Northern Part Of Ghana Research Articles

Elderly Victimization in the Context of Witchcraft Accusations and Persons Accused of Witchcraft Practices Living Within the Gambaga Witches’ Camp: Understanding of Human Rights

The practice of sociocultural belief systems in Ghana such as witchcraft accusations leads to situations where some elderly people in the northern part of Ghana are likely to be victimized based on sociocultural belief systems. Persons accused of witchcraft practices can be denied some of their basic fundamental human rights. The lack of a clear understanding of human rights standards among many rural folks, especially in a rural part of Northern Ghana, makes many people consider accusations of persons suspected of witchcraft practices as a non-abuse of victims’ human rights when persons accused of witchcraft are encamped in witches’ camps. Hence, this study sought to explore the accused persons of witchcraft practice’s understanding of human rights and how their conceptualization of human rights has led to elderly victimization based on sociocultural practices regarding witchcraft accusations. The study employed a qualitative method where 37 participants were selected consisting of persons accused of witchcraft practices living within the Gambaga witches’ camp. A thematic approach was used in the data analysis. The study found that accused persons of witchcraft practices have a distinctive understanding of human rights, which they conceptualized to include social and cultural rights, economic rights, civil and political rights and legal rights and missed out on the civil and political aspects of human rights. The study found that the accused persons’ lack of understanding of the civil rights concept of human rights made most of the persons living within the Gambaga witches’ camp to be victims of torture, undergo forced labour, lack their right to protection, gender discrimination and slavery within the camp. The study recommended that traditional leaders should engage in community dialogues that facilitate open and inclusive community dialogues to discuss the negative impact of witchcraft accusations on individuals and the community as a whole.

A new phosphorus fertilizer blend enhances grain legume yield and profitability in northern part of Ghana

Low concentrations of phosphorus limit grain legumes’ yield in the northern part of Ghana. Smallholder farmers could benefit from P-fertilizer blends to improve yield. This study evaluated the responses of soybean, cowpea and groundnut to P-fertilizer blends and their profitability in researcher-managed and farmer-managed trials in Northern, Upper West, and Upper East regions. The experiment was set up in a cross-factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments were two types of P-fertilizer blends (triple superphosphate and new yaraLegume applied at 30 kg P ha−1), a control and three varieties each of soybean (TGX 1835-10E, TGX 1789-8E and TGX 1834-5E), cowpea (Padituya, Wang-Kae and Kirkhouse), and groundnut (Samnut 23, Samnut 22 and Yenyawwaso). P-fertilizer blends increased grain yield of grain legumes in researcher-managed trials. In the researcher-managed trials, P-fertilizer blends doubled the nodulation of soybean varieties but did not influence the nodulation of cowpea and groundnut. P-fertilizer blends increased P-agronomic efficiency over control; however, the different P-fertilizer blends had similar P-use efficiencies. In farmer-managed trials, only the yield of groundnuts varied with the different P-fertilizer blends in the Upper West region, suggesting that P utilization may be location-specific for groundnuts. P-fertilizer blends increased the grain yield of soybean and cowpea varieties in the Northern and Upper West regions but not the Upper East region. The interaction between soybean and cowpea varieties and P-fertilizer blends was not significant. P-fertilizer blends recorded a higher value cost ratios (VCRs) that can offset uncertainties in price fluctuations. The high VCRs indicated that P-fertilizer blends were profitable and could be used to improve the livelihoods of smallholder grain legume farmers. The study demonstrated that grain legumes responded to P-fertilizer blends and are profitable. However, the non-responsive nature of the Upper East soils needs to be investigated to make P-fertilizer blends profitable in the region.

