ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial impact of mastectomy on female breast cancer patients presenting at an academic radiotherapy oncology centre in Ghana

Introduction: Mastectomy is a treatment option for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. There is very limited research into the psychosocial impact of mastectomy on female breast cancer patients, especially in the sub-Saharan African setting which has unique cultural norms. The study aimed at assessing the psychosocial impact of mastectomy on female breast cancer patients attending a radiotherapy/oncology centre in Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to undertake this study. A total of 80 female mastectomy breast cancer patients participated in this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection over a 5-month period, January to May 2018. The data collected were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. Results: Most of the participants were adversely affected psychologically and emotionally by mastectomy. In particular, many (56·7%) agreed that they felt less feminine, and 71% reported they experienced psychological distress as a result of their mastectomy, while 63%of them reported loss of self-confidence. A large proportion of them (51, 63·8%) agreed that their lifestyles had changed following mastectomy, while 58% of them admitted that they felt treated as outcasts by society, and 75% resorted to the use of breast prostheses to reduce attention. Conclusion: The study revealed that mastectomy for breast cancer patients had a negative impact on their psychological, emotional and social well-being. The availability of affordable breast prostheses, involvement of clinical psychologists in the care of post-mastectomy women, provision of emotional, psychological and even financial support could alleviate the psychosocial impact of affected women.

Source: UG
Psychosocial impacts of caring for a child with a genetic disorder in Accra, Ghana

Caregivers caring for a child with a genetic condition may experience psychosocial distress, which may be compounded by the context in which the caring takes place. Few studies have examined psychosocial distress and support among caregivers caring for a child with a genetic disorder in low-middle-income countries such as Ghana. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the psychosocial impacts of caring for a child with a genetic disorder in an urban setting in Ghana’s capital, Accra. We conducted individual interviews among 17 caregivers who were taking care of children with various genetic disorders including, albinism, Edward’s syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, sickle cell disease, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. Thematic analysis of the data revealed three main themes on the psychosocial impacts, including: (1) self-blame, guilt, and shame; (2) sleep and mood disturbances; and (3) discrimination and stigmatization. We observed three themes about support: (1) psychological support; (2) family and community support; and (3) institutional support. Participants reported limited support from professionals such as psychologists. Discussion focuses on the supportive care needs of caregivers and implications for genetic counselling awareness, advocacy, and training.

Source: UG
Psychosocial interventions and their effectiveness on quality of life among elderly persons living with HIV in Africa South of the Sahara: Systematic review and meta -analysis protocol

Background The number of elderly people living with HIV (EPLHIV) has increased significantly as a result of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and this has brought about a variety of psychosocial chal lenges that have an impact on their quality of life (QoL). Various psychosocial interventions have been tried or implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to improve QoL of EPLHIV. However, there is paucity of data on the types and effectiveness of these interventions. This systematic review, therefore, aims to explore available psychosocial interventions in SSA and their effectiveness in improving the QoL of EPLHIV. Methods We will search PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, HINARI, Africa Journals Online, Scopus and Web of Science to retrieve publications on psychosocial interventions implemented to improve QoL of EPLHIV from inception of the identified data bases to 31st December 2023 without language restrictions. Also, supplementary sources such as conference proceedings, preprint repositories, databases of dissertations, as well as WHO and governmental databases can be explored for additional studies. For unpub lished studies, trial registries and experts would be contacted, and reference lists of retrieved papers will be manually searched. Retrieved studies will be deduplicated using Mendeley and exported to Rayyan. At least two reviewers will independently select studies, extract data and assess the quality of the included studies using validated tools.Dichotomous outcomes data will be assessed and reported as odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) and for continuous outcomes, mean difference (MD) will be used; all reported with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity will be explored graphically by inspecting the overlapping of CIs and assessed quantitatively using the I 2 statistic. Expected outcomes This systematic review will be the first to rigorously identify psychosocial intervention on QoL of EPLHIV in SSA and assess their effectiveness with the aim to provide regional and country- specific data that will inform the selection and implementation of appropriate and socially acceptable policies across countries in SSA. Key findings of the review are expected to contribute critical evidence on availability, types and effectiveness of psychoso cial interventions for improving quality of life of vulnerable elderly persons in SSA living with HIV. Furthermore, the review will explore any variation and possible correlates of psychoso cial interventions by age, sex, CD4 count (if available), setting and geographic location within SSA that will provide healthcare professionals with reliable evidence, with the ultimate goal of inspiring countries in SSA to adopt innovative interventions to improve HIV care.

