ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Association between global DNA methylation (LINE-1) and occupational particulate matter exposure among informal electronic-waste recyclers in Ghana

This study examined the associations between PM (2.5 and 10) and global DNA methylation among 100 e-waste workers and 51 non-e-waste work ers serving as controls. Long interspersed nucleotide repetitive elements 1 (LINE-1) was measured by pyrosequencing. Personal PM2.5 and PM10 were measured over a 4-hour work-shift using real-time particulate moni tors incorporated into a backpack . Linear regression models were used to assess the association between PM and LINE-1 DNA methylation. The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly higher among the e-waste workers than the controls (77.32 vs 34.88, p < 0.001 and 210.21 vs 121.92, p < 0.001, respectively). PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased LINE-1 CpG2 DNA methylation (β = 0.003; 95% CI; 0.001, 0.006; p = 0.022) but not with the average of all 4 CpG sites of LINE-1. In summary, high levels of PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased levels of global DNA methylation in a site-specific manner.

Source: UG
Association between health worker motivation and healthcare quality efforts in Ghana

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Association between heavy metal uptake and growth and reproduction in the anecic earthworm, Alma nilotica (Grube 1855)

Elevated heavy metal concentrations in soils are a cause for concern as they are hazardous to soil organisms including earthworms which are considered as ecosystem engineers. Current ecotoxicity tests predominantly use temperate earthworm species, and thus there is the need to include a broader genera of native species to improve ecological risk assessment. Alma nilotica, is a tropical anecic earthworm species that survives well under laboratory conditions and has potential for use in ecotoxicology testing but lacks published toxicity data for important pollutants. Growth and reproduction bioassays were carried out with A. nilotica to determine the relationship between the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cr in spiked soils and their bioaccumulation and toxic effects. Positive linear relationships were found between soil-metal and internal earthworm-metal concentrations. Cu did not inhibit growth up to 35 days of exposure but became toxic with longer exposure duration. Zn was not regulated by A. nilotica although it is an essential metal that is well regulated by Eisenia sp. commonly used in standard ecotoxicity tests, showing differences in metal regulation by earthworms of different ecological categories. Based on bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), growth inhibition and reproduction effects the metals were ranked in decreasing toxicity as Pb > Cr > Zn > Cu. The mean 20% Internal Effects Concentrations (IEC20s) for reproduction were 1.04, 2.9, 8.3 and 224.2 mg metal kg−1 earthworm for Pb, Cr, Zn and Cu respectively. These data can contribute to the improvement of metal risk assessment particularly in tropical contexts.

Source: UG
The Association between Household Air Pollution and Blood Pressure in Obuasi Municipality, Ghana

Emerging evidence suggests a possible link between exposure to household air pollution (HAP) from a reliance on polluting solid fuels (SFs) (e.g., wood and charcoal) for cooking and high blood pressure. As part of the CLEAN-Air(Africa) project, we measured the blood pressure among 350 cooks in Obuasi Municipality, Ghana after 24 h exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) from the combustion of either solid fuels (n = 35) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) (n = 35). Multinomial regression models were used to describe the relationship between different stages of blood pressure (mmHg) and the respondents’ main fuel type used, adjusting for key covariates. A linear regression model was used to describe the relationship between personal exposure to PM2.5 and the respondent’s systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure, adjusting for key covariates. Blood pressure was higher in cooks using SFs for cooking than in those using LPG. A significant exposure–response relationship was not observed between increasing exposure to PM2.5 and increasing blood pressure (systolic: β = −2.42, 95% CI: −8.65, 3.80, p-value = 0.438, and diastolic: β = −0.32, 95% CI: −5.09; 4.45, p-value = 0.893).

Source: UG
Association between loneliness, physical activity, and participation in physical education among adolescents in Amazonas, Brazil

Loneliness is an individual and social problem associated with an unhealthy lifestyle among adolescents. We examined the association between loneliness, physical activity, and participation in physical education lessons among school-going adolescents. Participants included 2517 adolescents aged 14–19 years selected from state public high schools in Amazonas, Brazil. Participants answered a questionnaire containing demographic information, physical activity, and participation in physical education lessons and loneliness. Our results showed that physically inactive adolescents and those who did not participate in physical education lessons were more likely to feel lonely. These findings underscore the need to target physically inactive adolescents and those non-engaged in physical education lessons when developing interventions to address loneliness.

