ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 drug-resistance surveillance among treatment-experienced and -naÃ¯ve patients after the implementation of antiretroviral therapy in Ghana.

Limited HIV-1 drug-resistance surveillance has been carried out in Ghana since the implementation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study sought to provide data on the profile of HIV-1 drug resistance in ART-experienced and newly diagnosed individuals in Ghana. Samples were collected from 101 HIV-1-infected patients (32 ART-experienced cases with virological failure and 69 newly diagnosed ART-naÃ¯ve cases, including 11 children), in Koforidua, Eastern region of Ghana, from February 2009 to January 2010. The pol gene sequences were analyzed by in-house HIV-1 drug-resistance testing. The most prevalent HIV-1 subtype was CRF02_AG (66.3%, 67/101) followed by unique recombinant forms (25.7%, 26/101). Among 31 ART-experienced adults, 22 (71.0%) possessed at least one drug-resistance mutation, and 14 (45.2%) had two-class-resistance to nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors used in their first ART regimen. Importantly, the number of accumulated mutations clearly correlated with the duration of ART. The most prevalent mutation was lamivudine-resistance M184V (n = 12, 38.7%) followed by efavirenz/nevirapine-resistance K103N (n = 9, 29.0%), and zidovudine/stavudine-resistance T215Y/F (n = 6, 19.4%). Within the viral protease, the major nelfinavir-resistance mutation L90M was found in one case. No transmitted HIV-1 drug-resistance mutation was found in 59 ART-naÃ¯ve adults, but K103N and G190S mutations were observed in one ART-naÃ¯ve child. Despite expanding accessibility to ART in Eastern Ghana, the prevalence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance presently appears to be low. As ART provision with limited options is scaled up nationwide in Ghana, careful monitoring of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance is necessary.

Source: UG
HIV-1 proteases from drug-naive West African patients are differentially less susceptible to protease inhibitors

Background. Now that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is being initiated on a large scale in West Africa, it remains controversial whether protease inhibitors (PIs), originally designed and tested against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype B, are equally effective against the non-B subtypes that are prevalent in West African countries. In this study, we investigated whether Ghanaian HIV-1 isolates, as representatives of West African isolates, are susceptible to PIs. Methods. We first generated an HIV-1 protease cassette vector proviral DNA carrying a luciferase gene, which allows patient-derived HIV-1 proteases to be inserted and to be subjected to both genotypic and phenotypic assays. HIV-1 protease genes derived from 39 treatment-naive Ghanaian patients were used in this experiment as representatives of West African strains. The cloned patient-derived HIV-1 protease genes were first sequenced and then genetically compared. Phenotypic analysis was performed with Ghanaian HIV-1 protease-chimeric viruses in the presence of 6 different PIs. Structural models of HIV-1 protease homodimers were constructed by the molecular modeling software. Results. Genetic analysis of cloned patient-derived HIV-1 protease genes indicated that most of the Ghanaian HIV-1 proteases are placed as subtype CRF02_AG strains, which are phylogenetically distant from subtype B strains, and that Ghanaian HIV-1 proteases do not harbor known major mutations influencing drug resistance but commonly carry 2-3 minor mutations. Phenotypic analysis performed with HIV-1 protease-recombinant viruses in the presence of 6 different PIs revealed that Ghanaian HIV-1 proteases are differentially less susceptible to the PIs. In support of this finding of differential susceptibility, structural analysis showed a significant distortion of nelfinavir, but not of amprenavir, in the Ghanaian protease pocket, suggesting nelfinavir might be less insertable into the Ghanaian protease than into the protease of subtype B. Conclusions. These findings provide implications for the combination of PIs during the introduction of HAART into West Africa.

Source: UG
HIV-negative status is associated with very early onset of lactation among ghanaian women

This is a longitudinal cohort study investigating the association between maternal HIV status and the reported onset of lactation. The Research to Improve Infant Nutrition and Growth project recruited 442 mothers from 3 antenatal clinics in the eastern region of Ghana, based on positive, negative, and unknown HIV status. Onset of lactation was assessed by maternal perception and validated with 2 subsamples: measurement of infant breast milk intake (n = 40) and daily infant weight measurement for 2 weeks (n = 150). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of very early onset of lactation (onset of lactation < 6 hours). Predictors of very early onset of lactation include HIV-negative status (odds ratio = 2.68; P =.014), multiparity (odds ratio = 2.93; P =.009), vaginal delivery (odds ratio = 2.55; P =.035), and having a male child (odds ratio = 1.86; P =.032). The findings indicate an association between maternal HIV status and very early onset of lactation. © 2010 International Lactation Consultant Association.