Source: UG
Psychosocial interventions and their effectiveness on quality of life among elderly persons living with HIV in Africa South of the Sahara: Systematic review and meta -analysis protocol

Background The number of elderly people living with HIV (EPLHIV) has increased significantly as a result of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and this has brought about a variety of psychosocial chal lenges that have an impact on their quality of life (QoL). Various psychosocial interventions have been tried or implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to improve QoL of EPLHIV. However, there is paucity of data on the types and effectiveness of these interventions. This systematic review, therefore, aims to explore available psychosocial interventions in SSA and their effectiveness in improving the QoL of EPLHIV. Methods We will search PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, HINARI, Africa Journals Online, Scopus and Web of Science to retrieve publications on psychosocial interventions implemented to improve QoL of EPLHIV from inception of the identified data bases to 31st December 2023 without language restrictions. Also, supplementary sources such as conference proceedings, preprint repositories, databases of dissertations, as well as WHO and governmental databases can be explored for additional studies. For unpub lished studies, trial registries and experts would be contacted, and reference lists of retrieved papers will be manually searched. Retrieved studies will be deduplicated using Mendeley and exported to Rayyan. At least two reviewers will independently select studies, extract data and assess the quality of the included studies using validated tools. Dichotomous outcomes data will be assessed and reported as odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) and for continuous outcomes, mean difference (MD) will be used; all reported with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity will be explored graphically by inspecting the overlapping of CIs and assessed quantitatively using the I 2 statistic. Expected outcomes This systematic review will be the first to rigorously identify psychosocial intervention on QoL of EPLHIV in SSA and assess their effectiveness with the aim to provide regional and country- specific data that will inform the selection and implementation of appropriate and socially acceptable policies across countries in SSA. Key findings of the review are expected to contribute critical evidence on availability, types and effectiveness of psychoso cial interventions for improving quality of life of vulnerable elderly persons in SSA living with HIV. Furthermore, the review will explore any variation and possible correlates of psychoso cial interventions by age, sex, CD4 count (if available), setting and geographic location within SSA that will provide healthcare professionals with reliable evidence, with the ultimate goal of inspiring countries in SSA to adopt innovative interventions to improve HIV care.

Source: UG
Psychosocial Problems Facing Parents of Children with Neurological Disorders. A Study at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Chronic neurological conditions impose psychosocial problems on caregivers. The objective of this study was to survey and describe caregivers’ psychosocial experiences; beliefs and effects neurological illness have on the family and social life. A purposive sample of 160 parents enrolled using a standard questionnaire to obtain socio-demographic information, beliefs and psychosocial experiences. Data analysis demonstrated that mean stress reported by the caregivers was 69.7 and standard deviation of stress was 2.45. This implies that all parents reported moderately high level of stress (69.7). In addition, results obtained from one sample t-Test Analysis confirm the fact that stress associated with caring for neurologically ill child is significantly high (p < 0.5). There is the need to provide caregivers with adequate information to prepare them well to leave with the disability with minimal stress. The level of stress experienced by caregivers calls for psychological support to carers and stress management interventions

Source: UG
Psychosocial Processes and Sexual Initiation Among Ghanaian Youth

This study models primary abstinence and age at first sex in a cross-sectional sample of Ghanaian youth aged 17 to 22 years. The aim is to examine how reproductive knowledge and social cognitive factors jointly affect the choice to initiate sex. Among males, the authors find that reproductive knowledge is negatively associated with abstinence. Its negative association, however, is moderated by the extent of adult support a respondent receives. Among females, reproductive knowledge is positively associated with abstinence. Its positive association is moderated by the extent of household sex communication. Correspondingly, when age at first sex is modeled, knowledge is a negative predictor among females. Its effects are mediated by household sex communication. A third social cognitive variable, perceived permissive peer attitudes about sex, is not associated with knowledge but is a protective factor for sexual initiation for both sexes. Though causal direction cannot be established, the results suggest that cognition affects sexual initiation both directly and through complex social mechanisms. The evidence provides theoretical support for comprehensive adolescent sexual and reproductive health interventions that promote abstinence and other safe sex behaviors through social as well as individual pathways. © 2012 Society for Public Health Education.