Source: UG
The association between paternal characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana

Studies have shown that partners play an influential role in exclusive breastfeeding practice and that they can act as either deterrents or supporters to breastfeeding. However, there are limited studies on the influence of partners’ characteristics on exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana. This study examined the association between partners’ characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Infants less than 6 months old (exclusively breastfed or not) with maternal and paternal characteristics were included in the study. A total of 180 participants were used for the study. A binary logistic regression was used to examine the influence of partners’ characteristics on exclusive breastfeeding. Partners’ characteristics such as education, desire for children, religion, and children ever born were associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers whose partners had primary education (AOR = 0.12; CI 95%: 0.02–0.93; p = 0.04) were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to those whose partners had no formal education. Also, mothers whose partners desired more children (AOR = 0.20; CI 95%: 0.06–0.70; p = 0.01) were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding compared to those whose partners desire fewer children. Improving EBF requires the involvement of partners in exclusive breastfeeding campaigns/ programmes. A more couple-oriented approach is required by health practitioners to educate and counsel both mothers and partners on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana

Source: UG
Association Between Perfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Renal Function in Children With CKD Enrolled in H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing at an accelerated pace in countries with limited health resources compared to developed countries. 1 There is a need for more studies of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of CKD in pediatric populations in sub-Saharan Africa, where risk factors are common.2 Perflouroalkyl substances (PFASs), a group of synthetic chemicals with a fluorinated hydrophobic linear carbon chain attached to hydrophilic heads, are characterized by resistance to thermal, chemical, and biological degradation.3 They are used in household products such as cookware, clothing, sofas, and carpets to make them stain resistant, waterproof, and nonstick. 3,S1 Exposure occurs through diet, dust, tap or bottled drinking water, and inhalation.3,4,S2-S5 PFASs are detected in serum from over 98% of a studied sample of the US population aged 12 to 60 years.4,S6 Children have elevated serum PFAS concentrations compared to adults

Source: UG
The association between polygyny statuses of currently married and in-union women and attitude towards intimate partner violence against women in Ghana

Polygyny is a common family structure in sub-Saharan African countries. Previous studies have documented that women in this family structure have favourable attitudes towards intimate partner violence (IPV). Nevertheless, there is limited recent research concerning this association in Ghana. This study sought to investigate the as sociation between polygynous statuses and endorsement of IPV among Ghanaian reproductive-aged married and in-union women while controlling for covariates. The study used the nationally representative data from the 2017/2018 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. The sample comprised 7800 married/in-union women aged 15–49. Data analyses included tests of association and multivariable modelling using binary logistic regression. Compared to women in monogamous relations, their counterparts in polygynous relationships were more likely to support the justification for wife-beating if: wife goes out without telling husband (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.80), neglects the children (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.56) argues with husband (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.90), refuses sex with husband (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.90) and burns the food (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.03). No significant relationship was found between women who have ever been in more than one union or marriage and justifications for IPV under any of the five circumstances. Some significant associations were found between other covariates and justifications for IPV under any of the five circumstances. The study revealed that women in polygynous relationships were more likely to support IPV. These findings extend the literature on the relationship between polygyny and endorsement of IPV among reproductive-age women in Ghana. It also con tributes evidence towards strengthening interventions and policies geared towards changing attitudes of women in polygynous unions towards intimate partner violence.

Source: UG
Association between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Pre-flood Behavioral characteristics among Children Aged 7-15 years in Hunan, China

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
Association Between RANTES/CCL5 Levels With Plasmodium Infections And Malaria Severity: A Systematic Review.

Background: Malaria continues to be a significant global health concern, and developing effective therapeutic strategies requires an understanding of the immune response to the disease. This systematic review synthesized the current body of research on the role of regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)—in the pathogenesis and disease severity of malaria. Methods: A systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42024535822. The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to identify studies examining RANTES levels in individuals infected with Plasmodium species. Searches were performed across multiple databases, including ProQuest, Journals@Ovid, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and MEDLINE. Further searches were performed in Google Scholar. Quality assessment was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Altera tions in RANTES levels in patients with malaria were synthesized narratively. Results: A comprehensive search of major databases identified 22 studies meeting inclusion criteria, predominantly focusing on Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. RANTES levels were found to vary significantly across different severities of malaria, with several studies reporting lower levels in severe cases compared to non-malarial controls. However, inconsistencies were observed in the alterations of RANTES levels between severe and non-severe malaria cases. Conclusion: Taken together, the findings of this systematic review underscore the complex regulation of RANTES in malaria pathophysiology. Future research should focus on longitudinal assessments to elucidate the dynamic role of RANTES throughout the course of malaria and recovery, to potentially inform the design of novel therapeutic strategies.

