ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviours (ideation, plan and attempt) among adolescents in senior high schools in Ghana

Suicide is recognised as the third leading cause of death among adolescents globally. There is however limited data on the prevalence and factors associated with suicide particularly in Ghana. To explore the prevalence and risk and protective factors associated with suicide in Ghana, a nationwide Global School-based Student Health Survey data collected among senior high school adolescents in Ghana was used. The prevalence of suicidal behaviours was 18.2%, 22.5% and 22.2% for suicidal ideation, suicidal plan and suicidal attempt respectively. In the final analysis, anxiety increases the odds of suicidal behaviour, even after controlling for other variables. Loneliness increases the odds of suicidal behaviour but after adjusting for other factors the odds remained for only suicidal plan. Being bullied, physically attacked, involved in a physical fight and food insecurity remained risk factors for suicidal behaviour (i.e. ideation, plan and attempt) after adjusting for other factors. Truancy was found as a risk factor for both suicidal ideation and plans but such effect diminished for suicidal plan after adjusting for other variables. Increasing number of close friends remained a risk factor for both suicidal plan and attempt but such effect diminished for suicidal ideation after adjusting for other variables. Parental understanding of adolescents’ problems and worries remained a significant protective factor for all the indices of suicidal behaviour after adjusting for other variables. Parental respect for privacy was protective of suicidal attempt but was not significant after adjusting for other variables. Early identification and intervention for at-risk adolescents in senior high schools, for example those experiencing different forms of physical abuse, drug and substance use and hunger can potentially reduce the prevalence of suicide among this population in Ghana. © 2017 The Authors

Source: UG
The prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviours (ideation, plan and attempt) among adolescents in senior high schools in Ghana.

Suicide is recognised as the third leading cause of death among adolescents globally. There is however limiteddata on the prevalence and factors associated with suicide particularly in Ghana. To explore the prevalence andrisk and protective factors associated with suicide in Ghana, a nationwide Global School-based Student HealthSurvey data collected among senior high school adolescents in Ghana was used. The prevalence of suicidalbehaviours was 18.2%, 22.5% and 22.2% for suicidal ideation, suicidal plan and suicidal attempt respectively. Inthefinal analysis, anxiety increases the odds of suicidal behaviour, even after controlling for other variables.Loneliness increases the odds of suicidal behaviour but after adjusting for other factors the odds remained foronly suicidal plan. Being bullied, physically attacked, involved in a physicalfight and food insecurity remainedrisk factors for suicidal behaviour (i.e. ideation, plan and attempt) after adjusting for other factors. Truancy wasfound as a risk factor for both suicidal ideation and plans but such effect diminished for suicidal plan afteradjusting for other variables. Increasing number of close friends remained a risk factor for both suicidal plan andattempt but such effect diminished for suicidal ideation after adjusting for other variables. Parental under-standing of adolescents’problems and worries remained a significant protective factor for all the indices ofsuicidal behaviour after adjusting for other variables. Parental respect for privacy was protective of suicidalattempt but was not significant after adjusting for other variables. Early identification and intervention for at-risk adolescents in senior high schools, for example those experiencing different forms of physical abuse, drugand substance use and hunger can potentially reduce the prevalence of suicide among this population in Ghana.

Source: UG
Prevalence and determinants of alcohol use among adolescents in post-conflict Liberia

Alcohol use remains a major public health concern among youths world wide because of its deleterious effects on physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use and misuse among adolescents in Liberia. Using the 2017 Liberia Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS), 2,744 adolescents aged 11– 18 years responded to the 2017 cross-sectional survey. Students responded to questions on sociodemographic factors, substance use, psychological distress, and other health risk behaviors. Logistic regression was employed to study the relationship between alcohol use variables and socio-demographic characteristic, mental health problems, psycho social variables, and parental involvement. The prevalence of alcohol use behaviors was 24.9% and 20.11% for current alcohol use and lifetime drunkenness, respectively. Significant risk factors for alcohol use include personal and lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, sexual behavior, having been physically attacked, substance use (methamphetamine and cannabis), and truancy. These findings underscore the need for screening and early intervention policies to identify adolescents who may be at risk of misusing alcohol.

