ABSTRACT Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection which is still a global public health concern. It affects both sexes and all ages but mostly prevalent among the sexually active age group (15-49 years). It results in diverse complications and also promote the contraction of other sexually transmitted infection including the potential of increasing the risk of contracting HIV / AIDs by two to five folds. Its prevalence in developed countries is far lower compared to d...
ABSTRACT Background: Medication adherence directly influences the attainment of treatment goals. In spite of this, approximately 50% of patients do not adhere to prescribed medication regimen. Poor adherence to medicines is a global health challenge that needs attention as it leads to increased healthcare costs, poor clinical outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality. Text message reminders have been found to be a useful tool for improving adherence to medicines in several parts of the...
ABSTRACT This study explored the management of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Ghana, using phenomenology as the study design. Using purposive and accidental sampling procedures, I interviewed 82 patients receiving care for CNCDs as well as 30 health professionals managing their conditions, using in-depth interview guides. Data collected were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The study re...
ABSTRACT Background: Globally, breast cancer is a major public health problem in terms of morbidity and mortality. In Ghana, breast cancer constitutes 15% of all cancers and 40% of female cancers and is reported to be the second commonest cancer among women in Ghana. Over 60% of breast cancer patients present late with advanced stages of breast cancer despite the many awareness campaigns to promote early reporting and detection. This study therefore sought to find out and document reasons for...
ABSTRACT Background: Household and Community Care has increasingly been recognized by the Ghana Health Service and the mental health sector as a means of promoting mental health in Ghana. However, household and community attitudes and perceptions towards mental illness and mental health affect the effectiveness of community-based care. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess household and community perceptions on the integration of persons with mental illness in the Te...
ABSTRACT The first two years of a child’s life are particularly important, as optimal nutrition during this period lowers morbidity and mortality. Many factors account for the inability of children to receive adequate nutrition from caregivers. It is known that mothers play key roles in children’s nutrition. In Ghana, studies relating empowerment to feeding practices have emphasized decision-making and maternal dietary diversity. Earlier studies focused largely on nutritional knowledge, s...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic illness with significant health consequences, especially for those who are unable to adhere to complex treatment regimen. Medication non-adherence leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases, chronic diseases, and other complications. Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess non-adherence to medication and associated factors among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus attending Tema General Hospital. Methods: The...
ABSTRACT Comprehensive sex education is an important tool that enables adolescents to make informed choices concerning sex and sexual behavior and gives them the tools needed to grow up into sexually healthy adults. Sex education is non-existent in most Ghanaian schools and homes. Despite the silence that exists concerning sex and reproductive health issues a lot of adolescents are engaging in sexual behavior out of curiosity and the need to conform to peer norms. A school based cross-section...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Sewage and household effluents at Accra Technical University (A TU), Ghana have been discharged into the ocean for years. This degrades environmental media and is detrimental to ecological systems. The institution also lacks adequate water for non-edible purposes. The Biosand Filter (BSF) is an innovation on the slow sand filter which has found use in preventing the discharge of raw sewage into the environment. The study aimed to test the performance ofa BSF on s...
ABSTRACT E-waste, known also as electronic or electrical waste, is a term used to describe discarded electronic devices which use either electricity or battery for operation. These include, computers, televisions, mobile phones, printers and many more. Background: E-waste activities include the collection of discarded e-waste materials from various locations. These are then brought to the e-waste site for sorting, dismantling and open burning to extract the precious elements. The activities o...
ABSTRACT One disease that has ravaged the tropical environment for centuries and claimed many lives is malaria. Malaria has been with man since prehistoric times (WHO, 2004). It is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the North Dayi district of Ghana. The study relied only on existing data on morbidity for malaria from the district health directorate information unit. Data available from the Kpando D...
ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension now largely affects low and middle income countries with a higher prevalence of 46% in African adults of 25 years and above. In Ghana the prevalence of hypertension ranges between 19% and 54% which is higher than the African regional average and this has been consistent and high in the urban areas than rural mostly due to urbanization. The increase in the prevalence rates reported is mostly thought to be attributable to certain unhealthy lifestyles and...
ABSTRACT Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common bacterial infections affecting people worldwide. The misuse of antibiotics used to treat UTIs has led to the development of resistance among the major uropathogens in Ghana. The local antimicrobial resistance pattern among uropathogens to help empirical decision making is not known at the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua. Objective: This study examined the resistance pattern of uropathogenic bacteria over a ...
ABSTRACT Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) are a significant public health problem with a global distribution; it disparately affects the vulnerable in society particularly in developing countries. Obstructive sleep apnea and shift worker syndrome have been widely researched as a risk factor for Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs). This study seeks to assess the association between sleep habits and Road Traffic Accident Risk. Methods A mixed methods approach was used to assess this associat...
ABSTRACT Introduction Poor Occupational Health, and reduced working capacity of workers may cause economic loss to a country. In countries like Ghana with a high rate of unemployment coupled with a growing informal sector, workers focus mainly on job security, neglecting the need for quality work life. It is argued that poor countries and companies cannot afford safety and health measures. However, there is no evidence that any country or company in the long run benefits from poor saf...