ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection in women and children in peri-urban communities in Pakistan: A prospective cohort study

Background Population-based seroepidemiological surveys provide ac curate estimates of disease burden. We compare the COVID-19 prevalence estimates from two serial serological surveys and the associated risk factors among women and children in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods The AMANHI-COVID-19 study enrolled women and children between November 2020 and March 2021. Blood samples were collected from March to June 2021 (baseline) and September to December 2021 (follow-up) to test for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using ROCHE Elecsys®. Participants were visited or called weekly during the study for recording symptoms of COVID-19. We report the proportion of participants with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and symptoms in each survey and describe infection risk factors using step-wise binomial regression analysis. Results The adjusted seroprevalence among women was 45.3% (95% confidence interval (CI)=42.6-47.9) and 82.3% (95% CI=79.9-84.4) at baseline and follow-up survey, respectively. Among children, it was 18.4% (95% CI=16.1-20.7) and 57.4% (95% CI=54.3-60.3) at base line and follow-up, respectively. Of the women who were previously seronegative, 404 (74.4%) tested positive at the follow-up survey, as did 365 (50.4%) previously seronegative children. There was a high proportion of asymptomatic infection. At baseline, being poorest and lacking access to safe drinking water lowered the risk of infection for both women (risk ratio (RR)=0.8, 95% CI=0.7-0.9 and RR=1.2, 95% CI=1.1- 1.4, respectively) and children (RR=0.7, 95% CI=0.5-1.0 and RR=1.4, 95% CI=1.0-1.8, respectively). At the follow-up survey, the risk of infection was lower for underweight women and children (RR=0.4, 95% CI=0.3-0.7 and RR=0.7, 95% CI=0.5-0.8, respectively) and for women in the 30-39 years age group and children who were 24-36 months of age (RR=0.6, 95% CI=0.4-0.9 and RR=0.7, 95% CI=0.5-0.9, respective ly). In both surveys, paternal employment was an important predictor of seropositivity among children (RR=0.7, 95% CI=0.6-0.9 and RR=0.8, 95% CI=0.7-1.0, respectively). Conclusion There was a high rate of seroconversion among women and children. Infection was generally mild. Parental education plays an important role in protection of children from COVID-19.

Source: UG
Prevalence and susceptibility profiles of methicillinresistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa) in the University of Ghana Hospital, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the important causal agents of nosocomial infections worldwide. The prevalence and susceptibility profiles of MRSA in the University of Ghana Hospital, Legon, Accra were investigated from 65 swab samples. Samples were inoculated onto blood agar plates and incubated at 37° aerobically for 24 h. After overnight incubation, isolates were tested biochemically and a total of 11 (16.9%) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were identified from the swab samples. The S. aureus isolates were later confirmed as MRSA by growth on Oxacillin-Resistant Screening Agar Base (ORSAB) and detection of the mecA gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Kirby-Baeur disc diffusion method was also used to determine the susceptibility of the isolates. There was only 1 (9.1%) MRSA isolate detected from the samples. The MRSA isolate was susceptible to cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, and gentamicin but resistant to ampicillin, cephalexin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, prulifloxacin, ofloxacin, cloxacillin, roxithromycin, lincomycin, and cefoxitin antibiotics used in this investigation. Despite the low prevalence rate in this study, there is still the need for strong continuous surveillance programs to monitor MRSA and its antibiotic profiles.

