ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Anaemia, Nutritional Status, and Dietary Pattern among Adolescent Girls in Selected Boarding Senior High Schools within the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.

Anaemia is a public health concern globally, and adolescent girls are at a high risk of anaemia due to increase in nutritional requirement as a result of growth spurt. Hence, assessing nutritional status of adolescent girls (potential mothers) could serve as a catalyst in addressing malnutrition at an early age. A cross sectional study was conducted on 196 adolescent girls in three boarding senior high schools within the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana, The study assessed the nutritional status, dietary pattern, and the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls within three boarding senior high schools. Dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements, and haematological markers were used in the assessment. A two-non-consecutive day’s 24-Hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire were used to assess dietary intake. Complete blood count was used to assess haematological status, with Haemoglobin and Mean Corpuscular Volume used as markers of anaemia. BMI and BMI-for-age (percentile) was computed using height and weight. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among the participants was 3.1%, 9.7%, and 3.6% respectively. Anaemia prevalence was 36.4%, with 22.5% being mildly anaemic, 13.3% being moderately anaemic, and 1.0% severely anaemic. Meal skipping, specifically breakfast, was common among the dietary practice of the adolescent girls. Most of the girls had a habit of snacking, with the “chop box “serving as their main source of snacks. Based on the 24hour dietary recall, the mean caloric intake of the girls was 2242.1 ±18.3 KCal/day, dietary intake of some micronutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 were inadequate compared to the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). There was a significant correlation between vitamin C and Hb (r= 0.33, p= 0.01), Hb and calcium (r= 0.16, p= 0.03), and HCT and calcium intake (r= 0.21, p= 0.00). Mean Iron intake and haemoglobin correlated negatively (r= -0.02, p= 0.08), however the mean haemoglobin of adolescent girls who consumed green leafy vegetables on a daily basis saw a significant mean haemoglobin concentration (14.1 g/dL ±7.64) as compared to those who consumed on a seasonal basis (12.0g/ dL ±1.86) or never consumed (12.2 g/ dL ±0.78). In conclusion, intake of most micronutrients fell outside the range of the RDA. Malnutrition prevalence was not as high as Anaemia prevalence. Prevalence of anaemia was high among girls with heavy menstrual flow. Also, girls with less frequent intake of green leafy vegetables were at high risk of anaemia. Adequacy of school meals should be checked in order to prevent deficiencies. Further studies should assess serum ferritin and CR-protein in order to determine the actual causation of anaemia.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of Bacteria Causing Bacteraemia in Children Under Five Years in Agogo, Asante-Akyem and Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns

Bloodstream infection is a frequent cause of morbidity and associated with mortality in excess of 25%. We aimed to prospectively determine the prevalence of bacteria causing bacteraemia in children under five years of age in a rural African area and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Between 1st January 2008 and 31stDecember 2008 we studied children under five years of age with medical cases admitted to the Agogo Presbyterian hospital in the Asante Akim North District. One to three (1-3) mls of venous blood were taken from all children admitted in the ward into Becton Dickinson BACTEC™ PEDS PLUS™ culture vials and transported immediately to the laboratory. They were incubated in the BACTEC 9050. Identification of isolates was done by subculturing, cultural morphology, gram staining, biochemical methods, API from biomerieux and several serological testing. Susceptibility testing was by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and by measuring Minimum Inhibition Concentration (E-test) using the CLSI guidelines. We documented pathogens identified and their susceptibility patterns. During the study period, 1356 patients were admitted and had a blood culture taken. 304 (22.4%) had a positive result and 207 (15.3% overall) were considered a genuine pathogen and 97 (7.1%) were contaminants (Coagulase negative Staphylococci and other skin organisms). Four organisms accounted for 60.9% of bacteraemias: Non typhoid salmonellae (35.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (10.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (7.9%) and Salmonella Typhi (7.6%). Majority of non typhoid salmonellae isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol (80.4%), Ampicillin (81.3%) and co-trimoxazole (77.6%), however they were all susceptible to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. Most of the Klebsiella pneumoniae (60%) and Escherichia coli (50%) produced Extended Spectrum Beta lactamases (ESBLs). Four (16.7%) methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were identified. Ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin turned out to be the best choice as empiric antibiotic therapy. Our study underlines the significance of bacteraemia in this population. Further surveillance of the incidences and the susceptibility patterns of the bacterial pathogens is necessary.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among public basic school pupils in the Asante-Akyem North District Ashanti Region, Ghana

