ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the infuence of ABO blood groups on oral cholera vaccine immunogenicity in a cholera endemic area in Zambia

Background Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) which include the ABO and Lewis antigen systems have been known for determining predisposition to infections. For instance, blood group O individuals have a higher risk of severe illness due to V. cholerae compared to those with non-blood group O antigens. We set out to determine the infuence that these HBGAs have on oral cholera vaccine immunogenicity and seroconversion in individuals residing within a cholera endemic area in Zambia. Methodology We conducted a longitudinal study nested under a clinical trial in which samples from a cohort of 223 adults who were vaccinated with two doses of Shanchol™ and followed up over 4 years were used. We measured serum vibriocidal geometric mean titers (GMTs) at Baseline, Day 28, Months 6, 12, 24, 30, 36 and 48 in response to the vaccine. Saliva obtained at 1 year post vaccination was tested for HBGA phenotypes and secretor status using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Of the 133/223 participants included in the fnal analysis, the majority were above 34 years old (58%) and of these, 90% were males. Seroconversion rates to V. cholerae O1 Inaba with non-O (23%) and O (30%) blood types were comparable. The same pattern was observed against O1 Ogawa serotype between non-O (25%) and O (35%). This trend continued over the four-year follow-up period. Similarly, no signifcant diferences were observed in seroconversion rates between the non-secretors (26%) and secretors (36%) against V. cholerae O1 Inaba. The same was observed for O1 Ogawa in non-secretors (22%) and the secretors (36%). Conclusion Our results do not support the idea that ABO blood grouping influence vaccine uptake and responses against cholera.

Source: UG
Assessment of the level of agreement in the interpretation of plain radiographs of lumbar spondylosis among clinical physiotherapists in Ghana

Objective physical assessment of patients with lumbar spondylosis involves plain film radiographs (PFR) viewing and interpretation by the radiologists. Physiotherapists also routinely assess PFR within the scope of their practice. However, studies appraising the level of agreement of physiotherapists' PFR interpretation with radiologists are not common in Ghana.Method: Forty-one (41) physiotherapists took part in the cross-sectional survey. An assessment guide was developed from findings of the interpretation of three PFR of patients with lumbar spondylosis by a radiologist. The three PFR were selected from a pool of different radiographs based on clarity, common visible pathological features, coverage body segments and short post production period. Physiotherapists were required to view the same PFR after which they were assessed with the assessment guide according to the number of features identified correctly or incorrectly. The score range on the assessment form was 0-24, interpreted as follow: 0-8 points (low), 9-16 points (moderate) and 17-24 points (high) levels of agreement. Data were analyzed using one sample t-test and fisher's exact test at α = 0.05.Results: The mean score of interpretation for the physiotherapists was 12.7 ± 2.6 points compared to the radiologist's interpretation of 24 points (assessment guide). The physiotherapists' levels were found to be significantly associated with their academic qualification (p = 0.006) and sex (p = 0.001). However, their levels of agreement were not significantly associated with their age group (p = 0.098), work settings (p = 0.171), experience (p = 0.666), preferred PFR view (p = 0.088) and continuing education (p = 0.069).Conclusions: The physiotherapists' skills fall short of expectation for interpreting PFR of patients with lumbar spondylosis. The levels of agreement with radiologist's interpretation have no link with year of clinial practice, age, work settings and continuing education. Thus, routine PFR viewing techniques should be made a priority in physiotherapists' continuing professional education. © 2014 Bello et al.

Source: UG
Assessment of the level of agreement in the interpretation of plain radiographs of lumbar spondylosis among clinical physiotherapists in Ghana

