ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Diarrhoea Diseases among Children under five years in the Kintampo North Municipality

About 22% of childhood deaths in developing countries are attributable to diarrhoea. Diarrhoea rates in Ghana are reported to be high, with cases estimated at 113,786 among children under-five years in 2011. This study analyzed the prevalence and trends of diarrhoea diseases in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana. A retrospective analysis of records on diarrhoea data for a five-year period from January 2015 to December 2019 was undertaken. A total of 36521 diarrhoea case reports extracted from District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) II database in an Excel format was exported to Stata version 14 for data cleaning, verification, and analysis. Excel version 2016 was used to plot the actual observed cases by years to assess trends and seasonality. Males had the slightly higher levels of diarrhoea incidence within the 5-year period. Overall, diarrhea incidence in this study fluctuates, with decreasing and increasing trends. There was an annual increase in diarrhoea from 2015 to 2019, except in 2017 where there was a decline in incidence was observed, followed by a sharp increase in 2018. The Kintampo North Municipality reported 31 cases of diarrhea per 1000 population among children <5 years in 2015. The incidence increased to 71 cases per 1000 population in 2016 and subsequently declined to 53 cases per 1000 population in 2017. Diarrhoea cases were found in this study to be high mostly in May and September, within the years which corresponds to the rainy season with slight deviations. Waterborne diseases increase in rainfall and decrease during drought events in harmattan season in Ghana, which confirms our study. Males are slightly more susceptible to diarrhea than females in the Kintampo District, accounting for an incidence rate of 50.9% (18596/36521) per thousand persons compared to female.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection among children living in a rural setting in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection affects more than half of the world’s population. It is generally acquired during childhood with no symptoms but has long- term clinical sequelae. This study estimated the prevalence of H. pylori infection amongst children in a rural environment in Africa. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study over a four (4)-month period within two rural communities. 240 asymptomatic children were tested using lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of H. pylori antigen in a fecal specimen. Statistical analysis and processing was done using Stata version 11. Results: The mean age of the participants was 10.5 ± 2.7 years with the predominant age range being 8–10 years (34.6%), and a mean household size of 7.1 ± 1.7. The study population showed a female preponderance of 57.1%. 88% of the H. pylori positive children lacked pipe and borehole drinking water. All of the positive H. pylori children practiced open-air defecation. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection among children in this study was at least 14.2%. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of H. pylori infection among children in a rural setting. Educational status of parents did not affect H. pylori prevalence but increasing household numbers, female gender, source of drinking water other than pipe and borehole, open-air defecation and younger age were associated with a higher H. pylori prevalence.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Hypertension in the Middle Belt of Ghana: A Community-Based Screening Study

Objective. Prevalence of hypertension is on the rise and can be attributed to aging populations and changing behavioral or lifestyle risk factors. -e objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension in the middle part of Ghana. Methods. A total of 2,555 participants aged ≥18 years (mean age of 43 years; 60.5% female) were enrolled using a two-stage sampling method. -e World Health Organization STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor Surveillance-Instrument v2.1 was used for data collection. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were assessed. Blood glucose and lipids were also measured using blood samples collected after an overnight fast. Results. Prevalence of hypertension was 28.1% (95% CI: 26.3%–29.8%). Less than half, i.e., 45.9% (95% CI: 42.2%–49.6%), of the respondents were aware of their hypertensive status. Of those aware and had sought medical treatment, 41.3% (95% CI: 36.1–46.8) had their hypertension controlled. Risk factors associated with being hypertensive were current (p = 0.053) and past tobacco usage (p<0.001), prediabetes (p = 0.042), high body mass index (p<0.001), hyperglycaemia (p = 0.083), and hypercholesterolaemia (p = 0.010). Doing vigorous work and being active in sports were less associated with being hypertensive (p<0.001). Conclusion. Our study showed that close to one-quarter of adults who were involved in the survey in the middle belt of Ghana were hypertensive with less than half being aware of their hypertensive status; nearly half of those on treatment had controlled hypertension. Healthcare systems need adequate resources that enable them to screen, educate, and refer identified hypertensive patients for appropriate management to prevent or minimize the development of hypertension-related complications.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Impulsivity among Primary School Children and its Influence on Academic Performance