Source: UG
Prevalence And Trends In Child Marriage In Ghana

While the issue of child marriage has received a lot of attention among both academia and the media in the last couple of years, much of the discussions often lack empirical statistical evidence. In order to strengthen effectiveness of policies based on these discussions, some scholars have used various econometric approaches to explain the incidence and depth of child marriage in some countries. This paper follows these analytical approaches to discuss incidence, trend and depth of child marriage among girls in the various geographical areas and among various groups in Ghana. The paper employed the data set of the sixth round of the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS VI). The survey was conducted in 2014 and covered 11,835 households in the ten administrative regions of the country. The data set of GDHS VI was considered appropriate for the paper because it contains information on the age at the time of first marriage or when the person started living with a partner. The incidence of child marriage was estimated as the proportion of women and girls in a particular age group who got married before they were 18 years while the concept of depth of child marriage was borrowed from the poverty literature to capture how early young women in Ghana marry. The results of the stochastic dominance tests indicate that irrespective of the threshold for the age of marriage, women in urban areas and women who are Christians are less likely to marry at an early age. It was also found that the incidence of child marriage is relatively higher in the Northern Region, Upper East Region and Upper West Regions compared to the other regions. Again, the incidence of child marriage was found to be highest among Gurma and Mole-Dagbani ethnic groups. Additionally, the paper identified a declining trend in the incidence of child marriage and suggested the development could be due to modernization and the desire of the women to attain higher academic laurels. It is recommended that Government and development partners should intensify campaigns against child marriage in the areas where its prevalence is high and among the groups with higher incidence in the country.

Source: UG
Prevalence of agenesis of palmaris longus muscle and its association with gender, body side, handedness and other anomalies of the forearm in a student population in 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 alcohol use and associated factors since COVID-19 among school going adolescents within the Southern African Development Community: a systematic review protocol

ntroduction The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly shaped the global landscape and impacted various aspects of individuals’ lives, especially the behaviour of school-going adolescents regarding substance use. Among these substances, alcohol is the most predominant substance, particularly among school going adolescents, who also are highly susceptible to harmful alcohol use, such as poor academic performance, psychiatric disorders and disrupted social lives. This review will synthesise the known prevalence estimates and associated factors of alcohol use among school-going adolescents in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and analysis We will perform a systematic review in line with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. We will systematically search for selected global databases (ScienceDirect, EbscoHost, PsycINFO and PubMed) and regional electronic databases (African Index Medicus, Sabinet and African Journals OnLine). Peer-reviewed literature published between 11 March 2020 and 10 March 2024 will be considered for eligibility without language restriction. All 16 countries of the SADC region will be included in the review. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool checklist for quality appraisal will be used to appraise the methodological quality of the included studies. Depending on the level of heterogeneity, prevalence estimates will be pooled in a meta-analysis; narrative synthesis will be applied to describe the reported associated factors of alcohol use. Ethics and dissemination We will not seek ethical approval from an institutional review board since the study will not involve gathering data directly from individual school-going adolescents, nor will it violate their privacy. When completed, the full report of this review will be submitted to a journal for peer-reviewed publication; the key findings will be presented at local and international conferences with a partial or full focus on (adolescent) alcohol (mis)use

Source: UG
Prevalence of anemia among under-5 children in the Ghanaian population: estimates from the Ghana demographic and health survey

Abstract Background Anemia in children continues to be a major public health challenge in most developing countries, particularly in Africa. Anemia in the early stages of life leads to severe negative consequences on the cognitive as well as the growth and development of children, which may persist even after treatment. We examine the prevalence of anemia in under-five children in the Ghanaian population to help inform and serve as a guide to health policies and possible interventions. Methods Data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) was used. Data consists of health, demographic and socio-economic factors. Anemia status was determined using hemoglobin level, and prevalence of childhood anemia along with 95% confidence intervals was provided. We also examined the distribution of prevalence across different age and socio-demographic groups as well as the different regions and sub-regions in Ghana. Results The overall prevalence of anemia in under-five children in Ghana was 78.4% (N&#8201;=&#8201;2168, 95% CI: 76.7-80.2), where 7.8% (N&#8201;=&#8201;2168, 95% CI: 6.6-8.9) of the children had severe anemia, 48.0% (N&#8201;=&#8201;2168, 95% CI: 45.9-50.2) moderate anemia and 22.6% (N&#8201;=&#8201;2168, 95% CI: 20.8-24.4) had mild anemia. The highest prevalence regions were the Upper East, 88.9% (N&#8201;=&#8201;158, 95% CI: 80.9-94.0), and Upper West 88.1% (N&#8201;=&#8201;220, 95% CI: 76.4-94.6). The prevalence was also higher among children under 2&#160;years of age, 85.1% (N&#8201;=&#8201;781, 95% CI: 82.6-87.7) than children 2&#8211;5 years of age, 74.8% (N&#8201;=&#8201;1387, 95% CI: 72.5-77.1). No significant difference in prevalence between boys and girls was observed. Conclusions Given the high prevalence of childhood anemia observed in Ghana, particularly among those less than 2&#160;years old, and given the negative consequences on their cognitive and behavioral development even in later years, there is an urgent need for effective and efficient public health interventions.

