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Amoah PA, Adjei SB, Arthur-Holmes F. A Social-Ecological Study of Perceptions and Determinants of Sexual Enhancement Drug Use among Men and Women in Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116521. [PMID: 35682105 PMCID: PMC9180177 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The use and sale of sexual enhancement drugs (particularly unapproved aphrodisiacs) have become a public health concern in Ghana and many other sub-Saharan African countries. While most studies have examined this phenomenon from the level of individual perspectives, this study investigates the multi-dimensional and multi-level factors (e.g., individual characteristics and behaviours, interpersonal factors, community norms and practices, institutional and public policy factors) that influence attitudes, perceptions, and use of aphrodisiacs among men and women in Ghana. Using a concurrent mixed-method design, we derived the data from a semi-structured interview and cross-sectional survey conducted across five administrative regions in Ghana. Interpretative phenomenological analysis and logistic regression techniques were used to analyse the qualitative and quantitative (survey) data, respectively. Approximately 12.6% of participants (17.6% among males and 7.2% among females) had used an aphrodisiac in the six months prior to the study. Approximately 23.4% of the participants had more than one partner during the same period. Among men, being religious (B = −0.238, p < 0.05) and having multiple sexual partners (B = 0.481, p < 0.01) were positively associated with the use of aphrodisiacs. For women, being employed (B = −1.539, p < 0.01), engaging in physical activities (exercising) (B = −0.658, p < 0.05), having good health (B = 0.869, p < 0.05), having multiple sexual partners (B = 1.191, p < 0.01), and taking alcohol (B = 1.041, p < 0.01) were associated with use of aphrodisiacs. Although many participants had used aphrodisiacs, women, in particular, held unfavourable views about the drugs due to perceived negative health implications for themselves and their partners. The findings also show that community-level factors (e.g., social norms and expectations), interpersonal factors (e.g., expectations of partners and friends), public policy (e.g., drug-related regulations), and organisational/institutional factors (e.g., health system arrangements about access and use of drugs) were critical to the sale and use of aphrodisiacs among both men and women in Ghana. A multi-level analysis of the use of sexual enhancement drugs among men and women is crucial to formulating social and public health policies that aim to improve public knowledge of these drugs, reduce uncontrolled production, and protect population health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmore Adusei Amoah
- School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
- Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
- Department of Applied Psychology, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
- Correspondence: or
| | - Stephen Baffour Adjei
- Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi P.O. Box 1277, Ghana;
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Kretchy IA, Koduah A, Opuni KFM, Agyabeng K, Ohene‐Agyei T, Boafo EA, Ntow PO. Prevalence, patterns and beliefs about the use of herbal medicinal products in Ghana: a multi‐centre community‐based cross‐sectional study. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:410-420. [DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irene A. Kretchy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy School of Pharmacy University of Ghana Legon Ghana
| | - Augustina Koduah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy School of Pharmacy University of Ghana Legon Ghana
| | - Kwabena F. M. Opuni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry School of Pharmacy University of Ghana Legon Ghana
| | | | - Thelma Ohene‐Agyei
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy School of Pharmacy University of Ghana Legon Ghana
| | - Eugene A. Boafo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry School of Pharmacy University of Ghana Legon Ghana
| | - Prisca O. Ntow
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy School of Pharmacy University of Ghana Legon Ghana
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Kenu A, Kenu E, Bandoh DA, Aikins M. Factors that promote and sustain the use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine services at LEKMA hospital, Ghana, 2017: an observational study. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:14. [PMID: 33407386 PMCID: PMC7788857 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background About 70% of Ghanaians depend on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) practices for primary healthcare needs. It was therefore integrated into mainstream healthcare delivery system by the Ministry of Health in September 2012. LEKMA hospital was one of the institutions for piloting TCIM services. We assessed factors that promote the usage and sustainability of TCIM services within the formal healthcare system. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from April–June 2017 at the LEKMA hospital, Accra, Ghana. Patients and managers of TCIM clinic were interviewed. Data was collected through qualitative and quantitative approaches. We defined usage of TCIM as its current use, and sustainability as structures in place to run TCIM services. For assessing usage, a five-point Likert scale was used to assess five domain areas via exit interviews. Managers were assessed on the sustainability of TCIM services through in-depth interviews. Likert scales responses were analysed quantitatively using descriptive tertile statistics. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis. Results Overall, 72.7% (40/55) of the clients showed a high preference for TCIM usage and 80.0% (4/5) of the managers valued it as partially sustainable. Eighty per cent (44/55) of patients indicated that the location of TCIM services and availability of visible directional signs influenced the good usage; 84% (46/55) of the patients agreed that the usage of TCIM was influenced by their perceived effectiveness. Managers indicated that human resources for providing services was a challenge and TCIM integration into the operations of the hospital needed to be improved. Conclusion We observed a high preference for usage of TCIM among users at LEKMA hospital. The general belief in the potency, perceived effectiveness, location and availability of TCIM services are key determinants of the high preference for usage of TCIM. Provision of TCIM services in its current form is partially sustainable from the managers’ perspective. We recommend that the Ministry of Health ensures the availability of staff and create awareness of TCIM services among the general populace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Kenu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Kenu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana. .,Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (GFELTP), Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Delia Akosua Bandoh