Source: UG
Prevalence and determinants of depressive symptoms among university students in Ghana

Background Over two million Ghanaians suffer from moderate to mild mental disorders but prevalence levels and determinants among university students remains fairly unknown. A better understanding of depression and its determinants is necessary in developing appropriate interventions in this population group.Method A convenient sample of 270 students from a public university (132 males and 138 females) were interviewed using a questionnaire to record socio-demographic variables, HIV risk behaviours. Depressive symptoms were measured using Centre for Epidemiological Studies Short Depression Scale (CES-D 10). Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the determinants.Results The mean age was 22 (SD=2.39). Using a cut-off point of 10 of the CES-D10, the overall prevalence of depression was 39.2%; with 31.1% of mild to moderate depression and 8.1% severe depressive symptoms. Significant predictors included lack of social support, religion not having an impact on life, heavy alcohol consumption and traumatic experiences such as being forced to have sex, physically and sexually abused as a child, and beaten by a sex partner.Limitations Given the cross-sectional nature of the research, the findings are limited highlighting the need for further research. Also, relying on self-report of symptoms could have influenced the outcome. The use of a single university means that there could be regional differences in depression in other universities.Conclusion Depression occurs in a significant number of students. An appropriate intervention must be implemented to help reduce the burden of depression, especially to those found to be at risk. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Prevalence and determinants of diabetic retinopathy and cataracts in west african type 2 diabetes patients

Objective: To quantify the prevalence of, and risk factors for, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts in patients with type 2 diabetes, and their spouse controls, enrolled from 5 centers in 2 West African countries (Ghana and Nigeria). Method: The analysis cohort was made up of 840 subjects with type 2 diabetes, and their 191 unaffected spouse controls, who were enrolled and examined in Lagos, Enugu, and Ibadan, in Nigeria, and in Accra and Kumasi, in Ghana. A diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy was made only where a participant had a minimum of one microaneurysm in any field, as well as exhibiting hemorrhages (dot, blot, or flame shaped), and maculopathy (with or without clinically significant edema). Results: Average duration of diabetes was 7.0 years, and mean age at diagnosis was 46.5 years. Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 17.9%. Cataracts were present in 44.9% of the patients with type 2 diabetes, and in 18.3% of spouse controls. The risk of developing retinopathy increased more than 3-fold for patients at the highest fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level (OR=3.4; 95% CI, 1.8-6.3), compared to patients at the lowest FPG level. The odds ratios for persons with diabetes for 10 years or more, compared to persons with diabetes for less than 5 years, was 7.3 (95% CI, 4.3-12.3) for retinopathy, and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.5-4.5) for cataracts. Conclusions: Cataracts were a more important cause of vision impairment than was diabetic retinopathy in this cohort. The prevalence of cataracts in patients with diabetes was more than twice that of their spouse controls, indicating that type 2 diabetes is an important risk factor for cataract formation. Individuals who developed type 2 diabetes at an earlier age were more likely to develop both diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. A strong positive association was observed between FPG level, duration of diabetes, and risk of retinopathy and cataracts. The low prevalence of retinopathy and cataracts observed within the first 5 years of diagnosis of diabetes in this cohort, suggests that intensive blood glucose control may reduce the risk of the development and progression of retinopathy and cataracts. In this regard, early eye examination, preferably at first presentation of elevated blood glucose, is highly recommended.

Source: UG
Prevalence And Determinants Of Diarrhoea And Acute Respiratory Infections Among Children Aged Under Five Years In West Africa: Evidence From Demographic And Health Surveys

Background: Diarrhoea and pneumonia are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children aged <5 years (under five) globally. This study sought to investigate the prevalence and determinants of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) among children under five in West Africa. Methods: The most recent demographic and health survey (DHS) standard for 13 West African countries was used in the study. We calculated the prevalence of diarrhoea and ARIs (2 weeks prior to the survey) and performed multivariable complex logistic regression analysis to identify possible predictors of diarrhoea and ARIs. Results: The weighted prevalence of diarrhoea and ARI was 13.7% and 15.9%, respectively. The prevalence of comorbid diarrhea, and ARI was 4.4%. Children aged <2 y (p<0.001), mothers aged <30 y (p<0.003), mothers without formal education (p<0.001), poor households (p<0.001) and poor nutritional status, wasting (p = 0.005) and underweight (p<0.001), were the independent predictors of diarrhoea. The independent predictors of ARIs were children with no childhood vaccinations (p = 0.002), use of solid fuel in the household (p = 0.007), being underweight (p = 0.05) and diarrhoea (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings imply the need for holistic public health interventions such as increased vaccination coverage, population-based nutritional programmes and campaigns on the use of cleaner cooking fuel targeted at high-risk subgroups in the population to reduce the burden and adverse effects of diarrhoea and ARIs in the West African region.

