ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Senior secondary school students' perception of their core mathematiccs classroom environment and attitute towards core mathematics

The main aim of this study was to determine how SSS3 students perceive their core mathematics classroom environment and their attitude towards core mathematics as well as investigate possible association(s) between learning environment instrument subscales and attitude. A sample of 342 SSS3 students was used for the study comprising 159 students from single-sex male schools, 117 from single-sex female school and 66 students from co-educational school. These students were selected from four SSSs which were sampled out of the 10 SSSs in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Generally, SSS3 students from the various school-types were found to have a positive perception of their core mathematics learning environment. A one-way multivariate analysis (MANOYA) was used to identify differences in SSS3 students' perception of their core mathematics learning environment among the school types. Two differences were identified among the students from the different school-types namely Teacher Support and Equity and were highest among single-sex male SSS3 students. The results of the study showed that SSS3 students' attitude towards core mathematics was positive irrespective of school-type. Also, no significant differences in attitude towards core mathematics were detected among the students from the different school-types using one-way analysis of variance (ANOYA). From the results obtained, it is recommended among others that core mathematics teachers should capitalize on the differences among the students' perceptions of their learning environment in order to increase their students' positive perception of the core mathematics environment.

Source: UCC
Senior staff's perceptions on communication practices of University of Cape Coast administrators

The study set out to investigate into the perceptions of senior staff on communication practices of University of Cape Coast administrators, considering such practices as channels of communication used by University administrators, directions of communication and barriers relating to the communication practices of administrators. The study traced the history and development of communication in organizations.Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used in selecting the respondents. Questionnaires were served to all the selected staff. In all 272 respondents (87.5%) returned their completed questionnaire. The descriptive survey method was adopted for the research. Interview schedules were conducted for some senior staff Personal observations were also made in ten offices.The study concluded that the most frequently used channels of communication in the University of Cape Coast are verbal communication and through the grapevine. With regard to observations made, it was seen, that whereas some heads of department allow their secretaries to deal with confidential and other routine letters, others do not allow their staff to take such initiatives.The study, therefore, recommended that heads of department should ensure that confidential letters are kept properly. Heads of departments should, however, allow their secretaries to deal with routine letters in order to avoid unnecessary delays in responding to such letters

Source: UCC
Sense of efficacy in implementing the basic school social studies curriculum in ghana

Final year teacher-trainees’ sense of efficacy in implementing the Basic School Social Studies curriculum in Ghana has become indispensable since the subject introduced solely to right the wrong in society is taught mostly by graduates from the Colleges of Education (CoE). Mixed method approach was used. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 150 final year teacher-trainees for the study. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather the data. The study revealed that pedagogical training is a strong predictor of teacher-trainees’ conception about Social Studies. Critical thinking is the most important skill for problem solving, inquiry and discovery in Social Studies. Final year teacher-trainees (mentees) lack the needed knowledge and teaching skills to impart Social Studies as a problem/issue-oriented subject. It is recommended that Social Studies tutors of CoE should hold it a duty to help students have better, more realistic ideas about the multiple realities of what constitutes Social Studies in the real world since they (teachers) influence what is taught.

Source: UCC
Sensitivity of Immune Complex-Dissociated p24 Antigen Testing for Early Detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Infants

Several investigators have suggested that early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in infants could be accomplished with a modified, more-sensitive, acid-dissociated p24 antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique (p24 antigen immune complex dissociation [ICD]). We compared detection of HIV infection by HIV culture, PCR, and p24 antigen ICD assays in 46 infants by using samples collected independently. The detection sensitivity of the p24 antigen ICD assay was 0% with cord blood samples (2 HIV-positive infants), 38% with plasma samples from infants under 3 months of age (8 HIV-positive infants), and 58% overall (12 HIV-positive infants). By contrast, the sensitivities of HIV culture and PCR were 50% for cord blood samples, 75% for plasma samples from infants under 3 months of age, and 83% overall. These results indicate that the p24 antigen ICD does not offer the sensitivity necessary for this assay to be used as an indicator of HIV infection in infants

Source: UCC
Serial pathologic fractures of five long bones on four separate occasions in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism, challenges of management in a developing country: a case report

Multiple pathologic fractures secondary to parathyroid adenoma is rarely recognized and reported in the tropics. Inadequate evaluation causes worsened disability and increased psychological stress. We present a 27-year-old Nigerian male student with recurrent unexplained pathological fractures of the long bones. Primary Hyperparathyroidism was later diagnosed and he benefited from a unilateral parathyroidectomy. Primary hyperparathyroidism secondary to parathyroid adenoma is difficult to diagnose and needs a high index of suspicion. Surgery and good postoperative biochemical control of serum calcium produce satisfying outcomes.