Predictors of Growth Mindset among Ghanaian Classroom College of Education Teacher Trainees

The study aimed to examine the important predictors of Ghanaian classroom Diploma in Basic Education teacher trainees' growth mindset toward student learning. Participants included a purposive sample of 328 (177 male and 151 female) second- and third-year teacher trainees in one college of education in the northern part of Ghana. The predictor variables were the type of program, year in program, age, sex, and marital status. The student learning subscale of the Physical Education and Sports Ability Survey (Sofo et al., 2016) served as the main data source. The items were adapted for the classroom setting. Most of the trainees had a growth mindset but with some fixed ideas for student learning (80.18%). Approximately 19.21% of the trainees had a strong growth mindset in student learning. The mean decreased Gini (MDG) values for the year in the program, program type, and marital status (married vs. single) showed that these predictors were important for student learning. A logistic regression analysis showed that type of program, year in program, and marital status were significant predictors of growth mindset for student learning. Trainees in the early childhood program were approximately seven times more likely to have a growth mindset regarding student learning compared to those in the primary education program. Trainees in their third year were approximately 145 times more likely to have a growth mindset regarding student learning compared to trainees in their second year. Single teacher trainees were approximately 213 times more likely to have a growth mindset regarding student learning compared to married teacher trainees. The study provides insights for teacher educators regarding the profiles and factors that promote the development of a growth mindset in teacher education settings in Ghana

Nurses’ views of patient- and family-centered care and its practices in peri-operative contexts in hospitals in Northern Ghana

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to explore the views of nurses on the concept of patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) and its practices in a peri-operative context in Northern Ghanaian hospitals.MethodsThe study, using a qualitative explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design was conducted at six selected hospitals located in the Northern part of Ghana. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants for individual and focus group interviews. Data were generated between March and May 2022. Data saturation was reached with 27 participants comprising 15 individuals and 12 members from two focus group interviews. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim and the data analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsTwo themes emerged from the study, namely nurses’ understanding of the concept of PFCC and how they see the benefits of PFCC in a peri-operative context. Subthemes of the nurses’ understanding of PFCC included their perceptions of PFCC, the need for collaboration, supporting the patient’s family for better post-operative and effective communication, and PFCC practices in the peri-operative context. Subthemes for benefits of PFCC in the peri-operative context included nurse-related benefits, patient- and family-related benefits, and healthcare system-related benefits.ConclusionsThe study revealed that the concept of PFCC is unfamiliar to the Ghanaian peri-operative context despite the positive perceptions exhibited by the nurses in terms of their understanding of PFCC and its related benefits to nurses, patients, and families as well as the healthcare system.

Rising Cases of Motorcycle Wheel Spokes Injuries in A Tertiary Facility in Northern Ghana; A Policy Call.

Motorcycle wheel spoke injuries refer to the entrapment of the foot and ankle of a rider or pillion rider into the spokes of a vehicle resulting in varied complex ankle-foot injuries. We report ten cases of motorcycle wheel spoke injuries between January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, majority of whom were children with the youngest being 4 years and the oldest 43 years. A few of the cases sustained both soft tissue injuries and fractures around the ankle while the rest sustained only soft tissue injuries. We believe a lot more of these cases do not get to the tertiary facility for varied reasons.The mean length of hospital stay was 19±13 days potential indirect negative economic impact on the state, patients, and their family/caregivers.These injuries can be prevented by developing policies aimed at public education, baring children from riding pillion, and designing protective wheel covering. Cases of motorcycle wheel spoke injuries are on the rise in the Northern part of Ghana. We recommend public education and awareness creation as well as stringent implementation of road traffic regulations.

Consistent condom use among sexually active young adults in Ghana: an analysis of prevalence and associated factors.

Consistent and proper condom use offers a safer, economically cheap and practically effective means of preventing HIV infection. Using the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey with a sample of 2779 sexually active youth (males = 682 and females = 2,097) in the age range 15-24, this study explored the prevalence of, and factors associated with consistent condom use among sexually active young adults in Ghana. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the data. Our results showed that approximately 11% of the respondents reported consistent condom use in their previous sexual activity. Females were more likely than males to have used a condom consistently. The logistic regression results showed that females who had tested for HIV were less likely to use a condom consistently. However, those who have obtained family planning information from print media and those from the northern part of Ghana were more likely to practise consistent condom use. Furthermore, males who professed the Traditional African religion were less likely to use a condom consistently. In contrast, males in the rich wealth category were more likely to use a condom consistently. These findings underscore the need for behavioural change campaigns targeting young adults, particularly those who are sexually active, to encourage consistent condom use. These interventions should target young adults with less family planning knowledge, those who know their HIV status and those who profess the Traditional African religion.

