ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Health and vulnerability to poverty in Ghana: evidence from the Ghana Living Standards Survey Round 5

Abstract Background An understanding of the complex relationship between health status and welfare is crucial for critical policy interventions. However, the focus of most policies in developing regions has been on current welfare to the neglect of forward-looking welfare analysis. The absence of adequate research in the area of future poverty or vulnerability to poverty has also contributed to the focus on current welfare. The objectives of this study were to estimate vulnerability to poverty among households in Ghana and examine the relationship between health status and vulnerability to poverty. Method The study used cross section data from the Fifth Round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 5) with a nationally representative sample of 8,687 households from all administrative regions in Ghana. A three-step Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) estimation procedure was employed to estimate vulnerability to poverty and to model the effect of health status on expected future consumption and variations in future consumption. Vulnerability to poverty estimates were also examined against various household characteristics. Results Using an upper poverty line, the estimates of vulnerability show that about 56% of households in Ghana are vulnerable to poverty in the future and this is higher than the currently observed poverty level of about 29%. Households with ill members were vulnerable to poverty. Moreover, households with poor hygiene conditions were also vulnerable to future poverty. The vulnerability to poverty estimates were, however, sensitive to the poverty line used and varied with household characteristics. Conclusion The results imply that policies directed towards poverty reduction need to take into account the vulnerability of households to future poverty. Also, hygienic conditions and health status of households need not be overlooked in poverty reduction strategies.

Source: UG
Health Behaviour Of Pregnant Women Towards The Pregnancy School In The Greater Accra Regional Hospital

ABSTRACT Antenatal care is viewed as an important point of contact between health workers and women and an opportunity for provision of health education including how to detect pregnancy complications and development of a birth plan to ensure safe delivery at a health facility. Quality antenatal care and education given to pregnant women during antenatal visits could be used as one of the measures to curb maternal mortality since these somewhat preventable maternal deaths have hugely been attributed to the lack of quality contacts between the pregnant women and the professional caregiver. Owing to the fact that little has been done over the years on the health behaviour of pregnant women towards the pregnancy school, the study therefore explored the health behaviour of pregnant women towards the pregnancy school in the Greater Accra Regional Hospital using the theory of Information Motivation-Behavioural-Skill model to guide the research. A qualitative explorative approach was employed. Data were collected from Greater Accra Regional hospital using a purposive sampling method. Fourteen (14) participants who consisted of three (3) pregnant and eleven (11) postpartum women who consented to participate in the study were interviewed face to face using a semi structured interview guide which lasted for 30-45minutes. Data were analysed thematically. Four (4) main themes and eighteen (18) subthemes were formulated from the constructs of the IMB model and the objectives of the study. The results of the study emphasized that, the participants found the information given at the classes to be very useful and had concerns with the time frame of the classes. The findings suggest that although the pregnancy school is a good initiative all stakeholders should support in order to improve it. Future research should focus on the information needs of the husbands and partners attending pregnancy schools. Keywords – Pregnancy school, antenatal care, pregnant woman.

Source: UG
Health Behaviour Of Pregnant Women Towards The Pregnancy School In The Greater Accra Regional Hospital

Antenatal care is viewed as an important point of contact between health workers and women and an opportunity for provision of health education including how to detect pregnancy complications and development of a birth plan to ensure safe delivery at a health facility. Quality antenatal care and education given to pregnant women during antenatal visits could be used as one of the measures to curb maternal mortality since these somewhat preventable maternal deaths have hugely been attributed to the lack of quality contacts between the pregnant women and the professional caregiver. Owing to the fact that little has been done over the years on the health behaviour of pregnant women towards the pregnancy school, the study therefore explored the health behaviour of pregnant women towards the pregnancy school in the Greater Accra Regional Hospital using the theory of Information Motivation-Behavioural-Skill model to guide the research. A qualitative explorative approach was employed. Data were collected from Greater Accra Regional hospital using a purposive sampling method. Fourteen (14) participants who consisted of three (3) pregnant and eleven (11) postpartum women who consented to participate in the study were interviewed face to face using a semi structured interview guide which lasted for 30-45minutes. Data were analysed thematically. Four (4) main themes and eighteen (18) subthemes were formulated from the constructs of the IMB model and the objectives of the study. The results of the study emphasized that, the participants found the information given at the classes to be very useful and had concerns with the time frame of the classes. The findings suggest that although the pregnancy school is a good initiative all stakeholders should support in order to improve it. Future research should focus on the information needs of the husbands and partners attending pregnancy schools.

