ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum delayed clearance associated polymorphisms in adaptor protein complex 2 mu subunit (pfap2mu) and ubiquitin specific protease 1 (pfubp1) genes in Ghanaian isolates

Background: Plasmodium falciparum delayed clearance with the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs) has been reported in some African countries. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two genes, P. falciparum adaptor protein complex 2 mu subunit (pfap2mu) and ubiquitin specific protease 1 (pfubp1), have been linked to delayed clearance with ACT use in Kenya and recurrent imported malaria in Britain. With over 12 years of ACT use in Ghana, this study investigated the prevalence of SNPs in the pfap2mu and pfubp1 in Ghanaian clinical P. falciparum isolates to provide baseline data for antimalarial drug resistance surveillance in the country. Methods: Filter paper blood blots collected in 2015–2016 from children aged below 9 years presenting with uncomplicated malaria at hospitals in three sentinel sites Begoro, Cape Coast and Navrongo were used. Parasite DNA was extracted from 120 samples followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Sanger sequencing was performed to detect and identify SNPs in pfap2mu and pfubp1 genes. Results: In all, 11.1% (9/81) of the isolates carried the wildtype genotypes for both genes. A total of 164 pfap2mu mutations were detected in 67 isolates whilst 271 pfubp1 mutations were observed in 72 isolates. The majority of the mutations were non-synonymous (NS): 78% (128/164) for pfap2mu and 92.3% (250/271) for pfubp1. Five unique samples had a total of 215 pfap2mu SNPs, ranging between 15 and 63 SNPs per sample. Genotypes reportedly associated with ART resistance detected in this study included pfap2mu S160N (7.4%, 6/81) and pfubp1 E1528D (7.4%, 6/81) as well as D1525E (4.9%, 4/81). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the SNPs between the three ecologically distinct study sites (pfap2mu: χ2 = 6.905, df = 2, P = 0.546; pfubp1: χ2 = 4.883, df = 2, P = 0.769). Conclusions: The detection of pfap2mu and pfubp1 genotypes associated with ACT delayed parasite clearance is evidence of gradual nascent emergence of resistance in Ghana. The results will serve as baseline data for surveillance and the selection of the genotypes with drug pressure over time. The pfap2mu S160N, pfubp1 E1528D and D1525E must be monitored in Ghanaian isolates in ACT susceptibility studies, especially when cure rates of ACTs, particularly AL, is less than 100%.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in HIV Patients in the Central Region of Ghana.

Literature reveals that there is an association between HIV infection and mental disorders. The study aimed at examining the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in HIV infected individuals cared for at the Central Regional Hospital, a referral hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect epidemiological and clinical data. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to evaluate psychiatric disturbances. Two hundred and six HIV patients (females, 120 and males, 86) were assessed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for mental disorders. Socio-demographic and clinical information were collected from patient's records with permission from the hospital authority. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis. The prevalence of psychiatric disorder was 146 (70.9%). The psychiatric conditions identied were mood disorders (depression and mania) and anxiety disorders (General anxiety, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder). Conclusion: Findings suggest that there is need to consider mental and psychological care of clients with HIV/AIDS to minimise the prevalence of psychiatric disorder among HIV clients

Source: UCC
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in HIV patients in the Central Region of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Literature reveals that there is an association between HIV infection and mental disorders. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed at examining the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in HIV infected individuals cared for at the Central Regional Hospital, a referral hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect epidemiological and clinical data. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to evaluate psychiatric disturbances. Two hundred and six HIV patients (females, 120 and males, 86) were assessed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for mental disorders. Socio-demographic and clinical information were collected from patient's records with permission from the hospital authority. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of psychiatric disorder was 146 (70.9%). The psychiatric conditions identied were mood disorders (depression and mania) and anxiety disorders (General anxiety, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder). Conclusion: Findings suggest that there is need to consider mental and psychological care of clients with HIV/AIDS to minimise the prevalence of psychiatric disorder among HIV clients.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of severe acute rotavirus gastroenteritis and intussusceptions in Ghanaian children under 5 years of age

