ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Infant illness spanning the antenatal to early neonatal continuum in rural northern Ghana: Local perceptions, beliefs and practices

Objective:To explore community understanding of perinatal illness in northern Ghana.Study Design:A cross-sectional descriptive study design. Result:253 community members participated in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, including women with newborn infants, grandmothers and health care providers. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) Local understanding of illness affects treatment practices. Respondents recognized danger signs of illness spanning antenatal to early neonatal periods. Understanding of causation often had a distinctly local flavor, and thus treatment sometimes differed from mainstream recommendations; (2) Mothers are frequently blamed for their infant's illness; (3) Healthcare decisions regarding infant care are often influenced by community members aside from the infant's mother and (4) Confidence in healthcare providers is issue-specific, and many households use a blended approach to meet their health needs. Conclusion:Despite widespread recognition of danger signs and reported intentions to treat ill infants through the formal health care system, traditional approaches to perinatal illness remain common. Interventions need to be aligned with community perceptions if they are to succeed.Journal of Perinatology advance online publication, 24 January 2013; doi:10.1038/jp.2012.151.

Source: UG
Infant nutrition in the first seven days of life in rural northern Ghana

Abstract Background Good nutrition is essential for increasing survival rates of infants. This study explored infant feeding practices in a resource-poor setting and assessed implications for future interventions focused on improving newborn health. Methods The study took place in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region of northern Ghana. In-depth interviews were conducted with 35 women with newborn infants, 8 traditional birth attendants and local healers, and 16 community leaders. An additional 18 focus group discussions were conducted with household heads, compound heads and grandmothers. All interviews and discussions were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo 9.0. Results Community members are knowledgeable about the importance of breastfeeding, and most women with newborn infants do attempt to breastfeed. However, data suggest that traditional practices related to breastfeeding and infant nutrition continue, despite knowledge of clinical guidelines. Such traditional practices include feeding newborn infants water, gripe water, local herbs, or traditionally meaningful foods such as water mixed with the flour of guinea corn (yara&#8217;na). In this region in Ghana, there are significant cultural traditions associated with breastfeeding. For example, colostrum from first-time mothers is often tested for bitterness by putting ants in it &#8211; a process that leads to a delay in initiating breastfeeding. Our data also indicate that grandmothers &#8211; typically the mother-in-laws &#8211; wield enormous power in these communities, and their desires significantly influence breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and maintenance. Conclusion Prelacteal feeding is still common in rural Ghana despite demonstrating high knowledge of appropriate feeding practices. Future interventions that focus on grandmothers and religious leaders are likely to prove valuable in changing community attitudes, beliefs, and practices with regard to infant nutrition.

Source: UG
Infant nutrition in the first seven days of life in rural northern Ghana

Background: Good nutrition is essential for increasing survival rates of infants. This study explored infant feeding practices in a resource-poor setting and assessed implications for future interventions focused on improving newborn health.Methods: The study took place in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region of northern Ghana. In-depth interviews were conducted with 35 women with newborn infants, 8 traditional birth attendants and local healers, and 16 community leaders. An additional 18 focus group discussions were conducted with household heads, compound heads and grandmothers. All interviews and discussions were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo 9.0.Results: Community members are knowledgeable about the importance of breastfeeding, and most women with newborn infants do attempt to breastfeed. However, data suggest that traditional practices related to breastfeeding and infant nutrition continue, despite knowledge of clinical guidelines. Such traditional practices include feeding newborn infants water, gripe water, local herbs, or traditionally meaningful foods such as water mixed with the flour of guinea corn (yara'na). In this region in Ghana, there are significant cultural traditions associated with breastfeeding. For example, colostrum from first-time mothers is often tested for bitterness by putting ants in it - a process that leads to a delay in initiating breastfeeding. Our data also indicate that grandmothers - typically the mother-in-laws - wield enormous power in these communities, and their desires significantly influence breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and maintenance.Conclusion: Prelacteal feeding is still common in rural Ghana despite demonstrating high knowledge of appropriate feeding practices. Future interventions that focus on grandmothers and religious leaders are likely to prove valuable in changing community attitudes, beliefs, and practices with regard to infant nutrition. © 2012 Aborigo et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Infant schistosomiasis in Ghana: A survey in an irrigation community.

