ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy and after: what women want from their partners – listening to women in Uyo, Nigeria Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/0167482X.2012.693551

BACKGROUND: A qualitative survey was conducted among childbearing women at three public health facilities in Uyo, Nigeria. We aimed to determine (i) women's expectations of partner support during pregnancy and the postpartum period; (ii) predictors of partner presence during childbirth. METHODS: From May to mid-July 2011, 387 eligible women were recruited serially during visits to the child welfare clinic at each facility. Interviews were conducted using semistructured questionnaires. Responses were extracted and categorized into eight distinct themes with corresponding examples. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The most desired form of partner support was assistance with domestic chores during and after pregnancy; followed by financial support during pregnancy and providing/caring for the baby in the postpartum period. Partner support during pregnancy was high 98.0% (351). While 73% of respondents expected partner presence during childbirth, 69.4% reported actual partner presence. Women with no experience of pregnancy before marriage, a husband in formal employment, and regular assistance at home had a two- to three-fold likelihood of expecting partner presence at childbirth compared to those without these attributes. Expecting partner presence increased the likelihood of partner presence at childbirth. Results suggest that women have specific expectations of partner involvement during and after pregnancy.

Source: UG
Pregnancy and Parenting Experiences of Care‑Experienced Youth in Ghana and Uganda

Although sub-Saharan Africa has the world’s highest rates of early pregnancy, there is little awareness of pregnancy and parenting among young people in out-of-home care in this region. Therefore, this study looked into the experiences of pregnancy and parenting among young women who had been in residential care in Ghana and Uganda. We gathered data from ten parenting care leavers in both countries using semi-structured interviews and then analyzed the data from the interviews thematically. The study’s findings revealed that the young mothers had minimal sexual and reproductive health education, as well as a lack of sufficient monitoring, which predisposed them to early pregnancy. The young mothers indicated that emotional stress, financial and employment obstacles, as well as stigma, were some challenges they had experienced. They used personal motivation and spirituality as coping mechanisms to deal with their challenges. Training caregivers to deliver sexual and reproductive health information, having practitioners who will offer supervision during the semi-independent phase of leaving care, and providing separate housing for young mothers are some implications for practice emerging from the study. Policy implications include the need for social inclusion programs to support the academic, vocational, and parenting skills of young mothers who leave care.

Source: UG
Pregnancy in Disability: Community Perceptions and Personal Experiences in a Rural Setting in Ghana

Background. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) generally face strong discrimination and exclusion, especially with regard to their sexual and reproductive health. There is a prevailing social myth in Ghana that women with disabilities are asexual and cannot experience a positive motherhood experience. Although the World Health Organization recommends that research is conducted in this regard, community attitudes towards pregnant women living with disabilities remain largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to explore community attitudes to pregnancy among women living with disabilities. Methodology. The study design was a mixed method cross-sectional study involving quantitative face-to-face individual interviews with 400 randomly selected community members (both males and females) in three communities in the Adaklu District of Volta Region in Ghana. In addition, in-depth interviews were held with five female PWDs. Simple and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to examine the factors associated with perceptions towards pregnant PWDs. Results. Majority of respondents agreed that pregnant women with disabilities should be kept in special institutions until delivery to prevent transmission of their disability to fetuses of pregnant women without disabilities. People also believed that pregnant PWDs are incapable of a safe motherhood experience. Among the strongly influencing factors for negative attitudes towards pregnancy of PWDs were educational status (p<0.001) and perceptions that the disability is caused by accidents (p<0.001) or spiritual issues (p<0.01). Regarding the relationship between perceived cause of disability and the resultant attitudes, respondents were three times more likely to have negative attitude and perceptions towards pregnant women with disabilities if their causes of disabilities were perceived to be spiritual compared to the cause being medical. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that there are generally negative societal attitudes towards pregnant PWDs. The evidence suggests that a degree of prejudice and misconceptions exists towards the pregnancy of women living with disabilities. Generally, there is a public perception that women living with disabilities cannot have a safe motherhood experience and are capable of transferring their disability to an unborn child of another pregnant woman. © 2018 Bridget Dela Akasreku et al.

