Northern Region Of Ghana Research Articles

Exploring The Perceptions and Use of Information and Communication Technology Tools Among High School Mathematics Teachers in The Northern Region of Ghana

This study explored the extent to which senior high school mathematics teachers in the Northern Region of Ghana use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in teaching and learning mathematics. A descriptive survey design was employed for the investigation. Using a stratified sampling technique, 20 public high schools in the northern region of Ghana were selected for the study. A simple random sampling was used to select 100 teachers (i.e., 50 teachers from urban and 50 teachers from rural schools) from the 20 schools for the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data for the study. The findings revealed that the mathematics teachers’ perceived knowledge of the benefits of ICT usage for instructional delivery, assessment, and professional learning networks in mathematics were low compared to their actual usage of the ICTs for the same purposes. The findings suggest that the participants utilize ICTs more for social networking than for instructional delivery, assessment, and professional development in mathematics. Further, the findings showed a positive relationship between the teachers’ perceived knowledge of the benefits of ICTs usage for instructional delivery and their actual use of ICTs for instructional delivery. Mathematics teachers from urban schools use ICTs for all instructional purposes more than their peers from rural schools. Implications for ICT policies, teacher training, and professional development are provided.

Status of Velar Fricatives and Flap in Dagbanli

The study is cross-dialectal investigation of the velar fricatives [x, ɣ] and the flap [ɾ] in Dagbanli, a Mabia language spoken in the Northern Region of Ghana. The issues investigated and assessed for the purpose of Dagbanli phonology are the status of the velar fricatives [x, ɣ] and the flap [ɾ] across Dagbanli dialects. Ethnographic approach is employed to solicit the primary data from bucolic Dagbanli speech communities. Descriptive method is engaged for the analysis of the primary data available. The investigation reveals that Dagbanli dialects have the velar fricatives [x, ɣ] confined to specific segmental contexts with a particular inventory stricture. The flap[ɾ] is noticed to occur in mostly in intervocalic but entirely missing in Dagbanli indigenous words in word-initial. The velar fricatives [x, ɣ] and the flap[ɾ] are observed to be non-contrastive and only suffice as dialectal allophones in the language. The paper shows evidence of coalesce of non-coronal labial /m/ and coronal fricative /s/ to produce dorsal fricative [x] in intervocalic and coalesce of stem final stop /ɡ/ and suffix onset fricative /s/ to yield the dorsal fricative [x], a finding which shows the status of the segment [x] in Dagbanli phonology. The paper concludes that the segments [x], [ɣ] and [ɾ] are positional variants of /s/, /ɡ/ and /d/.

“I married because …”: Motivations to marry early among female spouses in child marriages in northern Ghana

Child marriage is practised in Ghana with a prevalence rate of 27.2 %. This high prevalence is due to how marriage is conceptualized and constructed in communities that practice child marriage. Though reasons for the practice of child marriage are well documented, empirical studies of the married adolescent girls’ reasons for marrying early in the Ghanaian context are scant. This study, therefore, sought to present experiential factors that influenced the early marriage of adolescent girls. Twenty-one married girls aged between 13 and 17 years were recruited from selected communities in the Northern region of Ghana using purposeful, convenient and snowball sampling techniques. Individual face-to-face in-depth interviews with a semi-structured interview guide were adopted for the collection of data. A generic inductive qualitative analysis method was used to analyse the accounts of their experiences. Three core themes emerged as reasons influencing participants’ decision to marry. Personal motivating factors focused on adolescent girls’ personal need for children, idleness, peer group comparison and love. Economically motivated reasons include poverty, the quest for a better life and enticement by men. Sociocultural reasons include teenage pregnancy, family pressure and societal views on marriage among others. Information on the motivations for marriage among adolescent girls may be relevant to policymakers and interventionists in developing measures and interventions that are tailored to the needs of individuals affected by the practice of child marriage.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Towards Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Behaviours Among Communities in Northern Ghana

Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programs have been implemented extensively to eradicate open defecation and enhance sanitation practices. However, concerns about the sustainability of CLTS outcomes persist, necessitating a nuanced examination of the phenomenon. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of people in the Northern region of Ghana towards behaviors associated with the community-led total sanitation (CLTS) programme. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional one and the approach for the study was quantitative. It involved the use of questionnaire to collect data from respondents. Data were gathered through survey among respondents in 12 communities across 3 districts. Socio-demographic characteristics were analyzed for their associations with knowledge, attitude, and practice. Results revealed significant associations between district, age, religion, occupation, and monthly income level with knowledge, attitude, and practice. Specifically, respondents from Saboba demonstrated higher odds of knowledge compared to Mion and Kpandai districts, while Muslims exhibited higher odds of knowledge compared to Christians. Monthly income levels of 200-500 and 501-1500 Ghanaian cedis were associated with improved knowledge and practice compared to incomes less than 200 cedis. Notably, good knowledge was positively correlated with good attitude. These findings underscore the importance of considering socio-demographic factors in designing and implementing sanitation interventions. Tailored strategies addressing specific factors identified in this study may enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of CLTS programs in the Northern Region of Ghana and similar contexts. Further research and targeted interventions are warranted to address the complex interplay between socio-demographic characteristics and sanitation behaviors.

Predictors of Poor Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment among HIV Positive Patients at Tamale West Hospital, Ghana

Background: Adherence to Antiretroviral therapy is necessary to reduce the viral load of people diagnosed with HIV and help boost the persons’ immunity against opportunistic infections due to the virus. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of adherence to ART and its associated factors among HIV clients at the Tamale west hospital. Methods: The current study employed a descriptive study design, and sampled a total of 104 clients receiving ART in the Tamale West Hospital in the Northern Region of Ghana. Results: The results showed that weekly adherence was 94.2%, monthly adherence (76%), quarterly adherence (71%), half yearly adherence (51.9%) and only 33.7% have religiously adhered to ART medication from the initiation of their treatment. The treatment profile of the clients revealed that the majority of them (44.7%) had been receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a duration of 5 years. Additionally, 25.2% had been on ART for 1 year, while 22.3% had been on the treatment for a period ranging from 6 to 10 years. Educational level [(CI: -0.101, 0.001), p<0.052], forgetfulness [(CI: 0.186, 0.581), p<0.001], side effects [(CI: 0.072, 0.400), p<0.005], education on medication [(CI: 0.015, 0.540), p<0.038], confidentiality of services [(CI: 0.012, 0.543), p<0.041], and cost of transportation to treatment centre [(CI: 0.006, 0.167), p<0.035] were significantly associated with treatment adherence to ART among the clients. Conclusions: The adherence rate as determined in the current study did not meet the expected target set by the Ghana National AIDS control programme. A continuous friendly ART services and an intervention to cater for the transport cost of clients would have helped improve adherence among the study clients.

Climate Change Effects, Multi-Actor Interactions, and Effectiveness of Adaptation Activities on Rice Production in Ghana's Northern Region

Climate Change Effects, Multi-Actor Interactions, and Effectiveness of Adaptation Activities on Rice Production in Ghana's Northern Region

Patient socio-demographics and clinical factors associated with malaria mortality: a case control study in the northern region of Ghana

BackgroundGhana is a malaria-endemic country with the entire population at risk. The Northern region of the country recorded the highest malaria case fatality rate (CFR) for two consecutive years: 1.11% in 2013 and 1.07% in 2014. Even though the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has achieved a reduction in malaria mortality, the existence of high case fatality in the Northern region was alarming. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the factors associated with malaria mortality in the northern region of Ghana to institute control measures.MethodsAn unmatched case control study was conducted from July 2015 to August 2015. The study population consisted of patients admitted to health facilities for severe malaria in the Northern region of Ghana. A case was defined as a patient diagnosed with severe malaria at an eligible health facility who died as a result of malaria. A control was a patient diagnosed with severe malaria admitted to an eligible health facility who did not die. Health facilities that recorded CFRs of 1.0% and above were randomly sampled for this study, after which, 10 cases and 20 controls were recruited from each health facility. Information on cases and controls was then abstracted from hospital records using an electronically deployed abstraction tool. Continuous variables were expressed as means and medians, and categorical variables as frequencies and proportions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the strength of the association between malaria mortality and factors predictive of malaria mortality. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn all, a total of 95 cases and 190 controls participated in this study. The median ages of cases and controls were 4.1 years (IQR = 21.6) and 5.7 years (IQR = 18.2), respectively. Fifty-four (56.8%) cases were females, while 93 (49.0%) of the controls were females. Factors associated with malaria mortality included: duration of hospital stay less than 24 h [aOR: 12.0, 95% CI (5.9–24.6)], severe pallor [aOR: 2.3, 95% CI (1.1–4.6)], children under 5 years [aOR: 2.8, 95% CI (1.4–5.6)], oral Artesunate/Amodiaquine administration [aOR: 0.4, 95% CI (0.2–0.9)] and sepsis as an additional diagnosis [aOR: 4.1, 95% CI (1.8–9.5)].ConclusionPredictors of malaria mortality in the Northern region include children under 5 years, severe pallor, sepsis as an additional diagnosis, and use of oral anti-malarial. Patients with severe pallor and sepsis as co-morbidities should receive proactive management. The NMEP and its partners should implement measures to strengthen the referral system, anaemia prevention and management, and retrain health workers on malaria case management. Malaria control interventions targeted at under five children in the region should be reviewed and enhanced.