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among public basic school pupils in the Asante Akyem North District of Ashanti – Region, Ghana, using categorically based checklists and DSM – IV – TR ADHD diagnosis criteria as case identification tools. SNAP-IV rating scale checklist was used to screen positive ADHD symptoms among the respondents. Both the teacher and parent of each student answered the rating scale checklist to identify possible cases. Possible cases from the teacher and parent reports were compared and symptoms were matched according to the DSM- IV-TR criteria to determine matched ADHD cases. Schools were put into clusters and simple random sampling was used to select 15 schools. Purposive sampling was used to select 374 respondents for the study, SPSS was used to analyzed the data. Prevalence estimate was then obtained by getting the percentage of research – identified ADHD cases among the total number of pupils assessed. Results revealed that out of 374 pupils in the public basic schools in the Asante – Akyem North district, 21 met the DSM – IV – TR research criteria for ADHD giving a prevalence estimate of 5.6%, and 2:1 ratio of boys and girls respectively. This prevalence estimate falls within the frequently quoted ADHD prevalence rate of 3% to 7%.The study recommended that Guidance and Counselling centers be created in the basic schools to handle ADHD cases, ADHD studies should be included in the curriculum of the colleges of Education and also there should be Educational campaign for parents and teachers to help in the early detection and identification of the disorder.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic at the Kintampo Municipal Hospital, Kintampo

Introduction: Vaginal infections are usually caused by Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis and organisms responsible for bacterial vaginosis including Gardneralla vaginalis, Bacteriodes spp, and Mobilincus. These infections in pregnancy are associated with considerable discomfort and adverse pregnancy outcome including preterm delivery, low birth weight, miscarriage. Objectives: The study determined the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Kintampo Municipal Hospital. Methods: A prospective study of 589 consecutive vaginal swabs of pregnant women was taken after administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. The samples were analysed using wet mount, culture and Gram stain for vaginal infection. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to investigate association of vaginal symptoms and risk factors to vaginal infections. Results: The overall prevalence of vaginal infections was 56.4%. The individual prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis was 30.6%, 1.4% and 36.5% respectively. In multivariate analysis, vaginal symptom pruritus was significantly associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Considering number of pregnancies, less than three pregnancies was an independent risk factor for bacterial vaginosis. Being in the third trimester of pregnancy was however found to be protective to bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: The prevalence of vaginal infections was high among pregnant women in Kintampo. The data confirms pruritus as a key symptom of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Adequate investigations and early treatment of vaginal infections will reduce the disease burden and avoid complications associated with it.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Dietary Patterns of Football Players of Selected Football Clubs in Ashanti Region of Ghana

Physical activity promotes healthy living and prevents premature death. It provides increased benefits of health in individuals and can mitigate some chronic disease conditions. Cardiovascular disease risks during sports activities and exercises are low but in some instances of athletes who have undiagnosed pathological cardiac conditions, they could be at the mercy of tragic cardiovascular events. Healthy eating habits could be vital in the fight against cardiovascular diseases development. The aim of the study was to determine the dietary intake and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among male football players of some selected football clubs in the Ashanti Region. A cross-sectional study was used and 95 football players of the premier, 1st and 2nd divisions teams were used for the study. The weight, height, BMI, percentage body fat, visceral fat and percentage muscle mass of the players were measured. The blood pressure and biochemical markers such as fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles of the players were also assessed. Dietary intakes of the players were collected using a 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data collected. Out of the 95 players, 8 (8.4%) were goalkeepers, 30 (31.6%) were defenders, 38 (40.0%) were midfielders, while 19 (20.0%) were strikers. Generally, 8 (8.4%) players were overweight, 79 (83.2%) had a very high body fat and majority (92.7%) had high or very high muscle mass. All players had normal visceral fat. The prevalence of high blood pressure, high fasting plasma glucose among the study population was 8.4% and 10.5% respectively. Hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL and high LDL prevalence were 32.6%, 1.1%, 36.8% and 6.3% respectively. The goalkeepers had a higher mean total energy intake (2547.57±1198 kcal), carbohydrate intake (338.96±134.52g), protein intake (79.27±24.15g) and fat intake (99.32±80.01g). The dietary patterns of the players were poor as majority (63, 66.3%) either ate 2 meals or 1 meal a day. Poor dietary pattern could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although the anthropometric parameters observed may not be an indication for the cardiovascular disease risk, the prevalence of high blood pressure, high fasting plasma glucose and hypercholesterolemia may put the players at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of Chlamydia infection among asymptomatic female commercial sex workers in the Kumasi Metropolis

Using a Rapid Chlamydia test known as the QuickVue Chlamydia test, the prevalence of Chlamydia infection among 100 asymptomatic female commercial sex-workers was studied at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). The symptomatic non-sex workers reporting for STI at the same hospital 50 of them were also screened as a control group. The study was conducted from January to April 2005 with the age of the women ranging from 18—35 years. Two-endocervical swabs were collected from each participant, one was used for the Quickvue Chlamydia test and the other one was used for smear preparation and Gram staining. Culture on Thayer Martin’s medium was also carried out, so as to establish any gonococcal infection. With the aid of a standard questionnaire, data on the age, marital status, educational background and profession of the participants were collected. For the 100 asymptomatic female commercial sex workers screened, there were 19 positive cases giving a prevalence of 19.0% (19/100). In this group one gonococcal case was detected. Of the 50 symptomatic female non-sex workers screened, 4 were positive to Chlamydia infection given a prevalence of 8.0% (4/50) and no gonococcal case was detected. All the positive cases were within the age groups 20-3 0. The outcome of the screening shows that those who are more at risk are the sex workers and the sexually active age group. It is therefore important for health personnel to educate them on the risk of acquiring STIs and the need to go for counseling and screening regularly.

