ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND MALARIA INCIDENCE IN PERI-URBAN, URBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES AROUND KUMASI, GHANA: A CASE STUDY AT THREE HEALTH FACILITIES; EMENA, ATONSU AND AKROPONG

Background: Changes in temperature, rainfall and relative humidity due to climate change are expected to directly influence malaria transmission dynamics, by modifying the behavior and geographical distribution of malaria vectors while shortening the sporogonic cycle of the parasite in the vector. These changes will have varying effects on malaria incidence in different eco-epidemiological settings. The aim was to examine the impact of climate variability on malaria incidence in three micro-epidemiological ecosystems in the forest zone of Ghana, Ashanti Region. Methods: Data on climatic variables (rainfall, temperature and humidity) from January 2008 to- October 2009 were obtained from the two weather stations. Hospital based confirmed malaria incidence data were obtained for the same period from Akropong (rural) hospital whereas malaria incidence data were obtained from January 2008-June 2009 and January 2008-August 2009 for Emena (peri-urban) and Atonsu (urban) hospitals respectively. Microscopy was used to identify the predominant Plasmodium species. Spearman’s correla-tion analysis and cross correlation analysis that allowed a time-lag of 0-3 month were performed to examine the role of climatic variables on malaria incidence. Results: There was a direct correlation between monthly malaria incidence and monthly climatic variables at different time-lags and location. At every study site, different climatic variables were seen to play different roles on the occurrence of malaria. At Akropong and Emena, the study indicates that rainfall and minimum temperature are the major drivers of malaria incidence though this relationship was significant at different time-lags in different eco-epidemiological settings. At Atonsu, the study indicates that rainfall and maximum tem-perature are the major contributors to malaria incidence. Conclusion: Climatic variables have direct and indirect influence on malaria incidence and these variables can predict malaria inci-dence and be suited for forecasting the malaria occurrence in areas with similar ecological features in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Climate Variability, Land Cover Changes and Livelihoods of Communities on the Fringes of Bobiri Forest Reserve, Ghana

Climate variability coupled with land use and land cover changes have resulted in significant changes in forest reserves in Ghana with major implications for rural livelihoods. Understanding the link between climate variability, land use and land cover changes and rural livelihoods is key for decision-making, especially regarding sustainable management of forest resources, monitoring of ecosystems and related livelihoods. The study determined the extent to which climate variability drives land cover changes in the Bobiri forest reserve, Ghana. Landsat images from 1986, 2003, 2010 and 2014 were used to evaluate land cover changes of the Bobiri forest reserve in Ghana. Participatory research approaches including household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted in four fringe communities of the Bobiri forest reserve. Findings showed that local people perceived changes in rainfall and temperature patterns over the past years. Historical rainfall and temperature data for the study area showed increased variability in rainfall and an increasing temperature trend, which are consistent with the perception of the study respondents. Analysis of land cover satellite images showed that there has been significant transformation of closed forest to open forest and non-forest land cover types over the 28-year period (1986–2014), with an overall kappa statistic of 0.77. Between 2003 and 2014, closed forest decreased by 15.6% but settlement/bare ground and crop land increased marginally by 1.5% and 0.9%, respectively. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews revealed that increased land cover changes in the Bobiri forest reserve could partly be attributed to erratic rainfall patterns. Other factors such as logging and population growth were reported to be factors driving land cover changes. The study concluded that the Bobiri forest reserve has witnessed significant land cover changes and recommended that alternative livelihood sources should be provided to reduce the direct dependency of fringe communities on the forest for livelihood and firewood.

Source: KNUST
Climate variability and food crop production in the Bawku Municipality.

Climate variability threatens the sustainability of food crop production. It is therefore important to understand the interaction between climate variability and food crop production. This study examined the effect of climate variability on food crop production in the Bawku Municipality. Five farming communities were selected in the Bawku Municipality as the study sites. Quantitative and qualitative data were sourced from both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires, focus group discussions and oral narratives were used as data collection tools to assess the situation. Quantitative data were analysed with SPSS and E-views and the results presented in the form of charts and tables whiles qualitative data were analysed thematically to support the quantitative data. The results indicate a significant variation in annual rainfall for the 15 year period (1999 to 2013) but mean temperature variation in the Municipality was relatively stable. The results of the regression model revealed that rainfall significantly explains variation in maize production while temperature was not significant in explaining the variation of rice, maize and millet production. The study revealed that farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate variability owing to their low capital assets, exposure to frequent drought, floods and wind storms. As copping strategies, some farmers have resorted to migration, trading, crop and livelihood diversification to enhance their living conditions. These strategies are however, not sufficient to sustain food crop production in the Municipality in the long term. To sustain and enhance the livelihoods of food crop farmers, the study recommends that urgent financial, education, capacity building, infrastructure and institutional support are needed to improve food crop production and make farmers’ livelihoods resilient to climate variability.

