ABSTRACT Snakebite poisoning is a public health concern to persons in agrarian environments and the northern region of Ghana is no exception. Youthful male agricultural and field workers have been reported to be at higher risk of snakebite, hence necessitating a study to determine the full extent of the snakebite problem in the Tamale Teaching Hospital. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of the snakebite cases that were reported at the Tamale Tea...
ABSTRACT Background: Efficient infection prevention and control (IPC) practices are basic requirements for all health facilities to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with microbial agents and hence excellent patient outcome. Adherence to IPC is important to reduce the transmission of nosocomial infections.
ABSTRACT The role of healthcare institutions in providing quality health care and making decisions strive on the effective management of hospital records which are made up of clinical/medical and nonclinical records. The study therefore sought to inquire into the role of records management practices in improving clinical and administrative decisions at Ashanti Bekwai Municipal Hospital. In view of that, the study used the Hybrid Records Life Cycle Model which encompassed the pre-natal phase o...
ABSTRACT Background: Obesity is a major health problem and a risk factor for morbid conditions such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. Dietary modifications and pharmacological agents, among others, are measures often used by individuals to decrease body fat. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a dietary supplement (MS01) on weight control and serum lipid profile in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: A ...
ABSTRACT Since the latter part of the 20th Century to date, climate change has received considerable global attention due to its threats on all sectors of the global economy, particularly agriculture. Sub-Saharan Africa, for which Ghana is part, is considered as most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and variability due to its low adaptive capacity and dependent on predominantly rain-fed agriculture. Farmers in Ghana and beyond are not only prone to climatic stressors but also to n...
ABSTRACT Introduction Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, has been a financial and health burden to households on a global scale. The disease has been on an exponential increase since the onset of modernization. This study sought to compare the cost of hypertension treatment using Complementary and Alternative Medicines against Conventional Medicines among hypertensive patients attending the Ledzokukukrowor (LEKMA) Hospital in Accra. Methods This was a cross sectional cost-of-ill...
ABSTRACT Studies have shown that human milk and breastfeeding of infant provides advantages with regard to general health, growth and development for infants. Mothers who breastfeed their babies may also gain health benefits. In addition to health benefits to mothers and infants, breastfeeding provides significant social and economic benefits to nations and individuals. Researchers have found out that both mother and infant can maximise the benefits if they practice exclusive breastfeeding du...
ABSTRACT Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever is a severe infection, characterized by person-to-person transmission through close contact with patients with or without haemorrhagic symptoms, dead bodies or by infected body fluids. An acute serious illness, caused by the Ebola virus is often deadly if untreated. The study assessed the level of public awareness and hospital preparedness in the prevention and management of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Tamale metropolis of the Northern region of Ghana. A ...
ABSTRACT Background: The association between chronic conditions such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and common mental disorders (CMD) or psychological distress has been well established in studies all over the world. This is however expected to be moderated given the presence of social support both from literature and practice. General Objective: The study aimed at determining the prevalence of CMD, identifying factors associated with increased levels of psychological distress, and determin...
ABSTRACT Background: Home visiting has been the pivot of both the Primary Health Care (PHC) and currently the CHPS concepts in the Ghana Health Service; yet there is little information on how the home visit strategy improves maternal and newborn health. This the study aimed at assessing the implementation of the home visiting strategy and its effect on maternal and newborn health care in the Ga South Municipality in Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study employing a mixed-methods approach w...
ABSTRACT Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge despite numerous strategies devised by the international community to curb it. Globally, maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among females within the reproductive age. The Upper West region being one of poorest regions contribute significantly to the high prevalence rate of maternal death at the national level. However, little attention is paid to the factors that lead to these deaths in the Region. The objectiv...
ABSTRACT Professional psychologists offer very efficacious therapy, however many individuals battling with mental/psychological illness do not consult them for assistance. This study examined some predictors of professional psychological help-seeking behaviour among Ghanaians in the Greater-Accra region and explored their knowledge and understanding of professional psychological services. The sequential mixed method design was used in this study. Study 1 was a cross-sectional survey involving...
ABSTRACT Background and objective: Anaemia among Ghanaian women of reproductive age is an important public health concern that contributes to morbidity, poor reproductive outcomes, low productivity and mortality. Chronic smoke inhalation from the use of biomass fuel for cooking has been shown to be associated with anaemia in some populations. Fish smoking using biomass fuel is an important livelihood among women living in coastal communities in Ghana which may increase their risk of anaemia. ...
ABSTRACT Introduction Childhood immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions worldwide. It has contributed enormously to public health including the eradication of small pox and near eradication of poliomyelitis. High immunisation coverage is vital in the control, elimination and eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases which accounts for many childhood morbidities and mortalities worldwide. The introduction of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has mad...
ABSTRACT Background: Pneumonia kills more children under-five than AIDS, malaria and measles combined and yet has received far less attention. Each year, more than two million children under-five die of pneumonia in the developing world, compared to an estimated 800,000 children who die from malaria and around 300,000 children under-five who die from AIDS. In Ghana, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death of under-five mortality and morbidity. Most mothers or care givers do not recogn...