We used a rapid, visually read, field applicable monoclonal antibody (MoAb)-dipstick assay for specific diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis together with microscopy to determine the prevalence of infant schistosomiasis in a community in the Awutu-Efutu Senya District in the Central Region of Ghana. The study group consisted of 97 infants (51 males and 46 females) aged 2 months to 5 years. A total of 75 of 97 (77.3%) subjects submitted stool samples; none had Schistosoma mansoni. Three individuals (3.1%) had hookworms but there were no other intestinal helminths. The urinary schistosomiasis prevalence by MoAb-dipstick (30%) was higher (P < 0.05) than that estimated by microscopy (11.2%). However, three of nine (33.3%) microscopically confirmed cases tested MoAb-dipstick positive after pre-treatment of the urine specimen with heat. The youngest infant to be found infected with S. haematobium microscopically was 4 months old. Fifteen of 71 S. haematobium egg negative individuals tested dipstick positive, giving a dipstick specificity of 78.9% as compared with microscopy as gold standard test. The relative sensitivity of the dipstick was 100%.

Source: UG
Infant weight-for-length is positively associated with subsequent linear growth across four different populations

Several studies have documented that length gain often lags behind weight gain during infancy and early childhood, suggesting that linear growth is partly regulated by initial body mass or fatness. To investigate this hypothesis, we analysed data from four longitudinal studies on growth of infants in the first 12 months: (1) U.S. breast-fed and formula-fed infants (n = 89); (2) breast-fed infants in Ghana (n = 190); (3) normal birthweight, breast-fed infants in Honduras (n = 108); and (4) term, low-birthweight breast-fed infants in Honduras (n = 119). The dependent variable was length gain during each 3-month interval (1-4, 2-5, 3-6, 4-7, 5-8, 6-9, 7-10, 8-11 and 9-12 months). Three main independent variables were examined: initial weight-for-length z-score (W/L), weight change during the prior 3 months, and initial skinfold thickness. Controlling for maternal height, infant sex, and initial length-for-age z-score, length gain was positively correlated with initial W/L and prior weight change during all age intervals and with initial skinfold thickness at 3 and 4 months (r = 0.15-0.36; P < 0.01). There was no evidence of a threshold effect. These associations were evident in all four populations, in both boys and girls, and in breast-fed and formula-fed infants. The consistency of this relationship across studies supports the hypothesis that linear growth is partly regulated by initial body mass or fatness in infants. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2005.

Source: UG
Infection prevention and control in neonatal units: An ethnographic study of social and clinical interactions among healthcare providers and mothers in Ghana

Abstract Introduction Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Infection prevention and control (IPC) remains an important strategy for preventing HAIs and improving the quality of care in hospital wards. The social environment and interactions in hospital wards are important in the quest to improve IPC. This study explored care practices and the interactions between healthcare providers and mothers in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in two Ghanaian hospitals and discusses the relevance for IPC. Methodology This study draws on data from an ethnographic study using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions involving 43 healthcare providers and 72 mothers, and participant observations in the wards between September 2017 and June 2019. The qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo 12 to facilitate coding. Findings Mothers of hospitalized babies faced various challenges in coping with the hospital environment. Mothers received sparse information about their babies’ medical conditions and felt intimidated in the contact with providers. Mothers strategically positioned themselves as learners, guardians, and peers to enable them to navigate the clinical and social environment of the wards. Mothers feared that persistent requests for information might result in their being labelled “difficult mothers” or might impact the care provided to their babies. Healthcare providers also shifted between various positionings as professionals, caregivers, and gatekeepers, with the tendency to exercise power and maintain control over activities on the ward. Conclusion The socio-cultural environment of the wards, with the patterns of interaction and power, reduces priority to IPC as a form of care. Effective promotion and maintenance of hygiene practices require cooperation, and that healthcare providers and mothers find common grounds from which to leverage mutual support and respect, and through this enhance care for mothers and babies, and develop stronger motivation for promoting IPC. Copyright: © 2023 Sunkwa-Mills et al.

