ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and attitude of senior secondary school students in Benin City, Nigeria to sickle cell disease

Since the discovery of sickle cell disease by DR J.B. Herrick in 1904, the disease has been given several names by various tribes based on their understanding. In Nigeria about 30,000 children are born each year with sickle cell disease. There is no legislation in Nigeria on premarital screening and only about 63.6% of university students know their Haemoglobin genotype. This descriptive study was carried out from January to march 2007 with 850 senior secondary school students in the urban areas of Benin City. Analysed data showed that majority of the student were above 16yrs (54%), females (60.9%), Christians (94.9%), indigene of Edo (48%) and had educated parents (64.9% secondary and above). Only 32% of the respondent knew their genotype, 12.9% claimed ABO blood group for their Hb genotype, while 55.1% did not know their Hb genotype. Also only 18% of the respondent had some/correct idea about sickle cell disease, 36% of the students knew the importance of premarital Hb genotype and only 15.1% believes that the disease is curable.18% of the students will show wrong attitude including stigmatization towards patients with sickle cell disease. This study has shown that majority of the senior secondary school students are in the premarital phase. Majority of the students do not know their Hb genotype, have a poor understanding of the disease and some will stigmatize patients with sickle cell disease. We need to encourage the education of our student about the disease and encourage premarital Hb genotype screening even at a lower level of secondary school.

Source: UG
Knowledge and awareness of and perception towards cardiovascular disease risk in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of non-communicable disease mortality in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Gaps in knowledge of CVD conditions and their risk factors are important barriers in effective prevention and treatment. Yet, evidence on the awareness and knowledge level of CVD and associated risk factors among populations of SSA is scarce. This review aimed to synthesize available evidence of the level of knowledge of and perceptions towards CVDs and risk factors in the SSA region. Methods Five databases were searched for publications up to December 2016. Narrative synthesis was conducted for knowledge level of CVDs, knowledge of risk factors and clinical signs, factors influencing knowledge of CVDs and source of health information on CVDs. The review was registered with Prospero (CRD42016049165). Results Of 2212 titles and abstracts screened, 45 full-text papers were retrieved and reviewed and 20 were included: eighteen quantitative and two qualitative studies. Levels of knowledge and awareness for CVD and risk factors were generally low, coupled with poor perception. Most studies reported less than half of their study participants having good knowledge of CVDs and/or risk factors. Proportion of participants who were unable to identify a single risk factor and clinical symptom for CVDs ranged from 1.8% in a study among hospital staff in Nigeria to a high of 73% in a population-based survey in Uganda and 7% among University staff in Nigeria to 75.1% in a general population in Uganda respectively. High educational attainment and place of residence had a significant influence on the levels of knowledge for CVDs among SSA populations. Conclusion Low knowledge of CVDs, risk factors and clinical symptoms is strongly associated with the low levels of educational attainment and rural residency in the region. These findings provide useful information for implementers of interventions targeted at the prevention and control of CVDs, and encourages them to incorporate health promotion and awareness campaigns in order to enhance knowledge and awareness of CVDs in the region. © 2017 Boateng et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Source: UG
Knowledge and awareness of employer’s liability: views of healthcare workers in Ghana

This study explored the knowledge and awareness of Ghanaian health workers on vicarious liability. It also explored the perceptions and experiences of Ghanaian healthcare workers on the incidence, scope, rationale and implications of vicarious liability in healthcare facilities in Ghana. Towards this end, structured questionnaires were administered to four hundred (400) respondents randomly sampled from one private and one public health facility in Ghana. Their responses were analyzed and qualitatively discussed within the context of relevant literature. Study results show that healthcare workers in Ghana had limited knowledge on vicarious liability. Further, vicarious liability of healthcare facilities in Ghana were the result of treatment without consent, breach of patient’s confidentiality, negligence, assault, battery, nuisance, patient abandonment, and wrongful diagnosis or treatment procedure by healthcare personnel.

