ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Premorbid risk perception, lifestyle, adherence and coping strategies of people with diabetes mellitus: A phenomenological study in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

BACKGROUND: One of the non-communicable diseases which is on the rise is type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D is largely preventable with healthy lifestyle. We therefore conducted this study to explore premorbid perception of risk, behavioural practices and the coping strategies of patients with T2D. METHODS: Using descriptive phenomenology approach to qualitative enquiry, we conducted eight focus group discussions (N = 73) with diabetic patients; four among males (N = 36) and four among females (N = 37). In addition, we conducted in-depth interviews with 15 patients, seven caretakers and three physicians. We adopted Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenology approach to analyse the data with the aid of NVivo 11. RESULTS: We found that respondents believed diabetes was a condition for the aged and rich and this served as a premorbid risk attenuator. Majority of them engaged in diabetes-related high risk behaviours such as lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating despite their foreknowledge about the role of lifestyle in diabetes pathogenesis. We also found that patients used moringa, noni, prekese, and garlic concurrently with orthodox medications. Adherence to dietary changes and exercises was a challenge with females reporting better adherence than males. The study also revealed that patients believed biomedical health facilities paid little attention to psychosocial aspects of care despite its essential role in coping with the condition. CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients had low premorbid perception of risk and engaged in diabetes-related risky behaviours. Diabetic patients had challenges adhering to lifestyle changes and use both biomedical and local remedies in the management of the condition. Psychosocial support is necessary to enhance coping with the condition.

Source: UG
Prenatal and postnatal lipid-based nutrient supplementation and cognitive, social-emotional, and motor function in preschool-aged children in Ghana: a follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Background Adequate nutrition is necessary for brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Few randomized controlled trials of supplementation during these periods have measured later developmental outcomes. Objective Our objective was to investigate the effects of provision of prenatal and postnatal lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) on child development at preschool age. Methods We conducted a follow-up study of 966 children aged 4–6 y in 2016, born to women who participated in the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements-DYAD trial conducted in Ghana in 2009–2014, representing 79% of eligible children. Women ≤20 weeks of gestation were randomized to daily LNS or multiple micronutrient (MMN) capsules during pregnancy through 6 mo postpartum or iron and folic acid (IFA) capsules during pregnancy and calcium placebo capsules during 6 mo postpartum. Children in the LNS group received LNS from 6 to 18 mo. Primary outcomes of this follow-up study were (1) a cognitive factor score based on a test battery adapted from several standard tests, 2) fine motor score (9-hole pegboard test), and (3) social-emotional difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ). Eight secondary outcomes were calculated in specific domains (e.g., language, SDQ prosocial). Analysis was by a complete case intention to treat in a 2-group comparison: LNS compared with non-LNS (MMN + IFA). Results Children in the LNS group had significantly lower social-emotional difficulties z-scores than children in the non-LNS group (adjusted for child age β = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.25, 0.02, P = 0.087; fully adjusted β = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.29, −0.03, P = 0.013). The effect of LNS on social-emotional difficulties score was larger among children living in households with lower home environment scores (P-interaction = 0.081). No other outcomes differed between the 2 intervention groups. Conclusions Provision of LNS during the first 1000 d of development improved behavioral function, particularly for children from low nurturing and stimulation households, but did not affect cognition at preschool age in this setting. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT00970866.

Source: UG
Prenatal and postnatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements and children’s social–emotional difficulties at ages 9–11 y in Ghana: follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Background: Provision of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) during early life improves growth and development. In the In ternational Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements DYAD–Ghana trial, prenatal and postnatal SQ-LNS reduced social–emotional difficulties at age 5 y, with greater effects among children in less-enriched home environments. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal and postnatal SQ-LNS on children's social–emotional problems at age 9–11 y. Methods: In 2009–2011, 1320 pregnant women 20 wk gestation were randomly assigned to receive the following daily until 6 mo postpartum: 1) iron and folic acid until delivery, then placebo, 2) multiple micronutrients (MMNs), or 3) SQ-LNS (20 g/d). Children in group 3 received SQ-LNS from 6 to 18 mo. In 2021, we evaluated children's social–emotional outcomes with 6 assessment tools that used caregiver, teacher, and/or self-report to measure socioemotional difficulties, conduct problems, temperament, mood, anxiety, and emotion management. Results: We assessed outcomes in 966 children, comprising 79.4% of 1217 participants eligible for re-enrolment. No significant differences were found between the SQ-LNS and control (non-LNS groups combined) groups. Few children (<2%) experienced high parent-reported social–emotional diffi culties at 9–11 y, in contrast to the high prevalence at age 5 in this cohort (25%). Among children in less-enriched early childhood home environments, the SQ-LNS group had 0.37 SD ( 0.04 to 0.82) lower self-reported conduct problems than the control group (P-interaction ¼ 0.047). Conclusions: Overall positive effects of SQ-LNS on social–emotional development previously found at age 5 y are not sustained to age 9–11 y; however, there is some evidence of positive effects among children in less-enriched environments. The lack of effects may be owing to low prevalence of social–emotional problems at preadolescence, resulting in little potential to benefit from early nutritional intervention at this age in this outcome domain. Follow-up during adolescence, when social-emotional problems more typically onset, may yield further insights.

