School of Biological Sciences
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Item Exploring The Knowledge And Awareness Of Diabetes Mellitus Among Inhabitants Of Ho Municipality In Ghana A Cross-Sectional Study(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2021) Annan-Asare, J.; Koryo-Dabrah, A.; Berko Nartey, E.; et al.One of the fast-growing major non-communicable diseases (NCD) that poses a danger to global public health is Diabetes mellitus (DM). Trends in the incidence of DM indicate a disproportionate increase in developing countries due to the current rapid demographic transitions from traditional to more westernized and urbanized lifestyles. Knowledge of DM is vital for curbing or control. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of DM among the Ho municipality general population, identify areas of deficiency for targeted health education efforts, and identify respondent characteristics that may be associated with knowledge of diabetes. A survey involving 132 respondents (aged over 18 years) was conducted in the Ho municipality of the Volta region of Ghana. A 42-item pre-tested questionnaire was administered to participants to evaluate general and specific knowledge and awareness of DM. The Pairwise Multiple Comparison and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to test the hypotheses and associations between the respondents’ knowledge level and groups respectively. Of the 132 respondents, 22% were in the age range of 40-46 years; 72.7% were female. The mean overall diabetes knowledge composite score was poor: 32.99% (CI; 27.5, 38.5). Respondents performed best in the symptoms section: the mean score was 36.247% (CI; 29.0, 43.4); and worst in the section on complications: the mean score was 30.909% (CI; 23.6, 38.2). In multiple linear regression analyses, education level, older age, own self having diabetes, and having a family member/relative/friend with diabetes were significantly associated with knowledge of diabetes. Knowledge of diabetes among the inhabitants of Ho municipality respondents was interpreted as being inadequate at 32.99% (CI; 27.5, 38.5). Some deficient portions and factors associated with knowledge of diabetes were identified. Relevant information for targeted health education programs in Ghana and beyond may be considered as one of such benefits of these findings.Item Nutrition intakes and nutritional status of school age children in Ghana(Journal of Food Research, 2017) Owusu, J.S.; Colecraft, E.K.; Aryeetey, R.; et al.This paper compares the nutrition intake and nutritional status of school children from two public schools in neighbouring communities of Ghana with different school feeding programmes. One hundred and eighty-two caregiver and school-age child pairs were interviewed concerning socio-demographics, dietary practices, and food security in a cross-sectional design. The independent t-test was used to compare the contribution of the publicly funded Ghana School Feeding Programme and Private School Feeding Programme meals to the total daily nutrient intakes of the children. Predictors of the nutritional status of the children were assessed using logistic regression models. The private school feeding programme contributed more energy, protein, and micronutrients as compared to the government school feeding programme. About two-thirds (67.0%) of the children were stunted, underweight, or anaemic. The child’s age was a significant predictor of stunting. Undernutrition was prevalent among children from both programmes. Improved quality of diet from the feeding programmes may contribute to addressing malnutrition in these children.Item Comparison of Two School Feeding Programmes in Ghana, West Africa(International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition, 2016) Owusu, J.S.; Colecraft, E.K.; Aryeetey, R.N.O.; et al.Background: Malnutrition of children in Ghana continues during school years. There is limited information on how school meals meet nutrient recommendations in Ghana. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the energy and nutrient content of meals served by Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) and Non-Governmental School Feeding Programme (NGSFP) and adherence to nutrient recommendations. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design involving the observation of school meals at two sites: GSFP and NGSFP. The average weights of a week’s meal were converted to energy and nutrient equivalence and compared with international recommendations. Differences were assessed with t-tests. Results: NGSFP provided significantly higher portion size (416 ± 96 g vs. 243 ± 50 g; p=0.007), energy (776 ± 427 kcal vs. 315 ± 24 kcal; p=0.042) and fats (17± 8 vs. 6 ± 2; p=0.019) but similar micronutrient contributions to GSFP. NGSFP met energy and macronutrient recommendations set by the World Food Programme; whereas, GSFP did not meet the recommendations. Conclusion and Recommendations: The NGSFP had more energy and macronutrients per serving size than the GSFP. Regulation of meals served by GSFP should be reviewed to ensure they contribute to the adequacy of children’s diets as well as meet recommendations set by the World Food Programme.Item Assessing The Diversity Of Insects In A Quarry Operational Area In The Ashanti Region Of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2022-11) Addae, S.Quarrying activities have negative impacts on invertebrate biodiversity and threaten