ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associate with Neonatal Jaundice at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Cape Coast

Neonatal Jaundices is a common adverse outcome among neonates in both developed and underdeveloped countries, which is implicated by several neonatal and maternal factors. This study determined the prevalence and determinant of neonatal Jaundice among neonates of mothers visiting the Teaching Hospital in the Cape Coast. This cross-sectional study recruited 1011 neonates from Teaching Hospital in the Central Region, Ghana. Neonates related characteristics and maternal information were obtained using structured questionnaire and hospital’s data records. The overall prevalence of neonatal Jaundices was 32.9%. After adjusting for maternal age, preterm neonates [(aOR= 7.49; 95% CI (7.49(3.35 to 19.04), p<0.0001], mothers who had spontaneous vaginal births [(aOR=1.36; 95% CI (1.02 to 1.79), p=0.0402], advanced maternal age 41-45years [aOR=2.53; 95%CI (1.28 to 4.97), p=0.0099], secondly gravida [aOR=2.87; 95% CI (2.04 to 4.07),p<0.0001], poor breastfeeding practice [aOR= 2.65; 95%CI(1.98 to 3.54),p<0.0001], neonates with septicemia [aOR=6.37(1.84 to 12.64), p<0.0001], neonate with G6PD defect [aOR=3.99, 95% CI(1.76 to 9.07), p=0.0010], neonate with low birth weight [aOR=1.38, 95% CI(1.06 to 1.81), p=0.0188] and neonate with respiratory distress syndrome [aOR=1.54; 95% CI(1.17 to 2.03), p=0.0022] and mothers with post-partum hemorrhage [(aOR=1.73, 95%CI (1.24 to 2.39), p=0.0013] were significant independent risk factors of neonatal Jaundice. Prevalence of neonatal Jaundice is high among neonate in Central Ghana. These is influence by a number of neonatal and maternal factors. It is incumbent on pediatrician to monitor and manage neonate-related adverse events to reduce development of Jaundice in neonate.

Source: UCC
Prevalence And Risk Factors Associate With Neonatal Jaundice At Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Cape Coast

Abstract: Neonatal Jaundices is a common adverse outcome among neonates in both developed and underdeveloped countries, which is implicated by several neonatal and maternal factors. This study determined the prevalence and determinant of neonatal Jaundice among neonates of mothers visiting the Teaching Hospital in the Cape Coast. This cross-sectional study recruited 1011 neonates from Teaching Hospital in the Central Region, Ghana. Neonatesrelated characteristics and maternal information were obtained using structured questionnaire and hospital’s data records. The overall prevalence of neonatal Jaundices was 32.9%. After adjusting for maternal age, preterm neonates [(aOR= 7.49; 95% CI (7.49(3.35 to 19.04), p<0.0001], mothers who had spontaneous vaginal births [(aOR=1.36; 95% CI (1.02 to 1.79), p=0.0402], advanced maternal age 41-45years [aOR=2.53; 95%CI (1.28 to 4.97), p=0.0099], secondly gravida [aOR=2.87; 95% CI (2.04 to 4.07),p<0.0001], poor breastfeeding practice [aOR= 2.65; 95%CI(1.98 to 3.54),p<0.0001], neonates with septicemia [aOR=6.37(1.84 to 12.64), p<0.0001], neonate with G6PD defect [aOR=3.99, 95% CI(1.76 to 9.07), p=0.0010], neonate with low birth weight [aOR=1.38, 95% CI(1.06 to 1.81), p=0.0188] and neonate with respiratory distress syndrome [aOR=1.54; 95% CI(1.17 to 2.03), p=0.0022] and mothers with post-partum hemorrhage [(aOR=1.73, 95%CI (1.24 to 2.39), p=0.0013] were significant independent risk factors of neonatal Jaundice. Prevalence of neonatal Jaundice is high among neonate in Central Ghana. These is influence by a number of neonatal and maternal factors. It is incumbent on pediatrician to monitor and manage neonate-related adverse events to reduce development of Jaundice in neonate.