Source: UG
Knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS among High School girls in Ghana’, HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is recognized as a national priority health issue in Ghana. Consequently, the Ghana AIDS Commission and the National AIDS Control Programme were established, among other things, to enhance the knowledge and awareness on the nature, causes, effects and means of managing the spread of HIV/AIDS among populations at risk in Ghana. Through the efforts of these bodies and other stakeholders in health, several awareness creation and sensitization efforts have been targeted at teenage girls, a high risk group in Ghana. This study therefore assesses the knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS among senior high school girls in their teens in Ghana using a sample of 260 female students of West African Senior High School. The data collected were analyzed and discussed under relevant themes and within the context of the literature. The study revealed that generally, senior high school girls were knowledgeable on the nature, modes of transmission, and prevention of HIV/AIDS. There were however some students who exhibited limited knowledge on some issues including the spiritual causes and treatment of HIV/AIDS, contacts and associations with infected persons, as well as determination of HIV infection from appearances rather than testing. The study also raised important concerns about the reluctance of senior high school girls to use condoms as a preventive measure and the need to reorient HIV/AIDS awareness interventions in Ghana.

Source: UG
Knowledge and Beliefs About Cervical Cancer Screening Among Men in Kumasi, Ghana

Introduction: The age-standardized mortality rate for cervical cancer in Ghana, West Africa is more than three times the global cervical cancer mortality rate (27.6/100,000 vs. 7.8/100,000 respectively). The Pap test and visual inspection with acetic acid are available at public and private hospitals in Ghana. Approximately, 2.7% of Ghanaian women obtain cervical cancer screenings regularly. Men in middle-income countries play a key role in cervical cancer prevention. Increasing spousal support for cervical cancer screening may increase screening rates in Ghana. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with Ghanaian men (N = 29) to assess their cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening knowledge and beliefs. The qualitative data was analyzed via indexed coding. Results: Targets for education interventions were identified including inaccurate knowledge about cervical cancer and stigmatizing beliefs about cervical cancer risk factors. Cultural taboos regarding women’s health care behaviours were also identified. Several participants indicated that they would be willing to provide spousal support for cervical cancer screening if they knew more about the disease and the screening methods. Conclusions: Men play a significant role in the health behaviours of some Ghanaian women. Cervical cancer education interventions targeting Ghanaian men are needed to correct misconceptions and increase spousal support for cervical cancer screening.

Source: UG
Knowledge and consumption patterns of coffee creamers in Accra, Ghana

Purpose: Major health benefits have been associated with the consumption of soy based foods. Non-dairy beverage creamers made from soy protein will reduce cost and appeal to lactose intolerant consumers. The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge and perceptions of beverage creamers among consumers in Accra, as a case study for many West African countries. Design/methodology/approach: Self-administered questionnaires were used to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of beverage consumers to the use of creaming agents. Findings: Chi square tests conducted on data collected during the survey showed no significant association between social status and consumption of beverages such as tea and coffee. Most respondents cream their beverages with dairy milk. They lacked adequate knowledge on non-dairy creamers but would be prepared to use them if they are proved to be beneficial to human health and well being. Originality/value: Consumer preferences and perceptions of new foods can easily be swayed by beneficial health claims that may be associated with the product. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UG
Knowledge and disclosure of HIV status among adolescents and young adults attending an adolescent HIV clinic in Accra, Ghana

Abstract Background In Ghana it is estimated that 1.2% of HIV infections occur in young people aged 15-24 but the representation in our clinics is small. Adherence to treatment, appointment keeping and knowledge of HIV status remains a challenge. Disclosure has been shown to result in better adherence to therapy, good clinical outcomes, psychological adjustment and reduction in the risk of HIV transmission when the young person becomes sexually active. A baseline study was conducted to ascertain if adolescents and young adults knew their HIV status and their knowledge on HIV. Informed consent and assent were obtained from willing participants. Self-administered questionnaires on general knowledge of HIV, HIV treatment and disclosure were collected and analyzed. Results Thirty-four young persons participated in the study. The mean age was 16.9 &#177; SD 2.5 and 62% (21/32) were female. All of them were still in school. Eighty-five percent were aware that young people their age could fall sick, 91% had heard of HIV, 70% knew someone with HIV and 45% thought that adolescents were not at risk of HIV. On modes of HIV transmission, 66.7% knew HIV was transmitted through sex and 63.6% knew about mother to child transmission. Fifty three percent (18/34) knew their HIV status, 50% (17/34) were on antiretroviral and 35% (6/17) of them admitted to missing ARV doses. One person who said he was HIV negative and another who did not know his status were both on ARVs. Conclusion Disclosure of HIV status to adolescents and young people is dependent on a complex mix of factors and most practitioners recommend an age and developmentally appropriate disclosure. Thus it is highly individualized. The knowledge and awareness of HIV was 91% compared to 97% of adults in the most recent Ghana Demographic and Health Survey however only about two thirds had acceptable in depth knowledge on HIV. Only half knew their HIV status which was not the best considering their ages. There is the need to strengthen education to young persons with HIV, support adhere to ARVs for better outcomes and assist care givers to disclose HIV status to them.

