ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Self-Help and Help-Seeking for Communication Disability in Ghana: Implications for the Development of Communication Disability Rehabilitation Services

Background In low and middle-income countries, such as Ghana, communication disability is poorly recognised and rehabilitation services for people with communication disability are limited. As rehabilitation services for communication disability develop, and the profession of speech-language pathology grows, it is important to consider how services can most appropriately respond to the needs and preferences of the community. Understanding the ways in which people currently self-help and seek help for communication disability is central to developing services that build on existing local practices and are relevant to the community. Methods A qualitative descriptive survey was used to explore likely self-help and help-seeking behaviours for communication disability, in Accra, Ghana. The survey required participants to describe responses to hypothetical scenarios related to communication disability. A mix of theoretical sampling and convenience sampling was used. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data and develop categories and subcategories of reported self-help behaviours and sources of help and advice for communication disability. Results One hundred and thirty-six participants completed the survey. Results indicated that community members would be likely to engage in a variety self-help strategies in response to communication disability. These included working directly with a person with a communication disability to attempt to remediate a communication impairment, altering physical and communication environments, changing attitudes or care practices, educating themselves about the communication disability, providing resources, and responding in spiritual ways. Participants indicated that they would seek help for communication disability across a range of sectors – including the Western healthcare, religious, and traditional sectors. Conclusions Understanding existing community actions to self-help and help-seek may allow emerging communication rehabilitation services, including the profession of speech-language pathology, to build on existing community practices in resource-limited contexts such as Ghana.

Source: UG
Self‑Medication Practice in Akuse, a Rural Setting in Ghana

Objective: In most resource‑poor settings, there is a paucity of data on self‑medication and possible factors that influence this practice. The current study assesses self‑medication among the people of Akuse, a rural setting in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods: A quantitative cross‑sectional study was carried out in Akuse from 4th January 2016 to 27th February 2016. Using a questionnaire, interviews were conducted to assess self‑medication: class of drugs taken, sources of drugs, knowledge of potential adverse effects, among others. Results: Of the 363 participants enrolled, 361 completed questionnaires administered. Of the 361 respondents, 58.4% were female. A majority of the respondents were within the ages of 30 and 45 years. Respondents were mainly farmers (40.2%), and a majority (44.6%) had primary level as the highest education. One major reason for self‑medication was influence from family and friends (32.7%). Antibiotics (32.1%) and analgesics (21.0%) were the most common self‑medicated drugs, and these drugs were mostly obtained from licenced chemical sellers (32.5%). A little more than a third (39.9%) of the respondents said that their condition did not change after self‑medication. A greater number of the respondents (81.7%) did not have knowledge of potential adverse reactions associated with self‑medicated drugs. However, respondents with high educational level had the most knowledge of adverse drug reactions. Conclusion: The study found self‑medication as a common practice among a number of residents of Akuse. Findings from this study provide data that could be used for targeted education and sensitisation of self‑medication and its demerits in similar resource‑poor rural settings.

Source: UG
Self-Medication Practices with Antibiotics among Tertiary Level Students in Accra, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

The study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among tertiary level students in Accra (Ghana) and evaluate factors associated with the practice. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study and involved face-to-face interviews of 600 respondents selected by convenient sampling. Prevalence of self medication was 70% (95% CI: 66.3–73.7), and the practice was significantly lower among medically inclined students (OR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.4, p < 0.001). Among the respondents who practiced self medication, the most common frequency of antibiotic usage was at intervals of one month (30%, 95% CI: 25.6–34.4%), and the most common antibiotic used was amoxacillin (23.9%, 95% CI: 21.0–26.8%). Treatment failure were reported by 35% (95% CI: 30.5–39.6%) of the respondents, and the main reasons cited for self medication were that, it was less expensive compared to medical care in the hospital and secondly, medical care in hospitals were associated with long delays. Forty nine percent (95% CI: 44.2–53.8%) of the respondents had poor knowledge about the health implications of irrational use of antibiotics, and 46% (95% CI: 41.2–50.8%) did not comply with the completion of the full course of antibiotics. Self medication among tertiary students in Accra is an important public health problem and this may reflect the situation among tertiary students in the whole of Ghana.