Source: UCC
Prevalence And Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Rural Dwellers in Selected Districts of the Eastern Region, Ghana

Hypertension is the leading cause of death among adults globally. This study assessed the burden of hypertension and its prevailing risk factors among rural dwellers in selected districts of the Eastern Region. This study adapted a quantitative cross-sectional survey while using a multistage cluster sampling technique. It also employed a closed-ended questionnaire to solicit information from 1,652 adults aged 25 years or above. Frequencies and percentages were used to assess participants' anthropometric characteristics and illness perceptions. Chisquare tests and Pearson correlation analysed associations between variables, while hierarchical logistic regression identified hypertension predictors at a 0.05 significance level and 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of hypertension among participants was 24.1%. Also, 19% of participants had high-risk waist-tohip ratio (WHR), 72.2% and 5.4% of females and males had high risk of waist-toheight ratio (WHtR) respectively. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight were 27%, 14% and 10% respectively. Also, 34% of people living with hypertension had high threat perception. High body mass index (BMI) and increased WHR were significant predictors of hypertension among participants. The risk factors for hypertension were being a female, being aged 50 years or older, having no formal education, and regular consumption of salty meals. Having basic education, never smoking, not currently smoking, and avoiding alcohol consumption in the last 12 months reduce the risk of hypertension. Therefore, collaborative health education efforts aim to raise hypertension awareness and encourage regular check-ups should be implemented in the Eastern region of Ghana.

Source: UCC
Prevalence and risk factors for percutaneous injuries, blood and body fluids exposures among nurses in the Tamale metropolis

Exposure to percutaneous injuries and blood/body fluids are serious occupational hazards that contribute to the transmission of a variety of blood borne pathogens. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with percutaneous injuries and exposure to patients’ blood and other body fluids among nurses in the Tamale metropolis. A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. A total population of 572 was targeted with a sample size of 224 nurses obtained for the study. However, analysis was done with a sample size of 215 based on a 96% response rate. The researcher used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data. Results from the study indicate that the prevalence of percutaneous injuries (PIs) and blood/body fluid exposures (BBFEs) in the two hospitals was high (61%). Sex, highest level of education, work experience, availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and having a procedure/protocol for reporting, following standard operational protocols, wearing PPEs, working in haste, engaging in improper disposal and reporting accidental exposures all showed statistically significant association (p≤ .05). In conclusion, the prevalence of PIs and BBFEs among nurses in the two hospitals was high. Also some, personal factors, organizational factors and behavioural factors influenced the occurrence of these exposures among the nurses. Heads of the health facilities in the Tamale Metropolis should therefore sensitize their nurses to understand the risks associated with these injuries and exposures to encourage them to comply with the standard precautions.

Source: UCC
Prevalence and risk factors of malaria among children under five years in High and Low altitude rural communities in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana

Background: Malaria due to P. falciparum remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and early mortality in endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the prevalence of malaria among children less than five years residing in High-Altitude and Low-Altitude rural communities in the Hohoe Municipality. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey involving children less than ve years in our selected rural communities. Information was collected on the background of the children, ownership and use of LLIN and fever. Anthropometric indices and axillary temperature were measured, as well as RDT and blood fIlm for malaria parasites and haemoglobin levels. Proportions were analyzed using Chi-square and Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 325 children with 174 (53.5%) from Low-Altitude and 151(46.5%) from High-Altitude communities were surveyed. The prevalence of malaria among Low-Altitude and High-Altitude children as indicated by RDT was 56.9% and 19.9% respectively and by microscopy was 41.4% and 3.3% respectively. Ownership and use of LLIN among Low-Altitude and High-Altitude children were high and similar (96.6% vs. 97.4%) and (79.9% vs. 75.5%) respectively. High-Altitude children were 96% less likely to have malaria as compared to Low-Altitude (AOR=0.04, p<0.001). Children aged 24-35,36-47 and 48-59 months were 6.73, 4.10 and 7.16 times more likely to have malaria as compared to those aged 6-11 months (AOR=6.73, p=0.007), (AOR=4.10, p=0.050) and (AOR=7.16, p=0.007) respectively. Children with mild anaemia and low-Hb (Hb<8.0g/dl) were 2.49 and 4.15 times more likely to have malaria as compared to those with normal haemoglobin concentration (AOR=2.49, p=0.026) and (AOR=4.15, p=0.023) respectively. Those with a history of fever within one week were 4.91 times more likely to have malaria (AOR=1.74, p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Malaria prevalence was higher among Low-Altitude than High-Altitude children, despite high LLIN ownership and usage in both areas. Altitude, therefore, has a major efect on malaria prevalence. Age of child, history of fever within one week and anaemia were other factors associated with malaria. Additional control measures are needed to reduce the burden of malaria in Low-Altitude areas in the Hohoe municipality of Ghana

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in a Sub-population of Tertiary Female Students: Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Group-specific Risk Factors