Source: KNUST
Clinical and Bacteriological Efficacy of Rifampin-Streptomycin Combination for Two Weeks followed by Rifampin and Clarithromycin for Six Weeks for Treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease

Buruli ulcer, an ulcerating skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans infection, is common in tropical areas of western Africa. We determined the clinical and microbiological responses to administration of rifampin and streptomycin for 2 weeks followed by administration of rifampin and clarithromycin for 6 weeks in 43 patients with small laboratory-confirmed Buruli lesions and monitored for recurrence-free healing. Bacterial load in tissue samples before and after treatment for 6 and 12 weeks was monitored by semiquantitative culture. The success rate was 93%, and there was no recurrence after a 12-month follow-up. Eight percent had a positive culture 4 weeks after antibiotic treatment, but their lesions went on to heal. The findings indicate that rifampin and clarithromycin can replace rifampin and streptomycin for the continuation phase after rifampin and streptomycin administration for 2 weeks without any apparent loss of efficacy.

Source: KNUST
Clinical and microbiological predictors of healing in Buruli ulcer disease

Introduction: Wound measurements are relevant in monitoring the rate of healing (RoH) and may predict time to healing. Predicting the time to healing can help improve the management of Buruli ulcer. We examine three methods for the determination of RoH and their use as predictors of time to healing. Methods: Lesion measurements of Buruli ulcer patients treated from 2007 to 2022 were obtained with acetate sheet tracings (2D) or Aranz software (3D) fortnightly. RoH was determined using the absolute area, percentage area reduction and linear methods at 4 weeks post onset of antibiotic treatment. Predicted time to healing was compared to the actual healing time. Baseline characteristics were assessed for associations with healing. Results: All three methods for calculating the RoH significantly distinguished between fast and slow healers (p <0.0001). The predicted healing time using the linear method was comparable to the actual healing time for fast healers (p = 0.34). The RoH was influenced by the form of lesion, with plaques [OR 2.19 5 %CI (1.2–3.6), p =0.009], and oedemas [OR 8.5; 95 %CI (1.9––36.9), p = 0.004] being associated with delayed healing. The proportion of patients with paradoxical reactions 16 % vs 3 %, p < 0.0001), higher baseline bacterial load (75/104;72 % vs 21/47;45 %, p = 0.001) and delayed clearance of viable organisms (71/104;68 % vs 9/47;19 %, p <0.0001) was higher in the slow healers than the fast healers. Conclusion: Predicted healing rates were comparatively lower for slow healers than fast healers. Baseline characteristics associated with healing can be explored for an improved disease management plan to reduce patient and caregiver anxiety.

Source: KNUST
Clinical Outcomes and Immunohaematological Markers of People Living with Hiv and Aids With or Without Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Selected Anti-Retroviral Clinics in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are two devastating global infectious diseases. The objectives that guided the study were to examine the clinical outcomes, CD4 cells count, Immunohaematological Markers, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate of PLWHA with or without TB and also TB results of HIV/ TB coinfected patients at three selected anti- retroviral clinics in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A sample size of 544 respondents participated in a case-control study in a 2:1 ratio through a convenience sampling method. Out of which 363 PLWHA with or without TB participated as subjects for the study whilst 181 participated as “healthy controls”. The graph pad prism and SPSS 16 version a statistical package for social sciences were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that there were significant mean differences in all the immunohaematological indices (Haemoglobin level, White blood cells count, Packed cells volume, Platelets count, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, CD4 count) and HIV and TB status (P < 0.05). Also, none of the female respondents had a normal ESR (0- 8) mm/hr. Among the TB-HIV coinfected patients, TB was diagnosed in 8 (2.2%) by sputum smear microscopy alone, whilst 13 (3.6%) by sputum culture (P > 0.05). There was no case of multi- drug resistance in the TB- sensitivity results. The study concluded that laboratory results of immunohaematological indices, (full blood count, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CD4 count) are important in the monitoring and management of TB and HIV infection. The study therefore recommends that immunohaematological indices (CD4 count, FBC and ESR) must be performed routinely to monitor TB and HIV patients on regular basis in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the diseases.

Source: KNUST
Clinical Efficacy of Combination of Rifampin and Streptomycin for Treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease

We have evaluated the clinical efficacy of the combination of oral rifampin at 10 mg/kg of body weight and intramuscular streptomycin at 15 mg/kg for 8 weeks (RS8), as recommended by the WHO, in 160 PCRconfirmed cases of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease. In 152 patients (95%) with all forms of disease from early nodules to large ulcers, with or without edema, the lesions healed without recourse to surgery. Eight patients whose ulcers were healing poorly had skin grafting after completion of antibiotics. There were no recurrences among 158 patients reviewed at the 1-year follow-up. The times to complete healing ranged from 2 to 48 weeks, according to the type and size of the lesion, but the average rate of healing (rate of reduction in ulcer diameter) varied widely. Thirteen subjects had positive cultures for M. ulcerans during or after treatment, but all the lesions healed without further antibiotic treatment. Adverse events were rare. These results confirm the efficacy of RS8 delivered in a community setting.

