatula, mouth mirror and a clinical dental forms were used during oral examination. Data analysed using independent t test and simple logistic regression. Result: The findings suggest that, 1.43%,63.81 % and 34.76% of respondent had low, moderate and high levels of knowledge respectively. Level of knowledge was significantly associated with sex and school type. Averagely, females had 0.69 higher score than males and private school children had 2.03 higher. Level of oral health practices was significantly associated with school type. The odds of a child being diagnosed with dental carries was 1.S 1 times for a unit increase in diet and nutrition scores. Age and school types a statistical significance on diagnosis on dental caries while the sex of the school children was not. Conclusion: An upsurge in consumption of sweet foods by primary school children increases the chances of caries; and age, type of school, oral health practices are contributing factors.
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    Factors Associated With Usage of Long-Lasting Insecticides-Treated Nets among Children Aged 5-14 Years in Aflao (Ketu South Municipality)
    (University of Ghana, 2019-07) Akpalu, E.N.K.
    Background: Despite the existence of long lasting insecticide treated nets as a cost-effective tool of prevention of malaria, this disease still present as a serious public health burden in Ghana. Children aged 5 to 14 years account for the group that are less likely to utilize Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs). Objectives: This study was conducted to explore factors associated with the use of LLINs among children aged 5-14 years in Aflao town in Ketu South Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Aflao, the largest town in Ketu South municipality. The study population included households respondents with children aged 5-14 years resident in Aflao. Information about Household respondents socio-demographic characteristics, housing structure and characteristics of insecticide-treated nets in the household were gathered. Test of association was performed and logistic regression was used to determine factor associated with the usage of the net among the children age range. Results: A total of 414 household respondents were interviewed (household head or designated representative). The mean age of the household respondent was 37.9 years and female represented the majority of household respondent interviewed (80.2%). About 71.3% of households owned at least one long-lasting insecticide treated net whilst 50.4% of children aged 5 to 14 years slept under the nets during the night preceding the interview. There was a significant association between the number of bed nets in the household and children aged 5 to 14 sleeping under the nets (OR=2.39, 95%CI (1.34-4.27); p<0.01). The usage of alternative methods in the household to avoid the bite of mosquito was associated with a reduction of up to 90% of the likelihood of the children sleeping under the nets (OR=0.1, 95%CI(0.06-0.22); p<0.001). This alternatie method included most often the usage of spatial repellents (mosquito coils) and insecticide sprays. Parental usage of bed net positively predicted the usage by the children aged 5 to 14 years. Conclusion: Universal coverage of Aflao population is not yet reached. And poor usage of nets among children aged 5 to 14 years are associated with multiple factors. Even though a higher number of nets in the household does not translate necessarily in usage, parental habit represents a positive drive force for the usage of bed nets by the children and family Keywords: children, long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, usage, malaria, Ketu South, Ghana