Source: UG
Psychosocial stressors among Ghanaians in rural and urban Ghana and Ghanaian migrants in Europe

Psychosocial stressors have significant health and socio-economic impacts on individuals. We examined the prevalence and correlates of psychosocial stressors among non-migrant and migrant Ghanaians as there is limited research in these populations. The study was cross-sectional and quantitative in design. A majority of the study participants had experienced stress, discrimination and negative life events. Increased age, female sex, strong social support and high sense of mastery were associated with lower odds of experiencing psychosocial stressors in both populations. Interventions should be multi-level in design, focusing on the correlates which significantly influence the experience of psychosocial stressors

Source: UG
Psychotic-like experiences and adverse life events in young people. Does gender matter

Background: Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and adverse life events (ALEs) are highly prevalent in sub Saharan Africa where gendered practices are also common. There is, however, a paucity of data on how the relationship between PLEs and life adversities is influenced by gender. The current study addressed this gap. Method: Data were collected from 1886 school-based young people (1174 females) in Ghana, West Africa using a cross-sectional survey methodology and analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, Pearson corre lation, and multivariate regression. Results: The results showed that victimization experiences, school stress and having a family member with mental illness were significantly associated with PLEs in both males and females. In contrast, substance misuse and experiences of head trauma correlated significantly with PLEs in females only. Conclusion: Life adversities constitute major risk factors for PLEs among school-based young people in Ghana, who could benefit from gender neutral and gender-sensitive intervention programming to remediate the effects of life adversities on PLEs.

Source: UG
Psychotic-like experiences and adverse life events in young people. Does gender matter?

Background: Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and adverse life events (ALEs) are highly prevalent in sub Saharan Africa where gendered practices are also common. There is, however, a paucity of data on how the relationship between PLEs and life adversities is influenced by gender. The current study addressed this gap. Method: Data were collected from 1886 school-based young people (1174 females) in Ghana, West Africa using a cross-sectional survey methodology and analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, Pearson corre lation, and multivariate regression. Results: The results showed that victimization experiences, school stress and having a family member with mental illness were significantly associated with PLEs in both males and females. In contrast, substance misuse and experiences of head trauma correlated significantly with PLEs in females only. Conclusion: Life adversities constitute major risk factors for PLEs among school-based young people in Ghana, who could benefit from gender neutral and gender-sensitive intervention programming to remediate the effects of life adversities on PLEs.

Source: UG
Psychotropic Effects of an Alcoholic Extract from the Leaves of Albizia zygia (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae)

Background. Albizia zygia is used in Ghanaian traditional medicine for the management of mental disorders. The present study tested the hypothesis that an extract of the leaves of Albizia zygia (AZE) may possess antipsychotic and antidepressant properties. Method. The novelty- and apomorphine-induced locomotor and rearing behaviours of AZE in mice were explored in an openfield observational test system. The effects of AZE in apomorphine-induced cage climbing test, extract-induced catalepsy, and haloperidol-induced catalepsy on mice were also investigated. Lastly, the forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice were employed to screen the possible antidepressant effects of AZE. Results. AZE (100–3000mg/kg) showed signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression under observation, with no lethality, 24 h after treatment in mice. AZE (100–1000mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in the frequency of novelty- and apomorphine-induced locomotor activities in mice. The extract also significantly decreased the frequency and duration of apomorphine-induced climbing activities in mice. AZE, while failing to produce any cataleptic event in na¨ıve mice, significantly enhanced haloperidol-induced catalepsy at a dose of 1000mg/kg.However, AZE did not produce any significant antidepressant effects in the test models employed. Conclusion. The extract of Albizia zygia exhibited an antipsychotic-like activity in mice.