Source: UG
Association Between Selected Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Globin and Related Genes and Response to Hydroxyurea Therapy in Ghanaian Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of genetic disorders affecting the structure and function of haemoglobin. Hydroxyurea (HU) stimulates fetal haemoglobin (HbF) and reduces sickle erythrocyte-endothelial cell interaction. However, the degree of HbF response to HU varies, with HbF expression-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in quantitative trait loci (QTL) been implicated. We investigated the relationship between four SNPs (rs11886868, rs6706648, rs7606173 and 158C/T Xmn1) in two QTL (B-cell lymphoma 11A (BCL11A) and Xmn1) and HbF levels in children with SCD in Accra, Ghana. Methods: A total of 110 children with SCD in steady-state, comprising 64 and 46 SCD children treated with HU (HU+) or with no history of HU therapy (HU-), respectively, were recruited. HbF levels were measured in peripheral blood by alkali denaturation and SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: The presence of SNPs (rs11886868, rs6706648, rs7606173 and −158C/T Xmn1) was identified. Observed heterozygosity and homozygosity for the derived alleles were 45.7%, 82.6%, 21.7% and 39.1% in rs11886868, rs6706648, rs7606173 and −158C/T Xmn1 polymorphisms, respectively, for the HU+ population. Observed frequencies of the minor alleles were 0.204, 0.477, 0.171 and 0.190 for rs11886868, rs6706648, rs7606173 and −158C/T Xmn1 polymorphisms, respectively. The three BCL11A SNPs in the HU+ population showed homozygous individuals for rs11886868 (CC), rs6706648 (CC) and heterozygous or homozygous mutant individuals for rs7606173 (CG/GG) having higher HbF values. The combined effect of the SNPs was associated with variance in HbF levels in the HU+ population. The BCL11A SNP, rs6706648 was strongly associated with HbF levels and the C allele frequency, with significantly elevated HbF levels. Conclusion: An association between the various variants and combined effect of SNPs and HbF among children with SCD was found and confirms the known association between HU intake and increased HbF in SCD.

Source: UG
Association between socioeconomic status and fertility among adolescents aged 15 to 19: an analysis of the 2013/2014 Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS)

Background: Adolescents face signifcant barriers to access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services in many low-income settings, which in turn may be associated with adverse consequences such as early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortion and mortality. There is evidence suggesting that limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among adolescents contributes to these outcomes. We aimed to fnd out the factors that afect the fertility of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in Zambia and to identify pos sible drivers of adolescents’ fertility. Methods: Secondary analysis of the ZDHS 2013/14 data was carried out to fnd out the factors that afect the fertility rate of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years using multivariate logistic regression (n=3666). Results: Overall, 23.1% of adolescents had given birth at least once in the 5 years leading to the survey (n=3666, 99.4% response), and 49.8% were rural-based while 50.2% were urban-based. The median number of schooling was 8 years (IQR 6–10). About 52% of the adolescents were in the poorer, poor and medium wealth quintiles while the other 48% were in the rich and richer quintiles. Factors found to afect fertility include residence, wealth status, educational attainment, marriage and abortion. An urban-based adolescent with a lower socioeconomic status was 2.4 times more likely to give birth compared to rural-based poorer adolescents (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.7, p<0.001). Although odds of giving birth were much higher among rural-based married adolescents (aOR = 8.0, 95% CI: 5.4, 11.9, p<0.001) compared to urban married adolescents (aOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 8.3, 16.0, p<0.001), and these relation ships both statistically signifcant, higher educational attainment (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6, 0.8 p<0.001) and abortion (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.8, p=0.020) reduced these odds, particularly for rural-based adolescents. Conclusion: Despite response aimed at reducing adolescent fertility, low wealth status, low educational attainment and early marriage remain significant drivers of adolescent fertility in Zambia. There is a need to address sexual and reproductive health needs of urban-based adolescents with a lower socioeconomic status.