Source: UCC
Sero-Epidemiology Of Toxocara Canis Infection In Chil- Dren Attending Four Selected Health Facilities In The Central Region Of Ghana

Objective: The study determined the seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection among children attending four selected health facilities in the Central Region of Ghana. Design: Cross-sectional study Method: Sera from 566 children aged 1-15 years at- tending four selected health facilities in the Central Region of Ghana between July and September 2012 was used in a Toxocara excretory-secretory antigen- based ELISA to detect serum IgG. A short question- naire was designed to obtain data on respondents as to age, gender, educational level, locality of residence, habits of washing of fruits, vegetable and hands before eating, keeping of pet (dogs or cats) , and history of playing with soil and pets. Clinical information was also collected. Associations between sero-positivity and age group, gender, risk factors, educational level and other variables were determined by Chi square test. Results: The overall sero-prevalence was 53.5% (n=566). Age, educational level and hospital visited were significantly associated with sero-positivity (p< 0.05). Children with history of playing with soil (χ2=9.03, p=0.003), pet-keeping (χ2=14.77, p=0.001) and not washing hands with soap before eating (χ2=5.82, p=0.016) were significantly associated with sero-positivity. Conclusion: The sero-prevalence of T. canis infection in children in the study was high. The children should be educated to desist from risk factors such as playing with soil and pets and be encouraged to ensure proper personal hygiene.

Source: UCC
Sero-prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis E virus infection among pregnant women in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Background Hepatitis E virus is an emerging infection in Africa with poor maternal and foetal outcomes. There is scanty data on the sero-prevalence of HEV infection among pregnant women in Ghana. This study highlighted the prevalence and risk factors associated with HEV infection among pregnant women in Cape Coast Metropolis, Central Region of Ghana. Methods A multicenter (3 selected sites) analytical cross sectional study involving 398 pregnant women in the Cape Coast metropolis was conducted. HEV (Anti-HEV IgG and Anti-HEV IgM) ELISA was performed. Sero-positive women had liver chemistries done and data collected on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Data analyses were performed using Stata version 13 software (STATA Corp, Texas USA). Results Mean age was 28.01 (± 5.93) years. HEV sero-prevalence was 12.2% (n = 48) for IgG and 0.2% (n = 1) for IgM with overall of 12.3%. The odds of being HEV sero-positive for women aged 26–35 years was 3.1 (95% CI: 1.1–8.1), p = 0.02 and 36 years it was 10.7 (95% CI; 3.4–33.5), p = 0.0001. Living in urban settlement was associated with lowest odds of HEV infection {OR 0.4 (95% CI; 0.2–0.8), p = 0.01}. Factors with no statistical evidence of association include main source of drinking water and history of blood transfusion. The sero-prevalence of HEV IgG increased progressively across trimesters with the highest among women in their third trimester (55.3%). None of the 49 HEV sero-positive women had elevated ALT level. Ten (N = 41) of the neonates born to sero-positive women developed jaundice in the neonatal period. The mean birth weight was 3.1kg (SD 0.4). Conclusion HEV sero-prevalence among pregnant women in the Cape Coast Metropolis is high enough to deserve more attention than it has received so far. It is therefore important to conduct further research on the potential impact on maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B and C viral coinfections among HIV-1 infected ART-naïve individuals in Kumasi, Ghana

Background The study assessed the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection paradigm among the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients attending a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Also, the immunological and virological characterisation of these viruses, prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was investigated. Method A total of 400 HIV infected (HIV type-1) treatment naïve subjects �18 years were enrolled and tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Hepatitis B virus serological profile was performed on samples that were HBV positive. CD4+ T-cell count and HIV-1 RNA viral loads were determined using BD FacsCalibur analyzer (USA) and COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan Analyzer (USA) respectively. Results The overall prevalence of HBV/HCV co-infection among the HIV-1 patients was 18.0%. The prevalence of HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV co-infections were 12.5% and 5.5% respectively. The prevalence of active viral hepatitis (HBeAg-positive) among HIV-HBV co-infected patients was 40%. None of the patients had anti-HBc IgM. HIV-HBV co-infection was associated with lower CD4+ T-cell count as well as higher HIV-1 viral load compared to both HIV monoinfection and HIV-HCV co- infection (p<0.05) respectively. HBeAg positivity was associated with severe immunosuppression and higher HIV viral load. Patients aged 18–33 years [aOR = 9.66(1.17–79.61); p = 0.035], male gender [aOR = 2.74(1.15–6.51); p = 0.023], primary education [aOR = 9.60(1.21–76.08); p = 0.032], secondary education [aOR = 14.67(1.82-118.08); p = 0.012] and being single [aOR = 2.88(1.12–7.39); p = 0.028] were independent risk factors of HIV-HBV co-infections but not HIV-HCV co-infections. Conclusion The present study highlights the predominance of HBV exposure among the HIV infected patients in Ghana. HBV coinfection was associated with severe immunosuppression and higher HIV-1 viral load.