Source: UG
Self-Medication With Antibiotics Among Out-Patient Attendants At Madina Polyclinic Prior To Medical Consultation

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among attendants of the Out-patient Department (OPD) at Madina Polyclinic before seeking medical consultation and associated factors. Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: The study was conducted at Madina Polyclinic Participants: The study involved 319 general OPD attendants aged 18 years and older accessing healthcare services at the Madina Polyclinic between May and June 2019. Main outcome measures: The prevalence of antibiotic self-medication and the factors associated with this practice Results: From the study, 46.4% (95% CI 40.8%–52.0%) had self-medicated with antibiotics before presenting for medical consultation at the hospital. Less than half of the respondents (44.5%) had adequate knowledge about the use of of antibiotics. Having a tertiary level of education was significantly associated with self-medication (aOR= 8.09, 95% CI 2.31-28.4, p = 0.001), whilst adequate knowledge on the use of antibiotics reduced the odds of self-medication by 53% (aOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.23–0.66, p<0.001). The level of education modified the relationship between knowledge and and self-medication with antibiotics. Conclusion: The practice of antibiotic self-medication is rife among OPD attendants. Therefore, adequate public Education on the use of antibiotics and the effects of using them inappropriately must be done. The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) policy ought to be reinforced and made known to all, especially among the pharmacies that dispense antibiotics indiscriminately.

Source: UG
Self-reported cataracts in older adults in Ghana: sociodemographic and health related factors

Abstract Background Changes in function of sensory organs with increasing age have significant impact on health and wellbeing of older persons. This paper describes cataract, a chronic eye condition, self-reported among older adults in Ghana and the need for improving access to eye care services. Methods This work was based on the World Health Organization&#8217;s multi-country Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), conducted in six countries including Ghana. SAGE Wave 1 in Ghana was conducted in 2007&#8211;2008 in a nationally representative sample of 4278 older adults, &#8805; 50&#160;years. Data were obtained on sociodemographic and health factors related to self-reported cataracts in older persons in Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive measures (frequencies and proportions), chi-square test for associations in categorical outcome measures, and logistic regression for predictors of cataracts with SPSS version 21. Results Overall prevalence of self-reported cataracts among 4278 older adults in Ghana was 5.4%. Prevalence was proportionately higher for women (5.9%) than men (4.7%). Reported cataracts increased with age, among urban residents, in older adults living without partners and among those with the worse life satisfaction index. Older adults in lower income groups, poorly educated or living alone had difficulty seeking vision care services. Prevalence was 8.4% among persons with diabetes, 10.4% among hypertensives and 11.4% in persons with previous history of stroke. Among older persons who had ever used alcohol or tobacco, prevalence rates of reported cataracts were 5.7% and 4.9%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis indicated that increasing age, lower income status and self-reported hypertension were significantly associated with cataract among older adults in Ghana. Conclusions Cataract is prevalent in older people in Ghana with approximately 1 in 20 people aged 50&#160;years or older reporting a previous diagnosis of cataract. As cataract surgery is restorative, a public health approach on behavioural modification, well structured national outreach eye care services (for rural residents), inclusion of basic eye health services at sub-district levels, increased family support and national health insurance for older persons is indicated.

Source: UG
Self-reported continuing professional development needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana

Background Because of the essential nature of the work of medical laboratory professionals, continuing develop‑ ment in knowledge and skills is indispensable. The study aimed at identifying and prioritizing the development and training needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. This is expected to help in developing focused con‑ tinuing professional development (CPD) that meets the needs of practitioners as well as the changing medical trends. Methods An online cross-sectional survey in February 2022 using a structured questionnaire was conducted. Respondents were asked questions that collected demographic and work-related data about them, their partici‑ pation, preference, and challenges in being part of CPDs. Finally, a list of topics based on (i) quality management systems, (ii) technical competence, (iii) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching, (iv) pathophysiology, and (iv) data interpretation and research were asked with the option to rate them on a 3-point scale (most, moderate, and least) in order of importance. Results A total of 316 medical laboratory professionals participated in the study. Overall, the most frequently selected topics for training based on domains for CPD training and ranking as most important were (i) quality man‑ agement systems, (mean=80.59±9.024; 95% CI=73.04–88.13); (ii) pathophysiology, data interpretation, and research (mean=78.0±6.973; 95% CI=73.97–82.03); (iii) technical competence (mean=73.97±10.65; 95% CI=66.35–81.59); and (iv) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching (mean=72.82±9.719; 95% CI=67.44–78.2). The factors afecting the choice of training needs included the medical laboratory professionals’ current place of work, years in service, the reason for attending CPD activities, the period for attending the last CPD, being in a supervisory role, and the number of staf being supervised. Face-to-face presentations, training workshops, and hands-on workshops were the most preferred modes of CPD delivery with fnancial implications and workload/time constraints being the main challenges impeding CPD participation. Conclusion The identifed needs will help in developing CPD programs that address what medical laboratory professionals prioritize as training needs. Stakeholders should incorporate these training needs into future pro‑ grams and address the challenges highlighted in this study to have more relevant training for medical laboratory professionals.