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (GFELTP), Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Moses Aikins
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Health Economics, Systems and Policy Research Group (HESPRG), Department of Health Policy, Planning & Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Agyemang-Duah W, Arthur-Holmes F, Sobeng AK, Peprah P, Dokbila JM, Asare E, Okyere J. Corporate social responsibility in public health provision: Community members’ assessment. COGENT MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/2331205x.2019.1622999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Williams Agyemang-Duah
- Department of Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Augustus Kweku Sobeng
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Institute of Geography, History and Psychology, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Prince Peprah
- Natural and Built Environment, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jennifer Mengba Dokbila
- Department of Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Asare
- Department of Management Education, College of Technology Education, University of Education Winneba, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of International Studies, Center for International Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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Peprah P, Agyemang-Duah W, Arthur-Holmes F, Budu HI, Abalo EM, Okwei R, Nyonyo J. 'We are nothing without herbs': a story of herbal remedies use during pregnancy in rural Ghana. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:65. [PMID: 30876425 PMCID: PMC6419816 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2476-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herbal medicine has become the panacea for many rural pregnant women in Ghana despite the modern western antenatal care which has developed in most parts of the country. To our knowledge, previous studies investigating herbal medicine use have primarily reported general attitudes and perceptions of use, overlooking the standpoint of pregnant women and their attitudes, and utilisation of herbal medicine in Ghana. Knowledge of herbal medicine use among rural pregnant women and the potential side effects of many herbs in pregnancy are therefore limited in the country; this qualitative study attempts to address this gap by exploring the perceptions of herbal medicine usage among pregnant women in rural Ghana. METHODS A sample of 30, conveniently selected pregnant women, were involved in this study from April 11 to June 22, 2017. Data from three different focus group discussions were thematically analysed and presented based on an a posteriori inductive reduction approach. RESULTS The main findings were that pregnant women used herbal medicine, most commonly ginger, peppermint, thyme, chamomile, aniseeds, green tea, tealeaf, raspberry, and echinacea leaf consistently throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy. Cultural norms and health beliefs in the form of personal philosophies, desire to manage one's own health, illness perceptions, and a holistic healing approach were ascribed to the widespread use of herbs. CONCLUSION We recommend public education and awareness on disclosure of herbal medicine use to medical practitioners among pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Peprah
- Department of Natural and Built Environment, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Williams Agyemang-Duah
- Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Hayford Isaac Budu
- Department of Nursing, Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Mawuli Abalo
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South-Parks Road, Oxford, GB OX1 3QY UK
| | - Reforce Okwei
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Julius Nyonyo
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Peprah P, Mohammed RMG, Adjei POW, Agyemang-Duah W, Abalo EM, Kotei JNA. Religion and Health: exploration of attitudes and health perceptions of faith healing users in urban Ghana. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1358. [PMID: 30526561 PMCID: PMC6288884 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6277-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main aim of the study was to explore the attitudes and health perceptions of faith healing users in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. This has become necessary because faith healing practice is an important area but remains neglected in the health care literature. In an age when biowestern medicine is touted as the cure for most diseases, understanding how and why individuals seek alternative treatment, specifically faith healing modalities may help to develop more effective health care interventions. METHODS We employed exploratory study design of purely qualitative research approach involving 40 conveniently selected participants from four different purposively selected faith healing centres to get a maximum variation of experiences and opinions on the time of consultation, perceived effectiveness and challenges of faith healing practices in Ghana. In-depth interviews were conducted from 10th June to 30th July, 2017. Data were thematically analysed and presented based on the a posteriori inductive reduction approach. RESULTS The main findings were that faith healers served as the first port of call for disease curing and prevention for most users. Consumers of faith healing perceived their health status to be good due to the perceived effectiveness of faith healing for curing of health problems. However, users faced challenges such as stigmatisation and victimisation in seeking health care. CONCLUSION This study has provided the first baseline evidence in this important area of inquiry that has been neglected in the scholarly discourse in Ghana. By implication, users' positive attitudes and perceptions toward faith healing call for integration policies that allow formal medical services to have open idea to faith healing practices in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Peprah
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Razak M. Gyasi Mohammed
- African Population and Health Research Center, Manga Close, Off-Kirawa Road, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Prince Osei-Wusu Adjei
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Williams Agyemang-Duah
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Mawuli Abalo
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Josephine Nii Amon Kotei