Source: UG
Knowledge and Health Seeking Behaviour of Breast Cancer Patients in Ghana

Background: Breast cancer is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, despite the numerous measures employed to prevent and manage the disease. This study explored the knowledge and health seeking behaviour of breast cancer patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, from June 2014 to July 2014. Thirty-five participants were purposively selected. The responses to questions about their experiences with breast cancer were determined using indepth interviews. Transcripts were coded and analysed using NVIVO version 10.0. Results: Participants' knowledge about signs and symptoms of breast cancer after their diagnosis was high but low for risk factors. Screening for breast cancer through self-breast examination was infrequently performed prior to their diagnosis. The patients' first point of care was generally health facilities. Some patients reported late due to misinterpretation of signs and symptoms, cultural influences and fear of losing their breast to surgery, physician delay, health providers' laxity, and disinterest in breast cancer. Men, for example, husbands, decide on where and when breast cancer patients go for treatment. Conclusion: There is poor knowledge of the risk factors for developing breast cancer. Patients resorted to the hospital as first options for cure but were generally delayed in doing so. There is the need to create awareness about breast cancer among the general population.

Source: UG
Knowledge and nutrition-related practices among caregivers of adolescents with sickle cell disease in the Greater Accra region of Ghana

Background Due to its severe adverse effect on child mortality, sickle cell disease (SCD) has been identified as a set of diseases of public health concern. The high mortality rate among children with SCD in Africa has been attributed to several factors including sub-optimal management and care. This study documented the nutrition-related knowledge and practices of caregivers of teenagers who suffer from sickle cell disease (SCD) to inform decisions on integrated management of the disease. Methods The study included caregivers (n=225) of adolescents with SCD who attended clinic at selected hospitals in Accra, Ghana. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was employed in the gathering of information related to general and nutrition-related knowledge about SCD, as well as data on their nutrition-related practices with regards to their children who suffer from SCD. Pearson’s Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the relationship between caregivers’ nutrition-related knowledge and practice. Results Nutrition-related knowledge among the caregivers studied was low, with less than a third of them (29.3%) of the sample being classified as having good knowledge. Caregivers who considered nutrition care when the child experienced crises were few (21.8%), and those with low nutrition-related knowledge were less likely to do this compared with caregivers having high knowledge (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.18, 0.78). The common nutrition actions reported were the provision of more fruits/fruit juices (36.5%) and warm fluids such as soups and teas (31.7%). More than a third of the caregivers (38.7%) admitted that they faced challenges in caring for their adolescents with SCD, particularly in the area of finance for the needed health care. Conclusion Our study findings indicate that it is important to incorporate appropriate nutrition education messages for caregivers as part of a holistic management of SCD.

Source: UG
Knowledge and perceptions of type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian migrants in three European countries and Ghanaians in rural and urban Ghana: The RODAM qualitative study

African migrants in Europe and continental Africans are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (T2D). Both groups develop T2D at a younger age, and have higher morbidity and mortality from T2D and complications, compared to European populations. To reduce risk, and avoidable disability and premature deaths, culturally congruent and context specific interventions are required. This study aimed to: (a) assess perceptions and knowledge of T2D among Ghanaian migrants in Europe and their compatriots in Ghana and (b) identify specific perceptions and knowledge gaps that might predispose migrants to higher risk of diabetes. Data was gathered through 26 focus groups with 180 individuals, aged 21 to 70, from Amsterdam, Berlin and London and rural and urban Ashanti Region, Ghana. Thematic analysis of the data was informed by Social Representations Theory, which focuses on the sources, content and functions of social knowledge. Three key insights emerged from analysis. First, there was general awareness, across migrant and non-migrant groups, of T2D as a serious chronic condition with life threatening complications, and some knowledge of biomedical strategies to prevent diabetes (e.g healthy eating) and diabetes complications (e.g medication adherence). However, knowledge of T2D prevention and reduction of diabetes complications was not comprehensive. Secondly, knowledge of biomedical diabetes theories and interventions co-existed with theories about psychosocial and supernatural causes of diabetes and the efficacy of herbal and faith-based treatment of diabetes. Finally, migrants’ knowledge was informed by both Ghanaian and European systems of T2D knowledge suggesting enculturation dynamics. We discuss the development of culturally congruent and context-specific T2D interventions for the research communities.