Development, Characterisation, and Performance Evaluation of Some Indigenous Plants for Faecal Sludge Treatment in Ghana

The search for alternative solutions for sustainable management of faecal sludge in the area of dewatering with biocoagulants/bioflocculants remains unfulfilled. Some available and accessible indigenous plants in the northern part of Ghana have been characterised and subsequently evaluated in their suitability for use as biocoagulant/bioflocculants. The Yila (Crossopteryx febrifuga) and the Voulo (Grewia mollis) plants were the indigenous plants used in this study. Three applications from the Yila wooden stem, the Yila bark, and the Voulo at different treatment concentrations with faecal sludge were monitored. The Yila wooden stem gave a potential of pollutant removal up to about 83.99%, 93.79%, and 91.54% for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and turbidity, respectively. Application of the Yila bark gave a respective removal efficiency of up to about 77.39%, 82.02%, and 54.60% for COD, TSS, and turbidity. The efficiency of the Voulo plant obtained for COD, TSS, and turbidity was up to about 80.43%, 86.83%, and 72.55%, respectively. No cyanogenic or toxic compounds were identified in the characterised raw materials used for this study. The study has revealed the potential of producing biocoagulants that can perform as effectively as synthetic/chemical coagulants using locally natural raw materials but the use of it at large scale will only be applicable for batch or semi-batch systems. Some interesting constituents identified in the plants under consideration, such as trialkyl bismuthine and furan derivative, can open up opportunities to elucidate the potential applications of these identified plants in the areas of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, glass and ceramics, rubber production, and other applicable medicinal advantageous areas.

Predictors of Not Exclusively Breastfeeding Among Ghanaian Women: A CrossSectional Study

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a practice highly recommended by WHO and UNICEF for all infants to be given solely breastmilk in the first six months. This practice is advised because breastmilk is the gold standard of infant feeding as it is untainted and comprises all of the essential nutrients for the first few months of a child’s life. The objective of this study is to focus on the factors that prevent mothers from not exclusively breastfeeding among Ghanaian women residents in rural and urban geographic locations. Methods: Data was acquired from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) for this analysis. A total of 557 mothers who had infants in the last 2 years between the ages of 0 – 5 months were extracted from the individual child (KR) dataset. A Logistic regression model was utilized to ascertain the predictors of not exclusively breastfeeding among Ghanaian women. Results: Overall, mothers engaged in exclusive breastfeeding was 52%. Ethnicity, infant size, region, marital status, mother’s age, and husband’s occupation have a significant association with breastfeeding status [Table 1]. The binary logistic regression revealed that timing of first antennal visits, maternal education, region, ethnicity, and husband’s occupation were significantly associated with predictors of EBF. Mothers without formal education and mothers whose husbands/partners' occupation was skilled manual labor were more likely to not breastfeed exclusively. Mothers residing in the northern part of Ghana, mothers of a minority ethnic group, and the timing of first antennal visits had lower odds of not exclusively breastfeeding. Conclusion: The findings suggest that breastfeeding in Ghana is a universal practice since more than 98% of infants were birthed in the last 2 years before at some point. Despite the existence of breastfeeding campaigns and the high awareness created, EBF rates continue to decline in the nation. It is, therefore, crucial to develop and implement EBF intervention programs that aim at eliminating misconceptions and misinformation about the practice with more emphasis on the health and economic benefits of EBF.

Prevalence, Management, and Impact of Dysmenorrhea on the Lives of Nurse and Midwife Trainees in Northern Ghana.

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological problem affecting the majority of female students in the nursing profession today. They often experience severe pain that is not only incapacitating but also has a significant impact on their day-to-day college life, academic, and clinical performance. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, management, and impact of dysmenorrhea on the lives of nurse and midwife trainees in northern Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach to data collection was employed to collect data from nurse and midwife trainees in three colleges of nursing and/or midwifery in the northern region of Ghana. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit 303 respondents for the study. After gaining permission from various institutions, data were collected by using a structured questionnaire from 13th September to 28th October, 2022. Stata (special edition) for Windows version 17.0 was used for the statistical analyses. The study revealed a high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female nursing students (66.7% and 95% CI: 0.611-0.720). More than half of the respondents (67.3%) experienced loss of appetite for food. The most common site of most intense pain was the pelvis and lower abdomen (98.0%). A greater proportion of students (65.8%) used antispastic drugs to reduce pain. The respondents' concentration in the classroom was greatly affected (77.2%) as well as normal physical activities (58.4%). A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of dysmenorrhea are 2.67 times higher when the duration of menstruation is 4-5 days (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.13-6.28, and p = 0.024) than a duration of 1-3 days. Having urinary tract infections was associated with 3.56 times higher odds of dysmenorrhea (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI = 0.98-12.86, and p = 0.053). Again, the odds of dysmenorrhea were also four times higher among respondents with a family history of the same condition (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI = 2.16-7.61, and p = 0.001). The current study revealed a high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among nurse and midwife trainees in the northern part of Ghana. The majority of the respondent experienced loss of appetite and intense pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen, and their concentration during lectures was also significantly affected. The most predominant nonpharmacological method used for reducing the pain was sleep and the application of warm objects on the abdomen.

