ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Childhood Overweight/Obesity in Basic School in Accra

Background: This study intends to determine the prevalence of obesity among children in the University Primary School, Legon. It also intends to determine relationship between the prevalence of obesity in children and socio-economic status of their parents and the most endemic age group. Method: The study was conducted using 270 students sampled at random in the basic school. Children’s height, weight and skin fold measurement were taken. Children’s parent’s socio-economic status was assessed using close and open-ended questionnaires administered to parents. Data obtained was then analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Prevalence of obesity in the university primary school was found to be 10.9% with higher prevalence in girls (15.0%) than in boys (7.2%) (Pvalue= 0.001). There was higher prevalence among children from high socioeconomic background (21 – 23%) with least prevalence in those from low socioeconomic homes (10 – 20%) though this was not significant (p-value=0.23). Girls showed a higher body fat composition between 10 –12years, whiles boys showed higher body fat stores between 8 – 10 years old. Increasing mother educational level reduced prevalence of child obesity (p-value=0.043) but this was not seen in increasing fathers’ educational level (pvalue= 0.261). Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity in children in University primary school was very high and worrying. The prevalence increased with socio-economic status and it is more common in females than males. It was recommended that similar study should be expanded nationwide.

Source: UG
Prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity in basic school in Accra.

This study intends to determine the prevalence of obesity among children in the University Primary School, Legon. It also intends to determine relationship between the prevalence of obesity in children and socio-economic status of their parents and the most endemic age group. The study was conducted using 270 students sampled at random in the basic school. Children's height, weight and skin fold measurement were taken. Children's parent's socio-economic status was assessed using close and open-ended questionnaires administered to parents. Data obtained was then analyzed using SPSS software. Prevalence of obesity in the university primary school was found to be 10.9% with higher prevalence in girls (15.0%) than in boys (7.2%) (P-value=0.001). There was higher prevalence among children from high socioeconomic background (21 - 23%) with least prevalence in those from low socio-economic homes (10 - 20%) though this was not significant (p-value=0.23). Girls showed a higher body fat composition between 10 - 12years, whiles boys showed higher body fat stores between 8 - 10 years old. Increasing mother educational level reduced prevalence of child obesity (p-value=0.043) but this was not seen in increasing fathers' educational level (p-value=0.261). The prevalence of obesity in children in University primary school was very high and worrying. The prevalence increased with socio-economic status and it is more common in females than males. It was recommended that similar study should be expanded nationwide.

Source: UG
Prevalence of children with disabilities in central region, Ghana

A cross sectional survey was conducted in Central Region, Ghana to determine the prevalence of children with disabilities. Forty-seven (1.8%) out of a total of 2,556 children under fifteen years of age had disabilities. About a third, had difficulty with movement of which post poliomyelitis infection disability formed the majority. Twelve children (25.5%) had difficulty with hearing and speech (deaf and dumb). Three children were reported as having epilepsy and 2 others had mental retardation. There was no case of total blindness, however, two children complained of poor vision and three others had a squint. Other disabilities identified, included one child each with kyphosis (hunch back), hydrocephalus (very large head) and extensive facial scars from burns. Disability was more common among children who had not been immunized or who did not have immunization card at the time of interview. The prevalence of disability was higher among female children in the rural community and in children with no formal education. Prevalence of disability increased with age. The prevalence of disability was 14.4 per 1,000 for children (1-5) years, 16.6 per 1000 for children (6-9) years and 3.7 per 1,000 for (10-15) years age group. Younger children had better immunization status and lower disability rates. Thirty percent of the children with disability said they were experiencing discrimination especially among the female children. This study has demonstrated that there is a need to intensify the preventive efforts at reducing the problem of childhood disability and to increase public support to the disabled children by avoiding discrimination and encouraging education and training of the disabled children.

Source: UG
Prevalence of congenital malaria in high-risk Ghanaian newborns: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Congenital malaria is defined as malaria parasitaemia in the first week of life. The reported prevalence of congenital malaria in sub-Saharan Africa is variable (0 - 46%). Even though the clinical significance of congenital malaria parasitaemia is uncertain, anti-malarial drugs are empirically prescribed for sick newborns by frontline health care workers. Data on prevalence of congenital malaria in high-risk newborns will inform appropriate drug use and timely referral of sick newborns. Methods Blood samples of untreated newborns less than 1 week of age at the time of referral to Korle Bu Teaching hospital in Accra, Ghana during the peak malaria seasons (April to July) of 2008 and 2010 were examined for malaria parasites by, i) Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears for parasite count and species identification, ii) histidine-rich protein- and lactic dehydrogenase-based rapid diagnosis tests, or iii) polymerase chain reaction amplification of the merozoite surface protein 2 gene, for identification of sub-microscopic parasitaemia. Other investigations were also done as clinically indicated. Results In 2008, nine cases of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia were diagnosed by microscopy in 405 (2.2%) newborns. All the nine newborns had low parasite densities (&#8804;50 per microlitre). In 2010, there was no case of parasitaemia by either microscopy or rapid diagnosis tests in 522 newborns; however, 56/467 (12%) cases of P. falciparum were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion Congenital malaria is an uncommon cause of clinical illness in high-risk untreated newborns referred to a tertiary hospital in the first week of life. Empirical anti-malarial drug treatment for sick newborns without laboratory confirmation of parasitaemia is imprudent. Early referral of sick newborns to hospitals with resources and skills for appropriate care is recommended.