Abstract Background Objective physical assessment of patients with lumbar spondylosis involves plain film radiographs (PFR) viewing and interpretation by the radiologists. Physiotherapists also routinely assess PFR within the scope of their practice. However, studies appraising the level of agreement of physiotherapists&#8217; PFR interpretation with radiologists are not common in Ghana. Method Forty-one (41) physiotherapists took part in the cross-sectional survey. An assessment guide was developed from findings of the interpretation of three PFR of patients with lumbar spondylosis by a radiologist. The three PFR were selected from a pool of different radiographs based on clarity, common visible pathological features, coverage body segments and short post production period. Physiotherapists were required to view the same PFR after which they were assessed with the assessment guide according to the number of features identified correctly or incorrectly. The score range on the assessment form was 0&#8211;24, interpreted as follow: 0&#8211;8 points (low), 9&#8211;16 points (moderate) and 17&#8211;24 points (high) levels of agreement. Data were analyzed using one sample t-test and fisher&#8217;s exact test at &#945;&#8201;=&#8201;0.05. Results The mean score of interpretation for the physiotherapists was 12.7&#8201;&#177;&#8201;2.6 points compared to the radiologist&#8217;s interpretation of 24 points (assessment guide). The physiotherapists&#8217; levels were found to be significantly associated with their academic qualification (p&#8201;=&#8201;0.006) and sex (p&#8201;=&#8201;0.001). However, their levels of agreement were not significantly associated with their age group (p&#8201;=&#8201;0.098), work settings (p&#8201;=&#8201;0.171), experience (p&#8201;=&#8201;0.666), preferred PFR view (p&#8201;=&#8201;0.088) and continuing education (p&#8201;=&#8201;0.069). Conclusions The physiotherapists&#8217; skills fall short of expectation for interpreting PFR of patients with lumbar spondylosis. The levels of agreement with radiologist&#8217;s interpretation have no link with year of clinial practice, age, work settings and continuing education. Thus, routine PFR viewing techniques should be made a priority in physiotherapists&#8217; continuing professional education.

Source: UG
An assessment of the likely acceptability of vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention among women in rural Ghana

Background The findings of the CAPRISA tenofovir studies have raised expectations that soon an approved microbicide would be available. However it is in only a limited number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa that the acceptability of microbicides has been evaluated. We conducted a study to assess the acceptability of vaginal microbicides among women in rural Ghana. Methods The study employs a mixed method design, using cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions to further understand issues related to awareness and attitudes towards microbicide development, acceptability and perceived partner attitudes among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in two health facilities in the Kintampo North municipality of Ghana. We used logistic regression to identify possible predictors of microbicide acceptability among the women surveyed. Results Although only 2% of the 504 women were aware of the development of microbicides, 95% were willing to use one when it became available. The cost of a microbicide that will be considered affordable to 50% of women was US$0.75. Although there were concerns about possible wetting effect, gel or creams were the most preferred (68% of women) formulation. Although 71% thought their partners will find microbicide acceptable, apprehensions about the feasibility of and consequences of failed discreet use were evident. 49% of women were concerned about possible negative effect of microbicide on sexual pleasure. Perceived partner acceptability (O.R. =17.7; 95%C.I. 5.03-62.5) and possibility of discreet use (O.R. =8.9 95%C.I. 2.63-30.13) were the important predictors of microbicide acceptability. Conclusion Achieving microbicide acceptability among male partners should be made a part of the promotive interventions for ensuring effective use among women in rural Ghana.

Source: UG
An Assessment of the Malabo Protocol on Impunity in Africa.

In June 2014, the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea adopted the Protocol on Amendments to the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (the Malabo Protocol) and called on AU Member States to sign and ratify it. The study examined the potential effect the Malabo Protocol will have on the fight against impunity in Africa. The study further examined the relevance of the unaccustomed ‘international’ crimes stipulated in the Malabo Protocol which seeks to establish an international criminal tribunal. To investigate these issues, qualitative research method was employed in the assessment of the Protocol. The theory of neo-institutionalism serves as the theoretical framework for this work. A semi-structured interview guide was used to elicit responses from experts. Several sources of secondary data were also used. The study found that, the Malabo Protocol cannot constitute a better instrument to judge and prosecute the authors of the most serious crimes of international concern regardless of the AU’s claim that the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) is aimed at fighting impunity in Africa. The study recommended among others that future amendment of the Malabo Protocol should get rid of the immunity provision contained in the Protocol.

Source: UG
Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Babies with Neonatal Jaundice in Ghana

eonatal jaundice is a public health concern responsible for a relatively high rate of infant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is prudent to put in place effective risk-reduction strategies and detect and treat new born jaundice effectively. Optimum nutrition has been shown to be crucial to health and well-being. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the nutritional status of babies that report to three referral hospitals in Ghana (Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the Tamale Teaching hospital). It was a multi-center nested, case-control study involving 120 cases and 120 controls of neonates in the three referral hospitals in Ghana. The study revealed that babies with neonatal jaundice in Ghana mostly have a normal nutritional status, even though they lose about 5% of their birth weight. More mothers of healthy babies (88.3%) did exclusive breastfeeding, compared with mothers of babies with neonatal jaundice (76.7%). It was also revealed that the three referral hospitals implemented the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative’s ten steps to successful breastfeeding as a measure to prevent suboptimal feeding, which could lead to an increase in bilirubin levels. Assessment and interventions to prevent weight loss should therefore be paramount for babies with neonatal jaundice.