Source: KNUST
Clinical profile and predictors of viral suppression in HIV-infected older adults at a University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana

Availability of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved patient survival and older adults (≥50 years old) constitute 10% of the world’s HIV population. However, data on this population are lacking, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. To identify the profile of older adults with HIV infection receiving ART and factors associated with viral suppression. A retrospective cross-sectional study involving HIV patients ≥50 years, registered at a University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana from January 2010 to July 2020. All study participants had been on ARTs for ≥12 months. Data were analysed using STATA® and multivariate logistic regression was done to determine the association between variables. We recruited 132 study participants with a mean age of 58.1 years (±6.8). Non-communicable diseases (NCD) comprised the commonest comorbidity (67.4%;n = 89) and hypertension was the most prevalent (47.2%). The mean duration of ART was 63.2 months (±32.0) and approximately 84.1% (n = 111) achieved viral suppression (≤50 copies/ml). After adjustment, factors independently associated with viral suppression were widow(ed) (aOR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.07–0.72) and good ART adherence (aOR = 3.51; 95% CI = 1.03–11.99). Hypertension is prevalent among this cohort of HIV patients. Approximately 84% of elderly patients on ARTs achieve viral suppression, influenced by widowhood and good drug adherence.

Source: KNUST
Clinical utilization of Chondroitin Sulphate-A to determine the susceptibility of pregnant women to malaria

People living in areas with stable transmission of Plasmodium falciparum parasites acquire protective immunity to malaria following multiple disease episodes. Immunity acquired this way is mediated by IgG with specificity for parasite-encoded, clonally variant surface antigens (VSA) on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IEs). However, women in endemic areas become susceptible to P. falciparum infection during pregnancy, particularly for the first time, regardless of acquired protective immunity. Aggregation of erythrocytes infected by P. falciparum in the intervillous spaces of the placenta using chondroitin sulphate A (CSA) as the dominant placental adhesion receptor has been identified. Chondroitin sulfate A is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars. It is usually found attached to proteins as part of a proteoglycan. This study sought to investigate the role of chondroitin sulphate A in malaria susceptibility in pregnant women. A total of 160 clients attending two selected health facilities, namely Kaneshie Polyclinic and Our Lady of Grace Hospital, were recruited. They were stratified into three groups: Pregnant women with malaria (n=80), non-pregnant women with malaria (n=40) and pregnant women without malaria (n=40). Full blood count (FBC), malaria RDT, thick film for malaria parasites and ELISA for chondroitin sulphate-A concentration were conducted for each volunteer. The mean haemoglobin count in pregnant women with malaria was 9.6 ± 1.4 g/dl and that of non-pregnant women with malaria was 10.3 ± 1.6 g/dL and the pregnant women without malaria was 11.5 ± 1.1 g/dL. The median CSA concentration in non-pregnant women with malaria was 2.24 ng/mL; that of pregnant women with malaria was 50.76 ng/mL, and pregnant women without malaria was 44.94 ng/mL. There were significant differences between non-pregnant women with malaria and pregnant women with malaria (P=0.0001) and also between non-pregnant with malaria and pregnant women with no malaria (P=0.0001) but no difference between pregnant women with malaria and pregnant women without malaria (P=0.084). Haemoglobin and haematocrit concentrations were significantly associated with malaria infection. The parasite count in pregnant women with malaria compared with that in non-pregnant women with malaria was significantly lower (P=0.0001). Malaria infection was associated with reduction in haemoglobin concentration, which worsened when pregnancy was present. In conclusion, CSA was elicited in pregnant women but had inverse correlation with peripheral malaria parasitaemia.

Source: KNUST
Clothing accessories: a vehicle for promoting the Ewe cultural symbolism in Ghana