Source: UG
Health Beliefs about Cervical Cancer and Cervical Cancer Screening among Women at Shai Osudoku District

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in Ghana and the world at large. Cervical cancer screening has been proven to be effective in reducing the incidence, morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer worldwide. It helps to detect cervical cancer at precancer stage before cancer develops. Despite this, it is not always available in most low- and middle-income countries as compared to high income countries. In countries where it is available it is either expensive, or not covered by the NHIS coupled with other barriers that prevent women from engaging in the screening services. Patronage in cervical cancer screening is low in middle and low income as compared to high income countries due to some barriers including health beliefs of women. The study therefore explored the health beliefs about cervical cancer screening among women at Shai Osudoku District in the Greater Accra Region. Qualitative exploratory descriptive method was employed using purposive sampling technique to select participants. Seventeen (17) women were purposively sampled and engaged in an interview using a semi structured interview guide which lasted for 30-45 minutes. All interviews conducted were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Six major themes emerged based on the constructs of the HBM and two other themes emerged in relation responses of participants. In all, 31 subthemes were formulated. Findings of this study revealed several views women have about CC/CCS including meaning of CC/CCS, severity of CC, women susceptibility to CC, CCS benefits, CCS barriers, cues to CCS, reaction towards CC diagnosis and strategies to overcome CCS. Findings suggest that generally women have inadequate knowledge about CC/CCS leading to low patronage in CCS. Findings of this study have implications for nursing practice and nursing research policy regarding CCS cost, treatment and HPV vaccination, to help increase Utilization of CCS services.

Source: UG
Health Beliefs of Career Women Living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Accra Metropolis

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Although many studies have investigated the prevalence of PCOS, there are however discrepancies in their results. The study therefore explored the experiences of career women living with PCOS in Accra metropolis. The Health Belief Model (2002) was used as an organizing outline for this study. This qualitative research adopted a descriptive exploratory design. Thirteen (13) career women with PCOS who met the inclusion criteria in the Accra metropolis were purposively selected. Data was collected by means of face-to-face interviews using a semi structured interview guide. The study revealed that majority of the participants attributed PCOS to imbalance in the hormones of women, irregular menses and that PCOS affects the ovaries of women. Findings of the study revealed that the major source of knowledge on PCOS is the hospital staff. All thirteen (13) participants admitted that the major barrier to accessing care is financial constraints. Majority of the participants also observed that women suffering from PCOS have problems in their marriages resulting in broken homes and divorce. Participants also observed that prevention and control of PCOS is early detection through regular medical check-up and screening from the adolescence to adulthood. However, the noninvolvement of other women who are not career women but are also diagnosed of PCOS was a major limitation. Based on the study results, the following recommendations were made to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana Health Service (GHS), Nursing education and Nursing and Midwifery researchers.

Source: UG
The Health Caregivers Did Not Care about Me after the Loss”: Maternal Experiences of Perinatal Loss in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area, Ghana

ABSTRACT One of the common undesirable outcomes of pregnancy is perinatal loss. Healthcare systems strive to reduce the incidence of perinatal loss but typically little attention is on the experiences of bereaved mothers following perinatal loss, particularly in low and middle-income countries where such deaths are common. This research explored the lived experiences of mothers with perinatal loss in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. A qualitative design was used to explore the experiences of nine (9) bereaved mothers from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s postnatal ward and the Mother and Baby Unit. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide, audio-recorded, and thematically analyzed. One major finding was that mothers restricted mourning their dead babies based on fear of recurrent perinatal loss and traditional beliefs on delayed return to fertility. Mothers blamed healthcare providers for their loss due to their concerns about care received. Gaps in communication flow from healthcare professionals to bereaved mothers were commonly identified as mothers struggled to make meaning of their loss and coped with cultural restrictions and beliefs. Healthcare professionals must explore mothers’ concerns and “gut-feelings,” and pay attention to their communication needs following perinatal loss.