local species through a variety of factors, such as habitat loss and pollution. Quarrying is a common practice in Ghana, but little is known about its impact on local insect diversity and abundance. In this study, the relationship between quarrying activities and insect communities at an active quarrying site, the Mowire quarry site in the Ashanti region of Ghana, was assessed. Transect counts, aerial netting, pitfalls, FIT, and Charaxes trapping have been employed to assess arthropod assemblages, particularly insects as surrogate arthropod communities. A total of 2,902 individual insects from 56 families and eleven orders were recorded at all transect points of the three zones. The quarry operational area habitat in the East Zone (EZ) supported a high abundance (N = 974) of insects and high species richness (S = 49), corresponding to a large diversity of flowering plants at this site, which is a food source for pollinators and herbivorous insects. The western zone of the quarry's operational area was not conducive to insect assemblage as the lowest abundance, diversity and richness occurred at the transect point (TP) 400 m, consistent with the low abundance of host plants as well as the amounts of dust settling in the western zone after each blast, as dust travels toward the zone. It is recommended that interventions to prevent the loss of biodiversity habitats in and around the quarry site must be focused on policies that ensure and enforce the establishment of a dust control mechanism system in the extractive industry.Item Systematics Of The Genus Eulophia R. Br. (Orchidaceae) In Ghana(University of Ghana, 2023-01) Darko, W.B.The family Orchidaceae includes 850 genera and 24, 000 species, and it is arranged into 70 subtribes, 22 tribes, and five subfamilies on the basis of anther number and position. Many orchids are utilized in the traditional system of medication as medicines for several illnesses. There is no complete taxonomic revision of the genus Eulophia in Africa. A previous study based on morphological, ecological, and biogeographic characters of Eulophia cristata in Ghana has been reported by Lock and Profita (1975). However, the extent of morphological variations in species of the genus in Ghana has not been analyzed. The overall goal of this study is to undertake a systematic study of the genus Eulophia in Ghana for their sustainable utilization and conservation. 50 herbarium specimens of the genus Eulophia (35 specimens at GC, 10 specimens at CCG, and 5 specimens at KUU) were examined for morphological characters. Information from herbarium labels of the specimens examined were retrieved to understand aspects of the ecology such as phenology, habitat types and pollinator-flower relationship for the species of the genus Eulophia. Taxonomic studies focused on development of an authoritative checklist and construction of dichotomous keys for identification of species of the genus. Morphological studies on the species of Eulophia from Ghana suggested eight species but records from the herbaria in Ghana provided nine species. The members of the Eulophia range from small to large herbs, lacking woody stems; plant height ranges from 560–2000mm, 2– 16mm in width; has leaves that are often alternately arranged. Leaves are plicate, erect, often linear to lanceolate. Flowers are mostly in the shades of yellow and red, except shades of green in E. euglossa and E. flavopurpurea. Generally, the species of Eulophia have a cosmopolitan distribution across the country from the herbarium records.Item Impact Of Covid-19 Outbreak On The Prevalence Of Soil Transmitted Helminths Among School Children In The Volta Region Of Ghana.(University of Ghana, 2021-12) Vorsah, R.Y.Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) continue to pose a substantial health risk to humans, particularly children, all over the world, with the majority of cases occurring in underdeveloped countries. This study, carried out from March to April 2021, investigated the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on STH infections among primary school children in the Ho West and Afadjato South Districts in the Volta Region of Ghana using stool examination, microscopic techniques and administered questionnaire. The parasitological examination of 347 stool samples showed that 144 (41.5 %) were positive for STHs: hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) (21.9%), Trichuris trichiura (10.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (9.2%). The risk of STH infection among females was observed to be higher compared to males (OR = 3.69; 95% CI =1.48-9.20; p = 0.005) In the Ho West district, school children who used blade to cut their nails are less likely at risk to helminth infection than those who bite their nails in Ho West district (OR= 0.26; CI = 0.93- 0.70; p= 0.008 but there was no significant association between potential risk factors and STHinfections in the Afadjato South District. More parents reported anthelminthic drug administration to their children before COVID-19 outbreak compared to during COVID-19 outbreak (χ² (df) =31.04(1), p <0.0001). Eighty-one of school children in both districts (84%) were positive for Trichuris infection, there was a significant difference between parent’s response and Trichuris infection among those who administered anthelminthic drug before and during COVID-19 (p <0.0001). The high prevalence of STHs infections among primary school children calls