Quality of seed lots of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genotypes produced in a guinea savanna agroecology of Ghana

Crop yield is a derivative of the number of plants harvested. In Ghana, soybean fields are mostly sparsely populated with less than the optimum number of plants, a phenomenon that contributes to poor yields of only 46% of the crop’s potential in farmers’ fields. The low plant population could be the result of the poor quality of the seed planted. Meanwhile, the quality of seed is determined by crop production practices, the environmental conditions of the mother plant, and postharvest handling technologies used. Over 90% of the country’s soybean seed comes from the northern part of Ghana, predominantly the Guinea Savannah. In this study, seed lots of soybean genotypes produced within the Savanna Agroecological Zone of Ghana, were evaluated for physical and physiological traits, and the prevalence of seed borne fungi. Results showed that seed lots produced within the zone and stored under ambient conditions have medium-sized (100 to 140 g/1000 seeds) seeds with an average seed weight of 133 g/1000 seeds. The seed lots evaluated had physical purity values higher than the minimum certification standard of 98% for soybean seed in Ghana. Wrinkled seeds were the most dominant component of the seed with visual defects followed closely by seeds that were discoloured, cracked, and those with purple stains. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, Rhizopus sp and Macrophomina phaseolina were the main fungi identified. Furthermore, the seed lots had an average germination percentage of 86%, which is within the acceptable minimum certification standards for soybean seed in Ghana. Though germination and vigour were variable among the seed lots tested, these parameters were not affected by the presence of the fungi species identified and the amount of seed with visual defects. The findings of this study strongly suggest that the low plant density and the resultant poor yields of soybean usually recorded in farmers’ fields in Ghana are likely due to suboptimal seeding rates at planting coupled with the low use of good agronomic practices with only a small fraction attributable to poor seed quality. Key words: Soybean, Ghana, fungi, savanna agroecology, viability, vigour, shrivelled seeds, germination

Alternative assessment challenges of teachers in inclusive senior high schools in Northern Ghana

The paper presents findings of teachers’ challenges in using alternative assessment procedures to assess learners with visual impairment in two purposively sampled inclusive senior high schools in the Northern part of Ghana with particular reference to Sirugu and Wa Senior High Schools in the Upper East and Upper West Regions, respectively. The study’s population comprised teachers in inclusive senior high schools in Ghana. Experts in authors’ institutions reviewed and validated the content and construct validity of the instrument. The reliability was established by pilot testing the instrument using respondents from Wenchi Methodist Senior High School, an inclusive school in the Bono Region of Ghana. The Cronbach’s coefficient alpha derived for the questionnaire was 0.79. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and a sample size of 136 teachers selected using the simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using the authors’ self-developed questionnaire after pilot-testing for its refinement. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that most teachers had constraints using alternative assessment methods to evaluate learners who are visually impaired in the classroom due to their inadequate expertise. Overcrowded classrooms leading to large teacher-learner ratios, lack of assessment materials and logistics also posed formidable challenges to using alternative assessments. The study recommends the expansion of existing infrastructure and equipping teachers in inclusive schools with the requisite skills and competencies to use alternative assessment methods effectively. It is also imperative for the government and stakeholders to provide the required logistics to facilitate effective teaching, learning and assessment of learners with visual impairment in schools.