Source: UG
Assessment of the Operational Characteristics of Research Ethics Committees in Ghana

There were eighteen Research Ethics Committees (RECs) operating in Ghana as of December 2019 but no empirical assessment of their operational characteristics had been conducted. We assessed the characteristics of Ghanaian RECs using an existing Self-Assessment Tool for RECs in Developing Countries. We present results from nine RECs that participated in this nation-wide assessment. Our results indicate that the RECs are generally adherent to the recommendations in the Tool including being composed of members with diverse expertise. They also reviewed and approved research protocols as well as had access to some limited funding for their activities. There is no national policy on research human protections or an ethics authority to regulate the activities of the RECs. We recommend the establishment of this authority in Ghana while encouraging institutions to sustain efforts aimed at making their RECs operate independently.

Source: UG
An assessment of the origin and variation of groundwater salinity in southeastern Ghana

Groundwater from the major aquifers in southeastern part of Ghana was sampled to determine the main controls on groundwater salinity in the area. This paper uses multivariate statistical methods, conventional graphical methods and stable isotope data to determine spatial relationships among groundwaters from the different hydrogeologic units in the area on the basis of salinity. Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to spatially classify the samples, whilst R-mode factor analysis was used to reduce the dataset into two major principal components representing the sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. Analysis of the major chemical parameters suggests that the principal component responsible for salinity increment in the area is the weathering of minerals in the aquifers. This factor is especially more significant in the upland areas away from the coast. The second factor responsible for salinity in the area is the combined effects of seawater intrusion, and anthropogenic activities. This study finds that four major spatial groundwater groups exist in the area: low salinity, acidic groundwaters which are mainly derived from the Birimian and Togo Series aquifers; low salinity, moderate to neutral pH groundwaters which are mainly from the Voltaian, Buem and Cape Coast granitoids; very high salinity waters which are not suitable for most domestic and irrigation purposes and are mainly from the Keta aquifers; and intermediate salinity groundwaters comprising groundwater from the Keta basin aquifers with minor contributions from the other major terrains. The major water type identified in this study is the Ca-Mg-HCO3 type, which degrades into predominantly Na-Cl-SO4 more saline groundwaters toward the coast. Stable isotope data analyses suggest that groundwater in the Voltaian aquifers is largely of recent meteoric origin. The Birimian and Togo aquifers receive a component of recharge from the tributaries of the Densu and Volta Rivers, after the waters have undergone evaporative enrichment of the heavier isotopes. In the Keta basin, recharge is mainly from precipitation but an observed enrichment of 2H and 18O isotopes is probably due to seawater and evaporative effects since the water table there is very shallow. An analysis of the irrigation quality of groundwater from the six aquifers in the study area using sodium adsorption ratio and electrical conductivity suggests that most of the aquifers supply groundwater of acceptable quality for irrigation. The only exception is the Keta Basin area, where extremely high salinities and SAR values render groundwater from this basin unsuitable for irrigation purposes. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.

Source: UG
An Assessment of The Policies and Strategies in Addressing the Problem of Piracy in the Horn of Africa Since 2013

The surge in piracy at the Horn of Africa received massive international attention following the incidence of high-profile hijackings and the threat it posed to international commerce. The international community implemented several policies and strategies to curb the menace. This study assesses specific international measures implemented namely, Operation Atalanta, Operation Ocean Shield, Combined Task Force 151, Djibouti Code of Conduct and The Contact Group on Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia. This study is hinged on the theory of International Cooperation to explain how the International Community through coordinated effort achieved a mutually beneficial outcome. This study also assesses the role played by the United States of America in addressing the problem. This study employs the qualitative method of research, making use of both primary and secondary sources. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain relevant primary data from respondents through purposive sampling technique. This study revealed that, these specific international measures have contributed greatly to the decline of pirate attacks in the region since 2013, however, these international efforts are not devoid of challenges as there have been few recent pirate attacks in the region undermining the long-term sustainability of the international measures. Ultimately eliminating piracy requires more robust efforts to tackle the root causes, not solely focusing on naval actions. This study concludes by recommending that, the international community should actively help in rebuilding the state of Somalia by improving upon the economic condition of the citizens and tackling corruption. There is the need for the international community to employ more of diplomatic efforts rather than military engagements in the region. Using effective anti-campaign to conscientize the people of Somalia about the implication of the menace, improving the fishery sector of Somalia, implementing more capacity building initiatives and enhancing cooperation amongst regional states to fully commit to the cause can provide long term solutions to combat the threat of piracy in the region.

