ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of speech and language delay /disorders at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)

Speech and language are indispensable for sharing feelings, thoughts, and information with others and are therefore critical for human species. When communication is affected by means of speech and language disorder or delay, interaction with family and society as a whole becomes unpleasant and which may also affect both the health and educational progress of people living with such conditions. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD, 2008) requires countries to report statistical data about children with disabilities for planning purposes including development and access to inclusive education and proper health care for children in this bracket. However, in many low and middle income countries including Ghana, credible statistical data is not readily available, making it difficult to persuade governments and donors to invest adequately in this sector. On the basis of these, this study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in the Kumasi metropolis, Ashanti region, which is an important and historical location in the middle belt of Ghana to determine the prevalence of speech and language delay/disorder in the last three years (2015-2017) among 439 patients between 1 and 15 years of age who attended the Hospital (KATH); so as to provide a statistical data and pattern of speech and language disorders/delay among children in this age bracket. The study seeks to stimulate national discourse towards training of more speech and language therapists with the needed resources in major health facilities across the country. In this study, convenience sampling technique which is a type of non-probability was employed and a quantitative approach in research was adopted in the design of this work using the Records Unit of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department of KATH as the source of data. Patients’ records were perused; carefully and appropriately entered into Excel worksheet. Prevalence i.e. rate and frequency of reported cases were found to be highest in 2017; with male patients being 48% more than the female patients in all 3 year data. The highest number of cases per milestone was recorded by 3.6 – 4 yr. age group for both 2015 and 2016 while in 2017, the highest cases was recorded by 2.6 – 3 yr. age group. The prevalence rates for the three years under review were 75% and 25% for speech delay/disorder and language delay/disorder respectively.

Source: KNUST
The prevalence of street children in Kumasi Metropolis and strategies to tackle the problem

The problem of Street children has become a problem of worldwide occurrence. It is, however, severe in developing countries where economic problems have incapacitated nations and parents of the children to take care of their children. Ghana, as one of the developing countries, is no exception. As rapid urbanization, widespread poverty (both urban and rural) and economic depression characterize the Ghanaian Society, the phenomenon of street children is becoming a serious problem. Children are seen engaging in various informal activities in market centers, streets and transport terminals of major and secondary cities of Ghana. Kumasi, the second largest city of Ghana, is hosting large number of such children. The aim of this study is to identify the underlying reason why children take to the street and recommend strategies to reverse the current trend at which the problem is growing. To achieve these objectives, a well-structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of street children who are operating in Kumasi. A total of 140 street children were interviewed. Institutional survey was also conducted to know the level of current intervention programs, the level of achievement and major problems militating against their performance. The study established that both social and economic factors are responsible for street children phenomenon in Kumasi. The greater majority of the street children are on the street because of the inability of their parents to take care of their needs. The children arc therefore either sent to the street by their parents to supplement the household income through income from the street work, or they take to the street by themselves to satisfy their own needs. A section of the children are those who had lost one or both of them and thus have no one to take care of them. Polygamy (multiple marriages), broken-home, child neglect and abuse are among the social factors precipitating in street children phenomenon. Street children are from households with large family sizes, due to both high fertility rate and multiple marriages. The study further established that street children in Kumasi are composed more of rural migrants, mainly from the poverty stricken Northern Savannah Regions. Furthermore the majority of the children are school dropouts, mainly for fee related reasons. The study recognises that the current intervention programmes are grossly inadequate. The NGOs, which claim to work with street children, could not realize their objectives due to financial and human resource constraints. Attempt to solve the problem of street children calls for both long-term and short-term strategies. Short-term strategies to help the children who are already on the Street; and long-term strategies to tackle the root cause of the problem. The problem of Street children, however, cannot be solved single-handed. The combined and coordinated effort of both governmental and humanitarian organizations is required.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of speech disorder in school children from class one to class six in Offinso Municipality in Ashanti Region