Source: UG
The Knowledge and Practice of Continuing Professional Development Among Professional Librarians in State-Owned University Libraries in Ghana

The study looked into the level of awareness and involvement in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by professional librarians in the five state-owned university libraries in Ghana. The study also considered factors hindering and motivating participation in CPD activities. The survey approach was used. Findings revealed that majority of the population was aware of CPD and was involved in it to some extent. Respondents were generally motivated to pursue CPD. Funding stood out as the biggest obstacle to pursuing CPD activities

Source: UG
Knowledge and Practice of Iodized Salt and Iodine Deficiency Disorders among Men in Nungua, Ghana

Background: Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) continues to be a problem in Ghana after several years of salt fortification with iodine. Sustainable IDD prevention requires a well-informed population willing to use iodized salt. This study determined men's knowledge levels on iodized salt, and IDDs iodized salt usage. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 400 men (18 years and above) sampled conveniently at Nungua in the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Data on socio-demographics, knowledge, use of iodized salt, and IDDs were collected. We computed descriptive statistics for socio-demographic data, knowledge of iodized salt, usage of iodized salt, and knowledge of IDDs. We grouped scores for knowledge of iodized salt into poor and good. Scores for knowledge of IDDs were split into tertiles and labeled as low, moderate, and high. Chi-Square (χ2 ) test and multinomial logistic regression were performed to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics, good knowledge of iodized salt, and high knowledge about IDDs. Results: The majority of respondents (37.5%) were aged between 26 and 41 years. About 97.8% have heard about iodized salt and 69.3% first heard about iodized salt through the media. About 70.5% used iodized salt in cooking and 76.8 % of the respondents would encourage women to use salt in cooking. When the knowledge level was split into two groups, the higher proportion (266 out of 400) had poor knowledge of iodized salt and in tertiles, the majority (184 of 400) had low knowledge on IDDs. There were statistically significant differences between age, marital status educational level, and knowledge of IDDs all at P< 0.001. Those with Junior High School education had 54% less chance, OR= 0.465; 95% CI: (0.244, 0.884) of obtaining a good knowledge of iodized salt compared with those with a University education. Conclusions: Knowledge of iodized salt was low, and knowledge of IDDs was low among the men. There is a difference in the level of knowledge of IDDs among the socio-economic groups but not knowledge on iodized salt and its use. The more educated the men are, the more likely they are to use iodized salt.

Source: UG
Knowledge And Practice Of Solid Healthcare Waste Management Among Waste Handlers In Hospitals In Southern Ghana: A Qualitative Study.

Background Despite Ghana’s healthcare waste management guidelines, improper solid waste management remains a public health concern. This study sought to assess the knowledge, and practices of waste handlers involved in solid healthcare waste management in selected health facilities in Accra, Ghana. Methods This study employed a descriptive phenomenology study design. All 31 waste handlers from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Tema General Hospital, and Shai-Osudoku Hospital participated in this study. We employed a focus group discussion guide, transcribed the audio-recorded interviews, and then uploaded the data into NVivo 14 software for coding. We synthesized the output into themes, sub-themes, and verbatim quotes to support the sub-themes. Results: The waste handlers were able to describe the different types of healthcare waste, but they were unable to label the colour codes according to the national colours used to identify the waste as hazardous or non-hazardous. In many cases, there was no attempt at managing infectious and sharp wastes, which resulted in needle pricks, falls, or even injuries due to poor transport systems. Most of the waste handlers lacked infection-fighting vaccinations. Conclusions: For effective healthcare waste management, which heavily relies on waste handlers, it is essential to improve personal protective equipment, vaccinations, colour-coded containers, and a supply of disinfectants/soap to prevent infections. Hospital administrators must receive training on the importance of these logistics to streamline the work of waste handlers and promote public health.

Source: UG