Source: KNUST
The prevalence of antibiotic prescription among women attending antenatal care clinic in a sub-municipal hospital and its effect on birth outcomes and neonatal health

Pregnant women are increasingly being exposed to antibiotics in the bid to reduce neonatal and maternal mortality which is of particular concern in sub-Saharan Africa. In spite of this, few studies have looked at the possible impact of the increased antibiotic exposure on the developing foetus and subsequent childhood health. The main objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic use in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in a sub-municipal hospital and their appropriateness in pregnancy. Secondly to ascertain its subsequent impact on foetal and neonatal health using birth weight, birth defect and mean Apgar scores as indicators of foetal health and incidence of neonatal sepsis, dermatitis, respiratory tract diseases, neonatal jaundice, ophthalmia neonatorum and number of hospital visits as markers of neonatal health. The study was a retrospective cohort with primary source of data as health records of pregnancy and deliveries in the hospital. A total of 412 mother-infant pairs met the eligibility criteria out of the 2100 folders pre-selected. The prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions among pregnant women included in the study was 65.8 %. Of these, 3.4 % were given for non-bacterial indications whiles 3.4 % received antibiotics potentially unsafe in pregnancy. A woman was about 14 (95 % CI, 5.88 - 32.46, P<0.001) times likely to receive antibiotics if delivered by caesarean section compared to natural birth. General Antibiotic exposure showed no statistically significant association with birthweight (P = 0.80), congenital birth defect (P = 0.97) and mean Apgar scores (P = 0.42). However, antibiotic exposure less than 24 hours to delivery was associated with lower Apgar scores (P = 0.002). Babies exposed to antibiotics intrapartum were at higher risk of dermatitis (RR = 2.6, 95 % CI, 1.3 - 4.9, P = 0.005), respiratory tract diseases (RR = 4.3, 95 % CI, 1.89 - 9.71, P<0.001), neonatal sepsis (RR = 4, 95 % CI, 2.1 - 7.36, P<0.001) ophthalmia neonatorum v | P a g e (RR=2.5, 95 % CI, 1.09 - 5.90, P = 0.024) and neonatal jaundice (RR= 2.5, 95 % CI, 0.93 - 6.71, P = 0.059) compared to non-exposed neonates. Additionally, it was observed that intrapartum antibiotic exposure was associated with a higher mean number of non-review hospital visits (P<0.001). The antibiotic prescription rate of 65.8 % was in excess of the limit of not more than 30 % recommended by the World Health Organisation. Antibiotic use was not associated with any risk of birth defect or intra uterine growth retardation. Perinatal antibiotic exposure and caesarean birth however, were associated with lower mean Apgar scores. Antibiotic exposure with or without caesarean birth were associated with adverse health outcomes in early childhood. Rational use of antibiotic should be re-enforced in the hospital.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of chloroquine resistance in urban versus rural communities near Kumasi, Ghana

The fight against malaria, despite recent strides, is still not fully won. This fact can be attributed to ineffective diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate diagnosis, use of older drugs against which the parasite has developed resistance, and failure to rigorously practice prophylactic measures. Chloroquine was once the preferred drug to treat malaria in Ghana; about 8 years ago the WHO recommended a switch to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs). Thus, sensitivity to chloroquine might be expected to return. One hypothesis is that the sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine might be higher in rural areas with less access to chloroquine, as compared to urban centers with easy access to it as well as other treatment options that work on the same mechanism. An alternative hypothesis is that chloroquine circulates more widely in the rural sector among licensed chemical sellers (LCS) and informal vendor networks. This study aimed: A) to determine the accuracy of routine thick smear diagnosis under usual working conditions as compared with nested PCR and B) to ascertain the prevalence of chloroquine resistance in central, urban Kumasi (KATH, 100 samples), peri-urban Kumasi (KNUST-Hospital, 108 samples) and a more rural area location (Nkwantakese and Pampatea, about 20 km north of Kumasi, 203 samples). A total of 403 thick smears and blood spots with an initial malaria diagnosis made by trained microscopists were collected in the three locations from December, 2012 to January, 2013. Genomic DNA was extracted from the spots and a segment of the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter gene (pfcrt) was amplified. The amplicons were digested with the restriction enzyme Xap1 to determine the presence of the K76T mutation in pfcrt gene of malaria parasites. Out of 403 samples, a total of 27 (7%) were diagnosed positive by microscopy as compared to 39 (10%) by PCR, with 376 (93%) and 364 (91%) identified negative by microscopy and PCR, respectively. Only 13 smear positive samples were confirmed by PCR and 26 smears were falsely diagnosed negative by microscopy. Although there were far too few positive malaria tests for statistical significance, chloroquine resistance in the P. falciparum population did not decrease as one moved from the urban centres (KATH and KNUST-Hospital) towards the more rural setting (Nkwantakese and Pampatea). A resistance of 87% (20 out 23) was observed for the urban and peri-urban centres together, whereas, a higher prevalence of 94% (15 out of 16) was noted in the rural areas. This preliminary result suggests that chloroquine use might actually be higher in the villages than the urban area. More work is required to validate this very preliminary trend.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of cholelithiasis among persons undergoing abdominal ultrasound at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.