The current research reports the prevalence of speech disorders in school children from class one to class six in the Offinso Municipality in Ashanti Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional research designed to recruit 900 respondents from 58 government primary schools in the municipality was used in the data collection. The aim of the study was to find out the occurrence of speech disorders among the sample population at a given point in time, which was then used to determine the prevalence of speech disorders in the municipality. The procedure adopted included training in the data collection process, teacher identification, screening tests, confirmation by speech pathologists and ENT doctors. Of the 900 respondents, 144 were diagnosed as having speech disorders with a prevalence of 0.16. There were more boys observed with speech disorders than girls. The arrangement of prevalence of speech disorders was significantly different according to gender. It was not possible to test the association of speech disorders by class level due to the small numbers in the majority of cells. There was an overall falling prevalence of speech disorders with class level. Of the 144 respondents diagnosed with speech disorders, the majority of the respondents 109 (representing 75.6%) had articulation disorders whiles the minority of the respondents, 7 (representing 4.8%) exhibited voice disorders. The frequent causes of speech disorders were vocal cords nodules and hearing impairment. These results have important inferences on the need of resource development for prevention and rehabilitation of speech disorders. Finally most of the findings are preventable if appropriate measures are taken.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of the genetic mutation Cyp2c8*5 in selected ethnic groups in Southern Ghana

Effects of genetic variability on drug efficacy and tolerability are important. Many pharmacologically-relevant genetic polymorphisms show variability in different populations. Information on allelic frequency is useful in identifying adverse drug reaction (ADRs) risk populations, understanding therapeutic failures and optimising doses for efficacy and efficiency. CYP2C8 are clinically important haem-containing group of enzymes which metabolize several drugs (e.g. anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) and endogenous substances (e.g. alltrans- retinoic acid, steroidal hormones and arachidonic acid). CYP2C8*5 homozygous individuals are poor metabolizers with increased risk of drug toxicity. The study determined prevalence of clinically relevant cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8*5 polymorphism in 80 unrelated individuals, 10 each from the ethnic groups Akyem, Ashanti, Anlo, Ewe, Fanti, Ga, Krobo and Nzema in Southern Ghanaian population. Medical history on adverse drug reactions of the subjects and level of dependency on drugs metabolized by CYP2C8 enzyme was obtained by questionnaire. Allele Specific-PCR analyses were used to genotype CYP2C8*5 alleles in the study subjects. Allelic frequency for CYP2C8*5 was 0.8375 which was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) in the prevalence of CYP2C8*5 allele within the ethnic groups. Also, there was no significant association (p >0.05) between CYP2C8*5 allele and reported ADRs. Many (88.75%) of the study subjects depended highly (>1-3x in a year) on drugs metabolized by CYP2C8. The study population may be at risk of toxicity in using drugs metabolized by CYP2C8 because of the high prevalence determined since CYP2C8*5 mutants have been reported to have a reduced enzymatic activity.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of the Proteus species causing infections at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and their antimicrobial resistance

Various Proteus species are known to be responsible for causing several human infections. The various species may also present with different antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. However, in most of our hospitals, differentiation of the genus Proteus into species is not fully practised during bacteriological diagnosis because more materials, time and labour are required to carry out such tests. As a result, there is scanty information on the different types of Proteus species and how they vary with the types of infections they cause both in our communities and hospital environments. The level of resistance of the Proteus species to the commonly tested antimicrobial agents is also not known. This study therefore seeks to determine the prevalence of the various Proteus species causing infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns at KATH. From 25th November, 2006 to 20th July, 2007, a total of two hundred (200) Proteus species were isolated from 2369 clinical specimens of patients suspected of bacterial infections. Three different Proteus species were identified and their antimicrobial resistant patterns determined. The Proteus isolates were also related to the patient's demographic data. Proteus mirabilis (61.5%) was identified as the commonest species causing the majority of Proteus infections followed by Proteus vulgaris (30.5%), with Proteus penneri (8%) being the least isolated species. The infection was distributed evenly among the sexes. The most susceptible age group to Proteus infections was the 1-9 age group. Blocks D (medical unit), B (childrens block) and C (accident/surgical unit) were identified as the most Proteus infection prone blocks at KATH. Antimicrbial susceptibility pattern of the Proteus species revealed that they were highly resistant to the antimicrobial agents tested with the following resistance values to ampicillin (77%), tetracycline (85%), chloramphenicol (82.5%) and co-trimoxazole (81%). Their levels were low with resistance levels to amikacin being 4%, gentamicin (26.5%), ceftriaxone (36.5%) and cefotaxime (38%). Amikacin and gentamicin were therefore the most potent drugs with resistance levels being 4% and 26.5% respectively, Beta-lactamase was detected among the Proteus species with the highest beta-lactamase producing species being Proteus mirabilis (77%), followed by Proteuspenneri (75%), with the least being Proteus vulgaris (64.5%). It is recommended that there should be continuous surveillance on antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates which should be identified to the species level in our hospitals. Information from these surveillances should be stored (on computers) to form a data base in the hospitals for health planners and quick reference guide for clinicians who prescribe antibiotics emperically and also for researchers.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its associated lipid and cardiac enzyme changes among diabetes mellitus patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.