Source: UG
Psychotropic medication non-adherence and associated factors among adult patients with major psychiatric disorders: A protocol for a systematic review

Background Evidence from the global burden of diseases show that psychiatric disorders are a growing public health concern. Maintaining adherence to medication is the most essential, but challenging course in the pharmacological treatment modality for major psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of abridged evidence on the level of psychotropic medication non-adherence and associated factors. Therefore, we aim to systematically summarize existing primary studies finding to estimate the level and identify associated factors of psychotropic medication non-adherence among adult patients with major psychiatric disorders. Methods We will search studies using computerized search engines, main electronic databases and other relevant sources. PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, WHO Global Health Library, and direct Google search will be searched to retrieve studies written in English language before December 2017. Observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, cohort or longitudinal, survey and surveillance reports) on major psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, major depressive and bipolar disorders) among adult patients will be eligible. Data will be extracted independently by two authors. Data synthesis and statistical analysis will be carried out. Pooled estimate will be done to quantify the level of psychotropic medication non-adherence using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Discussion Psychiatric disorders remain a public health, social and economic concern worldwide. Management of major psychiatric disorders is highly affected by medication non-adherence. Thus, undertaking an integrated and multifaceted approach is necessary to reduce the burden of medication non-adherence, and enhance the quality of patients’ life. Evidence is required to design appropriate intervention to prevent psychotropic medication non-adherence.

Source: UG
Psychotropic medication non-adherence and its associated factors among patients with major psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Major psychiatric disorders are growing public health concern that attributed 14% of the global burden of diseases. The management of major psychiatric disorders is challenging mainly due to medication non adherence. However, there is a paucity of summarized evidence on the prevalence of psychotropic medication non-adherence and associated factors. Therefore, we aimed to summarize existing primary studies’ finding to determine the pooled prevalence and factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence. Methods: A total of 4504 studies written in English until December 31, 2017, were searched from the main databases (n = 3125) (PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) and other relevant sources (mainly from Google Scholar, n = 1379). Study selection, screening, and data extraction were carried out independently by two authors. Observational studies that had been conducted among adult patients (18 years and older) with major psychiatric disorders were eligible for the selection process. Critical appraisal of the included studies was carried out using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Systematic synthesis of the studies was carried out to summarize factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence. Meta-analysis was carried using Stata 14. Random effects model was used to compute the pooled prevalence, and sub-group analysis at 95% confidence interval. Results: Forty-six studies were included in the systematic review. Of these, 35 studies (schizophrenia (n = 9), depressive (n = 16), and bipolar (n = 10) disorders) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, 49% of major psychiatric disorder patients were non-adherent to their psychotropic medication. Of these, psychotropic medication non-adherence for schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, and bipolar disorders were 56%, 50%, and 44%, respectively. Individual patient’s behaviors, lack of social support, clinical or treatment and illness-related, and health system factors influenced psychotropic medication non-adherence. Conclusion: Psychotropic medication non-adherence was high. It was influenced by various factors operating at different levels. Therefore, comprehensive intervention strategies should be designed to address factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence.

Source: UG
Psychotropic medicine beliefs, side efects and adherence in schizophrenia: a patient–caregiver dyad perspective

Background Medication adherence is essential in the management of schizophrenia. Yet poor treatment uptake has nega tive consequences on patients and their primary caregivers. Objective To examine the association among beliefs about psychotropic medications, side efects and adherence from a patient-caregiver dyad perspective. Setting This study was conducted in a public psychiatric hospital setting in Accra, Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 121 patient-caregiver dyads using an interviewer-administered data collection approach.Main outcome measure Beliefs about medicines, side-efects and medication adherence. Results The patient and caregiver-reported level of medication adherence was 28.1%. Using the Kappa index, the level of agreement between the responses of patients and their caregivers ranged from slight to moderate. Both patients and caregivers rated necessity higher than concern (patients: 1.67±0.84, caregiver: 1.79±0.96). Signifcant positive relations between specifc-necessity, necessity–concerns diferential and medication adher ence were recorded while specifc–concern, general harm and side-efects correlated negatively with medication adherence from the dyad. The odds of adhering to medications increased by 58 and 64% for each unit increase in specifc-necessity and general overuse scores respectively. However, a unit increase in specifc–concern score and high side-efects scores were associated with lower odds of adherence. Conclusions This study highlights the need for patient-caregiver collaborations in decision-making relating to medication adherence in schizophrenia. Thus, in clinical practice, there is the need to recognize that caregivers are essential partners, and patient-caregiver views about psychotropic medications are critical in enhancing adherence for positive mental health outcomes.

Source: UG