Source: UG
Self-Reported Exposure To Blood And Body Fluids And Serological Evidence Of Lifetime Exposure To Hepatitis B Virus Among Health Care Workers In Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, about 40–65% of Hepatitis B Virus infections among HCWs were a result of percutaneous occupational exposures to contaminated blood and body fluids of patients. Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among healthcare workers is on the rise in Ghana. However, the relationship between self-reported exposures to blood and body fluids suspected to be contaminated with the hepatitis B virus and actual serological evidence of exposure remains unknown. The aim of the study however was to assess the self-reported exposure to HBV as against the serological evidence of lifetime exposure to HBV and associated factors among Ghanaian HCWs. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional analytical survey that involved 340 HCWs who were recruited using a simple random sampling procedure from six cadres of staff from five districts in Greater Accra. The participants were surveyed using a validated instrument and 5mls of venous blood was aseptically withdrawn for qualitative detection of Anti-HBc. SPSS version 23.0 was used to analyze the data to obtain proportions, odds ratios and their corresponding confidence intervals with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: The response rate was 94% with Nurses and Doctors in the majority with a mean age of 35.6±7.2. Self-reported exposure to HBV was 63% whereas lifetime exposure to HBV (Anti-HBc) prevalence was 8.2% (95% CI=5.0- 11.0%). Females were 60% less likely to be exposed to HBV (aOR=0.4; 95% CI=0.1–0.9) than their male counterparts. HCWs without training in the prevention of blood-borne infections had almost three times higher odds of being exposed to HBV in their lifetime (aOR=2.6; 95% CI=1.0-6.4). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that self-reported exposure to HBV-contaminated biological materials was high with a corresponding high lifetime exposure to HBV. The female gender was protective of anti-HBc acquisition. Apart from direct interventions for preventing occupational exposures to HBV in the healthcare setting, periodic training of all categories of healthcare workers in infection prevention techniques could significantly reduce exposure to the Hepatitis B virus.

Source: UG
Self-reported functional, communicative, and critical health literacy on foodborne diseases in Accra, Ghana

Background Although substantial progress has been made in reducing total mortality resulting from foodborne diseases, diarrheal illness are still the second most common illnesses among children. In Ghana, foodborne diseases have consistently been among the top 20 causes of outpatient illness over the last couple of decades. This study, therefore, examines health literacy on foodborne diseases and the relative effects of health literacy on self-rated health. Methods Foodborne diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality globally. A mixed-method approach was used for this study. A survey questionnaire and an in-depth interview guideline were administered to samples of 401 and 30 individuals, respectively. We undertook reliability and validity analyses. ANOVA and chi-square tests were undertaken to assess bivariate association between health literacy and demographic variables as well as health status. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the relative effects of health literacy on self-rated health status controlling for individual characteristics. Results The instrument was internally consistent (Cronbach alpha = 0.744) and valid. On health literacy, 40% of the respondents reported not to require help when they are given information on foodborne diseases to read by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Approximately 60% of respondents need help with completing or filling out hospital documents. Educational level was found to be positively related to functional health literacy. Ordinal logit regression models showed that health literacy is a predictor of self-rated health after controlling for demographic variables. Conclusion Functional literacy is relatively low in the community. There is a positive association between educational level and functional health literacy. The study has also demonstrated the direct positive relationship between health literacy and health status controlling for covariates. Subsequent studies will need to examine multiple level dimensions of health literacy with direct link between specific foodborne diseases and health literacy.

Source: UG
Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among adolescent girls and young women in Mali: analysis of prevalence and predictors

Objective To examine the prevalence and predictors of self-reported sexually transmitted infections (SR-STIs) among adolescent girls and young women in Mali. Design We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Demographic and Health Survey of Mali, which was conducted in 2018. A weighted sample of 2105 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 was included. Percentages were used to summarise the results of the prevalence of SR-STIs. We used a multilevel binary logistic regression analysis to examine the predictors of SR-STIs. The results were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Setting Mali. Participants Adolescent girls (15–19 years) and young women (20–24 years). Outcome measure SR-STIs. Results The prevalence of SR-STIs among the adolescent girls and young women was 14.1% (95% CI=12.3 to 16.2). Adolescent girls and young women who had ever tested for HIV, those with one parity, those with multiparity, those with two or more sexual partners, those residing in urban areas, and those exposed to mass media were more likely to self-report STIs. However, those residing in Sikasso and Kidal regions were less likely to report STIs. Conclusion Our study has shown that SR-STIs are prevalent among adolescent girls and young women in Mali. Health authorities in Mali and other stakeholders should formulate and implement policies and programmes that increase health education among adolescent girls and young women and encourage free and easy access to STI prevention and treatment services.