Background: The prevalence of gallstones among Ghanaians is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of gall stones among persons undergoing abdominal ultrasound at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients aged ≥14years presenting to KATH for abdominal ultrasound between 2009 and 2012. Patient demographics were recorded. The gallbladder was assessed by ultrasonography. Cholelith iasis was defined as presence of gallstones or absence of gallbladder. Data was expressed as descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: There were 2824 participants. 55% were females. Mean age was 47±18 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.0±5.5. Mean parity among females was 3±3. Prevalence of cholelithiasis was 5.9 (95%C.I:5.0,6.8). Females had a high prevalence compared to males (6.8 vs 4.7). Prevalence increased steadily by age. Prevalence was 6.6, 5.1 and 8.8 for patients with BMI <18.5, 18.5-24.9 and ≥30 respectively. Prevalence among women with parity of 0,1-5 and >5 was 3.1, 6.7 and 6.4 respectively.On multivariate regression analysis, female sex (AOR=1.55;p<0.05), age≥40 years (AOR=2.05;p<0.01), BMI<18.5 (AOR=1.25;p>0.05) or BMI≥30 (AOR=1.39;p>0.05) and family history of gallstones (AOR=11.9;p<0.01) increased the odds of cholelithiasis. Conclusions: Prevalence of cholelithiasis among patients undergoing ultrasonography at KATH was 5.9. Patient age, sex and family history significantly influenced the prevalence.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of common bacteria isolates and their susceptibility to antibiotics in malnourished children up to 5 years admitted at the maternal and child health hospital in Kejetia, Kumasi, Ghana

Malnutrition in children is the outcome of factors that are concerned poor food quality, insufficient food intake and recurring of infectious diseases. World Health Organization in 2011 estimated that 178 million children were stunted and 115 million children were underweight. Heikki in (2001) stated that the incidence and impact of life threatening bacterial infections in children across Africa have not been quantified and these bacterial infections can result in severe malnutrition. The study was to determine the prevalence of common bacteria isolates in malnourished children who are upto 5 years admitted at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Samples of urine, blood and stool were taken from 200 malnourished children alongside with administration of questionnaires. Samples were subjected to laboratory analysis such as culture and sensitivity and biochemical test for identification of bacteria. Out of 200 malnourished children, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) was found in 71.1% and 27.7% were moderately malnourished. Children (65.0%) were marasmic and 35.0% suffered from kwashiorkor. Of the malnourished children, who 63.5% had diarrhoea, 49.5% presented with vomiting and 40.5% presented with fever. Bacteria isolated from urine were Klebsiella sp (43.3%), Escherichia coli (30.0%), Pseudomonas sp (13.3%), Salmonella sp (6.7%), Enterobacter sp (3.3%) and Proteussp (3.3%). For blood samples, Staphylococcus aureus (53.6%) was the highest isolate, followed by Streptococcus sp (25.0%). Out of 38 stool samples, Escherichia coli (42.1%) was the highest isolated species followed by Klebsiella sp (21.1%) and Proteus sp (18.4%). Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Salmonella sp and Enterobacter sp were resistant to 100% Ceftriaxone. Pseudomonas sp and Salmonella sp were resistant to 100% Ampicillin. Staphylococcus aureus (100%) was resistant to Ampicillin, Gentamicin and Cefuroxime. Streptococcus sp (100%) was susceptible to Gentamicin, 71.4% was susceptible to Azithromycin and 57.1% was vi susceptible to Chloramphenicol. Breastfeeding, complementary feeding, how the child is fed, daily feeding periods, surrounding where food is bought or prepared and storage of feeding tools of malnourished children were found to be factors that predisposed children to malnourishment.

Source: KNUST