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a major risk factor for urinary tract infections in most-at-risk populations. This study determined ASB positivity, common uropathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and risk factors of ASB among tertiary female students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly recruited resident female students (n = 156). After questionnaire completion, urine samples were collected on appointment basis and routinely analyzed. Dipstick, microscopy, and urine culture methods were used to establish ASB positivity. Disk diffusion method was used to determine AMR. From 156 urine samples, 15 (9.6%) tested positive for ASB (single organism count > 105/mL from two consecutively voided mid-stream urine). A total of 24 isolates comprising: coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) 9 (37.5%), Klebsiella pneumonia 6 (25.0%), Staphylococcus aureus 5 (20.8%), Escherichia coli 2 (8.3%), and Serratia marcescens 2 (8.3%). All isolates exhibited 100% susceptibility to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin but 100% resistance to ampicillin. CoNS were 100% sensitive to all antibiotics except cefuroxime and ampicillin. S. aureus and K. pneumonia exhibited acquired multidrug resistance to antibiotics belonging to ≥ 5 chemical classes. ASB positivity was 9.6%; nitrofurantoin and gentamicin were the most effective antibiotics, and ASB may be associated with poor personal hygiene.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in a Sub-population of Tertiary Female Students: Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Group-specific Risk Factors

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a major risk factor for urinary tract infections in most-at-risk populations. This study determined ASB positivity, common uropathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and risk factors of ASB among tertiary female students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly recruited resident female students (n = 156). After questionnaire completion, urine samples were collected on appointment basis and routinely analyzed. Dipstick, microscopy, and urine culture methods were used to establish ASB positivity. Disk diffusion method was used to determine AMR. From 156 urine samples, 15 (9.6%) tested positive for ASB 5 (single organism count > 10 /mL from two consecutively voided mid-stream urine). A total of 24 isolates comprising: coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) 9 (37.5%), Klebsiella pneumonia 6 (25.0%), Staphylococcus aureus 5 (20.8%), Escherichia coli 2 (8.3%), and Serratia marcescens 2 (8.3%). All isolates exhibited 100% susceptibility to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin but 100% resistance to ampicillin. CoNS were 100% sensitive to all antibiotics except cefuroxime and ampicillin. S. aureus and K. pneumonia exhibited acquired multidrug resistance to antibiotics belonging to ≥ 5 chemical classes. ASB positivity was 9.6%; nitrofurantoin and gentamicin were the most effective antibiotics, and ASB may be associated with poor personal hygiene.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Charcoal Producers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kaase, Ghana

Background. Charcoal production is a significant economic activity in Ghana. However, there is scarcity of data on the risk of acquiring Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among charcoal producers in Ghana, even though persistent smoke exposure is a known predisposition factor. Methods. This cross-sectional study recruited 40 charcoal producers: 6 males and 34 females. Two sets of early morning sputum samples were collected from each participant and examined for the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) using fluorescent microscopy. Structured questionnaires were used to retrieve demographic data from each participant. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and presented as frequencies and proportions. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test. Significant difference was identified as 𝑝 < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results. Overall, 2/40 (5%) of the participants demonstrated AFB in their sputum. All participants with AFB positive sputum were females and had 6–10 years of experience in charcoal production. Whereas coughing was the most self-reported symptom by the charcoal producers, none complained of blood in sputum. Also, only 9/40 (22.5%) had knowledge about the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infection risk associated with charcoal production. Moreover, 62.5% (25/40) of participants had no formal education. Conclusion. Education on personal protection equipment must be a public health priority in these charcoal producers in Ghana as sawdust and smoke exposure may predispose charcoal producers to acquisition of tuberculosis.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection, anaemia and use of ITNs among pregnant women yet to receive IPTp in parts of southern Ghana

Background: Asymptomatic malaria in pregnancy evades most fever-based surveillance systems yet causes significant morbidities such as anaemia in the pregnant woman and low birth weight in the neonate. Open Access Objective: This study determined the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and its association with anaemia among pregnant women who are yet to receive their first dose of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) as intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). Information on the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) as vector control by the pregnant women was also sought. Methods: This is a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in the Western Region of Ghana. Pregnant women at gestational ages, 16-26 wk were included. A structured questionnaire was used to collect vital information from the participants. Plasmodium parasitaemia was determined by rapid diagnostic test (MRDT), microscopy and species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anaemia was classified using the level of haemoglobin. Results: A total of 413 antenatal clinic attendants were recruited. Prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection was 13.1% by MRDT, 10.1% by microscopy and 13.8% by PCR. The mean haemoglobin was 10.73 g/dL. Prevalence of anaemia was 40.49% and the mean parasite density was 149.6 parasite/µL. Pregnant women with asymptomatic malaria were 4 times more at risk of being anaemic (adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval: 4.42, 1.82 -10.70) than those who did not have malaria. There was statistically significant negative correlation between parasite density and anaemia (r = 0.0028, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Asymptomatic P. falciparum infection was found among some of the pregnant women and the presence of the parasites make them 4 times at increased risk of developing anaemia. Anaemia when occurring amongst such women was significantly worsened by increasing parasitaemia.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease among the high risk population in South-Western Ghana; a cross sectional study