Source: UG
Prenatal attachment: using measurement invariance to test the validity of comparisons across eight culturally diverse countries

Studies in high-income countries (HICs) have shown that variability in maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) predict important maternal health and child outcomes. However, the validity of MFA ratings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains unknown. Addressing this gap, we assessed measurement invariance to test the conceptual equivalence of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI: Muller, 1993) across eight LMICs. Our aim was to determine whether the PAI yields similar information from pregnant women across different cultural contexts. We administered the 18-item PAI to 1181 mothers in the third trimester (Mean age = 28.27 years old, SD = 5.81 years, range = 18–48 years) expecting their first infant (n = 359) or a later-born infant (n = 820) as part of a prospective birth cohort study involving eight middle-income countries: Ghana, Jamaica, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. We used Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses to assess across-site measurement invariance. A single latent factor with partial measurement invariance was found across all sites except Pakistan. Group comparisons showed that mean levels of MFA were lowest for expectant mothers in Vietnam and highest for expectant mothers in Sri Lanka. MFA was higher in first-time mothers than in mothers expecting a later-born child. The PAI yields similar information about MFA across culturally distinct middle-income countries. These findings strengthen confidence in the use of the tool across different settings; future studies should explore the use of the PAI as a screen for maternal behaviour that place children at ris

Source: UG
Prenatal Learning Needs of Multigravid Women at Suntreso Hospital

The need for effective client education is an important component in midwifery practice. The benefits include a decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to explore the learning needs of multigravid women. The study was qualitative in nature and an exploratory- descriptive design was adopted. Eighteen multigravida women were selected for the study through a purposive convenience sampling technique. Eight women were interviewed individually and ten engaged in a focus group discussion. Responses were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed. Findings indicated that multigravid women had particular learning needs that were not met. Their most important information sources were the prenatal clinic and their mothers. Some of the information from these two sources was in conflict. Responses of the women were sometimes related to misconceptions and inadequate information. Others, generated doubts, anxieties and unsound practices. The women reported that specific topics that the nurses taught, such as preparation for delivery, personal hygiene, nutrition, and aspects of breastfeeding did not reflect their current learning needs. They did however report that topics such as birth control, fetal positions, and sexual activity during pregnancy would be helpful. The women wanted a variety of teaching methods or more interactive teaching styles during teaching periods to address individual and group learning needs. The study provides useful information and strategies from clients’ perspectives that could help to plan, develop and implement prenatal education sessions to meet the felt learning needs of multigravid women and to equip them with relevant information.

Source: UG
Preparation and characterization of hydrophilic and water-swellable elastomeric nanocomposites

Highly polar and hydrophilic polymers; ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), epichlorohydrin rubber (GECO), and polyethylene oxide (PEO) reinforced with fillers (carbon black (CB) and/or Silica) were used to prepare water swellable rubber nanocomposites. The study showed that although the high content of the GECO delayed vulcanization of the corresponding compounds, the sample filled with desired ratio of GECO/PEO/EVA or GPE, cross-linked with peroxide exhibited the highest swelling performance of ⁓150%. The sam ples exhibited good re-usability performance in the re-swollen test, after drying. At prolonged water swelling, the tensile strength dropped drastically for compounds with high content of the GPE, due to weak filler-matrix interactions. On the other hand, the incorporated GPE also increased the rebound resilience (%) property which is a key requirement in green tire fabrication. For example; peroxide cured sample coded SR3 (GPE-15 phr CB) obtained ⁓30% resilience in non-swollen state and ⁓53.5% after 1440 min of water-swell ing, which represents a dramatic development of over ⁓78% in rebound resilience. Thus, a proper balance between the GPE content, curing agent and the reinforcements may guarantee high water-swelling performance and mechanical properties integrity for multifunctional applications such as wound healing, structural works, water collection from oil spillages, and for the development of water-based sensors.