Urinary Tract Infection and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care at a Primary Health Care Facility in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is frequently encountered during pregnancy and is associated with adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal effects. However, very little information is available on the prevalence of UTI among pregnant women in the northern part of Ghana, a region with a high birth rate. This study employed a cross-sectional analysis of the prevalence, antimicrobial profile, and risk factors associated with UTI in 560 pregnant women attending primary care for antenatal check-ups. Sociodemographic obstetrical history and personal hygiene information were obtained using a well-structured questionnaire. Afterward, clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected from all participants and subjected to routine microscopy examination and culture. Of 560 pregnant women, 223 cases (39.8%) were positive for UTI. There was a statistically significant association between sociodemographic, obstetric, and personal hygiene variables and UTI (p < 0.0001). Escherichia coli (27.8%) was the commonest bacterial isolate followed by CoNS (13.5%) and Proteus species (12.6%). These isolates exhibited greater resistance to ampicillin (70.1-97.3%) and cotrimoxazole (48.1-89.7%) but were fairly susceptible to gentamycin and ciprofloxacin. Gram-negative resistance to meropenem was up to 25.0%, and Gram positives resistance to cefoxitin and vancomycin was up to 33.3% and 71.4% respectively. The current findings extend our knowledge of the high frequency of UTIs and associated risk factors in pregnant women with E. Coli being the predominant and usual isolate. Variation existed in the resistance pattern of isolates to various drugs, underscoring the need to perform urine culture and susceptibility before treatment.

Prevalence and determinants of occupational injuries among emergency medical technicians in Northern Ghana.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the primary providers of prehospital emergency medical services. The operations of EMTs increase their risks of being exposed to occupational injuries. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of occupational injuries among EMTs in sub-Saharan Africa. This study, therefore, sought to estimate the prevalence and determinants of occupational injuries among EMTs in the northern part of Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 randomly recruited EMTs in the northern part of Ghana. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' demographic characteristics, facility-related factors, personal protective equipment use, and occupational injuries. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses with a backward stepwise approach were used to examine the determinants of occupational injuries among EMTs. In the 12 months preceding data collection, the prevalence of occupational injuries among EMTs was 38.6%. Bruises (51.8%), and sprains/strains (14.3%) were the major types of injuries reported among the EMTs. The key determinants of occupational injury among EMTs were male sex (AOR: 3.39, 95%CI: 1.41-8.17), an absence of a health and safety committee at the workplace (AOR: 3.92, 95%CI: 1.63-9.43), absence of health and safety policy at the workplace (AOR: 2.76, 95%CI: 1.26-6.04) and dissatisfaction with health and safety measures at the workplace (AOR: 2.51, 95%CI: 1.10-5.71). In the twelve months before to the data collection for this study, the prevalence of occupational injuries among EMTs of the Ghana National Ambulance Service was high. The creation of health and safety committees, the creation of health and safety rules, and the strengthening of current health and safety procedures for EMTs are all possible ways to lessen this.

Microbial Organisms in the Lower Respiratory Tract Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Ghana

Colonization of SARS-CoV-2 with specific bacteria may either protect or increase the risk of disease severity. This study aimed to identify microbial organisms in the lower respiratory tract and their association with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between May 2020 and August 2021 at the Tamale Public Health Laboratory in the Northern part of Ghana. RT-PCRs for SARS-CoV-2 and bacteriological cultures were performed on sputum samples collected from suspected COVID-19 patients. Biochemical identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed on the bacterial isolates. A total of 380 participants were recruited into the study. Most participants were within the 21–30 years age group (29.6%). RT-PCR testing detected SARS-CoV-2 in 118 (31.1%) patients. Headache was found to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 (p = 0.033). Sputum cultures yielded 187 (49.2%) positive bacteria growths. Klebsiella spp. (20.5%), Moraxella catarrhalis (7.9%), and Pseudomonas spp. (6.3%) were the most commonly isolated bacteria. M. catarrhalis, Serratia spp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most of the isolates were resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins. This study has demonstrated the association between specific bacteria and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinicians should investigate possible bacterial co-infections in the management of COVID-19 cases.