Source: UG
Prevalence of anemia among under-5 children in the Ghanaian population: Estimates from the Ghana demographic and health survey

Anemia in children continues to be a major public health challenge in most developing countries, particularly in Africa. Anemia in the early stages of life leads to severe negative consequences on the cognitive as well as the growth and development of children, which may persist even after treatment. We examine the prevalence of anemia in under-five children in the Ghanaian population to help inform and serve as a guide to health policies and possible interventions. Methods. Data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) was used. Data consists of health, demographic and socio-economic factors. Anemia status was determined using hemoglobin level, and prevalence of childhood anemia along with 95% confidence intervals was provided. We also examined the distribution of prevalence across different age and socio-demographic groups as well as the different regions and sub-regions in Ghana. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia in under-five children in Ghana was 78.4% (N = 2168, 95% CI: 76.7-80.2), where 7.8% (N = 2168, 95% CI: 6.6-8.9) of the children had severe anemia, 48.0% (N = 2168, 95% CI: 45.9-50.2) moderate anemia and 22.6% (N = 2168, 95% CI: 20.8-24.4) had mild anemia. The highest prevalence regions were the Upper East, 88.9% (N = 158, 95% CI: 80.9-94.0), and Upper West 88.1% (N = 220, 95% CI: 76.4-94.6). The prevalence was also higher among children under 2 years of age, 85.1% (N = 781, 95% CI: 82.6-87.7) than children 2-5 years of age, 74.8% (N = 1387, 95% CI: 72.5-77.1). No significant difference in prevalence between boys and girls was observed. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of childhood anemia observed in Ghana, particularly among those less than 2 years old, and given the negative consequences on their cognitive and behavioral development even in later years, there is an urgent need for effective and efficient public health interventions. © 2014Ewusie et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Ghanaian sheep and goats

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

Source: UG
Prevalence of antibodies to human T-Iymphotropic virus type I among blood donors in Accra, Ghana

Several infectious diseases have been found to be associated with transfusion of blood or blood components. Reports from studies conducted in many African countries indicate high incidence of blood-borne pathogens such as human Tlympholropic virus type-I ( HTLV- I) infections among healthy blood donors. The prevalence of HTLV- I antibodies in blood donors in Ghana is not well documented. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence of HTL V- I antibodies among blood donors seen between the months of June and July 2001 at the National Blood Transfusion Service. Accra Area Centre (Blood Bank) at the Korle Du Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The presence of antibodies specific for HTLV-I was tested using particle agglutination test kit. of the 265 sera tested . 220 (83%) were males and 45 (17%) were females. A seroprevalence rate of 4.2% (11/265) was found. The prevalence rate of antibody to HTL V·I was significantly (P<O.05) higher in female (8.9%; 4/45 ) than male (3.2%; 71220) blood donors. In both sexes, the age distribution of subjects positive for HTLV-1 antibodies was from 35 to 54 years. In conclusion, our results indicate that HTLV-1 is prevalent among healthy blood donors in Ghana; and that there is the need to introduce screening of donated blood for HTLV-1 in Ghana.

Source: UG
Prevalence of antibodies to syphilis among blood donors in Accra, Ghana

Several infectious diseases have been found to be associated with transfusion of blood and blood components. Reports from studies conducted in many African countries indicate a high incidence of blood-borne pathogens such as syphilis infections among healthy blood donors. The prevalence of syphilis antibodies in blood donors in Ghana is not known. This study was therefore conducted in order to determine the prevalence of antibodies to syphilis among blood donors seen between the months of January and March 2003 at the National Blood Transfusion Service, Accra area (Blood Bank) at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The presence of antibodies specific for syphilis was tested using Venereal Disease Research Laboratory and particle agglutination test kit. A sero-prevalence rate of 7.5% was found. Our sample of blood donors was largely comprised of male subjects (500 out of 536 donors, and only 1 out of the 36 screened female donors was positive), making sex comparisons statistically undesirable. In both sexes, the age distribution of subjects positive for syphilis antibodies was from 19 - 54 (median age, 32) years. In conclusion, our results indicate that syphilis is prevalent among healthy blood donors in Ghana, and that there is a need to introduce the screening of donated blood for syphilis in Ghana.