The Ewe ethnic group among many other ethnic groups in Ghana have a cultural identity which is embedded in their symbols. Most of these cultural symbols are derived from their proverbs and life events. There are present modes through which these symbols are promoted yet, most Ewes are oblivious to the existence of these cultural symbols. This can be attributed to the low efficacy of the present modes for promoting the Ewe cultural symbols. It is for this reason that the researcher sought to identify various Ewe cultural symbols and use these symbols in the design and production of clothing accessories which would serve as an effective means of promoting these symbols. The objectives set for the study were to identify and describe existing proverbial symbols and proverbs within the Ewe culture, to generate some Ewe proverbial symbols from selected existing Ewe proverbs as well as to design and produce clothing accessories embellished with selected Ewe proverbial symbols. The qualitative research approach, employing the descriptive, case study and library research methods was used to gather data from 114 respondents. Interviews, participant observations and questionnaire aided in data collection. The data retrieved were analysed, discussed and interpret. Per the study, eighty- five Ewe cultural symbols were accessed from respondents within the Klikor- Agbozume community and its surrounding villages as well as from literary works. The names and meanings of the symbols were collated into a chart. An additional fifteen proverbial symbol was generated by the researcher from Ewe proverbs. From the data collected in the course of this study, the researcher found out that the majority of those who were conversant with the symbols were the traditional rulers and elders. Most of the younger ones were oblivious to what the Ewe proverbial symbols were. The researcher also realized that an outstanding percentage of local craftsmen comprising of kete weavers, local architects, carpenters and dressmakers, who used the symbols in their works did not know the relevance and meanings of Ewe cultural symbols. iv The researcher therefore recommends that a chart of the Ewe cultural symbols made should be displayed in museums, libraries, cultural and social centres for educational purposes. Product designers are encouraged to translate more symbols into other artefacts aside clothing accessories to help in the promotion of the symbols.

Source: KNUST
Clothing factory, Spintex Road - Accra

An outfit is the quickest way to make an impression. Whether you prefer classic cuts, are a fashion guru, or wear the same style every day, the way you dress can speak volumes about your personality . The African textile and clothing (T&C) industry is in a major crisis. Domestically it is hit by imports (in particular from Asian countries) with which it finds it difficult to compete. Not much of the once impressive T&C sector built during the phase of import substitution is left It is hit on foreign markets, where it has made some inroads in recent years, and where fierce competition among suppliers is now threatening exports from Africa. The future and, to some extent, even the survival of the African textile and clothing industry is closely linked to two international processes: The changes taking place on the global T&C market after the expiry of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) on 1 January 2005; and the restructuring of the multilateral trade system, being negotiated in the current World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha round. The expiry of the ATC marks the end of a period of some 40 years, during which much of the global T&C trade was subj ect to a special regime which centred on a politically motivated quota system. With the end of the quota system, the T&C trade is moving inside the world of WTO agreements, becoming an integral part of the WTO system, governed by the general rules and principles of this multilateral trading system. The WTO Doha round is the second major reference. Current WTO agreements do allow the use of certain rules, which can provide protection for national T&C companies through customs duties or safeguard measures and promote exports through preferential market access. All these policy instruments are on the WTO table for negotiations again. The survival of the T&C sector and the design of domestic and international trade and industrial policies is of major relevance for the development prospect.

Source: KNUST
Co-Composting of Dewatered Sewage Sludge (Biosolids) and Sawdust for Agricultural use as an Organic Fertilizer: A Case Study of the KNUST Sewage Treatment Plant

The objective of the study was to determine the best mix ratio of dewatered sewage sludge and sawdust in co-composting, to stabilizing the former and also managing the latter. Three different ratios (1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2) of the dewatered sewage sludge to sawdust based on their carbon-nitrogen ratio and moisture content were composted for 120 days at the KNUST Sewage Treatment Plant. The compost heaps were turned over every three days for the first month and once a week afterwards to enhance aeration. Temperature was daily monitored at 20 cm and 30 cm depths of the heaps. The rate of decomposition was also assessed weekly by determining the rate of reduction of the compost heaps. Other parameters such as moisture content, dry solids, organic matter, ash, carbon, nitrogen, carbon-nitrogen ratio, phosphorus, potassium, pH, helminth eggs, total and faecal coliforms were determined monthly. The results showed a significant difference in the monthly levels of all the parameters listed above in each heap. There was no significant difference in the quality of the final compost produced from each heap, in terms of most of the listed parameters. Microbial parameters such as total and fecal Coliforms and helminth eggs decreased appreciably at the end of the composting process. The compost heaps with the ratios 1:1.5 and 1:2 reduced more than the heap with ratio 1:1 of sewage sludge and sawdust. Twenty eight cubic centimeters (28cm) of the different composts produced and dewatered dried sewage vi sludge were (set up as control) applied on different ten square meter beds to cultivate lettuce. Yield of lettuce, helminth eggs, total and faecal coliform organisms levels were determined upon harvesting. Yield was highest in lettuce cultivated with dewatered dried sewage sludge, followed by the compost with the formulation 1:1, 1:1.5 and lastly 1:2. Helminth eggs, total and faecal coliform levels on lettuce were higher than their levels in their respective compost and the dewatered dried sewage sludge. There was no significant difference in the quality of compost produced from sludge/sawdust of the various ratios (1:1, 1:1.5 or 1:2).

Source: KNUST