College of Health Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/4909

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 161
  • Item
    Should Gambling Be Legalized in India?
    (Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2021) George, S.; Weobong, B.; Velleman, R.
    India has had a well-documented relationship with gambling since ancient times, even staking claim to its origins. Some cite the account of gambling in Rig Veda, an ancient Indian text written between 1700 and 1100 bce, as the first documented description of gambling anywhere in the world.
  • Item
    Participatory approaches, local stakeholders and cultural relevance facilitate an impactful community-based project in Uganda
    (Health Promotion International, 2020) Donovan, J.O.; Opintan, J.A.; Thompson, A.; et al.
    Sanitation is a major global challenge often addressed at national and international levels, while community opinions and beliefs are neglected. To promote water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) we organized a cross-cultural knowledge exchange workshop to assess participatory methods for engaging local stakeholders. The workshop included 22 participants from all sectors of society. Practical solutions to sanitation challenges were identified and later shared with the local community. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to assess impact. They showed participatory methods were highly valued to encourage information sharing among widely varied stakeholders, and that video was a particularly successful approach when engaging with local communities. An 8-month follow-up survey of village members revealed excellent information recall, positive behavior changes, and a desire for future visits. Our evidence suggests that community-based participa tion helped identify solutions to WASH issues affecting rural communities in resource-poor settings. Engaging in a multicultural knowledge-share was particularly valuable as it enabled participants to recognize they have common challenges and allowed them to share low-cost solutions from their different communities. Our use of video was widely viewed as an ideal means of circulating findings, as it communicated information to people with a wide variety of community roles and all age groups. Its relevance was increased by adopting a culturally appropriate context by involving local communities in workshop activities. We recommend that research in low- and middle-income countries should be mindful of the environmental context in which WASH is implemented, and encourage acceptance by engaging with communities through the use of varied participatory methods.
  • 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
    A Review Of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines In Africa: Opportunities To Enhance The Healthiness And Environmental Sustainability Of Population Diets
    (African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2022) Ainuson-Quampah, J.; Aryeetey, R.; Amuna, N.N.; Holdsworth, M.
    Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are important tools for promoting healthy eating and nutrition education at the population level. Currently, more than 100 countries worldwide have developed FBDGs with the majority of existing FBDGs in high-income countries. However, there are a few countries in Africa which have developed FBDGs. This review describes and compares the characteristics of existing FBDGs in Africa. Data were extracted from all existing FBDGs from African countries which have been archived in the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) online repository of FBDGs. In addition, supporting documentation from other sources linked to the identified FBDGs was also reviewed. Extracted data were coded and synthesized to describe the purpose of the FBDGs, the process for developing the FBDGs, and how healthy diets were expressed in the FBDGs. In addition, the FBDGs were examined for content on considerations for planetary health, and non-dietary recommendations. A checklist was used to extract the evidence in the identified documents. Of the 47 African countries in the WHO Africa region, only eight FBDGs were identified from seven countries. South Africa had two FBDGs (including an FBDG for young children). Multi-disciplinary technical working groups were convened to develop the majority of the FBDGs. The working groups utilized scientific evidence on diet-related diseases and nutrient requirements as a basis for recommendations. All the FBDGs were intended as a tool for promoting healthy diets among the lay population. The FBDGs that were reviewed included between six and sixteen dietary messages. Diet diversification was promoted as the most common recommendation across African country FBDGs. The recommendations often promoted consumption of four to six food groups communicated using text as well as images (food guide). Local availability and cultural acceptability were important values promoted as part of an optimal diet in some of the countries. However, none of the recommendations addressed environmental sustainability. Apart from South Africa, none of the FBDGs had been evaluated or revised. Across Africa, there is a need for increased focus on developing new FBDGs or revising existing ones as a tool for meeting the dietary information needs of populations at risk of malnutrition in all its forms.
  • Item
    Oral Hygiene Practices and Caries Prevalence among 9-15 Years Old Ghanaian School Children
    (Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences, 2015) Ndanu, T.A.; Aryeetey, R.; Sackeyfio, J.; et al.