Cross-sectional studies have reported that the risk of thyroid dysfunction and its associated cardiac risk indicators such as hypertension and hyperlipidaemia in diabetes mellitus patients are two (2) to three (3) folds higher than in the general population. Thyroid dysfunction among diabetic patients results in poor blood glucose management and worsens plasma glucose control. Thyroid dysfunction in diabetic patients also ca^^ abnormal changes in lipid and cardiac profiles. Research data of thyroid profile of diabetic patients in Ghana is not available and this therefore necessitated this pioneering study of Prevalence of Thyroid dysfunction and its associated lipid and cardiac enzyme changes at the Diabetic Centre of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana. Two hundred and sixty-two (262) patients with mean age 51.5 (±15) years were randomly selected with their informed consent and their thyroid profile (TSH, TT4, TT3) was measured with an automated enzyme immunoassay analyzer. Fasting plasma glucose, fasting lipid profiles and cardiac enzyme profiles were determined on an ATAC 8000 random chemistry analyzer. Their age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were also recorded. All the results were analysed using ST ATA 8 statistical software. Twelve patients (4.5%) had thyroid dysfunction. Eight patients (3.0%) were hyperthyroid and four patients (1.5%) were hypothyroid, sixty nine (26.4%) showed sub-clinical hypothyroidism and one hundred and eighty one (69.1%) were euthyroid. The mean total cholesterol (205±10 mg/dl) and LDL -cholesterol (189±15 mg/dl) were greater for the hypothyroids than the hyperthyroids, sub- clinical hypothyroids and the euthyroids. The mean creatine kinase (208±20u/l) and lactate dehydrogenase (305±21u/L) of the hypothyroids were significantly greater than that of the hypothyroids, sub- clinical hypothyroids and euthyroids. The high prevalence rate of thyroid dysfunction (4.5%) among the studied diabetic group suggests that there should be routine screening for thyroid status for diabetic patients who have poor plasma glucose control, hyperlipidaemia, and heart related diseases.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of, and factors associated with contraceptive use among sexually active female adolescents in selected second cycle institutions in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.

A steady progress has been made in the last decade on adolescent’s contraceptive use among sexually active adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa; however, an unmet need of contraception still remains. The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of, and factors associated with contraceptive use among sexually active female in-school adolescents in Kumasi Metropolis. Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional, conducted among 350 sexually active female adolescents’ students in four selected second cycle institutions in Kumasi Metropolis. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the selected schools and final individuals’ participants for the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire with close and open ended questions. Analysis was done using Stata 11.0 (Stata Corporation, Texas, and USA). Chi-Square was used to compare proportions. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were done to determine factors associated with contraceptive use to determine crude and adjusted relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of contraceptive use among sexually active female students studied was 213(61%). Altogether, 301(86%) respondents had knowledge on contraception. The pill was the most common contraceptive method used among the respondents 97(27.7%), and 52(14.9%) respondents used more than one contraceptive method. The main source of information on contraception was from family and friends 216(61.7%). Most respondents 110 (55.8%) obtained contraceptives from Pharmacies and drug stores. A Sexually active students about (64%) of contraceptive users reported they experienced method-related side effects. Partner support for contraceptive use (p = 0.05) and sources of information on contraception were independent factors associated with contraceptive use among sexually active female students studied in Kumasi Metropolis (p= < 0.0001). Conclusion: Partner support for contraceptive use and sources of information on contraception can influence contraceptive uptake. Therefore, communication on sexual and reproduction health especially on contraceptive use should be freely discussed in schools and at home among sexually active adolescents to improve their contraceptives uptake.