Source: UG
HIV-related knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and utilisation of HIV counselling and testing: A venue-based intercept commuter population survey in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa

Background: HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and knowledge about HIV have been key strategies utilised in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS worldwide. HIV knowledge and uptake of HCT services in sub-Saharan Africa are still low. This study was conducted to determine factors associated with HCT and HIV/AIDS knowledge levels among a commuter population in Johannesburg, South Africa. Objective: To identify the factors associated with HCT uptake among the commuter population. Design: A simple random sampling method was used to select participants in a venue-based intercept survey at a taxi rank in the Johannesburg Central Business District. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis assessed factors associated with HIV testing stratified by gender. Results: 1,146 respondents were interviewed, the maority (n=579, 50.5%) were females and (n=780, 68.1%) were over 25 years of age. Overall HCT knowledge was high (n=951, 83%) with more females utilising HCT facilities. There was a significant difference in HIV testing for respondents living closer to and further away from health facilities. Slightly more than half of the respondents indicated stigma as one of the barriers for testing (n=594, 52%, p-value=0.001). For males, living with a partner (aOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.02-2.78, p-value: 0.041) and possessing a post-primary education were positively associated with testing (aOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.15-3.47, p-value: 0.014), whereas stigma and discrimination reduced the likelihood of testing (aOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.31-0.62, p-value: < 0.001). For females, having one sexual partner (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.19-5.90, p-value: 0.017) and a low perceived benefit for HIV testing (aOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30-0.96, p-value: 0.035) were associated with HIV testing. Conclusion: The overall HIV/AIDS knowledge was generally high. Gender-specific health education and HIV intervention programmes are needed for improved access to HCT services. One favourable intervention would be the use of home-based HCT programmes. © 2015 Lucy Chimoyi et al.

Source: UG
HIV-seropositivity is not important in childbearing decision-making among HIV-positive Ghanaian women receiving antiretroviral therapy

Women in their reproductive years make up about 50% of all HIV-positive persons globally. These women, just as their HIV-negative counterparts, wield the right to procreate. However, HIV infection and lack of appropriate information on reproductive options may negatively impact women's procreative decision-making. This study assessed fertility intentions of HIV-positive women receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in southern Ghana. Quantitative methods were used to collect data from HIV-positive women receiving ART at four treatment centers. HIV-positive aged 18–49 years, and receiving ART were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Three hundred eighteen women were interviewed after informed consent. We used univariate analysis to generate descriptive tabulations for key variables. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression modeling respectively produced unadjusted and adjusted associations between background attributes of respondents and their childbearing decision-making. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Irrespective of age, reproductive history, and duration of HIV diagnosis, 46% of the women were desirous of procreating. The bivariate level analysis shows that women in their late reproductive ages (30–39 years) had the strongest desire to procreate (p < 0.001). After controlling for a number of covariates, primiparous and secundiparious women were about twice as likely to desire children (aOR = 2.553; 95% CI 1.480–4.401), and so were women aged 30–39 years (aOR = 2.149; 95% CI 1.202–3.843). Of 54% women who do not wish to procreate, achievement of desired family size (64.3%) was more popular a reason than fear of vertical transmission of HIV (7.5%), poor health status (5%), and pregnancy-related complications (1.6%).

Source: UG
HIV/AIDS and survival challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: An illustration with Ghana and South Africa

Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.

Source: UG
HIV/AIDS Awareness and Knowledge Among Ghanaian Women of Reproductive Age: What Are the Correlates?

This paper explores the predictors of HIV/AIDS awareness and knowledge among older and younger Ghanaian women of reproductive age. Logistic regression was estimated using the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data. Results indicate that older Ghanaian women are significantly different from their younger counterparts in terms of the selected socio-economic and demographic characteristics that influence awareness and knowledge of the epidemic. In all, the respondents’ age, region of residence, wealth status, education, marital status and religious affiliation were found to significantly predict knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS among women. In addition, pregnancy status and place of residence proved to be significant correlates of HIV/AIDS awareness among Ghanaian women. The study suggests that higher social status is critical in determining whether women of reproductive age are aware of and knowledgeable about the epidemic. Thus, there is the need for policies and interventions to target messages taking into account the varied socio-economic and demographic backgrounds of women in Ghana. Further, health education interventions should be sensitive to the changing technological landscape in order to develop messages that can be delivered via mobile phones, whether as reminders or ringtones, and therefore enhance health knowledge and promote behaviour that brings about desirable health outcomes.