Source: UG
Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia following mass testing and treatment in Pakro sub-district of Ghana

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
Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in a dairy cattle farm and a research farm in Ghana

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Prevalence of BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms in West Africa

BACKGROUND: BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are very common among older men in Western countries. However, the prevalence of these two conditions in the developing countries is less clear. METHODS: We assessed the age-standardized prevalence of BPH and/or LUTS among West Africans in a probability sample of 950 men aged 50-74 in Accra, Ghana, with no evidence of biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer after screening with PSA and digital rectal examination (DRE). Information on LUTS was based on self-reports of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). BPH was estimated using DRE, PSA levels and imputed prostate volume. RESULTS: The prevalence of DRE-detected enlarged prostate was 62.3%, while that of PSA≥1.5 ng ml -1 (an estimate of prostate volume ≥ 30 cm 3) was 35.3%. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe LUTS (IPSS≥8) was 19.9%. The prevalence of IPSS≥8 and an enlarged prostate on DRE was 13.3%. Although there is no universally agreed-upon definition of BPH/LUTS, making comparisons across populations difficult, BPH and/or LUTS appear to be quite common among older Ghanaian men. CONCLUSIONS: We found that after age standardization, the prevalence of DRE-detected enlarged prostate in Ghanaian men is higher than previously reported for American men, but the prevalence of LUTS was lower than previously reported for African Americans. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify the risk factors for BPH in both Africans and African Americans. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among students of a tertiary institution in Ghana

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are listed as one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity by the World Health Organization. The World Heart Federation lists overweight/obesity, blood lipid profile, and blood pressure as some of the modifiable risk factors to developing CVDs. This study sought to determine the prevalence of some of these modifiable risk factors among University of Ghana students. One hundred and twenty students were sampled for the study. Lipid profile parameters such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), and total triglycerides (TG) were measured using the Vitros 5-IFS chemistry analyzer (NY, USA). The Friedewald's equation was used to determine low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Anthropometric indices such as height and weight were measured following standard protocols. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated in kg/m2 using the height and weight measurements. The students were then categorized into underweight, normal, overweight, and obese according to their BMI. Blood pressure measurements were also taken. The mean age of the students was 30.04 ± 7.99 years. A total of 4.2%, 30%, and 67.5% had TG, TC, and LDL, respectively, above normal recommended ranges. Low HDL levels were observed in 32.5% of the students. About 45% had high systolic blood pressure and 32.5% with high diastolic blood pressure. In all, the risk factors studied contributed to about 95% of the variance in explaining the risk of developing CVDs. The study concludes that the cardiovascular risk factors assessed are prevalent among the students and therefore steps must be taken to address the increase in prevalence. © 2018 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: UG
Prevalence of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions among unscreened Women in Kumasi, Ghana

Ghana does not have a universal population-based cervical cancer screening program and there is very limited information about the distribution of cervical epithelial cell lesions. This study provides evidence that a moderately high prevalence of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions exists among unscreened women in Kumasi. The prevalence of cervical epithelial cell abnormalities among a cross-section of women attending cervical cancer screening for the first time in a suburb of Ghana from 2011 to 2014 was studied. Cervical smears were prepared and examined independently by 2 cytotechnologists and confirmed by a pathologist. Cervical lesions were classified according to the Bethesda System for cervical cytology 2001. Out of the 592 women for whom a Pap smear was available for evaluation, 555 (93.8%) were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. Eight women (1.4%) showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 9 (1.4%) low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 2 (0.3%) high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. A total of 15 (2.5%) smears were unsatisfactory for cervical cytology. Additionally, 3 women (0.5%) had squamous cell carcinoma, giving an overall rate of 3.7% for epithelial cell abnormalities. Cervical cancer and precursor epithelial cell abnormalities are common among women in Kumasi for a disease that can be prevented by early detection through routine screening and management. This study provides adequate background data to recommend the implementation of cervical cancer screening in all eligible women in Ghana.

Source: UG