Source: UG
Prevalence of dental fear and anxiety amongst patients in selected dental clinics in Ghana.

Objective To find out the prevalence of dental anxiety and fear amongst patients in various selected dental clinics in Accra, Ghana. Study design Dental patients (n = 279) who had either been exposed to dental treatments or had no prior dental exposure, attending four selected dental clinics in Accra were randomly sampled. They were interviewed with the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) used to evaluate dental anxiety, and the Dental Fear Survey (DFS) used to measure dental fear among the respondents. Results A high level of dental anxiety was found in 13.6 per cent of the study sample, while 47.3 per cent were fearful of various dental treatments. Female patients recorded a higher DFS score than males (22.84 ± 9.87 and 19.7 ± 8.15 respectively). The MDAS showed a significant difference between the sexes (X2 = 6.912, p = 0.032). The DFS showed a significant difference (F = 2.56, p = 0.039) existing within the age group, with the younger age group showing the highest DFS value. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the MDAS and the DFS of the study group with regard to educational level. Previous dental experience did not have any impact on fear or anxiety levels (p > 0.05) Conclusions Dental anxiety and fear has been found to be high amongst dental patients in Ghana. Females are more likely to report higher dental anxiety and fear scores than males. Dental surgeons and the whole dental team should be made aware of this situation and the appropriate treatment plan created for an anxious or fearful patient.

Source: UG
Prevalence of Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli among Children Aged between 0–36 Months in Peri-Urban Areas of Lusaka

Diarrhoea is a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries, with diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli being among the top aetiological agents. We sought to investigate the burden and describe the diarrhoeagenic E. coli pathotypes causing diarrhoea among children in peri-urban areas of Lusaka, Zambia. This was a facility-based surveillance study conducted over an 8-month period from 2020 to 2021. Stool samples were collected from children aged 0–3 years presenting with diarrhoea at five peri-urban health facilities in Lusaka. Stool samples were tested for diarrhoeagenic E. coli using the Novodiag bacterial GE+® panel, a platform utilising real-time PCR and microarray technology to detect bacterial pathogens. Of the 590 samples tested, diarrhoeagenic E. coli were detected in 471 (76.1%). The top three pathogens were enteropathogenic E. coli 45.4% (n = 268), enteroaggregative E. coli 39.5% (n = 233), and enterotoxigenic E. coli 29.7% (n = 176). Our results revealed that 50.1% of the diarrhoeagenic E. coli positive samples comprised multiple pathotypes of varying virulence gene combinations. Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of diarrhoeagenic E. coli in childhood diarrhoea and the early exposure (<12 months) of children to enteric pathogens. This calls for the early implementation of preventive interventions for paediatric diarrhoea.

Source: UG
Prevalence of enteric infections among hospitalized patients in two referral hospitals in Ghana

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Prevalence of fungi and aflatoxin contamination in stored groundnut in Ghana

Fungal species associated with stored groundnuts together with incidence of aflatoxin contamination in four major growing regions of Ghana were investigated in this study. Aspergillus niger (39.9%) and A. flavus (26.3%) were the predominant species recovered respectively from 73.3% to 83.3% of 60 groundnut samples used for microbial study. A. flavus was found in equal proportion in the four regions under investigation. Other fungal species identified in the study were Colletotrichum (13.3%), Rhizopus (14.8%), Penicillium (5.4%), Curvularia (0.2%) and A. ochraceus (0.1%). A total of 120 samples were assayed for total aflatoxin using HPLC with fluorescence detection. High contamination of groundnut samples (LOD-928.7, mean = 25.0 ng/g) was detected across the four regions with 20.8% exceeding the threshold limit of 20 ng/g total aflatoxin set by the Ghana Standards Authority. A significant positive correlation (0.59, p < 0.01) was observed between A. flavus and total aflatoxin in groundnut samples, an indication that A. flavus was the major causal agent of aflatoxin contamination of groundnut samples in this study. Further, other potential mycotoxigenic fungi were found in groundnut samples suggesting the need to investigate groundnuts in Ghana for contamination by other mycotoxins.