Source: UCC
Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in Ghanaian HIV positive cohort: a consideration for their health care

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly decreased HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. However, globally, many people living with HIV die from non-AIDS related illnesses including liver diseases which occur partly due to co-infection with HBV and or HCV. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV infected individuals receiving care from three different hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods: This research was a case-case study. The population consisted of ART naive persons (newly confirmed HIV cases) and those who had been on ART for more than 3 months (old cases). Each individual’s sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data including their HBV and HCV status were collected. Those who knew their HBV and HCV status and those who did not know their status were tested for circulating HBsAg and anti-HCV using rapid diagnostic test cassettes. Descriptive analysis was done, and the data presented as median with interquartile range, frequency and percentage. Fisher’s exact test and Pearson Chi-square (χ2) test were used to determine associations between categorical variables. Results: Overall, 394 HIV individuals aged, 3 to 76 years old with a median age of 41 (IQR:34–49) participated in this study. Circulating HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected in 6.1% (24/394) and 0.5% (2/393) participants respectively with an overall seroprevalence of 6.6% (26/394). None of the participants was positive for both HBV and HCV infections. 92.1% (363/394) had no information on their HBV status while all the 394 participants did not know their HCV status during data collection. No significant association of HBV infection rate was found in all the socio-demographic data of the participants. But HBV infection rates were significantly higher in those at WHO clinical stages 2 and 3 (P= 0.004). Conclusion: HBV and HCV were detected among the HIV-infected participants. Majority of the participants had no information on their HBV status and none of the participants had information on his or her HCV status. This study recommends the need for policy makers to provide free HBV and HCV screening for all HIV infected individuals for their effective management.

Source: UCC
Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in Ghanaian HIV positive cohort: a consideration for their health care

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly decreased HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. However, globally, many people living with HIV die from non-AIDS related illnesses including liver diseases which occur partly due to co-infection with HBV and or HCV. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV infected individuals receiving care from three different hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods: This research was a case-case study. The population consisted of ART naive persons (newly confirmed HIV cases) and those who had been on ART for more than 3 months (old cases). Each individual’s sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data including their HBV and HCV status were collected. Those who knew their HBV and HCV status and those who did not know their status were tested for circulating HBsAg and anti-HCV using rapid diagnostic test cassettes. Descriptive analysis was done, and the data presented as median with interquartile range, frequency and percentage. Fisher’s exact test and Pearson Chi-square (χ2) test were used to determine associations between categorical variables. Results: Overall, 394 HIV individuals aged, 3 to 76 years old with a median age of 41 (IQR:34–49) participated in this study. Circulating HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected in 6.1% (24/394) and 0.5% (2/393) participants respectively with an overall seroprevalence of 6.6% (26/394). None of the participants was positive for both HBV and HCV infections. 92.1% (363/394) had no information on their HBV status while all the 394 participants did not know their HCV status during data collection. No significant association of HBV infection rate was found in all the socio-demographic data of the participants. But HBV infection rates were significantly higher in those at WHO clinical stages 2 and 3 (P = 0.004). Conclusion: HBV and HCV were detected among the HIV-infected participants. Majority of the participants had no information on their HBV status and none of the participants had information on his or her HCV status. This study recommends the need for policy makers to provide free HBV and HCV screening for all HIV infected individuals for their effective management.

Source: UCC
Sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis among patients visiting the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana

oxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It affects up to about one third of the human population worldwide. Toxoplasmosis in neonates and immunocompromised patients can lead to severe disease and even death. However, there is a lack in knowledge concerning the extent of the toxoplasmosis problem in Ghana. In the present study, we determined the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among patients visiting visiting Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 165 patients studied, IgG antibodies were found in 32.7% (95% CI: 25.0 – 39.3%). IgM and IgA seroprevalence were 29.7% (95% CI: 22.2 – 36.1%) respectively. There was significant association between seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and gender (P< 0.05), with the male sex being at increased risk of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity (OR ,95% CI: IgG - 2.78,1.34-5.82; IgM - 3.31, 1.57-6.981; IgA – 3.31, 1.57-6.981). No significant association (P> 0.05) was observed between the age groups and seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Ourstudy reveals an overall high seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis among patients visit ing the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Public campaigns may be necessary to educate the Ghanaians about ways to minimise exposure Toxoplasma gondii.