Source: UG
Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Infectious Diseases as Threat to International Security-The Case of West Africa

ABSTRACT The 2014 Ebola Virus Disease emerged as a landmark representation o f the threat of infectious diseases within the sub-region. The disease was dominant in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leonne and threatened the internal security of numerous states within the region. Over the 2 year span of the disease, it resulted in over 11, 300 deaths and left behind devastating social-economic impacts. The period of the outbreak called for much global attention and the eventual securitization of the disease by ECOWAS and the United Nations Security Council. The study seeks to explore the consciousness of the West African public in conceptualizing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as a threat to security. It further examines the influences of socio-cultural factors in the securitizing the disease. The study employs a qualitative method in the gathering and analysis of data. Information was obtained from key informants and through the analysis is of relevant data. Findings of the study elucidate the various factors that fueled the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease. Amidst the existent weak public health systems of most West African states, there were numerous social-cultural factors that impeded the successful containment of the disease within sub-region. Some of these factors largely bordered on rites of passage and the ordinary practices of the communities within most states. The beliefs of sections of communities also vehemently opposed the tenets of the instituted containment measures with in states. In essence, the conceptualization of the disease by the public and some state institutions hugely undermined the efforts of the various actors in containing the disease. Although securitized by major global actors, the consciousness of the public of the disease as a security threat was at variance the Securitization act. Also, ECOWAS as a regional actor demonstrated significant frailties in offering adequate support to contain the disease. The study recommends that ECOWAS. Dedicates substantial resources by way of a health fund in order to forestall similar impacts in future occurrences of pandemics. Also, peace education should be advanced within communities. to heighten awareness and consciousness of such threats in sustaining the region.

Source: UG
Infectious DNA clone of HIV type 1 A/G recombinant (CRF02_AG) replicable in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Infelicitous use of Anaphoric “this” in undergraduate academic writing

The objective of this paper is to describe the contexts of misuse of the anaphoric pronoun ‘this’ in paragraphs composed by undergraduate students in their academic writing assignments and account for the infelicities, with the hope that the findings will extend the frame of reference for the analysis of such infelicities for instructional purposes. The study unearthed the following infelicities: (a0 Ambiguous co-reference; (b) Extensive use of ‘this’; and (c) Textual distance between ‘this’ and its referent. Practical intervention measures are proposed to help both students and instructors to deal with the problem.

Source: UG
Infelicitous use of anaphoric `this’ in undergraduate academic writing

The objective of this paper is to describe the contexts of misuse of anaphoric pronoun "this" in paragraphs composed by undergraduate students in their academic writing assignments and account for the infelicities, with the hope that the findings would extend the frame of reference for the analysis of such infelicities for instructional purposes. The study unearthed the following infelicities: (a) Ambiguous co-reference; (b) Extensive use of "this"; and (c) Textual distance between "this" and its referent. Practical intervention measures are proposed to help both students and instructors to deal with the problem.

Source: UG
Infertility and childlessness: A qualitative study of the experiences of infertile couples in Northern Ghana

Background: Infertility is a global reproductive health issue that affects many individuals and couples. Despite the high prevalence of infertility in Ghana, no study has been done on the experiences of infertile couples in Northern Ghana. This study therefore explored the experiences of infertile couples in Northern Ghana using the Upper West Region as a case study.Methods: We interviewed fifteen childless couples, forty-five couples with children, and eight key informants using a semi-structured interview guide. We also carried out three focus group discussions; one for childless women, one for women with children and one for men with children. The data were transcribed, coded, arranged and analyzed for categories and themes.Results: Infertile couples are socially stigmatised and excluded from leadership roles in their communities. Couples without children are denied membership in the ancestral world thereby losing the opportunity to live again. Both males and females are engaged in sex with multiple partners to prove their fertility.Conclusions: Both men and women suffer from the social effects of childlessness. The desire to have biological children in a pronatalist society results in unhealthy practices. Health policy makers and gender advocates should be more concerned about infertility. © 2013 Tabong and Adongo; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Infestation of fish-culturing communities with fish-borne bacteria: The Ghanaian case

Twenty different bacterial species were isolated from fishermen and members of communities associated with seven fish ponds with different fertilizer treatments, and an open system. The number and types of the bacterial species were different for the different ponds. Generally, neither the geographical location of the ponds nor the type of fertilizer used could be related to the bacterial flora. Escherichia coli was the predominant species in all the communities, while Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas sp., Shigella sp. or Streptococcus faecalis were common in individuals of communities of sewage-fed pond.