    Introduction: Good oral hygiene protects against oral diseases such as caries and gum infections. Twice daily tooth brushing with fluoride pastes and flossing is recommended to keep the mouth clean and reduce plaque bacterial growth. Poor access to oral cleaning material and dental care services exposes children from poor backgrounds to oral diseases. Objectives: The study assessed oral hygiene practices and caries prevalence among school children. Dental caries and gum disease are the most common oral diseases in children [1] and may be associated with severe pain [2-4]. The pain may interfere with food intake and affect the normal growth of the child [1,5]. Globally prevalence of dental caries is declining but the factors that predispose children to caries persist [6]. These factors include high snacking habits and bad oral hygiene practices [7]. Studies have indicated that socio-economic factors are associated with caries prevalence in both adults and children [4,8,9]. Dental caries was shown to be most prevalent in school children from poorer families. These Children also had a greater number of untreated oral lesions [10,11]. Dental Caries is an infectious disease caused by the acid produced by the fermentation of simple sugars by oral bacteria, the chief of which are streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus species [12,13]. Although sugars are provided by the type of diet consumed especially in our snacks, its effect on caries shows only when it is accompanied by poor oral hygiene practices and resultant poor oral hygiene status [14,15]. Oral cleanliness is therefore a basic factor for good oral health, especially in children. Poor oral hygiene leads to dental plaque formation [16,17]. Dental plaque, the soft adherent materials deposited on the tooth surface may consist of bacteria, desquamated epithelial cells, and migrated polymorphonuclear leukocytes [18]. A study in suburban school children in Accra reported plaque accumulation of 90% in 5-6 year-olds but 54% in 9-year-olds. [19]. Poor oral hygiene therefore allows the bacteria in the plaque to thrive and then ferment sugars in foods to produce acid that leads to dental caries. Methods: A cross-section of 9-15-year-old school children (n=1,040) were randomly selected from private and public schools in Accra, Ghana. Oral hygiene and snacking habits were assessed by interview using a structured questionnaire. Oral cleanliness and dental caries were assessed by oral examination by two calibrated dental surgeons. Silness and LÖe Plaque Index (PI) and Decay, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores were used to determine oral hygiene and caries status respectively. Results: The mean age of the sample was 12.01±1.52 years. Overall caries prevalence was 17.4% but (19.9%) in the public and (15.1%) in the private schools. It was higher in the females (19.3%) than the males (15.1%) in both private and public schools. Almost all (96.6%) brushed once a day. About 60.0% had plaque and 64.4% had supra gingival calculus. The overall mean DMFT score was 1.138±0.476. Types of snacks taken in a day and weekly frequency of snacks were significantly higher in the private schools than in the public school children. Overall, oral hygiene status was acceptable in the children. Lack of good oral hygiene therefore becomes the single most important factor in determining the risk of caries, especially in children. Frequent snacking on sugar foods such as soft drinks, candies, fruit drinks, and high-sugar fruits may increase the risk of caries in children [20,21]. Simple mouth cleaning practices can easily clear this sugar substrate remove oral plaque, and reduce the incidence of dental caries. Caries will occur when plaque pH levels drop below 5.5 due to increased acid production in the dental plaque from the fermentation of sugars in the foods consumed [22]. Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices and status were comparable in the private and public schools. Snacking frequency was high in both groups but did not account for the differences in caries prevalence observed.
  • Item
    Farmers’ pesticide use and knowledge of aquatic ecosystem contamination with its perceived health risk from contaminated fish consumption in northern Ghana
    (Scientific African, 2024) Orou-Seko,A.; Chirawurah,D.; Ndago,J.A.; Nkansah-Baido,M.; Pwatirah,D.; Kolekang,A.S.; Adokiya,M.N.
    Pesticide residues in agricultural environments pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Most studies investigate the quantity, environmental, and risk assessment of pesticides in agricultural landscapes. However, farmers’ pesticide use and their knowledge on aquatic ecosystem contamination remain limited and poorly documented. This study evaluated pesticide residue concerns in agricultural settings, focusing on farmers’ uses and knowledge. It addressed pesticide application methods and their effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health through fish consumption. A cross-sectional design was employed and 300 farmers were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique from two agricultural districts – Savelugu Municipal and Tamale Metropolis. The study revealed that maize was most cultivated (29.6 %) with extensive pesticide treatment, particularly herbicides in the study setting. Findings revealed pesticide overuse (22.3 %), mixing of pesticides at the water bodies (24.7 %), improper leftover pesticide disposal methods (39.0 %) and inadequate storage practices (63.0 %) among farmers. About 21.3 % and 74.0 % of farmers have insufficient knowledge of the resulting consequences and the discharge of pesticides into the aquatic environment, respectively. Though the farmers are aware of the detrimental impact of pesticides on human health, there is still a lack of comprehension regarding the indirect consequences for aquatic ecosystems and non-target species. In the study setting, extension services may be important sources of knowledge. Thus, emphasizes the significance of improving extension programmes and utilizing peer-to-peer communication channels to support the adoption of best practices in pesticide management such as licenced high-temperature incinerators and cement kilns with sufficient emission controls. Focused training and outreach programmes designed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Limiting spread of COVID-19 in Ghana: Compliance audit of selected transportation stations in the Greater Accra region of Ghana
    (PLOS ONE, 2021) Bonful, H.A.; Addo-Lartey, A.; Aheto, J.M.K.; et al.