Source: UG
The prevalence and determinants of non-communicable diseases among Ghanaian adults: A survey at a secondary healthcare level

The current epidemiological transition of diseases in Ghana necessitates understanding their burden and the associated context-specific risk factors to inform disease prevention strategies. To determine the prevalence and determinants of selected Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among patients seeking healthcare services in a secondary health facility in Ghana. A facility-based survey was conducted among adult patients 18 years and above between May and July 2021, using a multi-stage sampling approach. Data regarding the prevalence of NCDs, participants’ socio-demographics and lifestyle factors of NCDs were obtained using Modified STEP wise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS). The Chi-square test and regression analysis were performed to identify the risk factors of NCDs at P < 0.05. The participants comprised 480 patients with a mean age of 37.7±16.5 years, and 57.7% (277/480) of them were females. The overall prevalence of the selected NCDs was 26.7% (CI = 0.23–0.31), of which hypertension (22.7%) was the most prevalent. More than half (54.2%) of the participants engaged in alcohol consumption and 54% were physically inactive. The odds of developing NCDs were higher in females (CI = 1.32–4.10, P = 0.004), older adults (CI = 4.11–20.68, P <0.001), overweight/obese adults (CI = 1.65– 4.70, P < 0.001), family history (CI = 0.15–0.46, P<0.001), and alcohol consumption (CI = 0.12–0.40, P < 0.001). There was an overall high prevalence of NCDs, strongly influenced by the participants’ age, sex, BMI, alcohol consumption, and family history. These determinants should be highlighted as part of the campaign for preventive action plans.

Source: UG
Prevalence and Diagnostic Accuracy of Heart Disease in Children with Asymptomatic Murmurs

This study was performed to determine the prevalence of CHD among children referred with asymptomatic murmurs and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the assessment of asymptomatic heart murmurs by general paediatricians. We reviewed the records of children who had been referred by general paediatricians to a cardiology clinic for further evaluation of a heart murmur. The referring paediatricians’ clinical assessment of the murmur was compared with the cardiologist’s echocardiographic diagnosis. A total of 150 children were referred by paediatricians to a paediatric cardiologist for further assessment of a heart murmur. Out of 150 children, 72 had a paediatrician’s diagnosis of innocent murmur; of these 72 patients, two (3%) had heart disease on echocardiography. In all, after echocardiography, a range of congenital heart lesions was found in 28 (19%) of the 150 children. CHD is not rare among children with asymptomatic heart murmurs. In this series of children with asymptomatic murmurs, 19% had heart lesions on echocardiography. Most, but not all, of the children with heart lesions were identified on clinical examination by general paediatricians. Keywords Paediatricians asymptomatic heart murmur echocardiography

Source: UG
Prevalence and distribution of ocular onchocerciasis in three ecological zones in Nigeria.

The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) sponsored a baseline study in Nigeria between 1998 and 1999 on the prevalence and distribution of Onchocerciasis. The randomly selected 1,064 subjects in the baseline study underwent detailed eye examination in Cross River (rain forest), Taraba (savanna) and Kogi (forest-savanna) States. This paper compares and contrasts the public health significance of ocular onchocerciasis in these ecological zones. A blindness prevalence of 2.4% was recorded in the study, onchocerciasis being responsible for 30.2% of the bilaterally blind subjects. Onchocerciasis-induced blindness prevalence was relatively high in the rain forest and forest savanna zones of Cross River and Kogi States, Cross River having the highest site-specific prevalence (50.0%), followed by Kogi (41.7%). Taraba recorded only 27.3%. Other conditions identified included glaucoma, optic nerve disease and cataract rates of which were also found to be high among the population (6.9%, 6.5 % and 8.9% respectively). Anterior segment onchocercal lesions, punctate and sclerosing keratitis were the predominant features of the infection in the savanna zone (14.1% and 6.3% respectively), while posterior segment lesions were much more common in the forest zone. The need to sustain the present efforts to control onchocerciasis through mass ivermectin treatment is recommended.

Source: UG
Prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among children under the age of five years in Benin

Background Benin ranks as one of the countries in the world with an alarmingly high prevalence of stunt ing, wasting, and underweight in children under five years. However, limited studies have examined the factors associated with the prevalence of these undernutrition indicators among children under five years in the country. This study aimed to fill this research gap by examining the prevalence rates and factors associated with stunting, wasting, and under weight among this specific population of interest. Methods This quantitative study utilised data from the most recent Benin Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) conducted in 2017–18. The survey employed a nationally representative cross-sectional design and utilised a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique to select participants. The study included a sample of 13,589 children under the age of five years. The main analytical approach employed was binary logistic regression, which was used to explore the associations between undernutrition (the combined outcome variable representing stunting, wasting, and underweight) and various socio-demographic factors. Results The combined prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five years in Benin during the 2017–18 survey period was 14.95%. Several factors were signifi cantly associated with these indicators of undernutrition, including female gender (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.59–0.85), birth weight of 4.1 kg and over (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14– 0.48), multiple births (AOR = 3.22, 95% CI = 2.11–4.91), and a child’s experience of diar rhoea (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.40–2.20). Furthermore, the prevalence of these undernutrition indicators was higher among children whose mothers had lower levels of edu cation (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.01–0.42) and were unmarried (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.49– 0.93). Conclusions This present study confirms that undernutrition rates are elevated in Benin and are closely linked to perinatal factors such as birth weights and multiple births, postnatal health condi tions including diarrheal episodes, and socio-demographic determinants such as a child’s gender, maternal education level, and marital status. Therefore, there is the need to con sider specific modifiable factors, such as low birth weight, episodes of child diarrhoea, and maternal education as priority targets for child nutrition interventions in Benin.