Experiences of workplace conflicts by midwives and implications for their wellbeing in selected hospitals in the Northern Region of Ghana

AimConflicts are ubiquitous in human societies and manifest in varied forms and scales within societies, communities and organisations. While many studies have investigated workplace conflicts, least attention has been paid to how midwives differently experience these conflicts and the impacts of these conflicts on their wellbeing. This study fills this gap by investigating the multifaceted impact of workplace conflicts on the wellbeing of midwives. MethodThe study employed a purely qualitative approach within the analytical framework of the Stress Theory of organisational conflicts. Thirty-five participants were selected for the study through an expert purposive sampling technique. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect primary data for the study. Collected data were analysed using an inductive thematic analytical technique. ResultsThe findings highlight the multifaceted impact of conflict on both the professional and personal well-being of midwives. Conflicts induce severe physical and psychological strains on midwives, generate fears, angst, and anxieties, and disrupt social harmony prompting exclusion and discrimination among midwives in the hospital. ConclusionWe argue that apart from task-demand generated stress, workplace conflicts prompt both physical and psychological stress on midwives which culminate into a myriad of physical, emotional, and mental health issues. Implication for PracticeInitiation of conflict resolution and mediation training programs for midwives so as to equip them with essential skills for effectively managing and resolving workplace conflicts. Setting up internal grievance mechanisms for midwives in their work places and training of midwives on social skills, and stress management skills.

Exploring morphological variation and stability in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) germplasm collection from the northern region of Ghana

Understanding genetic variability in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) will contribute to effective breeding efforts, especially in northern Ghana, where pepper contributes significantly to the smallholder farmer's income. This study evaluated 13 morphological traits including those related to vegetative, inflorescence, and fruit-related within a collection of 40 pepper genotypes from five different locations in the northern region of Ghana. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were detected among the pepper genotypes for all measured traits. A strong positive correlation was detected between days to 50 % flowering and days to 50 % fruiting for both the rainfed (r = 0.87) and irrigated (r = 0.73) conditions. High performance of the genotypes at the vegetative and inflorescence stages was observed in the dry season, with low fruiting performance (number of fruits per plant, fresh weight, and dry weight). Multivariate analysis revealed that 60.54 % and 54.63 % variations were explained by the first three principal components, respectively. Three main clusters were identified, with linear relationships and no distinct separation pattern based on location, thus providing an opportunity to remove duplicate genotypes in the studied region. The results indicated that the selection of genotypes with better agronomic traits could be achieved from this pepper gene pool. The present findings may pave the way for better utilization and production of pepper, leading to improved adaptation in the region.

Household Water Insecurity Is Associated With Food Insecurity in 2 Districts in the Northern Region of Ghana

Household Water Insecurity Is Associated With Food Insecurity in 2 Districts in the Northern Region of Ghana

Compliance of private ventilated improved pit latrines to odour and fly control guidelines: A technical audit in selected regions of Ghana

The ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine offers a promising route to safely managed sanitation to many households in developing countries. However, some technical guidelines must be followed in order to realise the technology's advantage of odour and fly nuisance control. This study sought to audit private VIP latrines in selected regions of Ghana to assess their compliance to conventional technical guidelines and to understand the major factors that influence the latrine designs. An inspection checklist was developed to assess 296 private VIP latrines in the Central, Ashanti and Northern Regions of Ghana while semi-structured interviews were conducted among the latrine owners to enquire the factors that influenced the designs of their latrines. The results show that provision of a window in the superstructure (86 %), and the avoidance of an insect screen in the window(s) (77 %) were the most complied guidelines. The use of 150 mm diameter vent pipe was the least satisfied guideline (5 %). On the average, a latrine satisfied about half (3.6) of the technical guidelines that were assessed. The decision or advice of local artisans is the most influential factor in the design of the latrines. Cost was the least mentioned factor cited by the latrine owners. There is the need to establish information desks at the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to guide prospective owners on the proper design and construction of the VIP latrine. In addition, toilet construction should be incorporated in the curriculum for the basic training of building and construction students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Ghana. Further research is required to ascertain the basis of the decisions of local artisans and the potential impact of the use of accessories that are ‘borrowed’ from the WC toilet on odour and fly control in the latrine.

Knowledge Level of Teachers on Inclusive Education in Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana

Knowledge Level of Teachers on Inclusive Education in Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana

Knowledge and perception of cereal farmers and extension agents on fungicide use in northern Ghana.

Agricultural pesticide use in sub-Saharan Africa has doubled over the past three decades, with a greater relative increase for fungicides. As pesticide inputs continue to rise, so does the potential for the development of resistance. Here, we report on a survey conducted to understand pesticide resistance awareness, pesticide-use knowledge and practices of growers and agricultural extension officers (AEOs) in the cereals growing-belt of northern Ghana, with emphasis on fungicides. The results may inform development of strategies for improving pesticide literacy including resistance awareness, extension services and crop protection outcomes. The survey revealed a low level of pesticide-use knowledge for AEOs and growers. This was more so for growers with low education, predominantly women. Education level (and indirectly gender) influenced perceived effectiveness of fungicides and levels of adoption of cultural and agrochemical best practices. Only 28% of growers and 11% of AEOs practiced crop and fungicide rotations, respectively. More than half (53%) of the respondents indicated that fungicides used in northern Ghana are not effective. Given the low level of pesticide literacy of AEOs and growers, training programs on best practice for the use of pesticides, with targeted initiatives for female growers, would improve crop protection outcomes and safety. The limited adoptions of crop rotation and repeated use of fungicides with the same active ingredients, along with >50% of respondents reporting 'fungicides not working' suggest the potential presence of fungicide resistance cases in growers' fields in the Northern region of Ghana. Further work is needed to determine the incidence of resistance in the region. It is recommended that a key policy priority should focus on understanding broader agrochemical-use practices, crop losses and household-level food security in the presence of resistance risks. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Complete Blood Count Reference Intervals for Children Aged Less Than 1 to 12 Years in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Reliable laboratory diagnostic results are key for evaluating and improving children's health. To interpret these results, child-specific reference intervals (RIs), which account for constant biological changes and physiological development with sex and age, are required, as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). This study presents age- and sex-specific reference intervals for complete blood count (CBC) parameters in children (<1-12 years old) in the Northern Region of Ghana. In this cross-sectional study, 600 healthy children from randomly sampled schools in Tamale (the Northern Region) were recruited and screened. Data from 388 eligible children were used to nonparametrically determine the reference intervals of CBC parameters at the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. The CBC reference intervals were compared for variations in sex and age groups using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. There were no statistically significant differences in most CBC parameters by sex (RBC, Hb, HCT, MCH, RDW (CV/SD), WBC, LYM#, MON#(%) NEU#(%), EOS#(%), and BAS#(%); p > 0.05) and age group (RBC, MCV, RDW (CV/SD), WBC, LYM#, MON#(%) NEU#(%), EOS#(%), and BAS%; p > 0.05). However, there were observable differences between this locally established CBC reference interval and that used for children at Tamale Teaching Hospital (manufacturer's RIs). This study emphasises the importance of determining reference intervals representative of the local child population and incorporating them into the current reporting system of laboratories in the Northern Region to ensure the provision of effective and efficient healthcare services.