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major global health problem. CKD is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and hypertension and carries a risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and progression to end-stage kidney disease. Objectives: This study sought to use the 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definitions to establish the prevalence and risk factors for CKD among a high risk population in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Effia-Nkwanta regional and the Takoradi Government hospitals in South Western Ghana. Patients: Two hundred eight consecutive adults with diabetes, hypertension or both. Measurements: Serum creatinine and urine albumin-creatinine ratio respectively. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Methods: CKD was classified according to KDIGO. Results: The prevalence of CKD was 30 %: 27 % in patients with diabetes, 22 % in patients with hypertension only and 74 % in patients with both diabetes and hypertension. GFR category G3a CKD was most prevalent stage (9 %). Albuminuria was highest among people with diabetes (39 %). Limitations: A convenience sample of patients attending clinics. Conclusion: CKD was prevalent in these high-risk patients.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of cigarette, alcohol, marijuana and tramadol use among senior high school students in the Bekwai Municipality, Ghana

The study investigated substance use (alcohol, cigarette, marijuana and tramadol) in terms of prevalence among senior high school students in the Bekwai Municipality. A descriptive survey design espousing the quantitative approach was used with a sample of 475 respondents. Respondents were selected using the multistage sampling procedure (census, stratified and systematic). An adapted Youth Risk Behaviour (1999) questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.91 was used to collect the data. The data was analysed using frequencies and percentages, Mann-Whitney U test, and One-Way ANOVA. The study results revealed that alcohol, cigarette, tramadol, and marijuana were prevalent but low among the respondents. The study showed no statistical significant difference in substance use on the basis of gender and age of respondents. It is recommended that community based outreach programmes such as substance use disorder management be brought to educate the youth. This could be organized by Ghana Health Service with support from interested stakeholders such as Non-Governmental Organizations and counsellors to sensitize students on the best attitudes towards eradication of substance use among them. The success of programme will help them understand how negatively substance may be to their lives generally.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of congenital eye anomalies in a paediatric clinic in Ghana

ABSTRACT There is little information about the epidemiology of congenital eye anomalies in Ghana. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 485 admissions to the paediatric eye centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana (2004–2009) and 263 were diagnosed with at least one anomaly. Visual acuity was quantitatively assessed in 209 patients and 130 had some visual impairment; 49 with bilateral and 64 with unilateral blindness. The most frequent congenital anomaly overall was cataract (n = 44). In infants, cataract was the most frequent finding (28/121). Toddlers most frequently presented with retinoblastoma (10/65). Glaucoma was the most frequent anomaly in preschool (9/39) and school (10/38) children. We conclude that avoidable causes of childhood blindness caused most congenital eye anomalies. Intensification of community-based health promotion and preventive eye care, early detection and provision of adequate resources for effective therapy could reverse these trends.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Dating Violence and its Impact on Undergraduate Students’ Learning at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

The study explored the prevalence of dating violence and its impact on learning among undergraduate psychology students in the University of Cape Coast. The descriptive survey design was employed for the study with a total of 376 students made up of 193 males and 183 females drawn from the department of education and psychology. Proportional and systematic sampling procedures were employed to obtain the sample. Results revealed that undergraduate psychology students experience dating violence ranging from physical, psychological and sexual. Results indicated that dating violence has negative impact on students academically, socially and psychologically. It was again discovered that female undergraduate students and young undergraduate students experience dating violence more than male undergraduate students and older under undergraduate students. It was recommended that undergraduate students should postpone dating while in school and concentrate on their learning. Besides, those who may be affected should seek counselling.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Resources Available for Its Management in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Gradually, more Ghanaians are becoming diabetic as a result of eating more sugary and fatty foods and exercising less. This study explored the prevalence of Diabetes mellitus and resources available for managing it in the Cape Coast metropolis. University of Cape Coast Hospital (UCC), Central Regional Hospital (CRH), Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital (CCMH), Erwim Health Centre, Adisadel Health Centre, Tantri Clinic and Baiden Ghartey Clinic in Cape Coast Metropolis were purposively selected for the study. Questionnaires were developed and administered to health professionals and diabetics. Results showed that D. mellitus has been increasing since 2005 yet few health professionals, drugs and equipment exist to manage it. There was a dietician and an ophthalmologist at the CRH, a nutritionist at UCC hospital and no neurologist at any of the facilities studied. With the exception of CRH, all the health facilities run diabetes clinics. As usually expected, the hospitals were better equipped and delivered better care, though inadequate for all diabetes patients. Genetics, pregnancy and life style were identified as the major risk factors predisposing people to diabetes. There is a need to provide drugs and equipment and train more health professionals to manage and care for diabetics at all health facilities.

Source: UCC