College of Health Sciences

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Introduction to Foodborne Infections and Intoxications Subtitle: An African Perspective
(Office of Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, Legon, 2023) Sampane-Donkor, E.; Kotey, F.C.N.; Darkwah, S.; Owusu, I.A.; Tetteh-Quarcoo, P.B.; Dayie, N.T.K.D.
Foodborne infections and intoxications pose a significant global health threat, especially in Africa and other low-income regions. The goal of this book is to explore the intricate web of factors that influence foodborne infections in Africa. It delves into specific aspects of food safety, providing insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that Africa presents. By integrating disciplines such as microbiology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health, and food science, the textbook advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to develop effective preventive measures, surveillance systems, and interventions
Problematic Porn Use and Cross-Cultural Differences: A Brief Review
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2023) Adjorlolo, S.; Ahorsu, D.K.; Nurmala, I.
Abstract Purpose of Review The proliferation of the internet and technological devices have enabled the upsurge of pornography use, especially during this coronavirus 2019 pandemic period worldwide. As there is a dearth of knowledge regarding pornography use across cultures, this brief review aimed to understand the problematic pornography use (PPU) situation across cultures (i.e., the five continents). Therefore, this review paper intends to provide an enhanced understanding of the PPU situation across cultures so as to get a holistic view of PPU throughout the world. Recent Findings European, American, and Oceanian countries seem to have deep literature on pornography, liberal beliefs, and attitudes towards pornography, as well as specialised treatment protocols and facilities. Asian countries are next in terms of literature although they are conservative in their beliefs and attitudes towards pornography which has limited the specialised treatment options and facilities for people with PPU. African countries share similarities with Asian countries except that there is a dearth of literature on pornography in Africa. All cultures revealed that PPU likely leads to aggressive sexual behaviours which may have a mental health impact on the victims. Nonetheless, European, American, and Oceanian countries strongly believe that pornography helps with sexual education. Summary The use of pornography has increased across cultures even in very conservative countries which has consequently led to an increase in PPU. Therefore, there is a need for further studies in each of these cultures in order to design bespoke treatment protocols for people with PPU.
Speech-Language Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Development and Sustainability of Services for Persons with Communication Disability
(Springer, Cham, 2023) Wylie, K.; McAllister, L.; Davidson, B.; et al.
Abstract Background: Speech–language therapy (SLT) is an emerging profession in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Recent developments in SLT training in several countries including Uganda, Togo, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana will gradually improve the regional availability of speech–language therapists (SLTs). However, for this relatively small number of therapists to effectively develop and influence services for persons with communication disability, consideration needs to be given to how the profession can develop in ways relevant to African contexts. This chapter raises issues surrounding the development and sustainability of the SLT profession in SSA and considers the potential contributions of the profession to the rehabilitation services for persons with communication disability. Methodology: An in-depth mixed methods survey combining both open- and closed-ended questions regarding the SLT workforce in SSA was employed between April 2012 and March 2013. A review and synthesis of the relevant literature including workforce development and rehabilitation models in the region is also included. Results: Thirty-three respondents provided information regarding availability, accessibility, acceptability, and challenges for the development and sustainability of rehabilitation services for persons with communication disability, such as job insecurity and opportunities for professional support. Discussion: The discussion integrates the implications for an emerging SLT scope of practice in SSA, issues influencing this workforce sustainability in the region, and original research from an SLT workforce survey in SSA, as well as the challenges to the development and sustainability of rehabilitation services for persons with communication disability. Recommendations are made for SLT development in countries in SSA, such as job creation in equitable service sectors.
The Nurse or Midwife at the Crossroads of Caring for Patients With Suicidal and Rigid Religious Ideations in Africa
(Frontiers in Psychology, 2021) Aziato, L.; Pwavra, J.B.P.; Paarima, Y.; Konlan, K.D.
Nurses and midwives are the majority of healthcare professionals globally, including in Africa, and they provide care at all levels of the health system including community levels. Nurses and midwives contribute to the care of patients with rigid or dogmatic religious beliefs or those with suicidal ideations. This review paper discusses acute and chronic diseases that have suicidal tendencies such as terminal cancer, diseases with excruciating pain, physical disability, stroke, end-stage renal failure, and diabetics who are amputated. It was reiterated that nurses and midwives taking care of these patients should be alert and observant to identify their suicidal tendencies. The paper also discusses religious or spiritual inclinations that negatively affect healthcare access and adherence, especially to biomedical or Western medicine. It was emphasized that some religious beliefs do not allow their followers to employ biomedical treatment and nurses and midwives should not impose their faith on patients and their families. The paper ends with a discussion on the specific roles of nurses and midwives in the care of patients with suicidal ideations such as assessment, counseling, administering medication, observation, social interaction, ensuring safety measures, and providing an enabling environment for the family to part of the care and for the observation of religious coping strategies. Nurses and midwives should enhance their knowledge and skills on suicide and increase public education on suicide prevention and identification of those at risk.