Abstract Background: Tuberculosis continues to be a major global health problem and a cause of mortality and morbidity across all age groups throughout the world, especially in developing countries. It is estimated that, a single individual living with pulmonary TB infection in the communtty can infect an average of 8-10 people in a year and, each household contact contributing to about 4.5% to 7.8% of active disease. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Tuberculosis investigation among...
ABSTRACT The elderly population is gradually expanding globally including Ghana. Ghana has a National Health Insurance Scheme which makes limited provisions for the elderly. In addition, the scheme has not gained wide coverage. The essence of this study was to explore the various sources of finance for the healthcare besides the National Health Insurance Scheme and investigate the implications it had on their healthcare consumption. This study used data from the World Health Organization’s...
ABSTRACT Abortion can be spontaneous or induced. Induced abortions if not safely done, most often results in complications that are injurious to women and can lead to their death. One of the many reasons for the induction of abortions by women is the stigma associated with abortions which drives women seeking abortion to rely on uncertified and untrained providers, some of whom are friends, Chemical sellers and Pharmacists dispensing medication abortion drugs over the counter without prescri...
ABSTRACT Background: Rational prescribing is to ensure safe and effective use of medicine. However, widespread irrational use of medicine is a problem at the various levels of health care, and leads to increased mortality, morbidity, poor health outcomes and waste of scarce resources. Objective: To assess the factors (predisposing, enabling and need) associated with rational prescription and use of Artemisinin Based Combination Therapy (ACT) among prescribers and patients at the Bechem Gover...
ABSTRACT Background Population growth and ageing are increasing the number of people who are having increase demand for eye care (WHO, 2018; Baidoo, 2009). Disease of the eye accounts for visual impairment and blindness. Blinding and non-blinding eye diseases account for ocular morbidity and is a devastating factor of health. The youth form the working force of any country. They require good eye health to remain active and productive in all aspects of lives. Moreover, 80-90% of blinding eye ...
ABSTRACT Chronic conditions are a significant source of disease burden in Ghana including The Tema General Hospital (TGH). When concurrent in an individual, the outcomes are poorer. Yet medical research, preventive and clinical services are focused on single disease entities. The few studies conducted have predominantly been in developed countries and the elderly. This research determined the prevalence, distribution and socio-demographic risk factors of concurrent chronic conditions in our ...
ABSTRACT Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health menace especially in developing countries where it contributes significantly to the top ten causes of mortality. In Eastern region, the TB burden remains high and priority. The increasing trend of anti-TB drug resistance is a great challenge. This study assessed the resistance pattern and factors associated with MDR-TB cases among suspected MDR-TB cases in Eastern region, from 2014 to 2018. Methods: This study was conducted in ...
Abstract Background: Iodine deficiency is a widespread global health problem that affects about 2 billion people each year. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency due to increased iodine requirement leading to death, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Iodine deficiency also has significant negative effects on newborns including impaired cognitive development, impaired learning capabilities, and stunting. This study looks at the association between subclinical iodine deficie...
v ABSTRACT Background: non-communicable disease by its nature is a serious global public challenge in management. This is because it has physiological, social, and economic impacts that may result in chronic mortality if left to continue. This study assessed the performance of facilities readiness, health provider’s knowledge, attitude and practice in providing non-communicable disease services in Katavi Region. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study was done with 416 health providers wh...
Abstract Background: Structural quality of maternal health services remains a key indicator of highly performing health care system. Evidence attest to the fact that introduction of the new interventions in the health care system does not necessarily lead into improvement of the target outcome, such as quality of health services delivered. This study aimed at assessing the structural quality of maternal health services prior to introduction of Direct Health Facility Financing (DHFF) program. ...
ABSTRACT Over the years, health care financing in Ghana has evolved from free health care to cash and carry (out of pocket) at point of use. Due to the economic burden of cash and carry on citizens, the National Health Insurance Scheme was formed in 2003 through Act 650. This was to provide an alternative form of health care financing to ease the burden of rising cost of health care on citizens. The scheme commenced with itemized fee for service and subsequently Ghana Diagnostic Related Grou...
ABSTRACT Background/ Objectives Globally, HIV is fuelling the tuberculosis epidemic, creating a public health crisis of a major concern. In response to the dual epidemic the WHO-recommended TB/HIV collaborative activities to be implemented by countries with HIV prevalence of more than 1%. In keeping with WHO recommendations, Ghana started the collaborative activities in a few districts of which Manya Krobo District was one. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of the TB/...
ABSTRACT Teenage pregnancy has become an enormous global reproductive health problem as the rates continue to increase. Early pregnancy both within and outside marriage is a common experience throughout the world. Teenage pregnancy and the subsequent teen motherhood is a major societal problem confronting sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. This study determined the prevalence and determinants of teenage pregnancy at Kpone-on-Sea in the Tema Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana....
ABSTRACT Background: Current increase in HIV prevalence among MSM in Greater Accra region of Ghana is a public health concern. This increase translates to a higher number of MSM being put on antiretroviral treatment. However, ART adherence amongst HIV positive MSM in Ghana is unknown. Lack of knowledge in ART adherence among MSM could affect the implementation of the 90-90-90 fast track targets. This study, therefore, sought to determine the level of ART adherence and factors influencing adh...
ABSTRACT Background: Incompetence of nurses in the prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia and neonatal resuscitation may lead to severe complications and deaths for both mothers and babies. Simulation-based training on obstetric and neonatal emergencies management has demonstrated promising results. However, its impact has not been well documented particularly in low and middle income countries. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness o...