Effect of Fertigation and Organic Manure on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays) in the Northern Region of Ghana

Food insecurity in Ghana is major challenge in the country, with a significant portion of the population (5%) facing the risk of inadequate access to food. Whilst there is food insecurity, agricultural productivity in the country is not increasing. Additionally, farming in Ghana especially in northern Ghana fully depends on rainfall. Also, farmers are faced with climate crisis such as drought and high temperatures which affects productivity. Alternative ways such as fertigation have been demonstrated to increase agricultural productivity in many parts of the world. However, this technique is under-utilized in Ghana. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fertigation and organic manure on maize growth and yield production in Northern Region of Ghana. Organic manure (OM) mainly compost was incorporated in soil together with fertigation and the effects on maize plant growth parameters (i.e., plant height, number of leaves, stem girth) and yield (i.e., number of grains, number of wet and dry grains) were measured. The study found that maize plants treated with OM and fertigation application had significantly higher plant growth parameters and yield compared to maize plants that were not given OM but were manually fertilized. The results showed that the combined use of fertigation and OM application holds immense potential for enhancing maize plant growth and yield. By maximizing the growth and yield potential of maize plants through fertilization and OM application, farmers can address the growing demand for this vital crop while promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Assessing the Performance of Small-Scale Industries in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana

This study assessed the performance of small-scale industries (SSIs) in the Tamale Metropolis of the northern region. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample one hundred and sixty (160) respondents who were administered with questionnaires. Out of the 160 respondents, 154 of them responded to the questionnaire constituting a response rate of 96%. On the effects of insufficient finance on the performance of SSIs, most of the respondents used their own personal savings to set-up their industries with a few getting financial support from government agencies such as National Board for small scale industries (NBSSI), GRATIS Project, Technology Transfer Centre, and Ghana Enterprises Development Commission and banks. The results also revealed that lack of finance was the major constrain to the growth of SSIs. Again on the effect of managerial skills on the performance of SSIs, many of the respondents indicated that their industries are been managed by their own boss with employees as supporting staff and that cost of equipment/raw materials were the major obstacles that management team of SSIs face. In investigating the effects of inadequate equipment and technology of SSIs, most of the respondents indicated that they could not buy the required equipment and use ICT and advance technology in the operations of their firms. Only 20.8% of the respondents had access to technical support (training) and many of them too have not registered or acquired the appropriate license for their operations. The study recommended that government agencies like NBSSI, GRATIS Project, and Technology Transfer Centre should assist owners of SSIs to buy the required equipment to grow their firms. There should also be frequent technical support training programmes to help SSIs owners and encourage them to register and acquire the appropriate license for their operations.

Association between Gestational Weight Gain and Maternal and Birth Outcomes in Northern Ghana.

Although inappropriate gestational weight gain is considered closely related to adverse maternal and birth outcomes globally, little evidence was found in low- and middle-income countries. Study Objectives. This study is aimed at identifying the determinants of gestational weight gain and examine the association between gestational weight gain and maternal and birth outcomes in the Northern Region of Ghana. Study Methods. The study used a facility-based cross-sectional study design involving 611 antenatal and delivery records in Tatale district, Tamale west, and Gushegu municipal hospitals. A two-stage sampling method involving cluster and simple random sampling was employed. Descriptive statistical analysis and measures of central tendency were used to describe the sample. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine the determinants of gestational weight gain and its association with maternal and birth outcomes. Among the 611 women included in the study, 516 (84.45%) had inadequate gestational weight gain, and 19 (3.11%) had excessive gestational weight gain. The gestational weight gain ranged from 2 kg to 25 kg with a mean of 7.26 ± 3.70 kg. The risk factor for inadequate gestational weight gain was low prepregnancy BMI (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.18 - 2.57, P = 0.002). Pregnant women who had inadequate gestational weight gain were significantly less likely to deliver through caesarean section (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.12 - 0.61, P = 0.002), and those who had excessive weight gain were more likely to undergo caesarean section (AOR = 19.81, 95% CI = 5.38 - 72.91, P = 0.001). The odds of premature delivery (birth < 37 weeks) among pregnant women with inadequate weight gain were 2.88 (95% CI = 1.27 - 6.50, P = 0.011). Furthermore, subjects who had excessive weight gain were 43.80 times more likely to give birth to babies with macrosomia (95% CI = 7.07 - 271.23, P = 0.001). Inappropriate gestational weight gain is prevalent in Ghana, which is associated with caesarean section, preterm delivery, delivery complications, and macrosomia. Urgent policy interventions are needed to improve on the frequent monitoring and management of gestational weight gain of pregnant women till term.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Output and Cost of Soybean Production: A Comparison between Contract and Non-contract Farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana

Contract farming has emerged as a crucial remedy for bolstering the prospects of small-scale soybean farmers in Ghana. Both governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations, including the Savanna Farmers Marketing Company (SFMC), the Northern Development Authority (NDA), and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), are actively engaging farmers in contracts to grow soybeans. This initiative is especially prominent in the Northern Region of Ghana. This study investigates the factors influencing the output and cost of soybean production, drawing a comparison between contract and non-contract farmers. The research employs stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and translog functional forms to analyze data collected from 374 soybean growers. The findings reveal that farm size, labour, and agrochemical usage significantly impact soybean output for both contract and non-contract farmers. However, contract farmers exhibit increasing returns to scale, while non-contract farmers experience decreasing returns. Regarding production costs, the study identifies farm size, seed cost, agrochemical cost, and output as significant determinants for the pooled sample. Contract farmers' production costs are primarily influenced by farm size, seed cost, and agrochemicals, whereas non-contract farmers' costs are driven by farm size, seed cost, agrochemicals, and output. The analysis highlights the complementary and substitute relationships among input variables, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the soybean industry. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance productivity and cost efficiency for both contract and non-contract soybean farmers.

A qualitative examination of factors influencing pregnancy-related anxiety in Northern Ghana

IntroductionDespite high prevalence of anxiety among pregnant women in low- and -middle-income countries, research on context-specific conceptualisation, measurement, and predictors of pregnancy-related anxiety (PrA) is limited in these contexts. We explored local conceptualisations of factors influencing PrA in the Northern Region of Ghana. MethodsWe conducted 15 focus group discussions with antenatal care seekers in the Mion District, Savelugu Municipality, and Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region, in July and August 2021. Multistage stratified purposive sampling was used to select respondents (n = 108). The data were audio-recorded and transcribed, and then we conducted a thematic analysis of the data. ResultsAt the individual level, fear of anaemia; pre-existing health conditions; challenges with daily activities; and physical, emotional, and sexual abuses from spouses contributed to PrA. Health system failures resulting in unexpected out-of-pocket payments, negative health worker attitudes, diagnostic errors, constraints on birth preparation and birth process, and potential adverse birth outcomes were understood as driving PrA. Socio-cultural factors influencing PrA comprised beliefs and practices around baby naming/outdooring ceremonies, fear of spiritual attacks, social construction of gender roles, and contextual factors such as transportation challenges. ConclusionPregnant women in the region understood, experienced, and could identify perceived predictors of PrA. To address PrA, we recommend that mental health services should be integrated into the basic package of antenatal care and rural health services should be improved. Perceived predictors of PrA identified here could be included in the design of a context-specific PrA measure for use in the region.

Predictors of quality of life of TB/HIV co-infected patients in the Northern region of Ghana

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) co-morbidity continues to be a serious worldwide health issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies on the quality of life (QOL) of TB/HIV co-infected patients guide stakeholders on the delivery of patient-centred healthcare. This study evaluated QOL of TB/HIV co-infected individuals and its contributing factors.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among TB/HIV co-infected patients, receiving treatment at clinics in the Northern Region of Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 213 patients from 32 clinics. We gathered information on patients’ QOL using the World Health Organization QOL-HIV BREF assessment tool. At a 5% level of significance, multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to find correlates of QOL among the patients.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was (38.99 ± 14.00) years with most, 33.3% (71/213) aged 30–39 years. Males constituted 54.9% (117/213). About 30.0% (64/213) of the patients reported a good QOL. Being employed (aOR = 5.23, 95% CI: 1.87 – 14.60), and adhering to treatment (aOR = 6.36, 95% CI: 1.51 – 26.65) were significantly associated with a good QOL. Being depressed (aOR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.03 – 0.29), stigmatized (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI : 0.11 – 0.84), and not exercising (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12 – 0.67) were negatively associated with a good QOL.ConclusionLess than one-third of TB/HIV co-infected patients in the region have good QOL. To guarantee good QOL, modifiable predictors such as patients’ physical activity and medication adherence should be targeted by the National AIDS and TB Control Programs.