    Globally, little evidence exists on transmission patterns of COVID-19. Recommendations to prevent infection include appropriate and frequent handwashing plus physical and social distancing. We conducted an exploratory observational study to assess compliance with these recommendations in selected transportation stations in Ghana. A one-hour audit of 45 public transport stations in the Greater Accra region was carried out between 27th and 29th March 2020. Using an adapted World Health Organization (WHO) hand hygiene assessment scale, the availability and use of handwashing facilities, social distancing, and ongoing public education on COVID-19 prevention measures were assessed, weighted, and scored to determine the level of compliance of stations. Compliance with recommendations was categorized as “inadequate” “basic”, “intermediate” and “advanced”, based on the overall score. The majority (80%) of stations in Accra have at least one Veronica Bucket with flowing water and soap, but the number of washing places at each station is not adequate. Only a small minority (18%) of stations were communicating the need to wash hands frequently and appropriately and to practice social/physical distancing while at the station. In most stations (95%), hand washing practice was either not observed, or only infrequently. Almost all stations (93%) did not have alcohol-based hand sanitizers available for public use, while social distancing was rarely practiced (only 2%). In over 90% of the stations, face masks were either not worn or only worn by a few passengers. Compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures was inadequate in 13 stations, basic in 16 stations, intermediate in 7 stations, and advanced in 9 stations. Compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures in public transportation stations in the Greater Accra region remains a challenge. Awareness creation should aim to elevate the COVID-19 risk perception of transportation operators and clients. Transport operators and stations need support and guidance to enforce hand washing and social distancing.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Effect Of Mobile Health Communication Intervention On Female Teachers’ Knowledge On Cervical Cancer And Cervical Screening Uptake In Accra Metropolis
    (University of Ghana, 2022-08) Mustapha, S.A.
    Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women. Without significant intervention, the global burden is expected to increase to nearly 700,000 cases and 400,000 deaths by 2030, Ninety percent of these occur in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. Mobile health is an emerging technology around the world that can be effective in improving knowledge on cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening uptake. Because mobile phone adoption is growing at an exponential rate in low- and middle-income nations, employing mobile phones to promote cervical cancer services might reach a larger number of individuals in resource-constrained settings than traditional healthcare delivery methods. Objective: This study sought to assess the effect of mhealth communication intervention on female teachers’ knowledge on cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening uptake. Methodology: The study employed a cluster randomized design with baseline and endline stages. Multistage cluster randomized sampling was used to select 237 teachers from 61 private and government schools in 4 sub-districts in Accra metropolis. Two cross sectional surveys were carried out at baseline and endline across all intervention arms with control. SMS only (40), WhatsApp (50), SMS+WhatsApp (80) and Control ( 67). Questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Modified ordinary least square regression(OLS) with Difference in Difference analysis and robust standard error were used to determine the effect of the mhealth communication intervention on cervical cancer knowledge and cervical screening uptake Results: The study assessed the effectiveness of WhatsApp only, SMS only, and WhatsApp + SMS with control on knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening uptake. The results showed that, receiving at least one intervention, increased knowledge score on cervical cancer and overall knowledge of cervical screening by 11.5% and 19% respectively respectively y(p<0.001). Among the three interventions, WhatsApp text yielded the largest improvement on knowledge. It increased knowledge on cervical cancer by 17.34% (p<0.001), Knowledge on risk factors by 18.26% (p<0.001) and overall knowledge by 17.53% (p<0.001) and the three interventions had a significant effect on knowledge on cervical cancer but did not have significant effect on cervical screening uptake Conclusion This study concludes that SMS and WhatsApp interventions had an impact on knowledge of risk factors of cervical cancer and general knowledge of cervical cancer. However, WhatsApp was the most effective in terms of raising awareness on cervical cancer
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Types and prevalence of adverse events among obstetric clients hospitalized in a secondary healthcare facility in Ghana
    (Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management, 2019-12) Otchi, E.H.; Esena, R.K.; Beyuo, T.; et.al
    Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the types and prevalence of adverse events among obstetric clients hospitalized in a secondary health facility in Ghana. Design: A retrospective study that reviewed medical records of obstetric clients on admission at the Obstetrics Unit of a secondary healthcare facility in Ghana. Setting: Clinical environment. The study site is the third largest health facility in Ghana that provides maternity services and serves as the major referral facility for the Greater Accra Region, the capital of Ghana. About 41% (4676) of its total antenatal cases (11,406) in 2015 were referrals from other facilities in Ghana. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively from 1 January to 31 December 2015. A four-stage review process was used: the first and second stages (by nurse/midwife reviewers) involved the identification and exclusion of records that had a length of stay of less than 24 hours and inadequate documentation; and were unlikely to include an adverse event. The third stage by obstetrician-gynecologist reviewers included a full review of all the positive trigger folders to determine the types, causes, and degree of preventability of the adverse events. The fourth stage involved an independent obstetrician-gynecologist review of all records that had discrepancies. Details of the review process are presented in the figure. Participants: Obstetric clients (i.e. pregnant women at any stage of gestation or less than 5 days after delivery who were attended to at the hospital). About a third (1402, 49.3%) met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Main outcome measures: The main outcome measure for this study was the prevalence of adverse events among hospitalized obstetric clients. Results: The prevalence of adverse events was 12% (168) out of 1402 records reviewed. The mean maternal age of the clients was 30.0 5.8 years. Among these, the greatest proportion of adverse events was related to surgical interventions (66.3%), and the smallest were related to patient care (0.7%). Conclusions: This study has provided the first documented prevalence (12.0%) and types of adverse events among hospitalized obstetric clients in a secondary health facility in Ghana. It provides a preliminary baseline for the burden of adverse events among the obstetric population in Ghana.