Source: UG
An assessment of the purse-seine (winch-net) fishery in Lake Volta, Ghana

An assessment has been made of the stock conditions of five major component fishery species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Chrysichthys auratus, Hemisynodontis membranaceus, Oreochromis niloticus and Schilbe intermedius) exploited with illegal purse-seine (winch-net) gear in the Yeji sector of Lake Volta, Ghana. Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus was clearly found to be overexploited, but the others were being exploited near to, or under, optimum harvest levels. All five species were harvested at an inappropriate age-at-first-capture of ≈ 6 months, suggesting overfishing of young fishes. Consequently, the computed Lm:L∞ ratios were &gt; 0.64. For most fish species, such a ratio implies their exploitation when at early maturity and at very small sizes. The estimated range of mesh sizes in the cod-ends was far lower (5-8 mm) than the legal mesh size of 25 mm, calling for urgent enforcement of rules and regulations. Single-species yield-per-recruit analyses indicated that yields could be improved by the reduction in the current fishing effort. As the fishery of the lake is not segmented to allow fish to be taken by the illegal small-mesh purse seines, studies on the interactions between the different fishery sectors need to be undertaken, alongside the proposed ban of the gear as enshrined in the Fisheries Law of Ghana. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Source: UG
Assessment of the quality and quantity of naturally induced antibody responses to EBA175RIII–V in Ghanaian children living in two communities with varying malaria transmission patterns

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
An assessment of the quality of advice provided by patent medicine vendors to users of oral contraceptive pills in urban Nigeria

Introduction: In Nigeria about 50% of oral contraceptive pill users obtain their products from proprietary patent medicine vendors (PPMVs). This group of service providers are poorly trained and have very limited knowledge about contraception. This paper investigated the nature of the advice offered to simulated current and potential users of oral contraceptive pills. The main objective was to assess the nature and quality of advice provided by PPMVs to pill users. Method: This study is based on findings from a 'mystery client' approach in which three scenarios related to contraceptive pill use were simulated. Each of the 12 mystery clients simulated one of the following three scenarios: new pill users (new to family planning or switching from condom to pills); user seeking a resupply of pills; and dissatisfied pill users intending to discontinue use. Simple random sampling was used to select 410 PPMVs from a total of 1,826 in four states in Nigeria. Qualitative study using in-depth interviews was also conducted. Results: A majority of the PPMVs had pills in stock on the day of the survey and resupplied pills to the clients. PPMVs also understood the reason and importance of referring clients who were new adopters of oral contraceptive methods to a health facility; 30% of the PPMVs referred new adopters to a health facility. However, demand from clients who do not want to go to health care facilities (for various reasons) necessitated the provision of oral contraceptive pills to 41% of the first time users. Some PPMVs prescribed treatment to mystery clients who presented with perceived complications arising from the use of pills, while 49% were referred to a health facility. Conclusion: The advice given by PPMVs often falls short of safety guidelines related to the use of oral contraceptive pills. There is a need to continuously update knowledge among the PPMVs to ensure that they provide quality oral contraceptive services as PPMVs bridge the gap between medical experts and users in rural communities. © 2014 Ujuju et al.

Source: UG
Assessment of the Relationship Between Caregiver Psychosocial Factors and the Quality of Life of the Elderly at Home in the Tamale Township

Ageing predisposes one to chronic conditions, increased utilization of health facilities, increased dependency, and increased economic burden on governments. Thus, examining the quality of life of the elderly provides information that will help meet the needs of the elderly and their caregivers. The aim of the study was to examine the quality of life of the elderly, the relationship between caregiver psychosocial factors and the quality of life of the elderly. The other aim was to investigate the factors influencing the quality of life of the elderly. A multistage sampling method with a sample of 400 elderly and their caregivers was used. A modified Older People‟s Quality of Life scale, in addition to a structured questionnaire, were used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 software. The findings of the study showed that, the quality of life of the elderly is above average. Age, gender and educational level had a significant influence on the quality of life of the elderly. Psychological and Emotional well-being, Independence and Freedom and Health were the most significant factors influencing the quality of life of the elderly. The results also showed that caregiver psychosocial factors were significantly negatively correlated to the quality of life of the elderly. Thus, the higher the caregivers stress, the lower the quality of life of the elderly and vice versa. The study further revealed that all the caregivers were related to the aged either through blood or by marriage. Age, gender, educational level and duration of care, of caregivers had a significant influence on the quality of life of the elderly.

Source: UG