Source: UG
Health centre versus home presumptive diagnosis of malaria in southern Ghana: Implications for home-based care policy.

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
The health condition of older women in Ghana: A case study of Accra city

In the context of increased rural-urban migration, social exclusion of some of the recent urban arrivals and the sharp change in life style in urban communities, some of the most critical health problems of older people may be found in cities. This paper attempts to characterize the general health condition of older women (50 years and over) in Accra, Ghana's capital city. It employs secondary analysis of data from the Accra Women's Survey, 2004. The findings broadly suggest that an overwhelming majority of older women lack basic education, are not in any form of paid employment, and are widowed, separated or divorced. 3% the women rate their general health condition as excellent, 18% as very good, 41% as good. 35% believe there health condition has worsened in the last 12 months. Such perception of deterioration in health status is associated with increasing age. Almost 4 in 5 older women have difficulty climbing stairs and have pains in their joints; 53 % have malaria, 42 % have high blood pressure, and 8% have diabetes. Thus, older women in urban Ghana are experiencing a double burden of disease. They are afflicted with the common tropical diseases such as malaria, while simultaneously experiencing chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. Older persons' concerns have remained marginal to the major social and economic debates in the country. Health services need to be oriented to responding to chronic as well as infectious diseases among ageing individuals.

Source: UG
Health Consequences for E-Waste Workers and Bystanders—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Informal e-waste recycling is associated with several health hazards. Thus far, the main focus of research in the e-waste sector has been to assess the exposure site, such as the burden of heavy metals or organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the health consequences associated with informal e-waste recycling. A questionnaire-based assessment regarding occupational information, medical history, and current symptoms and complaints was carried out with a group of n = 84 e-waste workers and compared to a control cohort of n = 94 bystanders at the e-waste recycling site Agbogbloshie. E-waste workers suffered significantly more from work-related injuries, back pain, and red itchy eyes in comparison to the control group. In addition, regular drug use was more common in e-waste workers (25% vs. 6.4%). Both groups showed a noticeable high use of pain killers (all workers 79%). The higher frequency of symptoms in the e-waste group can be explained by the specific recycling tasks, such as burning or dismantling. However, the report also indicates that adverse health effects apply frequently to the control group. Occupational safety trainings and the provision of personal protection equipment are needed for all workers.

Source: UG
Health education and community participation in the control of urinary schistosomiasis in Ghana.

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

Source: UG
Health Effects of Women's Empowerment in Agriculture in Northern Ghana: Different Patterns by Body Mass Index Categories

The impact of women’s empowerment in agriculture on women\s health, indicated by their body mass index (BMI), is examined using an instrumental variable estimation approach on a sample of 4 267 women. This sample was drawn from both a 2012 and 2015 population-based survey conducted in Northern Ghana. Unlike previous studies, this study accounts for differences in health implications of the different BMI sub-samples (underweight, normal, overweight and obese). The results suggest that women with a high degree of empowerment, regardless of domain (Production, Resources, Income, Leadership and Time), have a significantly higher health status. However, in terms of policy sequencing, it is important to start with enhancing women’s empowerment in the Production domain. The lack of empowerment in this domain will not only lead to poor health for women, but also have a negative impact on empowerment in the Income, Resources and Leadership domains that feed back into affecting women’s health negatively.

Source: UG
Health facility cost of buruli ulcer wound treatment in Ghana: A case study

Objective: To estimate the wound treatment cost borne by the Buruli Ulcer Treatment Centre of the Amasaman Government Hospital, Ghana. Methods: Three different types of data collection approaches were used, namely, 1) observation checklist, 2) in-depth interviews, and 3) expenditure data review. Wound dressing processes were observed. Retrospective health facility cost data of Buruli ulcer (BU) wound treatment for the year 2011 were used. Cost data gathered covered medical and nonmedical items. Cost analyses were carried out to determine the health facility's financial and economic costs. Results: The total annual financial cost was US $121,189.16, of which 99% was recurrent cost. This constitutes about 13% of the expenditure by the Amasaman Government Hospital for the year 2011. The total annual economic cost was US $143,609.22, of which 93% was recurrent cost. The main cost driver for both financial and economic costs was personnel. The annual BU wound treatment costs per capita were US $1615.86 for financial cost and US $1914.79 for economic cost, respectively. The study did not cover household patient costs. Conclusions: The cost of BU wound treatment takes a considerable amount of the hospital's expenditure. This shows the importance of health facility cost as one of the decision-making tools for both resource allocation and mobilization. Hospital management must therefore constantly examine its staffing norms and the associated cost to improve the hospital's resource allocation. © 2014 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).