CHANGES IN WOMEN ACCESS TO AND OWNERSHIP OF LAND IN NORTHERN GHANA

Purpose –– The paper sought to investigate some of the advocacy interventions on women’s rights and their impact on the evolution of culture surrounding women’s land rights. Methods –– The research adopted a qualitative approach; using key expert interviews comprising of planners, traditional authorities and land governance experts. The focus group discussions were composed of Twelve groups consisting of Seven to Nine participants in each group. Findings –– The evolution of culture on customary land governance has been as a result of advocacy interventions on human rights implemented mainly by NGOs in the Northern part of Ghana. Conclusion &amp; Recommendation –– The study revealed that there are positive changes in women’s access to and ownership of land even though some challenges still exist. Hence, it is recommended that stakeholders need to equip themselves with the current realities of cultures that border on land ownership and accessibility in Northern Ghana. Keywords –– Land rights, women, customs, development, property commodification

Environmental and socio-economic benefits of a circular economy for bioethanol production in the northern part of Ghana

Sweet sorghum grains (SSG) cultivation are the primary source of income and subsistence for approximately 80% of poor smallholder farmers in the northern part of Ghana. Regrettably, sorghum prices in rural markets are constantly falling, resulting in a small income for smallholder farmers and a negative impact on their socioeconomic lives. This study presents a shift towards a circular sweet sorghum supply chain in the northern part of Ghana through bioethanol production from excess sweet sorghum. The study looks at using excess red and white sweet sorghum grains (RSG and WSG) grown in northern Ghana to produce bioethanol. The SSG was pre-treated and fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast to produce 87.6 g/L and 84.24 g/L of WSG and RSG bioethanol, respectively. This was equivalent to an estimated yield of 91.57% (WSG) and 89.24% (RSG). Likewise, the bioethanol volumetric production of SSG was between 3.50 g/h·L and 3.70 g/h·L, indicating that its production was efficient after 24 h of fermentation. The fuel properties of the bioethanol were also found to be acceptable for commercial use in bioethanol cookstoves, reducing the reliance on firewood in the northern part of Ghana. A sweet sorghum supply chain based on two different models was developed and could be implemented in the northern sector to benefit smallholder farmers and to save the environment.

Diversities in the place of delivery choice: a study among expectant mothers in Ghana

BackgroundIn this study, the factors that influence the choice of place of delivery among expectant mothers in both rural and urban settings in the northern part of Ghana were identified and compared using the conceptual framework provided by Thaddeus and Maine.MethodsA mixed-method study was used to examine expectant mothers and their responses related to factors that affect their choice of place of delivery through a concurrent triangulation using health professional interviews and a detailed participant survey. The sample consisted of 552 expectant mothers between the ages of 15 and 49 years. Individual interviews were conducted with 8 health professionals. There was also a focus group discussion with randomly selected pregnant women and lactating mothers. Themes were generated through open coding of the interview data, while multiple regression was performed to identify the factors associated with choice of place of delivery.ResultsMajor preference (60.1%) was for home delivery among rural dwellers compared to 20.7% for urban participants. Statistically significant variables affecting the choice of place of delivery among study participants were found to be educational background, the experience of previous deliveries, the attitude of hospital staff toward pregnant women during labor, and frequency of accessing antenatal care.ConclusionMajority of rural women prefer home delivery to facility delivery which is the opposite of the trend observed among urban women. The study’s implications may lead to positive change where stakeholders develop and implement policies to promote health facility delivery for expectant mothers in Ghana.

Preponderance of vaccine-preventable diseases hotspots in northern Ghana: a spatial and space-time clustering analysis from 2010 to 2014

BackgroundVaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) persist globally with a disproportionately high burden in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Although this might be partly due to the failure to sustain vaccination coverage above 90% in some WHO regions, a more nuanced understanding of VPD transmission beyond vaccination coverage may unveil other important factors in VPD transmission and control. This study identified VPDs hotspots and explored their relationships with ecology, urbanicity and land-use variations (Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities) in Ghana.MethodsDistrict-level disease count data from 2010 to 2014 from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and population data from the Ghana Population and Housing Census (PHC) were used to determine clustering patterns of six VPDs (Measles, Meningitis, Mumps, Otitis media, Pneumonia and Tetanus). Spatial and space-time cluster analyses were implemented in SaTScan using the discrete Poisson model. P-values were estimated using a combination of sequential Monte Carlo, standard Monte Carlo, and Gumbel approximations.ResultsThe study found a preponderance for VPD hotspots in the northern parts of Ghana and northernmost ecological zones (Sudan Savannah and Guinea Savannah). Incidence of meningitis was higher in the Sudan Savannah ecological zone relative to: Tropical Rain Forest (p = 0.001); Semi Deciduous Forest (p < 0.0001); Transitional Zone (p < 0.0001); Coastal Savannah (p < 0.0001) and Guinea Savannah (p = 0.033). Except for mumps, which recorded a higher incidence in urban districts (p = 0.045), incidence of the other five VPDs did not differ across the urban-rural divide. Whereas spatial analysis suggested that some VPD hotspots (tetanus and otitis media) occur more frequently in mining districts in the southern part of the country, a Mann-Whitney U test revealed a higher incidence of meningitis in non-mining districts (p = 0.019). Pneumonia and meningitis recorded the highest (722.8 per 100,000) and least (0.8 per 100,000) incidence rates respectively during the study period.ConclusionThis study shows a preponderance of VPD hotspots in the northern parts of Ghana and in semi-arid ecoclimates. The relationship between ASGM activities and VPD transmission in Ghana remains blurred and requires further studies with better spatial resolution to clarify.

Sex of household head and other household determinants of childhood anaemia among households in Ghana: regression analysis of the 2019 Malaria Indicator Survey

BackgroundChildhood anaemia is still a major public health concern. Although the prevalence of anaemia among children under age five is reducing in Ghana, the severity level is still worsening. This study sought to examine and compare household factors affecting the anaemia status of children under age five living in male- and female-headed households in Ghana.MethodsThe study used a weighted sample of 5,799 household heads from the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (GMIS). A binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effect of sex of household heads and other household factors on the anaemia status of children under the age of five in male- and female-headed households in Ghana. All analyses were conducted at the 95% confidence level.ResultsThe results showed that a higher proportion (83.0%) of children under age five are not anaemic in households in Ghana. However, the probability of a child being anaemic is higher in male-headed households (aOR = 1.28; C.I:1.08–1.51), in the poorest (aOR = 2.41; CI: 1.59–3.65), poorer (aOR = 2.04; C.I:1.41–2.94) and middle (aOR = 1.78; C.I:1.29–2.46) household wealth category. Higher likelihood of anaemia was found among children in households that used charcoal (aOR = 1.51; C.I:1.15–1.99) and fuelwood (aOR = 1.44; C.I:1.02–2.02) for cooking. Similarly, there is a high probability of childhood anaemia in households with 5–10 members (aOR = 4.49; C.I: 3.78–5.34), 11 or more members (aOR = 7.21; C.I: 4.60–11.31) and household residing in northern part of Ghana (aOR = 1.40; C.I:1.07–1.83). The lower odds of being anaemic were recorded among children whose household heads were aged 40 years and older, household using other cooking fuels (aOR = 0.49; C.I: 0.21–0.78) and household with no bednets (aOR = 0.57; C.I: 0.44–0.74).ConclusionsThe GMIS data suggest that anaemia and its severity are higher among children living in MHH than among those living in FHH. The results indicate that poverty, a higher number of household members, relatively younger male household heads and the type of cooking fuel used were factors accounting for the differences in childhood anaemia in MHH and FHH. Equal attention should be given to MHH and FHH in terms of programmes and interventions aimed towards preventing and reducing childhood anaemia in Ghana.

A Simplified Model for Estimating Household Air Pollution in Challenging Contexts: A Case Study from Ghana

Almost three billion people rely primarily on inefficient and polluting cooking systems worldwide. Household air pollution is a direct consequence of this practice, and it is annually associated with millions of premature deaths and diseases, mainly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The use of improved cookstoves often represents an appropriate solution to reduce such health risks. However, in the distribution of such units, it can be necessary to prioritize the beneficiaries. Thus, in this study, we conducted field research involving five rural villages in the Northern part of Ghana, where using three-stone fires or rural stoves was common. Concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured indoors and outdoors. Considering each field mission lasted less than 24 h, assumptions were made so as to calculate the average pollutant concentrations in 24 h through a new, simplified equation that combined efficiency and cost-savings by shortening field assessments. The obtained values were compared with international guidelines. The results showed that PM2.5 and PM10 limits were overstepped in two villages, which should thus be prioritized. However, further research will be necessary to strengthen and validate our proposed equation, which must be seen as a starting point.