Source: UG
HIV/AIDS awareness and testing practices among adolescents in eastern Ethiopia

objective To examine HIV/AIDS awareness, HIV testing practices and associated factors among adolescents in two eastern Ethiopian communities. methods Community-based, cross-sectional study among 2010 adolescents aged 10–19 years. Participants were asked about their awareness of HIV/AIDS and HIV testing practices, and whether they had ever been tested for HIV. Regression models were applied to identify the factors of statistical significance at P-value < 0.05. results Of 90% were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only a quarter had ever been tested for HIV. Rural adolescents were less aware of HIV than urban adolescents (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.58), and in-school adolescents had more knowledge about HIV/AIDS than that out-of-school adolescents (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.88, 4.15). Factors associated with lower uptake of HIV testing were male sex (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI; 0.58, 0.91) and being from a rural area (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.36). Factors associated with higher uptake of HIV testing were being in school (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.38), using the Internet (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.28), and ever visiting a health facility (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.96). conclusions Awareness of HIV/AIDS was high, whereas HIV testing was rare. HIV awareness programs for adolescents should target rural and out-of-school adolescents. Programmes to increase HIV testing implemented in these and similar communities should focus on male and rural adolescents.

Source: UG
The HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa: Homogeneity or heterogeneity?

This article examines the geography of HIV/AIDS in sub-Sabaran Africa in a time and space perspective. Drawing on a variety of sources, an interesting picture of HIV/AIDS spread emerges, one that is quite at odds with the popular perception of an increasing HIV prevalence in most of the region. A significant decline has been underway in Uganda. There has also been stability or levelling off in countries such as Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, and Cote d'Ivoire. In sharp contrast, prevalence is increasing in Tanzania, Swaziland and Central African Republic (CAR). The article heeds the important point that transmission of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa not only displays differing patterns but differing reasons for those patterns between countries and regions proximate to each other. Thus, no single policy can be adopted for all countries. © 2005 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UG
HIV/AIDS-related stigma and HIV test uptake in Ghana: Evidence from the 2008 demographic and health survey

The study examined the association between HIV test uptake and socioeconomic characteristics of individuals, including HIV-related stigma behaviours. The study also investigated the socioeconomic determinants of HIV-related stigma in Ghana. Cross tabulations and logistic regression techniques were applied to data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The results showed significantly low HIV test uptake and some level of HIV-related stigma prevalence in Ghana. Higher wealth status, educational attainment and HIV-related stigma were significant determinants of HIV test uptake. Aside wealth status and education, rural place of residence and religious affiliation were positive and significant determinants of HIV-related stigma. The findings call for comprehensive HIV education including treatment, prevention and care. Legislations to discourage stigma and improve HIV-testing will be critical policy steps in the right direction. © 2014, Union for African Population Studies. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
HLA-DR7 association with African Burkitt's lymphoma.

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
HLA-DRB1*04 allele is associated with severe malaria in northern 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
Holography for tensor models

In this article we explore the holographic duals of tensor models using collective field theory. We develop a description of the gauge invariant variables of the tensor model. This is then used to develop a collective field theory description of the dynamics. We consider matrixlike subsectors that develop an extra holographic dimension. In particular, we develop the collective field theory for the matrixlike sector of an interacting tensor model. We check the correctness of the large N collective field by showing that it reproduces the perturbative expansion of large N expectation values. In contrast to this, we argue that melonic large N limits do not develop an extra dimension. This conclusion follows from the large N value for the melonic collective field, which has delta function support. The finite N physics of the model is also developed and nonperturbative effects in the 1 / N expansion are exhibited.

Source: UG
The Home Education of Children in the Ewe Tribe

The Eweland,the greater part of which is in southern Togo land is a piece of land between Gold Coast and Dahome in west Africa. It lies between Latitutes 5.46 North and 8 North and Longitudes 0.16 East and 1.54 East. It is almost about the size of Ashanti whose area is 24,379 Square miles

Source: UG
The Home Education of Children in the Ewe Tribe

The Ewe land, the greater part of which is in Southern Togo land is a piece of land between Gold Coast and Dahomey in West Africa.It lies between Latitudes 5.46 North and 8 North and Longitudes 0-16 East and 1.54 East .It is is almost about the size of Ashanti whose area is 24,379 Square miles.