Source: UG
Prevalence and geographic distribution of edentulism among older Ghanaians

Objectives Edentulism has important health implications for aging individuals and is used as an indicator of the oral health of a population. Its distribution is unequal within populations, with the greatest burden on disadvantaged and socially marginalized populations. With an increasing older adult population in Ghana, its burden may increase; however, there is no nationwide information on edentulism in Ghana. Focusing on adults 50 years and older, this study assessed the prevalence of edentulism among older Ghanaians and its distribution across the country. Methods Secondary analysis of WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 in Ghana was conducted using self-reported edentulism as the dependent variable. Results The overall prevalence was 2.8%, varying by sex (men had lower rates; OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.47-0.97); by location, being more prevalent in urban areas (3.6%) and the Western Region (4.7%); by education levels (rates were higher among those with no formal education; OR = 1.626, 95% CI = 1.111-2.380); and by marital status (those living without a partner had higher rates; OR = 1.980, 95% CI =1.366-2.870). On multivariate logistic regression, the variables positively associated with edentulism were older age (OR = 0.945) and urban residence (OR = 0.582). Living in the Brong Ahafo (OR = 3.138), Central (OR = 2.172), Eastern (OR = 2.257), or Volta regions (OR = 3.333) was negatively associated with edentulism. Conclusion Edentulism is unequally distributed across Ghana. Future aged cohorts are likely to follow the same patterns of geographic and social disadvantage if needed interventions are not carried out. This study provides nationwide data to assist service planning. © 2014 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Source: UG
Prevalence and intensity of Onchocerca volvulus infection and efficacy of ivermectin in endemic communities in Ghana: a two-phase epidemiological study

Background: Ivermectin has been used for onchocerciasis control since 1987. Because of the long-term use of this drug and the development of resistance in other nematodes, we have assessed Onchocerca volvulus burdens, effectiveness of ivermectin as a microfilaricide, and its effect on adult female worm reproduction. Methods: For the first phase of the study, 2501 individuals in Ghana, from 19 endemic communities who had received six to 18 annual rounds of ivermectin and one ivermectin naive community, were assessed for microfilarial loads 7 days before the 2004 yearly ivermectin treatment, by means of skin snips, and 30 days after treatment to assess the ivermectin microfilaricidal action. For the second phase, skin snips were taken from 342 individuals from ten communities, who were microfilaria positive at pretreatment assessment, on days 90 and 180 after treatment, to identify the effects of ivermectin on female worm fertility, assessed by microfilaria repopulation. Findings: 487 (19%) of the 2501 participants were microfilaria positive. The microfilaria prevalence and community microfilarial load in treated communities ranged from 2·2% to 51·8%, and 0·06 microfilariae per snip to 2·85 microfilariae per snip, respectively. Despite treatment, the prevalence rate doubled between 2000 and 2005 in two communities. Microfilaria assessment 30 days after ivermectin treatment showed 100% clearance of microfilaria in more than 99% of people. At day 90 after treatment, four of ten communities had significant microfilaria repopulation, from 7·1% to 21·1% of pretreatment counts, rising to 53·9% by day 180. Interpretation: Ivermectin remains a potent microfilaricide. However, our results suggest that resistant adult parasite populations, which are not responding as expected to ivermectin, are emerging. A high rate of repopulation of skin with microfilariae will allow parasite transmission, possibly with ivermectin-resistant O volvulus, which could eventually lead to recrudescence of the disease.

Source: UG
Prevalence And Management Of Cataracts Among Older Adults In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review.

Introduction: Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, mainly affecting older adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence on the prevalence, contextual factors, and manage ment strategies for cataracts among older adults in SSA. Method: Four central databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar) were searched, yielding 383 records. Additional searches produced eight records. After screening and applying inclusion criteria, 26 full-text articles were eligible for further review. Finally, seven full-text records were included in the thematic analysis and synthesis. Results: Cataract prevalence among older adults in SSA ranged from 13.5%–62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely (12.1–96%). Significant bar riers to effective management include lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, economic constraints, gender disparities, and cultural misconceptions about cataract surgery. Conclusion: There is a significant burden of cataracts among older adults in SSA, with considerable variations in prevalence and surgical coverage across the region. Comprehensive strategies addressing awareness, accessibility, affordability, and cultural factors are needed to improve cataract management and reduce visual impairment in SSA.

Source: UG