Source: UG
Inflammasome-triggered IL-18 controls skin inflammation in the progression of Buruli ulcer

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Inflammation Adjustments to Serum Retinol and Retinol-Binding Protein Improve Specificity but Reduce Sensitivity when Estimating Vitamin A Deficiency Compared with the Modified Relative Dose-Response Test in Ghanaian Children

Background: Serum retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP) concentrations are commonly used biomarkers of vitamin A deficiency (VAD); however, evidence indicates that they are not always accurate, especially in populations with high exposure to inflammation. Objective: The aim was to assess sensitivity and specificity of serum retinol and RBP concentrations to predict VAD, with and without adjustment for inflammation (using categorical and regression-adjusted approaches), using the modified relative dose-response (MRDR) as the reference standard for liver reserves. Methods: This secondary analysis of diagnostic accuracy used inflammation and RBP data and analyzed serum retinol and MRDR from a subsample of women of reproductive age (n = 178) and preschool children (n = 166) in the cross-sectional 2017 Ghana Micronutrient Survey. Results: Inflammation (elevated C-reactive protein and/or α1-acid glycoprotein) was present in 41% of children and 16% of women. Among children, estimates of VAD prevalence were as follows: 7% (MRDR), 40% (serum retinol), 29% (categorical-adjusted serum retinol), 24% (RBP), 13% (categorical-adjusted RBP), and 7% (regression-adjusted RBP). Sensitivity (95% CI) ranged from 22.2% (2.81%, 60.0%; both adjusted RBPs) to 80.0% (44.4%, 97.5%; serum retinol), whereas specificity ranged from 63.3% (54.7%, 71.3%; serum retinol) to 93.5% (88.0%, 97.0%; regression-adjusted RBP). Among women, VAD prevalence ranged from 1% (RBP) to 4% (all others); sensitivity was 0% and specificity was >96% for all indicators. Conclusions: Serum retinol and RBP had varying accuracy in estimating VAD, especially in children; adjustment for inflammation increased accuracy by increasing specificity at the expense of sensitivity. Effects of inflammation adjustment in the context of high inflammation and VAD prevalence need to be further explored. Especially in populations with high inflammation, the MRDR test should accompany serum retinol or RBP measurements in a subsample of subjects in population-based surveys. This trial was registered with the Open Science Framework registry (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/J7BP9 ). Curr Dev Nutr 2021;5:nzab098.

Source: UG
Inflammatory Bowel Disease at The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra

Case files of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) managed by the author in the Medical Department over the period 1997 – 2004 have been reviewed to identify some features of the disease that may aid improved diagnosis and management. The findings indicate that IBD may not be rare in the country and that there is usually a long delay in establishing the diagnosis. It appears that, in Ghana, more males than females are affected and that most are fifty years of age or below. Malignant colonic change is uncommon but there is a high default rate among the patients. Five patients (29%) died. Cases managed in an Arab country, between 1987 and 1996, have been compared. In that group more female than male patients were affected but the commonest age group affected was similar. The diagnosis was similarly delayed but no deaths were recorded as opposed to the Ghana patients. Since Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a potentially treatable condition medical practitioners need increased awareness to avoid undue delay in diagnosis.

Source: UG
The Influence Factor: A Study of Advertising and Use of Mobile Telecommunication Networks of Students from two Universities in Ghana

This study examined whether advertising influences the usage of telecommunication networks, using the students of the University Of Professional Studies Accra and Wisconsin University College in the Greater Accra Region as a point of reference. It was also to ascertain the media through which tertiary students received most advertising messages. The study found that, advertising was not the only variable that influenced respondents to use a particular network and that when matched up against other variables, ‘service quality’ comes on top as the number one influencing agent ahead of advertising. The traditional media was identified as the media through which most advertising messages are received. Finally, the study identified that advertising is a necessary but not sufficient condition that influences switching between telecommunication networks.

Source: UG