Introduction: Vaccination is the most effective preventive strategy against rotavirus disease. Regional differences in prevalent rotavirus genotypes may affect vaccine efficacy. Pre-vaccine surveillance for burden of rotavirus disease, prevalent rotavirus genotypes, and association between rotavirus disease and intussusceptions helps in monitoring the impact of vaccination. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2009 in children younger than five years hospitalized for longer than 24 hours with acute gastroenteritis. Data on confirmed cases of intussusception were collected retrospectively. Stools were tested by enzyme immunoassay, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing. Results: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) caused 13.1% (2,147/16,348) of hospitalizations among children under five years. Stools were tested for 50.2% (1077/2147) of AGE cases. Of these, 49% (528/1077) were rotavirus positive. Rotavirus gastroenteritis, non-rotavirus gastroenteritis, and intussusceptions were most prevalent in children under 15 months [80.3%, 74% and 91% respectively]. Rotavirus was detected from more than 60% of acute gastroenteritis cases during peak months. The prevalence of intussusception showed no seasonal pattern. The peak ages of six to twelve months for acute gastroenteritis and five to eight months for intussusception overlapped. G1, G2 and mixed G/P genotypes were common in the isolated rotaviruses. Conclusion: Rotavirus gastroenteritis causes significant morbidity in children younger than five years of age in Ghana. Although the peak age of rotavirus gastroenteritis and intussusceptions overlapped, there was no seasonal correlation between them. The high prevalence of mixed G/P genotypes in Ghanaian children may affect the effectiveness of vaccination.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of teenage pregnancy in relation to the challenges faced by teenage pregnant mothers in the Manya Krobo District of Ghana

Teenage pregnancy has been a social canker in the whole world and causing a lot of problems to governments, societies, and individuals as well. This study explored the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in relation to the challenges faced by teenage pregnant mothers in the Manya Krobo District of Ghana. It also assessed the effects of teenage pregnancy on the socioeconomic development of the society. Five research questions and two hypotheses were posited to guide the study. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. The stratified and purposive sampling procedures were used to select a sample of 150 (100 pregnant teenagers and 50 health workers). Two self-constructed questionnaires were designed to collect data. The data collected were analyzed using Chi-square, and descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentage scores. The study revealed that teenage pregnant girls face various health, education and socio-economic challenges such as complications of delivery and low birth weight, inability of parents to send wards to school and ridiculing and mockery by school mates, and societal rejection respectively. It was concluded that teenage pregnancy is a serious public health issue that has observable negative health, educational, and socio-economic effects on the pregnant girls. It was recommended that the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) carry out educational programmes in communities on the challenges anddangers of teenage pregnancy and its effect on the society.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a rural population in Ghana

Background: The Metabolic syndrome (MS) which is a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, central obesity, and endothelial dysfunction was hitherto relatively uncommon among Africans south of the Sahara. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of MS, its components and risk factors among a rural population in Ghana based on two popular international algorithms. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of a rural population in Ghana conducted between November and December, 2007. Two hundred and twenty-eight (228) settler farmers, families and staff associated with the GOPDC Ltd, between the ages of 35 and 64 years, were randomly selected for the study; pregnant women were excluded. The prevalence of MS was estimated using the IDF and ATPIII criteria. Results: The final subject pool included 102 males, and 104 females. The mean age of all subjects was 44.4 ± 6.9 years. The overall prevalence of MS by the IDF and ATPIII criteria were 35.9% and 15.0%, respectively, but there was an alarming female preponderance by both criteria {IDF: males = 15.7%, females =55.8%; ATPIII: males = 5.9%, females = 24.0%; sex differences p<0.001 for both criteria}. The most important determinants for IDF-defined MS were central obesity (55.3%), low High Density Lipoprotein (42.7%) and high Blood Pressure (39.5%). Conclusion: The triad of central obesity, high blood pressure and low HDL were most responsible for the syndrome in this rural population.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Themes Linked to Delayed Presentation of Breast Cancer in Africa: A Meta-Analysis of Patient-Reported Studies

PURPOSE The prevalence of themes linked to delay in presentation of breast cancer (BC) and their underlying factors vary considerably throughout Africa. Regional differences and trends are largely unreported. The purpose of this research was to provide summary estimates of the prevalence and distribution of the themes and underlying factors linked to delay in the presentation of BC, regional variation, and trends in an effort to identify targets for intervention. DESIGN We screened articles found through PubMed/Medline, African Journal OnLine, Science Direct, Google/ Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. We included patient-reported surveys on the reasons linked to delayed presentation under 6 previously identified themes: symptom misinterpretation, fear, preference for alternative care, social influence, hospital-related factors, and access factors. The meta-analytical procedure in MetaXL used the quality-effect model. RESULTS Twelve of the 236 identified articles were eligible for this review. The overall summary estimate of late presentation (. 90 days) was 54% (95% CI, 23 to 85) and was worst in the eastern and central regions. Symptom misinterpretation was the most common theme (50%; 95% CI, 21 to 56), followed by fear (17%; 95% CI, 3 to 27), hospital-related theme (11%; 95% CI, 1 to 21), preference for alternative care (10%; 95% CI, 0 to 21), social influence (7%; 95% CI, 0 to 14), and access-related theme (6%; 95% CI, 0 to 13). The most common factor underlying symptom misinterpretation was mischaracterizing the breast lesion as benign (60%; 95% CI, 4 to 100) which surpassed lack of awareness in the last decade. Misdiagnosis and failure to refer were the dominant hospital-related factors. CONCLUSION Modifiable factors such as mischaracterizing malignant masses as benign, fear, misdiagnosis, and failure to refer were the prevalent factors contributing to delays throughout Africa. These factors are promising targets for intervention.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in HIV-infected patients and food animals and direct genotyping of T. gondii isolates, Southern Ghana