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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James PB, Wardle J, Steel A, Adams J. Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e000895. [PMID: 30483405 PMCID: PMC6231111 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The WHO estimates that a considerable number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) rely on traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) to meet their primary healthcare needs, yet there remains a dearth of research evidence on the overall picture of TCAM utilisation in the region. Methods We conducted a literature search of original articles examining TCAM use in SSA between 1 January 2006 and 28 February 2017, employing Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, Embase and African Journals Online databases. A critical appraisal of relevant articles reporting a quantitative or mixed-method design was undertaken. Results Despite the heterogeneity and general low quality of the identified literature, the review highlights a relatively high use of TCAM alone or in combination with orthodox medicine, in both general population and in specific health conditions in SSA. TCAM users compared with non-TCAM users are more likely to be of low socioeconomic and educational status, while there were inconsistencies in age, sex, spatial location and religious affiliation between TCAM users and non-TCAM users. Most TCAM users (55.8%–100%) in SSA fail to disclose TCAM use to their healthcare providers, with the main reasons for non-disclosure being fear of receiving improper care, healthcare providers’ negative attitude and a lack of enquiry about TCAM use from healthcare providers. Conclusion TCAM use in SSA is significant, although most studies emerge from a few countries. Factors associated with TCAM use in SSA are similar to those observed in other regions, but further research may be required to further elucidate challenges and opportunities related to TCAM use specific to SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bai James
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Jon Wardle
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amie Steel
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Office of Research, Endeavour College of Natural Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Kpobi LNA, Swartz L. 'The threads in his mind have torn': conceptualization and treatment of mental disorders by neo-prophetic Christian healers in Accra, Ghana. Int J Ment Health Syst 2018; 12:40. [PMID: 30061921 PMCID: PMC6056911 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-018-0222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many low- and middle-income countries, faith healing is used alongside biomedical treatment for many health problems including mental disorders. Further, Christianity in Africa has seen much transformation in recent decades with the growth of charismatic or neo-prophetic churches whose doctrines include healing, miracles and prophecies. As such, many charismatic pastors have been engaged in faith healing for many years. Such faith healers form a significant portion of the mental health workforce in these countries, partly due to the limited number of biomedically trained professionals. In this study, we sought to examine the beliefs of charismatic/neo-Pentecostal faith healers about mental disorders, as well as to examine the treatments that they employed to treat such disorders. METHODS We interviewed neo-prophetic pastors who undertook faith healing, and examined their work relating to mental disorders. Ten pastors from eight churches in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. RESULTS The data suggest that the pastors' conceptualization of mental illness was generally limited to psychotic disorders. Their beliefs about causation were predominantly supernatural in nature although they acknowledged that drug misuse and road traffic accidents were also potential causes. The pastors' expectations of healing also showed different perceptions of illness chronicity. Their diagnostic and treatment methods revolved around using prayer, prayer aids such as oils and holy water, as well as spiritual counselling for patients and their caregivers. However, they were not opposed to referring patients to hospitals when deemed necessary. CONCLUSION We discuss the above results with emphasis on their implications for collaboration between biomedical and alternative healing systems in Ghana. In particular, we advocate a mutual understanding of illness perspectives between biomedical practitioners and faith healers as an important component for integrating different health systems in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily N. A. Kpobi
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Leslie Swartz
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Gyasi RM, Abass K, Adu-Gyamfi S, Accam BT, Nyamadi VM. The Capabilities of Nurses for Complementary and Traditional Medicine Integration in Africa. J Altern Complement Med 2017; 24:282-290. [PMID: 28787173 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2017.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the political commitment of national governments and collaborative efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) toward the actualization of intercultural healthcare system over the past decades, sub-Saharan African countries feature medical cohabitation rather than a truly integrated medical system. This hospital-based cross-sectional study analyzed the capabilities of nurses for complementary and traditional medicine (CTM) integration in Africa. METHOD Practicing nurses (n = 210) were recruited to respond to the CTM Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ) in December 2016. Normality of data was evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic with a Lilliefors significance correction. The authors assessed the relationship among nurses' knowledge, personal use, and clinical practice of CTM, using Spearman's Rank Order Correlation (rho). The differences and associations in continuous and categorical baseline variables were determined with Mann-Whitney U test/Kruskal-Wallis H test and Pearson's Chi-square test, respectively, at p < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS The overall mean score of nurses' knowledge of CTM therapies was 38 (interquartile range [IQR] 16). This low CTM-related knowledge reflected in the poor mean performance score of 30 (IQR 17) and 22 (IQR 6) for personal use and clinical practice of CTM, respectively, among nurses. Nurses, therefore, lacked the confidence to recommend CTM therapies to patients. Yet, nurses exhibited a high positive attitude to CTM (72.7 ± 12.5). In addition to significant associations among CTM-related knowledge, education (p = 0.023), and religion (p < 0.001), the study found a positive and statistically significant correlation among CTM-related knowledge, personal use (r = 0.556, p < 0.001), and professional practice of CTM (r = 0.349, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Given their substantial role in the primary and public healthcare system, improving nurses' knowledge of CTM through evidence-based nursing education and training remains the surest way to achieve appropriate CTM integration in Africa as outlined in the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razak Mohammed Gyasi
- 1 Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University , Tuen Mun, Hong Kong SAR.,2 Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kabila Abass
- 2 Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adu-Gyamfi
- 3 Department of History and Political Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Burnett Tetteh Accam
- 4 Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Victoria Mensah Nyamadi
- 5 Department of Planning and Development, Christian Service University College , Kumasi, Ghana
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