Impulsive children face various difficulties in the classroom, including poor academic achievement. Against this backdrop, the study sought to investigate the prevalence of impulsivity among primary school children, investigate the relationship between parents educational background and pupil’s levels of impulsivity, investigate the influence of impulsivity on pupil’s academic performance and examine if there are differences in impulsivity prevalence according on sex (or gender). A descriptive survey design and a quantitative approach were used in the study. The study included 202 primary-level five children from the basic schools in Cape Coast Metropolis. Both descriptive (percentages, averages, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (independent samples t-test, chi-square, regression, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient) were used to analyse the research's data. According to the study, impulsivity was present in 17% of the primary school children who took part. The study found that impulsivity is linked to academic success, with non-impulsive kids outperforming their peers. Impulsivity accounts for 11.1% of the variation in academic achievement among students. The study’s findings, among other factors, conclude that impulsivity cannot account for around 90% of students’ academic performance diversity. It was suggested that several other reasons could contribute to the poor performance of impulsive students and that these issues should be investigated.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) use during pregnancy and other associated factors in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

Background: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) has been adopted as policy by most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of IPTp-SP usage for prevention of malaria among pregnant women as well as evaluated factors associated with IPTp-SP use during pregnancy in Sekondi-Takoradi region of Ghana. Methods: Pregnant women attending their antenatal-care with either clinical/ultrasound evidence of pregnancy were recruited. Venous blood was screened for malaria using RAPID response antibody kit and Giemsa staining. Haemoglobin estimations were done by cyanmethemoglobin method while Human Immunodefciency Virus (HIV) screening was performed by the national diagnostic algorithm of two rapid antibody test and western blot confirmation. Results: Of the 754 consented pregnant women interviewed in this study, 57.8% had received IPTp-SP while 42.2% had not at their frst contact with the study personnel. Furthermore, 18.6% (81/436) of those that received IPTp-SP were malaria positive while 81.4% (355/436) were malaria negative. The results also indicated that 47.7% (51/107) of the pregnant women in their third trimester who were meant to have received at least two-doses of SP had received ≥2 doses while 35.5% (38/107) had received 1 dose. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, pregnant women in their third trimester who received ≥2 doses of SP showed decreased likelihoods of malaria (adjusted OR, 0.042; 95% CI, 0.003-0.51; P = 0.013). Conclusion: IPTp-SP usage among pregnant women in Sekondi-Takoradi reduces malaria and its use for malaria prevention should be strengthened with proper dosage completion and coverage

Source: UCC
Prevalence of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) use during pregnancy and other associated factors in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

Background: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) has been adopted as policy by most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of IPTp-SP usage for prevention of malaria among pregnant women as well as evaluated factors associated with IPTp-SP use during pregnancy in Sekondi-Takoradi region of Ghana. Methods: Pregnant women attending their antenatal-care with either clinical/ultrasound evidence of pregnancy were re- cruited. Venous blood was screened for malaria using RAPID response antibody kit and Giemsa staining. Haemoglobin esti- mations were done by cyanmethemoglobin method while Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening was performed by the national diagnostic algorithm of two rapid antibody test and western blot confirmation. Results: Of the 754 consented pregnant women interviewed in this study, 57.8% had received IPTp-SP while 42.2% had not at their first contact with the study personnel. Furthermore, 18.6% (81/436) of those that received IPTp-SP were ma- laria positive while 81.4% (355/436) were malaria negative. The results also indicated that 47.7% (51/107) of the pregnant women in their third trimester who were meant to have received at least two-doses of SP had received ≥2 doses while 35.5% (38/107) had received 1 dose. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, pregnant women in their third trimester who re- ceived ≥2 doses of SP showed decreased likelihoods of malaria (adjusted OR, 0.042; 95% CI, 0.003-0.51; P = 0.013). Conclusion: IPTp-SP usage among pregnant women in Sekondi-Takoradi reduces malaria and its use for malaria prevention should be strengthened with proper dosage completion and coverage.

Source: UCC
Prevalence Of Malaria During Pregnacy And Effectiveness Of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine.

Malaria during pregnancy could result in prematurity, foetal anaemia, intrauterine growth, retardation, low birth weight, stillbirth, congenital malaria, increased perinatal mortality. Taking malaria prophylaxis and parity are factors that affect malaria status during pregnancy. The study sought to determine the prevalence of malaria during pregnancy, and effectiveness of Sulphadoxine- Pyrimethamine in treating malaria during pregnancy, and to find factors that influence malaria status during pregnancy. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Assin Fosu in the Assin North District at the St. Francis Xavier Hospital. Data was obtained from Ante-natal care and laboratory record books, and questionnaires. The data was analysed with STATA version 16 to find frequencies, percentages, and association for categorical variables. A total 202 pregnant women at various stages of gestation participated in the study. Analysis of the data showed that a little percentage (4.95%) of pregnant women presented with malaria during pregnancy. There was association between malaria status and Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine use (0.000), parity (0.007) and sickle cell trait (0.022). Exactly, 97.52% of participants were on Sulphadoxine- Pyrimethamine. Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine showed an adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 0.00, 95% CI = 0.00 – 0.11), p-value = 0.00). Prevalence of malaria during pregnancy in women visiting St. Francis Xavier Hospital is low. Taking Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine reduces the chances of being infected with malaria during pregnancy.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Mealybug Wilt Disease of Pineapple and the Associated Viruses