Source: UG
Prevalence of fungi and aflatoxin contamination in stored groundnut in Ghana

Fungal species associated with stored groundnuts together with incidence of aflatoxin contamination in four major growing regions of Ghana were investigated in this study. Aspergillus niger (39.9%)and A. flavus (26.3%)were the predominant species recovered respectively from 73.3% to 83.3% of 60 groundnut samples used for microbial study. A. flavus was found in equal proportion in the four regions under investigation. Other fungal species identified in the study were Colletotrichum (13.3%), Rhizopus (14.8%), Penicillium (5.4%), Curvularia (0.2%)and A. ochraceus (0.1%). A total of 120 samples were assayed for total aflatoxin using HPLC with fluorescence detection. High contamination of groundnut samples (LOD-928.7, mean = 25.0 ng/g)was detected across the four regions with 20.8% exceeding the threshold limit of 20 ng/g total aflatoxin set by the Ghana Standards Authority. A significant positive correlation (0.59, p < 0.01)was observed between A. flavus and total aflatoxin in groundnut samples, an indication that A. flavus was the major causal agent of aflatoxin contamination of groundnut samples in this study. Further, other potential mycotoxigenic fungi were found in groundnut samples suggesting the need to investigate groundnuts in Ghana for contamination by other mycotoxins. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UG
Prevalence of G6PD deficiency and associated haematological parameters in children from Botswana

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is commonly seen in malaria endemic areas as it is known to confer a selective advantage against malaria. Recently, we reported a high proportion of asymptomatic reservoir of Plasmodium vivax in Botswana, that calls for intervention with primaquine to achieve radical cure of vivax malaria. Considering that individuals with this enzyme deficiency are at risk of haemolysis following primaquine treatment, assessment of the population for the relative frequency of G6PD deficiency is imperative. Samples from 3019 children from all the districts of Botswana were successfully genotyped for polymorphisms at positions 202 and 376 of the G6PD gene. Haematological parameters were also measured. The overall population allele frequency (based on the hemizygous male frequency) was 2.30% (95% CI, 1.77-2.83), while the overall frequency of G6PD-deficient genotypes A- (hemizygote and homozygote genotypes only) was 1.26% (95% CI, 0.86-1.66). G6PD deficiency is spread in Botswana according to the historical prevalence of malaria with a North-West to South-East decreasing gradient trend. There was no association between G6PD status and P. vivax infection. G6PD A- form was found to be associated with decreased RBC count and haemoglobin levels without a known cause or illness. In conclusion, we report for the first time the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Botswana which is relevant for strategies in the malaria elimination campaign. Further work to examine the activities of the enzyme in the Botswana population at risk for malaria is warranted.

Source: UG
Prevalence of gastro-lntestinal parasites in chickens sold in some major markets in Greater Accra, Ghana

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in chicken production industry are known to be one of the factors responsible for the high mortality rate in poultry farming in Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in chickens sold in major markets in Accra, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 152 alimentary tracts of chicken randomly collected from the chicken dressing units from major markets (Achimota, Agbogboloshie, Nungua, Kaneshie and Dansoman markets) in Accra, Ghana. The samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites by examination of fecal samples of birds, collection of parasites from different part of gastrointestinal tractand examination of the collected parasites by standard parasitological techniques followed by morphological identification as far as possible up to the species level. Out of 152 chickens examined from the five markets, 121 (79.9%) chickens were found to be infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The chickens were found to be commonly infected with Capillaria spp (46.1 %), Heterakis gallinarum (39.5%) and Ascaridia galli (36.9%). Out of the 121 chickens examined, 63.63% had mixed infection. No trematodes were encountered in this present study. The different market locations did not have any significant influence on the prevalence of the different gastrointestinal parasites detected. However, chickens from Nungua market were found to have the highest level (90%) of gastrointestinal parasite, whilst Kaneshie market (67.5%) had the least. Present study revealed that mixed infection with gastrointestinal parasites of different species was more common than infection with single species in chickens in Accra. ï¿½ Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2016.

Source: UG
Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths and management practices for dogs in the Greater Accra region of Ghana

Clinical Anatomy, Clinical Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, Theriogenology, Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Food (Meat and Milk Hygiene and Inspection, Zoonoses and Environmental Health, Obstetrics, Mastitis and Udder Management, Veterinary Economics and Business Management, Veterinary Ethics, Jurisprudence and Extension, Clinics and Student Project. Long Vacations

Source: UG
Prevalence of glaucoma in an African population

Purpose. To determine the prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a Ghanaian population aged 30 years and above and to describe any ethnic variations in glaucoma prevalence in this population. Method. A cross-sectional prevalence survey for POAG was carried out on residents of 30 years and above in the Akwapim-South district of Ghana. The principal investigator examined all glaucoma suspects and those diagnosed as glaucoma in the initial screening to determine all definite cases of POAG. All cases had intraocular pressure measurements. Glaucoma cases and suspects and some normal subjects had fundus biomicroscopy with 78 D Volk lens, and Humphrey FDT N-30 visual fields plotted. Results. A total of 1843 people aged 30 years were screened from the population. The standardized age-specific prevalence was 7.7% (30 years and above) and 8.5% (40 years and above). The best-fit trend line for prevalence/age relationship was exponential. No gender or ethnic difference in prevalence was found. Conclusions. The prevalence of POAG in this population is high and comparable to those in black populations in Barbados and St. Lucia. © 2004 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Prevalence of group B streptococcus in pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in Ghana in 2001.