Toxoplasma DNAs were detected in 3.07% of the seropositive participants and 9.47% of the animals. Six of the human DNA positive samples were partly typed at sag3: 33.33, 50, and 16.67% isolates had type I, II, and III alleles, respectively. All nine isolates from food animals typed at nine loci except apico were atypical: six isolates were identical to ToxoDB #41 and #145, and one was identical to TgCkBrRj2 all identified in Brazil. The genotype of two isolates has not been reported previously and was named as TgCtGh1. T. gondii seroprevalence is high among the HIV-infected individuals with T. gondii circulating in Ghana being genetically diverse.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of use and perceived impact of energy drink consumption by senior high school students in the Ga south district of greater Accra region

The dual purposes of this study were to find out the extent of energy drink usage and its perceived impact. The study used the survey design in the Ga South District of Greater Accra Region. A total of 584 students from Odorgonno Senior High School, Ngleshi Amanfro Senior High School and Christian Methodist Senior High School participated in the study. A researcher generated questionnaire (JED-Q) was used for the study. A cronbach alpha reliability of .73 was obtained. In general, the overall consumption of energy drink was 273(46.7%). The three most consumed energy drinks were lucozade, blue jeans and gluconade. In addition, 269(46.1%) and 213(36.5%) of the study participants believed that energy drinks helped to improve performance during sports competitions, 252(43.2%) and 121(20.7%) agreed that they reacted more quickly when they consumed energy drinks, 215(36.8%) and 277(47.4%) consumed energy drinks because it gives them energy and 119(20.4%) and 262(44.9%) felt more alert when they consumed energy drinks. Also, 342(58.62%) had low knowledge while 242(41.38%) had high knowledge on energy drinks. Factors predicting energy drink consumption were taste = t (1,582) = 18.91, p < .05 (49%), accessibility = t (1,582) = 17.70, p < .05 (46%) and advert = t (1,582) = 5.54, p < .05 (13%). There was a significant difference in the energy drink consumption on gender χ² (1) = 6.08 p < 0.05. Also, sports player and non-sports players differed significantly in their energy drink consumption.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of virus diseases, distribution and characterization of viruses infecting cucurbit crops in six agro-ecological zones in Côte D’ivoire

Viral diseases are a worldwide problem of cucurbits and a major limiting factor for they production. A field survey was conducted through six agro-ecological zones of Côte d’Ivoire during the dry and rainy seasons in 2014 to assess disease prevalence and severity, identify associated viruses, and evaluate the effect of temperature and growing seasons on virus diseases. Viruses were detected on sampled leaves displaying virus-like symptoms using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The phylogenetic relationships of the new detected virus were also studied. High disease prevalence and severity was observed in both dry and rainy seasons. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in rainy season varying between 0.6% and 56.8%. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) were detected out of five. CMV was more prevalent in dry season at an incidence of 31.5% whereas ZYMV was more prevalent in rainy season at an incidence of 34.3%. Pepo aphid borne yellows virus (PABYV) was detected by RT-PCR in Côte d’Ivoire as a Polerovirus based on the sequence similarity and phylogenetic analyses. CMV was detected at significantly enhanced levels in plants when co-infected with ZYMV; plant height was reduced compared to the single infection at 20°C and 25°C. During growing seasons, high incidence and severity were recorded with the highest mean disease severity in growing season 2. It is concluded that co-infection with ZYMV enhance the titer of CMV, which could have epidemiological significance.