Source: UG
Preparation and Characterization of Indium and Gallium doped Transparent ZnO Films for Solar Cell Applications

In this work, the effect of indium (In) and gallium (Ga) dopants on the structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO thin films was studied. ZnO thin films were deposited on glass substrates at 400°C using the spray pyrolysis deposition technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that both undoped and doped ZnO films had (002) preferred orientation. The undoped ZnO films were found to exhibit high transmittance above 80%, while indium-doped (In:ZnO) and gallium-doped (Ga:ZnO) films had transmittance above 60% and 70% respectively. From the Hall Effect measurements, doping improved the conductivity of the ZnO thin films however, In:ZnO films showed higher electrical conductivity compared to Ga:ZnO films. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) results were used to confirm the presence of the respective dopants in the thin film samples.

Source: UG
Preparation and Characterization of Rubber Blends for Industrial Tire Tread Fabrication

The physico-mechanical properties of variable rubber blends including epoxide natural rubber (ENR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), and solution polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) filled with silanized silica and carbon black mixtures were explored. The tensile, hardness, resilience, abrasion, and fatigue behavior were investigated. An optimized composition involving 30 phr of ENR and 70 phr SBR filled with mixtures of carbon blacks and silanized silica was proposed to be a suitable composition for the future development of green passenger truck tires, with low rolling resistance (fuel saving ability), high wear resistance, and desired fatigue failure properties.

Source: UG
Preparing for Ebola Virus Disease in West African countries not yet affected: perspectives from Ghanaian health professionals

Abstract Background The current Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic has ravaged the social fabric of three West African countries and affected people worldwide. We report key themes from an agenda-setting, multi-disciplinary roundtable convened to examine experiences and implications for health systems in Ghana, a nation without cases but where risk for spread is high and the economic, social and political impact of the impending threat is already felt. Discussion Participants’ personal stories and the broader debates to define fundamental issues and opportunities for preparedness focused on three inter-related themes. First, the dangers of the fear response itself were highlighted as a threat to the integrity and continuity of quality care. Second, healthcare workers’ fears were compounded by a demonstrable lack of societal and personal protections for infection prevention and control in communities and healthcare facilities, as evidenced by an ongoing cholera epidemic affecting over 20,000 patients in the capital Accra alone since June 2014. Third, a lack of coherent messaging and direction from leadership seems to have limited coordination and reinforced a level of mistrust in the government’s ability and commitment to mobilize an adequate response. Initial recommendations include urgent investment in the needed supplies and infrastructure for basic, routine infection control in communities and healthcare facilities, provision of assurances with securities for frontline healthcare workers, establishment of a multi-sector, “all-hazards” outbreak surveillance system, and engaging directly with key community groups to co-produce contextually relevant educational messages that will help decrease stigma, fear, and the demoralizing perception that the disease defies remedy or control. Summary The EVD epidemic provides an unprecedented opportunity for West African countries not yet affected by EVD cases to make progress on tackling long-standing health systems weaknesses. This roundtable discussion emphasized the urgent need to strengthen capacity for infection control, occupational health and safety, and leadership coordination. Significant commitment is needed to raise standards of hygiene in communities and health facilities, build mechanisms for collaboration across sectors, and engage community stakeholders in creating the needed solutions. It would be both devastating and irresponsible to waste the opportunity.

Source: UG
Preparing for Ebola Virus Disease in West African countries not yet affected: perspectives from Ghanaian health professionals

Background: The current Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic has ravaged the social fabric of three West Africancountries and affected people worldwide. We report key themes from an agenda-setting, multi-disciplinary roundtableconvened to examine experiences and implications for health systems in Ghana, a nation without cases but where risk for spread is high and the economic, social and political impact of the impending threat is already felt. Discussion: Participants ’ personal stories and the broader debates to define fundamental issues and opportunities forpreparedness focused on three inter-related themes. First, the dangers of the fear response itself were highlighted asa threat to the integrity and continuity of quality care. Second, healthcare workers ’ fears were compounded by ademonstrable lack of societal and personal protections for infection prevention and control in communities andhealthcare facilities, as evidenced by an ongoing cholera epidemic affecting over 20,000 patients in the capital Accraalone since June 2014. Third, a lack of coherent messaging and direction from leadership seems to have limitedcoordination and reinforced a level of mistrust in the government ’ s ability and commitment to mobilize an adequateresponse. Initial recommendations include urgent investment in the needed supplies and infrastructure for basic,routine infection control in communities and healthcare facilities, provision of assurances with securities for frontlinehealthcare workers, establishment of a multi-sector, “ all-hazards ” outbreak surveillance system, and engaging directlywith key community groups to co-produce contextually relevant educational messages that will help decrease stigma,fear, and the demoralizing perception that the disease defies remedy or control. Summary: The EVD epidemic provides an unprecedented opportunity for West African countries not yet affected byEVD cases to make progress on tackling long-standing health systems weaknesses. This roundtable discussionemphasized the urgent need to strengthen capacity for infection control, occupational health and safety, andleadership coordination. Significant commitment is needed to raise standards of hygiene in communities and healthfacilities, build mechanisms for collaboration across sectors, and engage community stakeholders in creating theneeded solutions. It would be both devastating and irresponsible to waste the opportunity.