Source: UG
Pregnancy in non-palliated functionally single ventricle: challenges of management in resource-poor settings

Women with complex functionally univentricular hearts rarely survive into adulthood without corrective or palliative surgery. Reports of pregnancy outcome in this group of patients in resource-poor settings are sparse. We report a case of unrepaired pulmonary atresia ventricular septal defect (VSD) with major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCA) who survived into adulthood and was able to complete a successful pregnancy in a resource-poor country

Source: UG
Pregnancy prevention practices among women with multiple partners in an HIV prevention trial

BACKGROUND: Women enrolled in microbicide and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) HIV prevention trials are not allowed to continue use of study products when pregnant because of fetal safety concerns. High pregnancy rates among women in trials can undermine statistical measures of safety and effectiveness. METHODS: Women enrolled in a PrEP trial in Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon had an overall pregnancy rate of 52 per 100 person-years of observation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 67 women who were asked to describe any changes made in their pregnancy prevention practices after enrolling in the trial. RESULTS: Most women (n = 44, 65%) reported changing pregnancy prevention practices after enrolling in the trial. Twice as many reported using condoms for pregnancy prevention after enrollment (n = 56, 84%) than before (n = 27, 40%). Cluster analysis identified site-specific patterns. Nigerian women tended to report using condoms for dual protection before and after trial enrollment. Cameroonian women tended to rely on natural methods before and after trial enrollment. Ghanaian women tended to switch from hormonal methods to condoms. CONCLUSIONS: The role of condoms in HIV prevention trials must not be diminished. Their use-effectiveness for contraception is likely too low for microbicide and PrEP trial needs, however. HIV prevention trials with women should be appropriately staffed to provide effective contraceptive counseling and, if needed, direct provision of contraceptives. This must be done without undermining women's reproductive rights. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Source: UG
Pregnancy-related mortality in Africa and Asia: Evidence from INDEPTH health and demographic surveillance system sites

Background:Women continue to die in unacceptably large numbers around the world as a result of pregnancy, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Part of the problem is a lack of accurate, population-based information characterising the issues and informing solutions. Population surveillance sites, such as those operated within the INDEPTH Network, have the potential to contribute to bridging the information gaps. Objective: To describe patterns of pregnancy-related mortality at INDEPTH Network Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites in sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia in terms of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and cause-specific mortality rates. Design: Data on individual deaths among women of reproductive age (WRA) (15-49) resident in INDEPTH sites were collated into a standardised database using the INDEPTH 2013 population standard, the WHO 2012 verbal autopsy (VA) standard, and the InterVA model for assigning cause of death. Results: These analyses are based on reports from 14 INDEPTH sites, covering 14,198 deaths amongWRAover 2,595,605 person-years observed. MMRs varied between 128 and 461 per 100,000 live births, while maternal mortality rates ranged from 0.11 to 0.74 per 1,000 person-years. Detailed rates per cause are tabulated, including analyses of direct maternal, indirect maternal, and incidental pregnancy-related deaths across the 14 sites. Conclusions: As expected, these findings confirmed unacceptably high continuing levels of maternal mortality. However, they also demonstrate the effectiveness of INDEPTH sites and of the VA methods applied to arrive at measurements of maternal mortality that are essential for planning effective solutions and monitoring programmatic impacts. © 2014 Cecilia Fernbrant et al.

Source: UG
Pregnant Women's Perception of Intermittent Preventative Treatment of Malaria: A Study in Ho Municipality

Controlling the enormous health impact associated with malaria has become a global priority. Despite the fact that malaria is a completely preventable and treatable disease, it still stands tall as one of the leading health problems in Ghana. Malaria in pregnancy is associated with negative outcomes for the mother, foetus and the neonate. The study investigated pregnant women‟s perception of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria using Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine the drug used for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of pregnant women towards antenatal care and their perceptions about the use of intermittent preventive treatment strategy for prevention of malaria during pregnancy. The objectives of the study were to determine the knowledge about the benefits of antenatal care services during pregnancy and to investigate the attitude and practices of pregnant women towards attending antenatal clinic. The study also aimed at investigating the perception and beliefs of pregnant women regarding the use of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine while pregnant. The research design employed in this study was an exploratory qualitative method. The population for the study was all pregnant women in the Ho Municipality. The sampling size was based on saturation where no new information was obtained. Using semi-structured interview design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 participants. Data was analysed using Tesch in Creswell (2009) content analysis approach. The findings included five themes and several categories. These included knowledge on the benefits of antenatal clinic attendance by the pregnant women and the mode of administration of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine. It was recommended that there should be in-service training for the midwives to be more vigilant when administering the Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine as some pregnant women pretend to be swallowing the tablet under the directly observed therapy whilst in actual fact, they take the drug home to be taken one tablet a day while others reported they throw away the tablets because they felt swallowing the three tablets at a go was dangerous for their unborn babies.