Source: KNUST
Prevelence of refractive errors among Junior High School students in the Ejisu Juaben Municipality of Ghana

Among school children, uncorrected refractive errors have a considerable impact on their participation and learning in class. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of refractive error among students in the Ejisu-Juabeng Municipality of Ghana. A survey with multi-stage sampling was undertaken. We interviewed 504 students aged 12-17 years and examined them for refractive errors. The prevalence of refractive errors among those with and without refractive error was compared by means of the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis using refractive error as the dependent variable and adjusting for risk factors were performed. The overall prevalence rate of refractive errors was 7.5%. Out of the number of children with refractive errors, 39.5% had astigmatism, 31.6% had hyperopia and 28.9% had myopia. The prevalence rate was significantly higher among urban compared with rural students. Astigmatic refractive errors consists of with–the–rule (WTR) astigmatism 66.7%, against–the–rule (ATR) astigmatism 26.7% and oblique astigmatism (OBL) 6.6%. WTR and ATR astigmatism were more common in females than males. Multivariate logistic regression models showed no substantial confounding effects between near work, sex, and residence, suggesting that each covariate has an independent association with refractive error. In conclusion, near work, sex and high parental education level are factors contributing to refractive errors. Children in urban areas are at higher risk compared with their rural counterparts. We suggest that an efficient pre-school vision examination must be made part of the admission policy of all schools in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence, Detection, Management, and Control of Hypertension in Ashanti, West Africa

Hypertension and stroke are important threats to the health of adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, detection of hypertension is haphazard and stroke prevention targets are currently unattainable. Prevalence, detection, management, and control of hypertension were assessed in 1013 men (n 385) and women (n 628), both aged 55 [SD 11] years, living in 12 villages in Ashanti, Ghana. Five hundred thirty two lived in semi-urban and 481 in rural villages. The participants underwent measurements of height, weight, and blood pressure (BP) and answered a detailed questionnaire. Hypertension was defined as BP 140 and/or 90 mm Hg or being on drug therapy. Women were heavier than men. Participants in semi-urban areas were heavier and had higher BP (129/76 [26/14] versus 121/72 [25/13] mm Hg; P 0.001 for both) than in rural areas. Prevalence of hypertension was 28.7% overall and comparable in men and women, but higher in semi-urban villages (32.9% [95% CI 28.9 to 37.1] versus 24.1% [20.4 to 28.2]), and increased with age. Detection rate was lower in men than women (13.9% versus 27.3%; P 0.007). Treatment and control rates were low in both groups (7.8% and 4.4% versus 13.6% and 1.7%). Detection, treatment, and control rates were higher in semi-urban (25.7%, 14.3%, and 3.4%) than in rural villages (16.4%, 6.9%, and 1.7%). Hypertension is common in adults in central Ghana, particularly in urban areas. Detection rates are suboptimal in both men and women, especially in rural areas. Adequate treatment of high BP is at a very low level. There is an urgent need for preventive strategies on hypertension control in Ghana. (Hypertension. 2004;43:1017-1022.)

Source: KNUST
Pricing and profit testing of ’Key Man’ life policy of insurance companies in Ghana

Proﬁt testing was run on three insurance companies in Ghana using the Modern Method of Proﬁt testing under the Asset and the results obtained indicated that an increase in premium was not enough to increase eﬃciency and proﬁt instead the investment rate had to be increased and expense decreased whiles giving shareholders substantial dividend rate. This project exhibited the fact that the investment rate has a great eﬀect on the proﬁt of the product and also illustrated that it was expedient to spread out the expense over a longer period of time with the ﬁrst two years having the greater share of the expense followed by a low constant expense rate for the continuing years. The amount paid as dividend should motivate and attract investors, commission rate should motivate agents to bring more clients on board, at the same time there should be a strong reserve to cater for claim payment and the surrender and death beneﬁt should be well allocated. All these factors were necessary to keep the insurance company running irrespective of the claims that must be paid that year.

Source: KNUST