The study assessed the awareness of mealybug wilt of pineapple (MWP) farmers and their disease management practices in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA), Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK), and Ekumfi districts in the Central Region of Ghana. The study also surveyed the incidence and severity of the MWP disease in pineapple fields across the three districts in 2018. Household data were collected using structured questionnaire from 180 respondents and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Incidence and severity scores of MWP disease were determined from twenty (20) pineapple farms selected from each of the three districts. The field data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means separated with least significant difference (LSD) method at P<0.05. The majority of the farmers (88.9%) had knowledge on the existence of the disease in their farms and its effect on yield. Majority of farmers used their own planting materials (59.4%), practice monocropping (67.8%), do not apply any fertilizer (78.9%), do not manage the disease on their farms (58.4%), fallow plots (63.9%) and mother plots (55.6%). Incidence of MWP disease differed significantly between pre- and post-induction growth stages and among the three districts (p<0.05), ranging from 2.20±0.46 to 9.45± 1.10%. Soil fertility status of the farms was inherently low. Five qRT-PCR assays with pineapple mealybug wilt associated virus (PMWaVs) species specific primers successfully detected five species of PMWaVs, namely PMWaV-1, PMWaV-2, PMWaV-3, PMWaV-4 and PMWaV-5, with abundance of mixed infections. Phylogenetic analyses with 15 sequenced isolates from the study and some published sequences from GenBank, confirmed the presence of PMWaV-1, -2 and -3 in the Central region.

Source: UCC
THE PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG ACTIVE SPORTSMEN/SPORTSWOMEN AND SEDENTARY WORKERS IN THE KUMASI METROPOLIS

This study sought to establish the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among active sportsmen/sportswomen and sedentary workers in the Kumasi Metropolis using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), World Health Or- ganization (WHO), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The study was con- ducted between March and April, 2010. One hundred and eighty six (186) participants were in- volved with eighty five (85) being active sportsmen/sportswomen as study control and one hun- dred and one (101) sedentary workers from the Kumasi metropolis as study subjects. The study participants were recruited from a population of young and adult individuals between the ages of 19-82 years. The percentage prevalence of MetS was 1.6%, 7.4% and 14.4% when the WHO, NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria respectively were applied on the total population. Generally, the prevalence of MetS was significantly higher among the sedentary group i.e. 3.5%, 14.0% and 26.7% for WHO, NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria respectively as compared to the active popula- tion i.e. 0.0%, 2.0% and 3.9% for WHO, NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria respectively. The prevalence of the MetS varied greatly between the active and sedentary subjects depending on the criteria used. Central obesity appears to be the key determinant of the prevalence of the MetS in Ghana. Preventive actions such as exercise, active lifestyles and healthy eating habits have to be implemented to reduce the tendency to obesity and MetS in the Ghanaian populace.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Diabetes Patients in Central Regional Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of complex group of cardiovascular risk factors, which include central adiposity, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and elevated fasting blood glucose. Generally, the prevalence of MetS in diabetes patients is high and the syndrome tends to promote the development of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Diabetes is characterised by high random plasma glucose as well as polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss etc. Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of MetS in diabetics’ patients using the National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) ATP III criteria, World Health Organisation and International Diabetes Federation definitions in quantifying the syndrome. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 103 diabetes patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Central Region. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples for blood sugar and lipids were taken. Blood pressures were recorded from their personal health record files. The NCEP ATP III, WHO and IDF criteria were used to define diabetes patients with the metabolic syndrome. Results: A total of 42 (40.8%), 31(30.1%), 81 (78.6%) were obese, overweight and have high waist circumference (IDF) respectively. Also all the participants had a low high density lipoprotein (HDL) level with 42(95.5%) having high triglycerides (TG). Significant associations were found for age range of 66-75(OR= 16.00, CI= 1.32-194.62), women (OR= 14.06; CI= 2.50-79.05) and high blood pressure (OR= 5.83, CI= 1.22-39.93). Prevalence of MetS was 38.60%, 59.09% and 75.00% using WHO, NCEP ATP III and IDF criteria respectively. Conclusion: A high prevalence of MetS was observed among the diabetes patients. The prevalence among the females was higher than that of the males