Source: UG
Association between socioeconomic position and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Ghanaians in different geographic locations: the RODAM study.

ACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes has been shown to be socially patterned but the direction of the association in low-income countries and among migrant populations in Europe has varied in the literature. This study examined the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and diabetes in Ghanaians in Europe and in Ghana. METHODS: Data were derived from the multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study of Ghanaian adults aged 25-70 years residing in Europe (Amsterdam, Berlin and London) and in urban and rural Ghana. Educational attainment (elementary, secondary or higher) and occupational class (low or high) were used as indicators of SEP. Age-standardised prevalence of diabetes and prevalence ratios were evaluated separately for men and women of different SEP in Ghana and Europe. RESULTS: A total of 5290 participants were included in the analyses. The prevalence of diabetes decreased with increasing level of education in Ghanaian men and women in Europe and in men in urban Ghana, whereas diabetes prevalence increased with increasing level of education in men and women in rural Ghana. The association between occupational class and the prevalence of diabetes followed a less consistent pattern in men and women in the different locations. CONCLUSIONS: The association of diabetes and SEP differed in rural Ghana compared with urban settings in Ghana and Europe and comparing men and women, highlighting the complex interaction of SEP and the development of diabetes. These findings have important implications for diabetes prevention strategies in Ghanaians in different locations.

Source: UG
Association between socioeconomic status and fertility among adolescents aged 15 to 19: an analysis of the 2013/2014 Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS)

Background: Adolescents face significant barriers to access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services in many low-income settings, which in turn may be associated with adverse consequences such as early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortion and mortality. There is evidence suggesting that limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among adolescents contributes to these outcomes. We aimed to find out the factors that affect the fertility of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in Zambia and to identify possible drivers of adolescents’ fertility. Methods: Secondary analysis of the ZDHS 2013/14 data was carried out to find out the factors that affect the fertility rate of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years using multivariate logistic regression (n = 3666). Results: Overall, 23.1% of adolescents had given birth at least once in the 5 years leading to the survey (n = 3666, 99.4% response), and 49.8% were rural-based while 50.2% were urban-based. The median number of schooling was 8 years (IQR 6–10). About 52% of the adolescents were in the poorer, poor and medium wealth quintiles while the other 48% were in the rich and richer quintiles. Factors found to affect fertility include residence, wealth status, educational attainment, marriage and abortion. An urban-based adolescent with a lower socioeconomic status was 2.4 times more likely to give birth compared to rural-based poorer adolescents (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.7, p < 0.001). Although odds of giving birth were much higher among rural-based married adolescents (aOR = 8.0, 95% CI: 5.4, 11.9, p < 0.001) compared to urban married adolescents (aOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 8.3, 16.0, p < 0.001), and these relationships both statistically significant, higher educational attainment (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6, 0.8 p < 0.001) and abortion (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.8, p = 0.020) reduced these odds, particularly for rural-based adolescents. Conclusion: Despite response aimed at reducing adolescent fertility, low wealth status, low educational attainment and early marriage remain significant drivers of adolescent fertility in Zambia. There is a need to address sexual and reproductive health needs of urban-based adolescents with a lower socioeconomic status.

Source: UG
Association between socioeconomic status and physical functioning among older adults in Ghana

Aim: Physical function is a crucial part of healthy aging, as poor physical function increases the risk of adverse health issues such as impairment and mortality. There has been extensive research on the association between socioeconomic status and physical function, but this interaction is not really clear, particularly for older adults. This study is therefore aimed at examining the association between the socioeconomic status of the elderly and their physical functioning. Subject and methods: The data were derived from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 1 (2007–2010) of the World Health Organization (n = 3710). We measured physical functioning by assessing activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Educational achievement, household income, access to healthcare and financial resources were assessed for the socioeconomic status. Results: The findings suggest that older adults with higher education and high income would likely maintain their physical function as they age. Those without access to healthcare services and insufficient financial resources will possibly have poor functioning of ADL and IADL. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that low socioeconomic status might have a negative impact on older adults’ physical functioning. To facilitate a lifestyle that would enable older adults to maintain their physical function, the association between socioeconomic status and physical functioning should be examined.

Source: UG
The Association between the Comprehensive Epstein–Barr Virus Serologic Profile and Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma

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