Source: UG
Preparing for Ebola Virus Disease in West African countries not yet affected: Perspectives from Ghanaian health professionals

Background: The current Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic has ravaged the social fabric of three West African countries and affected people worldwide. We report key themes from an agenda-setting, multi-disciplinary roundtable convened to examine experiences and implications for health systems in Ghana, a nation without cases but where risk for spread is high and the economic, social and political impact of the impending threat is already felt. Discussion: Participants' personal stories and the broader debates to define fundamental issues and opportunities for preparedness focused on three inter-related themes. First, the dangers of the fear response itself were highlighted as a threat to the integrity and continuity of quality care. Second, healthcare workers' fears were compounded by a demonstrable lack of societal and personal protections for infection prevention and control in communities and healthcare facilities, as evidenced by an ongoing cholera epidemic affecting over 20,000 patients in the capital Accra alone since June 2014. Third, a lack of coherent messaging and direction from leadership seems to have limited coordination and reinforced a level of mistrust in the government's ability and commitment to mobilize an adequate response. Initial recommendations include urgent investment in the needed supplies and infrastructure for basic, routine infection control in communities and healthcare facilities, provision of assurances with securities for frontline healthcare workers, establishment of a multi-sector, "all-hazards" outbreak surveillance system, and engaging directly with key community groups to co-produce contextually relevant educational messages that will help decrease stigma, fear, and the demoralizing perception that the disease defies remedy or control. Summary: The EVD epidemic provides an unprecedented opportunity for West African countries not yet affected by EVD cases to make progress on tackling long-standing health systems weaknesses. This roundtable discussion emphasized the urgent need to strengthen capacity for infection control, occupational health and safety, and leadership coordination. Significant commitment is needed to raise standards of hygiene in communities and health facilities, build mechanisms for collaboration across sectors, and engage community stakeholders in creating the needed solutions. It would be both devastating and irresponsible to waste the opportunity. Â© 2015 Nyarko et al.

Source: UG
Preparing towards Preventing and Containing an Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak: What Sociocultural Practices May Affect Containment Efforts in Ghana?

Background Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a condition with high fatality. Though the disease is deadly, taking precautions to reduce contact with infected people and their secretions can prevent cross- infection. In the 2014 EVD outbreak, socio-cultural factors were identified to be responsible for the spread of the disease in the three most affected countries in West Africa. In this light, we undertook this study to identify socio-cultural factors that may influence the prevention and containment of EVD in Ghana and ways to address such practices. Methods We conducted a descriptive qualitative study in five regions in Ghana. Twenty-five focus group discussions (5 in each region) with community members (4 in each region) and nurses (1 in each region) were conducted. In addition, forty (40) in-depth interviews were conducted with various stakeholders and opinion leaders; eight in each region. All interviews were recorded using a digital voice recorder and transcribed. With the aid of Nvivo 10 for windows, we analyzed the data using framework analysis. Results We found that socio-cultural practices, such as care of the body of dead and burial practices, widowhood rites and anointing children with water used to rinse the dead, were common. These practices require individuals coming into direct contact with either the dead or items used to take care of the dead. Social norms also require frequent handshakes in all social gatherings such as funeral, and religious congregations. We also found that selfmedication (using herbs and orthodox medications) was a common practice. People useboth biomedical and non-orthodox health outlets either simultaneously or in sequence in times of ill-health. Conclusion The study concludes that high risk socio-cultural practices were common among Ghanaians and generally perceived as indispensable. These high risk practices may hinder containment efforts in the event of an outbreak. Community leaders should be engaged in any social mobilization to modify these practices as part of preparation efforts.

Source: UG