Source: UG
A preliminary analysis of the hydrogeological conditions and groundwater flow in some parts of a crystalline aquifer system: Afigya Sekyere South District, Ghana

A steady state groundwater flow model was calibrated to simulate the complex groundwater flow pattern in some crystalline aquifer systems in north-central Ghana. The objective was to develop the general geometry of the groundwater system and also estimate spatial variations in the hydraulic conductivity field as part of efforts to thoroughly investigate the general hydrogeology and groundwater conditions of aquifers in the area. The calibrated model was used in a limited fashion to simulate some scenarios of groundwater development in the terrain. The results suggest the dominance of local groundwater flow systems resulting from local variabilities in the hydraulic conductivity field and the topography. Estimated horizontal hydraulic conductivities range between 1.04. m/d and 15.25. m/d, although most of the areas consist of hydraulic conductivities in the range of 1.04. m/d and 5.5. m/d. Groundwater flow is apparently controlled by discrete entities with limited spatial interconnectivities. Recharge rates estimated at calibration range between 4.3% and 13% of the annual rainfall in the terrain. The analysis suggests that under the current recharge rates, the system can sustain increasing groundwater abstraction rates by up to 50% with minimal drawdown in the hydraulic head for the entire terrain. However, with decreasing groundwater recharge as would be expected in the wake of climate change/variability in the area, increased groundwater abstraction by up to 50% can lead to drastic drawdowns by more than 25% if recharge reduces by up to 50% of the current levels. This study strongly recommend the protection of some of the local groundwater recharge areas identified in this study and the promotion of local recharge through the development of dugouts and other conduits to encourage recharge. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.

Source: UG
A preliminary assessment of consumer's exposure to organochlorine pesticides in fruits and vegetables and the potential health risk in Accra Metropolis, Ghana

Accra Metropolis is the major recipient of agricultural produce in Ghana, with almost the entire population depending on rural agricultural activities for subsistence. To increase agricultural produce, various forms of pesticides are normally used in fruits and vegetable farming. The consequence is that several cases of pesticide poisoning have been observed. In this preliminary study, a field survey was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and peoples' perception concerning the use of pesticides by farmers in fruit production. The residual concentrations of selected pesticides in pawpaw, imported apples and tomato samples and the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides were also assessed. The field survey data indicated that more than 70% of the participants reported one or more poisoning upon fruits consumption resulting in pesticide-related illnesses. Pesticide residues in the various environmental samples were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results showed that, the levels of pesticide residues varied from <0.01 μg/g to as high as 0.11 μg/g depending on the pesticide monitored. The analysis of health risk estimates revealed heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endrin aldehyde, and endrin ketone levels exceeded the reference dose, suggesting a great potential for systemic toxicity in children considered the most vulnerable population subgroup. Lastly, the public is in the know of pesticide residues in fruits and calls for the curtailing of pesticide use on fruits and vegetable production via educational programmes for farmers on control and safer use of pesticides. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
A preliminary assessment of physical work exposures among electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana

Occupational exposure associated with unstructured, informal e-waste recycling has received very limited attention. This study aimed to quantify the occupational physical exposures among informal e-waste workers at the largest e-waste site in Africa. A cross-sectional field survey of 163 male e-waste workers was conducted using a self-report occupational physical activity questionnaire, along with direct work observations, and pedometer estimates of walking activity for a subset of workers (n = 42). Results indicated significant differences in self-reported 7-day work exposures among the three main e-waste job categories, namely, collectors (n = 70), dismantlers (n = 73) and burners (n = 20). Prolonged walking, sitting and standing on five or more days in the workweek was frequently reported by collectors (87%), dismantlers (82%) and burners (60%), respectively. Nearly 90% of collectors and burners and 60% of dismantlers reported lifting and carrying on five or more days in the workweek. The exposure combinations identified suggest a risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Findings call attention to the need for research examining potential associations between physical exposures and MSDs affecting e-waste workers in Agbogbloshie. The high exposure variability both between and within workers has implications for future exposure assessments conducted in unregulated, informal work settings.