Source: UG
Self-reported suicidal behavior and attitudes toward suicide and suicide prevention among psychology students in Ghana, Uganda, and Norway

Self-reported suicidal behavior and attitudes toward suicide in psychology students are reported and compared in Ghana, Uganda, and Norway. Small differences only were found in own suicidal behavior. However, experience of suicidal behavior in the surroundings was more common in Uganda than in Ghana and Norway. Although differences were found between the three countries in attitudes toward suicide, which emphasizes the need for culture-sensitive research and prevention, many of the differences were not as big as expected. The most pronounced difference was that the Norwegian students were more reluctant to take a stand on these questions compared to their African counterparts. Some differences were also found between the two African countries. The implications of the results for suicide prevention in Africa are discussed. © 2008 Hogrefe & Huber Publishers.

Source: UG
Self-reported use and understanding of food label information among tertiary education students in Ghana

Food packaging labels attract consumers' attention in stores and market areas, and communicates relevant food safety and nutrition information that allows them to distinguish between food product alternatives. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess consumers' self-reported use, knowledge and understanding of food labels among tertiary students in Ghana. A validated questionnaire was used to recruit 1478 students from fourteen (14) public tertiary institutions across the 10 regions to collect information on demographic characteristics of respondents, usage and understanding of information provided on food labels, using proportional quota and convenience sampling techniques. The majority of respondents 956 (64.7%) were between the ages of 21 and 30. A total of 463 (31.3%) students read food label ‘very often’ while 892 (60.4%) read food labels ‘sometimes’. While 963 (65.2%) of respondents indicated that information on food labels are very important, 934 (63.2%) still believe that food label information are often not credible. Respondents considered expiring date 1269 (85.9%), date of manufacture 1106 (74.8%) and health warning 1097 (74.2%) as the top three very important information on food labels whereas product value/weight, 654 (44.2%) was considered as least important in choosing particular food products. Respondents generally depend on television programs/advertisement, 1349 (91.3%); internets, 1290 (87.3%) and friends and neighbors, 1213 (82.1%) as sources of knowledge regarding food label information. When participants were provided with a sample food label to assess their understanding of food label information, 916 (62.0%) of respondents did not answer the question at all. Out of 562 (38%) who answered the question, only 243 (16.5%) correctly interpreted the information. No significant difference (P > 0.05) exist between ages, sexes, institutions, and university and training college students regarding their understanding of food label information. Eventhough tertiary education students in Ghana read and attach importance to food label information, they have limited understanding of the information provided on food labels.

Source: UG
Self-reported use of anti-malarial drugs and health facility management of malaria in ghana

OBJECTIVE: To assess the appropriateness of self-reported use of anti-malarial drugs prior to health facility attendance, and the management of malaria in two health facilities in Ghana. METHOD: A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 500 respondents who were diagnosed clinically and/or parasitologically for malaria at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital and Suntreso Polyclinic, both in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Collected information included previous use of anti-malarial drugs prior to attending the health facilities, types of drugs used, how the drugs were used, and the sources of the drugs. In addition, the anti-malarial therapy given and outcomes at the two health facilities were assessed.RESULTS: Of the 500 patients interviewed, 17% had severe malaria, 8% had moderate to severe malaria and 75% had uncomplicated malaria. Forty three percent of the respondents had taken anti-malarial drugs within two weeks prior to hospital attendance. The most commonly used anti-malarials were chloroquine (76%), sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (9%), herbal preparations (9%) and amodiaquine (6%). The sources of these medicines were licensed chemical sellers (50%), pharmacies (21%), neighbouring clinics (9%) or "other" sources (20%) including left-over medicines at home. One hundred and sixty three (77%) of the 213 patients who had used anti-malarial drugs prior to attending the health facilities, used the drugs inappropriately. At the health facilities, the anti-malarials were prescribed and used according to the national standard treatment guidelines with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of inappropriate use of anti-malarials in the community in Ghana is high. There is need for enhanced public health education on home-based management of malaria and training for workers in medicine supply outlets to ensure effective use of anti-malaria drugs in the country.

Source: UG