for education on the proper hygiene habits and regular deworming exercise among residents in the study area.Item Predictors Of Malnutrition Among Hospitalized Adults With Pneumonia At The 37 Military Hospital In Accra, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2023-06) Andoh, T.Introduction: The aging population is the world’s most pressing medical and socio demographic challenge, and addressing this issue is a key concern. In Sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana, undernutrition among older people is high. There is limited information on the malnutrition situation among the hospitalized older adults in Ghana. This study was undertaken to identify malnutrition cases and the determinants of malnutrition among hospitalized adults with pneumonia at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 54 hospitalized adults aged 60 and above infected with pneumonia at the 37 Military Hospital. Data were collected on socio- demographics, health status, lifestyle factors, and dietary intakes (a 24-hour dietary recall). Anthropometric data and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Tool (MNA) were used to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among the study group. Chi-square and regression analysis were used to determine the association between malnutrition and comorbidity among hospitalized adults with pneumonia. Results: This study revealed that 85.2% of the study population were malnourished based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). Based on MNA scores, 50.0% and 40% of the participants were at risk of malnutrition and malnourished respectively. There was no significant association between dietary diversity, nutrient intake, and malnutrition using BMI and MNA-Score (P > 0.05), respectively. Predictors such as marital status, feeding mode, morbidity, and taking more than 3 prescriptions per day were independently associated with malnutrition with a (P > 0.05). The prevalence of comorbidity among the study population was (61.1%) as participants with comorbidity had higher odds for malnutrition than those who are morbid (OR =2.58: CI=0.394 16.94). Study participants with health conditions such as neuropsychological problems had 4 times higher odds (OR 4.52:CI= 0.004-2.177) for malnutrition than those who had no neuropsychological problems. Lastly, the prevalence of anaemia among hospitalized a with pneumonia was 40.7%. Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition in adult with pneumonia was high using both the MNA and the body mass index. Almost all participants had inadequacies for calcium and fibre intake while there was no association between dietary and malnutrition however carbohydrate was the only nutrient that was associated with MNA. Predictors such as marital status, taking more than 3 prescriptions per day, feeding mode, living independently, and mobility were associated with malnutrition.Item Selection Dynamics Of Circumsporozoite Protein (Csp) Vaccine Target In Ghana: The Contribution Of Human Leukocyte Antigen (Hla) Variation(University Of Ghana, 2021-07) Kpaka, J.N.Implementation of RTS,S/AS01 vaccine for malaria is underway in three (3) African countries, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. This vaccine, which targets the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) provides partial protection for infants and children against clinical and severe malaria infections. Reasons for this reduced efficacy or immunogenicity are poorly understood, but CSP variation has been implicated. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) has also been observed to influence RTS,S-mediated protection. This study aims to define the variants of CSP and determine its distribution between Begoro and Cape Coast in Ghana over three years. Further, the influence of HLA genotype in terms of parasite frequency and RTS,S/AS01 response was assessed. About 50μl of peripheral blood was collected from participants in Begoro and Cape Coast in 2014, 2015, and 2016, dried blood spot (DBS) prepared and DNA was extracted. The C-terminal of Plasmodium falciparum CSP and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II gene in humans were deep sequenced. The translated amino acid haplotypes of the CSP were aligned and compared to the reference 3D7 vaccine strain. The HLA class II haplotypes were grouped into superfamily and their association with the CSP variants was ascertained. The CSP haplotypes are evenly distributed between Begoro and Cape Coast. There were 31 Th2R haplotypes in Begoro and 30 Th2R haplotypes in Cape Coast; 15 Th3R haplotypes in Begoro and 13 in Cape Coast. About 83.9% of Th2R and 96.5% of Th3R haplotypes in Begoro are shared with Cape Coast. The amino acid changes with reference to the 3D7 vaccine strain at the Th2R epitope range from 1 to 6 and 1 to 4 at theTh3R epitope. There is a 53% and 60% reduction in the 3D7 Th2R and Th3R haplotypes, respectively, from 2014 to 2016, but 3D7 is still common in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The 3D7 haplotype does not correlate with HLA-DRB1, but there is with HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DPB1. Begoro and Cape Coast are two different ecological zones in Ghana but the parasite population is homogenous. The Th2R epitope of CSP is polymorphic than the Th3R epitope and this higher polymorphism is driving a higher non-synonymous amino acid substitution at the Th2R epitope than the Th3R epitope which may have vaccine implication. A decline in frequency of 3D7 parasite population may also affect the performance in the vaccine in Begoro and Cape Coast. Initial correlations indicate that HLA-DPB1 (01:01/17:01) correlates with the 3D7 vaccine strain, but HLA-DPB1 (01:01/17:01) and other variants of HLA-DQA1 also correlates with other Th2R haplotypes and may compete with the vaccine haplotype for antigen presentation to CD+4 T cells. This may have implications for the efficacy of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in Ghana.Item Impact Of Covid-19 Outbreak On The Prevalence Of Soil Transmitted Helminths Among School Children In The Volta Region Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Vorsah, R.Y.Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) continue to pose a substantial health risk to humans, particularly children, all over the world, with the majority of cases occurring in underdeveloped countries. This study, carried out from March to April 2021, investigated the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on STH infections among primary school children in the Ho West and Afadjato South Districts in the Volta Region of Ghana using stool examination, microscopic techniques and administered questionnaire. The parasitological examination of 347 stool samples showed that 144 (41.5 %) were positive for STHs: hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) (21.9%), Trichuris trichiura (10.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (9.2%). The risk of STH infection among females was observed to be higher compared to males (OR = 3.69; 95% CI =1.48-9.20; p = 0.005) In the Ho West district, school children who used blade to cut their nails are less likely at risk to helminth infection than those who bite their nails in Ho West district (OR= 0.26; CI = 0.93- 0.70; p= 0.008 but there was no significant association between potential risk factors and STHinfections in the Afadjato South District. More parents reported anthelminthic drug administration to their chi ldren before COVID- 19 outbreak compared to during COVID-19 outbreak (χ² (df) =31.04(1), p <0.0001). Eighty-one of school children in both districts (84%) were positive for Trichuris infection, there was a significant difference between parent’s response and Trichuris infection among those who administered anthelminthic drug before and during COVID-19 (p <0.0001). The high prevalence of STHs infections among primary school children calls for education on the proper hygiene habits and regular deworming exercise among residents in the study area.Item Assessment Of Antiplasmodial Activities Of Selected Herbal Products Used For The Treatment Of Malaria In Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-12) Zoiku, F.K.Malaria continues to be a menace in many parts of the world and remains a global public health problem, contributing to high morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries including Ghana. Even though Artermisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) still remain efficacious in the treatment of malaria, most of the populace in Ghana rely heavily on medicinal plants and herbal preparations for the treatment of malaria and other infectious diseases. The seven herbal products were selected based on a preliminary survey conducted on knowledge, perception and consumption of herbal products in Greater Accra Region. The most commonly used Antimalarial herbal medications selected were Away, Givers, Osompa, Typhofa, Malatyphs, Aseda and Geo Manuel Herbal drugs. These herbal drugs were therefore assessed for their antiplasmodial activities using in vitro and ex vivo sensitivity testing on chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive (3D7), CQ-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei. The SYBR-Green 1 fluorescence-based method was used for the analysis. The results showed IC50 values ranging from 1.16μg/ml to 56 μg/ml for all the Plasmodium strains. However, there was a significant difference between the IC50 values of the standard control drugs (p<0.05) for both 3D7 and Dd2 strains. For the mechanism of action, a simple colorimetric inhibition of heme crystallization method was used and the IC50 were determined which ranged from 1.86μg/ml to 122.2μg/ml for the herbal drugs. Cytotoxicity of the herbal drugs were assessed with MTT assay using human red cells and selectivity index ranged from 4.42 to 405.60 with cell viabilities above 60% indicating no in vitro cytotoxic effects to the human red cells. To determine the heavy metal and electrolyte contents of the herbal drugs, atomic spectrometry method was used and the results ranged from 0.1mg/Kg to 12.8mg/kg of the heavy metals with significant differences (p<0.05) among all the seven herbal products. For the electrolytes, results ranged from 1.1mg/kg to 1400mg/Kg with no significant difference (p>0.05) among the herbal drugs. The pH of the selected herbal drugs determined were below 5 (3.56-4.61) indicating acidic nature of the herbal products. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the fingerprint of the seven herbal products and the result indicated the presence of varying active compounds from 9 to 16 with no similarities in retention times (min) as compared to other standard drugs used. In conclusion, these results show that the selected herbal drugs have antiplasmodial activities with no cytotoxic effect to human red cells but slightly acidic in nature