Source: UCC
Seroconversion of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Young Children in the Kassena Nankana District of Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is an important public health problem that requires high priority efforts towards prevention and control. Active immunization is the single most important and effective preventive measure against HBV infection. As a protective measure, Ghana introduced the mass immunization program against hepatitis B infection in children in 2002 in her Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This study evaluated seroconversion (the point in time when the amount of antibody in the blood becomes detectable) and seroprotection (the point in time when the amount of antibody in the blood is enough to confer protection from the antigen that induced it production) status of children under this mass immunization program and measured their antibody levels five years after immunization.

Source: UCC
Seroprevalence and Molecular Detection of Dengue Viral Infection among Adults Attending the University of Cape Coast Hospital

Most febrile illnesses in Ghana are often misdiagnosed and presumptively treated as malaria. This study sought to investigate the seroprevalence, detection the viral RNA, determine geographical location of participants with circulating antibodies and virus and finally ascertain the diagnostic accuracy of an RDT kit. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (≥18) with at least three malaria-like symptoms attending the University of Cape Coast Hospital. From each participant, 3ml of blood was drawn and serum was tested for IgG and IgM using RDT and ELISA. Seropositive samples were selected for PCR testing. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA (v.14) software. A total of 270 participants were enrolled in the study. The median age was 31 with 23 and 43 as their interquartile ranges. Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM by ELISA was 12.6% and 2.2%. Overall seroprevalence was 12.96%. Females recorded a high seropositivity rate (7.4%) than males (5.2%) in terms of past exposure (IgG). On current exposure (IgM), females still recorded a high seropositivity rate (1.5%) than males (0.7%). Seroprevalence of individuals recent secondary infection (IgG+IgM+) was 1.85%. Those with primary and recent infection (IgM+IgG-) were 0.37% whiles those with past and probable secondary infection (IgG+IgM-) were 10.7%. Elmina neighbourhood was shown to have the highest seropositivity rate values for both anti-dengue IgG (3.3%) and IgM (1.85%). Kappa value for RDT was 0.37 and 0.0001. The Ministry of Health should create awareness and enhanced dengue surveillance.

Source: UCC
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections among pregnant women in the Asante Akim North Municipality of the Ashanti region, Ghana; a cross sectional study.

Background: Viral hepatitis is a serious public health problem affecting billions of people globally with maternal-fetal transmission on the rise. Objectives: This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among pregnant women in the Asante Akim North Municipality, in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 168 pregnant women were recruited from the Agogo Presbyterian hospital. Blood samples were collected for the detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and identify the risk factors associated with the two infections. Results: Of the 168 participants studied, 16 (9.5%) tested positive for HBV and 13 (7.7%) tested positive for HCV repre- senting 9.5% and 7.7% respectively. A participant tested positive for both HBV and HCV co-infection representing 0.6%. Undertaking blood transfusion, tattooing and sharing of needles were associated with hepatitis C infection (P=0.001). HBV was not associated with any of the risk factors (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest a high prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among pregnant women; blood transfu- sion, tattooing and sharing of hypodermic needles were associated with hepatitis C infection. Measures to reduce the disease and transmission burden must be introduced.

Source: UCC
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections among Type 2 Diabetics: A Cross‑sectional Study in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Background: Type 2 diabetes comes with various complications and this may be compounded by morbidities of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Aims: This study examined the prevalence of HBV and HCV infectionst among type 2 diabetics as well as its associated factors. This randomized cross‑sectional study was conducted at the Diabetic Clinic of the Central Regional Hospital, Cape Coast between December 2012 and April 2013. Subjects and Methods: A well‑structured questionnaire was used to recruit 110 type 2 diabetics. Venous blood samples were collected for the estimation of blood glucose and to screen for HBV and HCV infections. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS Version 17.0. Descriptive analysis was performed and results expressed as means (SD) and n (%). P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Prevalence of HBV in type 2 diabetics was 5.5% (6/110). No type 2 diabetic was positive for HCV. The prevalence of HBV infection in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) participants was higher (5.5% [6/110]) than that of HCV (0/110). A total of 69.1% (76/110) T2DM patients had poor glycemic control. Mean waist and hip circumference was higher among HBV‑negative T2DM participants (99.3; 106.9) than HBV‑positive participants (87.2; 101.8). Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HBV was higher than that of HCV in T2DM patients. T2DM patients would require necessary preventive measures like prophylaxis, to reduce the risk of HBV infection and its ramifications.

Source: UCC