Source: UG
Health Humanities curriculum and evaluation in health professions education: a scoping review

Background: The articulation of learning goals, processes and outcomes related to health humanities teaching currently lacks comparability of curricula and outcomes, and requires synthesis to provide a basis for developing a curriculum and evaluation framework for health humanities teaching and learning. This scoping review sought to answer how and why the health humanities are used in health professions education. It also sought to explore how health humanities curricula are evaluated and whether the programme evaluation aligns with the desired learning outcomes. Methods: A focused scoping review of qualitative and mixed-methods studies that included the influence of integrated health humanities curricula in pre-registration health professions education with programme evaluate of outcomes was completed. Studies of students not enrolled in a pre-registration course, with only ad-hoc health humanities learning experiences that were not assessed or evaluated were excluded. Four databases were searched (CINAHL), (ERIC), PubMed, and Medline. Results: The search over a 5 year period, identified 8621 publications. Title and abstract screening, followed by fulltext screening, resulted in 24 articles selected for inclusion. Learning outcomes, learning activities and evaluation data were extracted from each included publication. Discussion: Reported health humanities curricula focused on developing students’ capacity for perspective, reflexivity, self- reflection and person-centred approaches to communication. However, the learning outcomes were not consistently described, identifying a limited capacity to compare health humanities curricula across programmes. A set of clearly stated generic capabilities or outcomes from learning in health humanities would be a helpful next step for benchmarking, clarification and comparison of evaluation strategy.

Source: UG
Health impact assessment and health equity in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Background: Natural resource extraction projects can have positive but also negative effects on the health of affected communities, governed by demographic, economic, environmental, physical and social changes. Negative effects often prevail and these might widen existing health inequities. Health impact assessment (HIA) is a decision-support tool that aims at maximizing benefits and minimizing negative impacts on people's health. A core value of HIA is equity; yet, little is known about health equity in the frame of HIA, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: We conducted a scoping review to determine whether and to what extent HIA in sub-Saharan Africa addresses health equity. We included peer-reviewed publications and guidelines pertaining to HIA, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and social impact assessment (SIA). Health equity was investigated by identifying (i) how health considerations were addressed and (ii) whether health was stratified by subgroups of the community. Results: Out of 1′640 raw hits, we identified 62 articles (16 HIA, 36 EIA, one SIA and nine integrated assessments), 32 of which specifically addressed health. While 20 articles focused on a specific health topic, 12 articles used a more comprehensive approach to address health. In 15 articles there were specific subgroup analyses (e.g. mothers, children or marginalized groups) as a measure of health equity. Another 12 papers referred to the community in a more general way (e.g. affected). Without exception, health was an integral part of the nine included guidelines. HIA guidelines addressed health systematically through environmental health areas, risk assessment matrix or key performance indicators. Conclusions: We found evidence that previously conducted HIA in sub-Saharan Africa and current guidelines address health equity. However, there is a need to stratify community subgroups more systematically in order to determine health differentials better. Future HIA should consider community heterogeneity in an effort to reduce health inequities by “leaving no one behind”, as suggested by the Sustainable Development Goals. © 2019 The Authors

Source: UG
Health impact assessment for promoting sustainable development: the HIA4SD project

Health is central to sustainable development, and thus a cross-cutting issue of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 agenda. Natural resource extraction projects in Africa have considerable potential to impact on health-related targets of the SDGs. This paper introduces the rationale and organization of the HIA4SD Project; a 6-year research for development (r4d) project that aims to inform and facilitate a policy dialogue at the national and international level on whether current regulatory approaches to impact assessment in Africa promote sustainable development, placing emphasis on SDG3 Good Health and Well-being. The HIA4SD Project has a focus on large-scale natural resource extraction projects and is implemented in four African countries, namely Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Source: UG