Source: UCC
Prevalence of microplastic waste and its effects on the livelihoods of Residents living along the Bakaanoola Coastline in Cape Coast

Plastic waste is globally distributed across coastal environments, affecting ecosystems and organisms differently. However, little is known about the presence or distribution of microplastics on Ghana's shores and beaches, and there is a lack of community awareness and education on the issue. The study analyzed the prevalence of plastic waste and its effects on the livelihood of residents living along the Bakaano-OLA coastline. Four hundred and three respondents were sampled for the study. An interview Guide, observational checklist and Questionnaire were used to collect data. Descriptive and thematic analyses were conducted using the data collected from the field. The study revealed that residents of Bakaano and OLA were aware of plastic pollution along the coastline, with the sources from beach resorts, fishing, and residential activities. It was found that plastic pollution adversely impacted the residents' livelihoods. It was also discovered that plastic waste is poorly managed at the coastline. The study recommends that educating fishermen and residents on the effects of plastic pollution and enforcement of regulations from the Cape Coast Municipal Assembly can help reduce the impact of plastic pollution along the coastline.

Source: UCC
Prevalence of Mosaic and Leaf Curl Diseases of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in the Central Region of Ghana

Aims: To determine the incidence and severity of okra mosaic (OMD) and okra leaf curl diseases (OLCD) in the Central region of Ghana and to assess farmers’ perception on the incidence and management of these viral diseases Study Design: Descriptive survey involving household and field surveys. Place and Duration of Study: Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) municipality in the coastal savannah zone, Assin North district in the forest zone and Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam (AEE) district in the forest-coastal savannah transitional zone, between June 2009 and December 2015. Methodology: Household data were collected using structured questionnaire from 180 respondents (60 farmers per district) using the multi-stage procedure, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Disease incidence (DI) and severity scores (SS) of OMD and OLCD were determined in thirty-six (36) okra fields selected from each of the three districts. The field data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means separated with least significant difference (LSD) method at 5% probability level. Results: There was a high prevalence of OMD and OLCD in the districts surveyed. Incidence and severity scores of OLCD at the coastal savannah zone were not significantly different from the forest zone but were significantly higher (P=0.05) than the transition zone. The study also revealed that the majority of the farmers were males; had small farm holdings and practiced monocropping. The majority of the respondents had observed OMD and OLCD in their farms and had managed these viral diseases solely with pesticides. Pesticides have also been abused by the majority of the farmers who did fortnightly spraying, not observing appropriate pre-harvest intervals and also used insecticides not registered or recommended for vegetables. Conclusion: Viral diseases are highly prevalent and severe in okra farms in the study area and this is partly due to poor agronomic practices by the farmers

Source: UCC
The Prevalence of Palmaris longus agenesis among the Ghanaian population

different populations but none has included the Ghanaian population. Methods: The study involved 226 subjects (130 females and 96 males) who are students of the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. The presence of the PLM was clinically determined using the Schaeffer’s test. Subjects in which the tendon was not visualized or palpable, two other tests were performed to confirm the absence. Results: The total prevalence of absence of PLM was 3.1%; absence on the left hand was commoner than on the right hand. The frequency of PLM absence was also slightly higher in females than in males representing 1.8% and 1.3% respectively. One female had the PLM absent bilaterally whiles a male subject had a trifid tendon on the right forearm with a bifid on the left. Conclusion: The prevalence of PLM agenesis in the Ghanaian population is lower compared to values coated in standard textbook on surgery. PLM is not diminishing as fast as observed in some population hence it is can be readily used as donor tendon by Ghanaian surgeons.

Source: UCC
The Prevalence of Palmaris longus agenesis among the Ghanaian population

Objective: Background: Studies have documented the agenesis of Palmaris longus muscle in different populations but none has included the Ghanaian population. Methods: The study involved 226 subjects (130 females and 96 males) who are students of the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. The presence of the PLM was clinically determined using the Schaeffer’s test. Subjects in which the tendon was not visualized or palpable, two other tests were performed to confirm the absence. Results: The total prevalence of absence of PLM was 3.1%; absence on the left hand was commoner than on the right hand. The frequency of PLM absence was also slightly higher in females than in males representing 1.8% and 1.3% respectively. One female had the PLM absent bilaterally whiles a male subject had a trifid tendon on the right forearm with a bifid on the left. Conclusion: The prevalence of PLM agenesis in the Ghanaian population is lower compared to values coated in standard textbook on surgery. PLM is not diminishing as fast as observed in some population hence it is can be readily used as donor tendon by Ghanaian surgeons.

Source: UCC