Source: UG
The Home Education of the New Juaben Child

It would be impossible to pay tribute by name to all those friends and old men and women in Koforidua New Juaben - who have helped me to write this essay; but I should like to take this opportunity of' expressing my gratitude to Opanin Asafu-Adjei of Koforidua without whose assistance should have found it difficult to begin it.; to Rebecca, my wife, for helping me with collecting Materials during the holidays, and to my tutor Mr. Taylor for his valuable criticism and correction of the manuscript and especially for encouraging me to buy a small camera for your work" which has led me to study Home Photography. It is with much pride that I developed and printed all by myself the photographs which accompany this essay.

Source: UG
The home environment as a predictor of mathematics achievement in Ghana

This paper examined the significant role of the learner’s home environment in Ghanaian grade 8 students’ performance in mathematics in the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Applying multiple linear regression analyses on the TIMSS 2007 data from Ghana revealed a positive association between father’s educational level, watching of TV or videos regularly at home, reading books for enjoyment at home regularly, and doing homework regularly at home and mathematics achievement. On the contrary, a negative relationship was found between mathematics achievement and the number of books at home, home possessions, and the playing of computer games at home regularly. The paper concluded with the recommendation that the learner’s home background should be considered when designing policies and interventions aimed at improving students’ mathematics performance.

Source: UG
Home fortification of complementary foods with micronutrient supplements is well accepted and has positive effects on infant iron status in Ghana

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common during infancy, and optimal approaches for their prevention need to be identified. Objective: The objective was to compare the efficacy and acceptability of Sprinkles (SP), crushable Nutritabs (NT), and fat-based Nutributter (NB; 108 kcal/d), which provide 6, 16, and 19 vitamins and minerals, respectively, when used for home fortification of complementary foods. Design: Ghanaian infants were randomly assigned to receive SP (n = 105), NT (n = 105), or NB (n = 103) daily from 6 to 12 mo of age. We assessed dietary intake, morbidity, and compliance weekly. Hemoglobin and plasma ferritin, TfR, C-reactive protein, and zinc were measured at 6 and 12 mo. We used an exit interview to assess acceptability. A randomly selected control group of infants who received no intervention (NI; n = 96) were assessed at 12 mo. Results: All supplements were well accepted, and the mean percentage of days that supplements were consumed (87%) did not differ between groups. At 12 mo, all 3 intervention groups had significantly higher ferritin and lower TfR concentrations than did the NI control group. Mean (± SD) hemoglobin was significantly higher in NT (112 ± 14 g/L) and NB (114 ± 14 g/L) but not in SP (110 ± 14 g/L) infants than in NI infants (106 ± 14 g/L). The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 31% in the NI control group compared with 10% in the intervention groups combined (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: All 3 options for home fortification of complementary foods are effective for reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency in such populations. © 2008 American Society for Nutrition.

Source: UG
Home-Based Sexuality Education in Ghana: The Perspectives of Adolescents and Parents

The extant literature has explored sexuality education from the perspectives of adolescents, but the views of parents are largely neglected. The few studies that have examined the views of both parents and adolescents are selective in scope, coverage, and assessment. There is thus a dearth of data on the type of topics discussed and the frequency of parent-adolescent sexual communication. The present study sought to explore adolescents’ lived experiences of sexuality education and its impact on their sexual and reproductive health. To achieve this, a qualitative research design with a semi-structured interview was employed to gather data from thirty parents and adolescents in Ablekuma South Metropolis. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used in analyzing the data with each theme showing divergence categories of experiences of sexuality education although the views of both parents and adolescents on each category were similar. Parent-adolescent sex communication showed frequently discussed topics and less discussed ones. Perceptions of sexuality education revealed both positive and negative perceptions. perceived impact of sexuality education also brought to light both positive and negative impacts. It is recommended that stakeholders institutionalize diverse behavior change interventions such as interpersonal communication and skills training aimed at empowering both parents and adolescents to communicate explicitly about sexuality rather than using euphemisms and timing techniques.

Source: UG