ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Age at menarche is an important indicator of sexual maturity in females. It is known to be modified by both genetic and environmental factors. Downward trends in menarche have been recorded in many countries.. In Ghana, a cross-sectional study has been done about two decades ago that determined the age at menarche among school girls in Kumasi. The determinants of age at menarche onset in the Ghanaian population are unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study was done to determine the...
ABSTRACT In Namibia, the Widal test (a blood test that detects level of Salmonella antibodies) is widely used in the diagnosis of typhoid fever. There are no available normal population baseline Salmonella agglutinins titres in Namibia which can be used to come up with country specific diagnostic titres for typhoid fever. The normal population baseline Salmonella agglutinin titre is used as the basis for the interpretation of the Widal test. Since there is no guide, it means that standardizat...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Informal sector recycling of e-waste could lead to release of various toxic substances; including the oxides of heavy metals into the ambient environment and therefore contributes significantly to environmental pollution. Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze heavy metals concentration levels in bird feathers and eggs and earthworm found at the Agbogbloshie e-waste dumpsite. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Agbogbloshie e-waste site near ...
ABSTRACT This study was set out to identify the knowledge, attitude and perception of health workers about EVD. It also explored the level of preparedness and work habits in dealing with EVD. The study utilised qualitative research method design and it involved purposely selected Medical Doctors, Physician Assistant, Midwives, General Nurses, Orderlies and Mortuary Attendants as study participants. Following the analysis of the qualitative information from participants, the study found that ...
Abstract Ensuring that patients in chronic care and treatment such as tuberculosis adhere to medications has implications for their quality of life, health care costs and society at large. The purpose of this study was to assess and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) related to their treatments in Keetmanshoop district in //Karas region, Namibia. A quantitative, cross sectional study was done among 76 patients who were receiving their ...
ABSTRACT The neonatal mortality rate is the most essential indicator of obstetric care as well as overall socio-economic development in any given country. It is also a sensitive indicator of the impact of programme intervention and for monitoring changes in quality care (MOHSS, 1996: 2). The Health Information System (HIS) at Katima Mulilo State Hospital reported an increase in neonatal deaths of 8/1000 live births (0,8%) in 2001 to 39/1000 live births (3,9%)in 2002. Based on this problem, fa...
ABSTRACT Background and objective As population ageing, urbanization and epidemiological changes accelerates across the world, the prevalence of caregiving by the elderly is bound to increase. This situation in which the elderly give care to others has been found in various settings to have adverse effects on the elderly’s well-being. However, there is a paucity of evidence confirming the existence of such negative effects among the elderly in Ghana who give care, especially as it impacts...
ABSTRACT It is the fundamental right of a child to grow in a safe, nurturing, consistent care-giving environment, free from maltreatment such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and inadequate physical care. Unfortunately, many children are deprived of parental care due to various circumstances and continuously seek care and protection. One of the solutions to the lack of provision of care to children in need is to place such a child in a Residential Child Care Facility. However,...
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Though construction advances the economic fortunes of a country, it still remains a high risk industry. Compliance with safety and health guidelines has been a major challenge to employees. It is important to identify gaps in the practice of occupational safety and health standards to inform impending policy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine compliance with health and safety protocols among building construction workers in the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Di...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are both serious non-communicable diseases and are among four non-communicable diseases of global concern. Individually, hypertension or diabetes mellitus increases risk for cardiovascular diseases. The risk however markedly increases when the two diseases coexist. Information on the determinants of hypertension among diabetics in Kintampo is rare and hence obstructs effort at preventing and controlling hypertension among diabetics. T...
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION - Health, as defined by the World Health Organisation is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Health Seeking Behaviours refers to those actions undertaken by individuals to find appropriate solutions in response to illness or health problems. STIs are estimated to constitute one of the ten main health challenges in developing countries responsible for the loss of healthy life years. OBJECTIVES -This...
ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to ascertain the relationship between age parity, breastfeeding practices, mode of delivery, occupation of mother and postpartum obesity. This study was carried out in three (3) Primary Health Centers, a Federal Medical centre (FMC), and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) all in Yenagoa, Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of 400 postpartum mothers of 18-49years were randomly selected and questionnaires were administered...
ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of leadership style on quality healthcare delivery at the Margret Marquart Catholic Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional design utilising a quantitative approach was employed for the study. Utilising a convenient sampling technique, one hundred and ten staff nurses from the Hospital were sampled. Analysis of data was carried out with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPS...
Abstract Introduction: malnutrition in children has become a major public health issue accounting for about 30% of mortality among under-five children worldwide. Bilateral pitting oedema of nutritional origin or a mid-upper-arm circumference of less than 110mm in children age 1-5years are ways to identify the presence of Severe Acute Malnutrition. Children with SAM do not only turn to be susceptible to diseases and death but may be likely to have abnormal cognitive development, poor performan...
In Tanzania, Schistosoma mansoni is of great public health importance. Understanding the prevalence and infection intensity is important for targeted, evidence-based control strategies. This study aimed at studying the prevalence, intensity, and risk factors of S. mansoni among schoolchildren in the study area. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Busanga and Kibuyi villages. Sampled 513 schoolchildren provided stool specimens which were examined using kato-katz method. Pretested question...