Source: UCC
The prevalence of α-thalassemia and its relation to plasmodium falciparum infection in patients presenting to clinics in two distinct ecological zones in Ghana

Thalassemia and sickle cell disease constitute the most monogenic hemoglobin (Hb) disorders worldwide. Clinical symptoms of a+ -thalassemia (a+ -thal) are related to inadequate Hb production and accumulation of b- and/org-globin subunits. he association of thalassemia with malaria remains contentious, though from its distribution it appears to have offered some protection against the disease. Data on the prevalence of thalassemia in Ghana and its link with malaria is scanty and restricted. It was an objective of this cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of thalassemia in areas representing two of Ghana’s distinct ecological zones. The relationship between thalassemia and Plasmodium falciparium (P. falciparum) infection was also ascertained. Overall, 277 patients presenting to health facilities in the study areas were recruited to participate. ests were carried out to determine the presence of a+-thal, sickle cell and malaria parasites in the blood samples of participants. The outcome of this study showed ana +-thal frequency of 19.9% for heterozygotes ( a/aa) and 6.8% for homozygotes (a/a). Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 17.7% of the overall study population and 14.9% in those with a + -thal. No association was observed between those with a + -thal and the study sites (p40.05). A test of the Hardy-Weinberg law yielded no significant difference (p50.001). Findings from this study suggest a modest distribution of a+ -thal in Ghana with no bias to the ecological zones. Although the prevalence and parasite density were relatively low in those with the disorder, no association was found between them

Source: UCC
The Prevalence of α-Thalassemia and Its Relation to Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Patients Presenting to Clinics in Two Distinct Ecological Zones in Ghana

Thalassemia and sickle cell disease constitute the most monogenic hemoglobin (Hb) disorders worldwide. Clinical symptoms of a+-thalassemia (a+-thal) are related to inadequate Hb production and accumulation of b- and/or g-globin subunits. The association of thalassemia with malaria remains contentious, though from its distribution it appears to have offered some protection against the disease. Data on the prevalence of thalassemia in Ghana and its link with malaria is scanty and restricted. It was an objective of this cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of thalassemia in areas representing two of Ghana’s distinct ecological zones. The relationship between thalassemia and Plasmodium falciparium (P. falciparum) infection was also ascertained. Overall, 277 patients presenting to health facilities in the study areas were recruited to participate. Tests were carried out to determine the presence of a+-thal, sickle cell and malaria parasites in the blood samples of participants. The outcome of this study showed an a+-thal frequency of 19.9% for heterozygotes ( a/aa) and 6.8% for homozygotes ( a/ a). Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 17.7% of the overall study population and 14.9% in those with a+-thal. No association was observed between those with a+-thal and the study sites (p40.05). A test of the Hardy-Weinberg law yielded no significant difference (p50.001). Findings from this study suggest a modest distribution of a+-thal in Ghana with no bias to the ecological zones. Although the prevalence and parasite density were relatively low in those with the disorder, no association was found between them.

Source: UCC
Prevalence, genetic variants and clinical implications of G-6-PD deficiency in Burkina Faso: a systematic review

Background: It is now well-known that some antimalarials such as primaquine may induce severe hemolytic anemia in people with G-6-PD deficiency. Antimalarial drug prescriptions must, therefore take into account the patient’s G-6-PD status in malaria endemic areas such as Burkina Faso, where the prevalence of this genetic abnormality is relatively high. Although great clinical heterogeneity is observed depending on the molecular nature of the deficiency and the residual enzyme activity in the red blood cell, there is very poor data on the prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency and the distribution of involved genetic variants in Burkina Faso. In this systematic review, we present a synthesis of the various studies carried out on the G-6-PD deficiency in Burkina Faso in order to determine its prevalence, probable distribution of the genetic variants involved and their clinical implications for a national systematic screening policy among the groups most vulnerable to malaria. Methods: A systematic review was carried out to analyze available published data on the prevalence, phenotypes and mutations responsible for G-6-PD deficiency in Burkina Faso. The key words used were “G-6-PD deficiency AND Burkina Faso” or “Déficit en G-6-PD AND Burkina Faso” in French. To identify the relevant articles, two independent reviewers reviewed the titles, abstracts and the full text of the selected papers. Results: An average prevalence of 16.6% (183/1100; CI 95%: 0.145–0.190) and 6.5% (69/1066; CI 95%: 0.051–0.081) of G- 6-PD deficiency was found respectively in men and women in this systematic review. Although the predominance (99. 8% of G-6-PD deficient cases) of 202A/376G G-6-PD A- variant, the Santamaria and Betica Selma variants were identified in Burkina Faso. Independently of the method used, the enzymatic deficiency was significantly higher in males (2.5–20. 5%) compared to females (3.3–12.3%). Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that despite the ubiquity of the 202A/376G G-6-PD A- variant in Burkina Faso, it will be necessary to consider the Santamaria and Betica Selma variants although their frequencies remain to be specified. A systematic screening of the G-6-PD deficiency is also needed to prevent the occurrence of iatrogenic hemolytic accidents.

Source: UCC