Background: Group B streptococci cause major perinatal bacterial infections including chorioamnionitis and endometritis in women and severe systemic infections in the newborn. Infections are a major cause of newborn deaths in Ghana but the organisms causing these infections are usually not identified. Group B streptococci colonization during pregnancy, a prerequisite to potentially preventable early onset disease in the newborn is believed to be rare in pregnant women in Ghana. We undertook this pilot study to assess the veracity of this belief. Methods: General health education information on group B streptococcus was given to all women attending the Wednesday antenatal clinic at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra from April – June 2001. Anorectal and lower genital tract swab specimens were obtained from consecutive volunteers of 100 women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Specimens were inoculated onto selective Todd-Hewitt broth, incubated for 18 hours and sub-cultured onto sheep blood agar plate for group B streptococcus identification. Findings: Of the 2420 antenatal consultations at the Wednesday clinic during the study period, 32.2% (781/2420) of the attendants were in the third trimester of pregnancy. There were 21 isolates (12 anorectal, 5 genital and 2 at both sites) in 19 women; 19% of the pregnant women were carriers of group B streptococcus. Conclusion: The prevalence of group B streptococcus colonization in pregnant Ghanaian women is similar to that in other developed and developing countries. The rarity of isolates of group B streptococcus in Ghana may be due to inadequate microbiological methods.

Source: UG
Prevalence of hemoglobin S trait among blood donors: a cross-sectional study

Background: Sickle cell trait (SCT) or Hemoglobin S (HbS) trait which is due to inheritance of an abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) gene from one parent and a normal gene from the other has been known to be common among people of African descent. Individuals with SCT may find themselves in the blood donor population without knowing their 'carrier' status and this may have severe consequences on their health as well as that of a recipient, particularly if they happen to be a sickle cell disease patient. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HbS trait among blood donors. Results: This cross-sectional study employed convenience sampling method to recruit subjects. A total of 150 prospective and healthy blood donors comprising 138 males and 12 females were involved in the study. Two (2) ml of venous blood was collected from each donor into K3EDTA tubes and analyzed using the sodium metabisulphite slide test and cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis at alkaline pH (8.6) for Hb genotypes. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 (SPSS 20.0) and Chi square were used to analyse the data obtained. Out of the 150 blood donors, 133 (88.7 %) tested negative for sickling (131 were genotype AA and 2 were AC) and 17 (11.3 %) tested positive for sickling, all of whom were genotype AS. Conclusion: The results of the study showed the existence of SCT among the blood donor population sampled. Taking blood from such people can harm their health as well as that of the recipient if they happen to be sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. It is therefore recommended that blood donors as well as donated blood units should be screened for SCT to avoid causing any harm to both the donor and recipient.

Source: UG
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus co-infection among HIV-seropositive persons attending antiretroviral clinics in the Eastern Region of Ghana

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B and HIV infections are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. Understanding the extent of the co-infection is critical to the optimal care of persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV). We determined the prevalence and risk factors of HBV co-infection in PLHIV and assessed the knowledge of health care workers (HCW) in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinics regarding the co-infection.METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in five ART clinics to obtain data from a systematic random sample of PLHIV in the Eastern region of Ghana from March to June 2012. We used self-administered questionnaires to assess knowledge of HCW on knowledge and management of the co-infection. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used for analysis at 5% significance level.RESULTS: Of 320 PLHIV recruited into study, with median age of 40 years (IQR: 33-50 years), 28 tested positive for HBsAg giving an overall prevalence of 8.8%. There were significant associations between HBV infection and being an adult (p=0.004), increasing serum ALT levels (p=0.002) and partner with history of HBV infection (p=0.010). HCW obtained 84.2% (SD± 20.53; 95% CI: 89-98.1) and 53.1% (SD± 35.06; 95% CI: 13.0-88.9) in the "general knowledge" and "management practice" indexes respectively.CONCLUSION: Prevalence of HBV-HIV co-infection was relatively high among PLHIV in Eastern region. Knowledge of HCW on management practices of HBV-HIV co-infection and HBV vaccination coverage among PLHIV were found to be relatively low. Regular trainings of HCW and a HBV vaccination programme targeted at PLHIV should be considered.

Source: UG