Source: UG
Preliminary assessment of shea butter waxing on the keeping and sensory qualities of four plantain (Musa aab) varieties

Over the last few years, the production of plantain has been increasing due to the introduction of some high yielding varieties. Unfortunately, very high post-harvest losses are incurred annually due to lack of appropriate storage technologies. This study evaluated the effect of shea butter as a food-grade wax on the pre-climacteric life and sensory qualities of four plantain varieties (Apem, Apentu, Asamienu and Oniaba). Waxing was achieved by brushing shea butter on fruits surfaces. The fruit diameter before waxing (d1) and after waxing (d2) was measured and the difference (d2-d1) taken as the waxing thickness. Parameters assessed were the uniformity of ripening, gloss quality, incidence of off-flavours and disorders. Waxing thickness of 0.5 and 1 mm resulted in irregular ripening, green-soft disorder and off-flavours. However, thin layer waxing (&lt;0.05mm) prolonged the pre-climacteric life to 22, 20, 17, and 15 days in Apem, Apentu, Oniaba and Asamienu respectively. A prolonged post-climacteric life from 4 to 6 days across varieties as well as firm texture at senescence was recorded. Shea butter waxing resulted in significant decrease (P&lt;0.001) in physiological weight loss of 9.46% by 22 days after storage compared to control which had 21.25% by 10 days of storage. Principal component analysis of sensory attributes showed that mouth-feel, colour, flavour and tastes accounted for 36.67 % of data variation whist texture alone accounted for 21.1% of data variability. Due to increasing lobby against the use of post-harvest chemicals, as consumers now want products with high nutritional value rather than having just superior external qualities, the use of shea butter as a food-grade wax can be further explored since no safety or residual effect is foreseeable. © 2010 Academic Journals.

Source: UG
Preliminary assessment of the potential role of urbanization in the distribution of carbamate and organophosphate resistant populations of Culex species in Ghana

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
Preliminary assessment of the potential role of urbanization in the distribution of carbamate and organophosphate resistant populations of Culex species in 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
Preliminary Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution and Their Bioaccumulation in Mollusks Inhabiting the Intertidal Sediments of the Atlantic Coast of Accra, Ghana

The present study investigated the trace metal levels in sediments, enrichment in sediments, and its bioaccumulation in mollusks collected from the intertidal sediments of the coast of Accra, Ghana, which is influenced by anthropogenic activities. The metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in sediments. The metals (Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in the soft tissue of the mollusks collected from the different coastal areas. The results indicate that although Accra is the capital city and the coast receives tons of anthropogenic wastes, trace metal levels were low and there was no enrichment for the metals analyzed except Cu which showed minor to moderate enrichment in the coastal sediments. There was bioaccumulation of the trace metals in the soft tissue of the mollusks, and the results suggest that the mollusks studied, the gastropods (Agaronia razetoi) and the bivalves (Tivela tripla), can be used for biomonitoring.

Source: UG
Preliminary checklist and aspects of the ecology of small mammals at the University of Ghana Botanical Garden, Accra Plains, Ghana.

Despite serving as a teaching, research and biodiversity conservation facility for over 60 years, the faunal composition at the University of Ghana Botanical Garden (UGBG) is virtually unknown. This study documents the richness, abundance, diversity, distribution and conservation status of small mammals at the UGBG. The methodology involved live-trapping using Sherman live-traps. Overall, 39 individuals belonging to three mammalian orders (Rodentia, Soricomorpha and Erinaceomorpha) and seven species, comprising of four rodents, two shrews and one hedgehog were recorded in 1,080 trap-nights. Overall trapping success and species diversity (Shannon-Wiener H’ and Simpson’s 1-D) indices were therefore 3.61%, 1.59 and 0.76, respectively. Species richness and diversity were highest (four species; Hʹ = 1.33, 1-D = 0.72) in shrubland and lowest (two species; Hʹ = 0.48, 1-D = 0.3) in grassland. Overlaps of species among the study sites were low, with C. olivieri being the only species common to all sites. Crocidura olivieri was the most abundant species (41.2%) in the forest, whereas M. erythroleucus dominated (81.3%) in the grassland. Arvicanthis niloticus solatus and C. oliviera were equally abundant in shrubland. Arvicanthis n. solatus, P. daltoni, C. oliviera, C. foxi and A. albiventris are first records for the Accra Plains. These records add to the species list for the Accra Plains, and highlight the importance of the UGBG to small mammal zoogeography and conservation in Ghana.

Source: UG