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Nkrumah J, Abuosi AA, Baku AAA, Yarney L, Abekah-Nkrumah G, Tettey CR. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health literacy needs: a sub-national level assessment in Ghana. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae065. [PMID: 38902982 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This study assessed young adolescents' access and literacy challenges to sexual and reproductive health information and knowledge gaps in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. We used a narrative design and a focus group discussion method to glean data from 52 in-school adolescents, aged 11-15. Focus group discussions were conducted using a discussion guide and data were processed using QDA Miner (version 6.0). We analyzed data thematically using an iterative process of data validation, coding and recording. The participants had poor knowledge of the concepts of sexual and reproductive health and its essential domains. Abstinence was the predominant sexual and reproductive health goal of the participants. Yet, many males admitted to having sexual partners. There was difficult linguistic and physical access to structured and safe information. Personal hygiene, signs of sexual maturation and abstinence were the predominant contents available to young adolescents. A revision of adolescent health policies and strategies to embrace actions for improving unrestricted access to easy-to-read educational materials and adolescent health literacy is essential. Creating adolescent corners and introducing peer education in schools within Effutu and other municipalities in the Central Region will be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Nkrumah
- Department of Health Administration and Education, University of Education, Winneba, P. O. Box 25, Winneba Commercial Street, Winneba, Central Region, 233, Ghana
| | - Aaron A Abuosi
- Department of Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School, P. O. Box 78, Volta Hall Road, Accra-Legon, Greater Accra Region, 233, Ghana
| | - Anita Asiwome Adzo Baku
- Department of Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School, P. O. Box 78, Volta Hall Road, Accra-Legon, Greater Accra Region, 233, Ghana
| | - Lily Yarney
- Department of Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School, P. O. Box 78, Volta Hall Road, Accra-Legon, Greater Accra Region, 233, Ghana
| | - Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah
- Department of Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School, P. O. Box 78, Volta Hall Road, Accra-Legon, Greater Accra Region, 233, Ghana
| | - Cecil Randolph Tettey
- University of Education, Winneba, Health Service Directorate, P. O. Box 25, Winneba Commercial Street, Winneba, Central Region, 233, Ghana
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Hutton-Nyameaye AA, Saah FI, Bedzina I, Somuah SO, Mensah KB, Duedu KO, Buabeng KO. Management of sexually transmitted infections: a qualitative assessment of community pharmacy practices in the Ho Municipality, Ghana. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:140. [PMID: 37950337 PMCID: PMC10636839 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00650-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial in the control and spread of these infections in health systems. Community pharmacies are usually the first port of call in Ghana for most people who contract STIs for therapy. Delayed and inappropriate treatment contributes significantly to treatment failures, drug resistance and complications. However, the community pharmacies may not have diagnostic tools and trained personnel for prompt case detection and appropriate therapeutic action. Thus, posing a higher risk for inappropriate therapy with consequences of worsening symptoms and poor treatment outcomes. This study explored the STI management practices in community pharmacies in the Ho Municipality. METHODS Purposively selected study participants were community pharmacy staff including Pharmacists (n = 6), Pharmacy Technicians (n = 2) and Dispensing Assistants (n = 10) in outlets in Ho Municipality of the Volta region, Ghana. Data collection was carried out from December 2020 to January 2021. In-depth interviews of the participants using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted and recorded. Data obtained was transcribed and analyzed using NVivo version 12 using the thematic framework. RESULTS Some of the pharmacy staff were unaware of National Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) and its recommendations for STI management. More than half of the participants believed the STG recommendations were important for therapy but few thought the STG recommendations were ineffective sometimes. Appropriate STI management practices observed included infection treatment based on laboratory data, and STG protocols that recommend syndromic approach. Negative STI management practices included disregarding the presence of possible mixed infections and treating all symptoms observed empirically as a single infection without laboratory confirmation. CONCLUSION The STI management practices in the community pharmacies had many gaps that risk infective therapy, treatment failures, STI complications, and antibiotic resistance. Efforts should be invested into the training of practitioners in community pharmacies for safe and effective practices for STI management, and encouraged to have diagnostic kits or work with laboratory facilities for testing to inform definitive therapy for optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araba Ata Hutton-Nyameaye
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.
| | - Farrukh Ishaque Saah
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, FN Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
- Department of Population and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Israel Bedzina
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Samuel Owusu Somuah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Kofi Boamah Mensah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Obeng Duedu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- College of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, City South Campus, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kwame Ohene Buabeng
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Chen X, Zheng X, Chen Y, Xu S. Otosyphilis as a rare cause of secondary benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a case report. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231153317. [PMID: 37365906 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231153317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Otosyphilis is a rare cause of audiovestibular dysfunction that can easily be misdiagnosed. Here, we report a rare case in which a patient presented with secondary benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) 2 weeks after symptoms of otosyphilis appeared. The Dix-Hallpike test showed a classical response in the head-hanging left position. The patient was treated with intravenous penicillin G and the canalith repositioning maneuver, which completely resolved the vertigo. The patient's audiovestibular symptoms resolved gradually. The elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count returned to normal and the results of the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test were negative at the 3-month follow-up. This report suggests that otosyphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of audiovestibular dysfunction in patients at risk. Additionally, clinicians should remain vigilant about the possibility of secondary BPPV in patients with otosyphilis who report positional vertigo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shengsi County People's Hospital, Zhoushan City, China
| | - Xiaofen Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shengsi County People's Hospital, Zhoushan City, China
| | - Yingzhi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shengsi County People's Hospital, Zhoushan City, China
| | - Shanhu Xu
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou City, China
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Kuugbee ED, Maaldu G, Adamu A, Salia N, Walana W, Kampo S, Vicar EK, Ziem JB. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Sexually Transmitted Blood-Borne Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Jirapa, Upper West Region of Ghana. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2023; 2023:3157202. [PMID: 37168817 PMCID: PMC10164872 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3157202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs) contribute to negative outcomes of pregnancy. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis infections in pregnancy contribute significantly to maternal and child morbidities and mortalities. This study assessed the prevalence, knowledge, and risk factors of STBBIs (HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Jirapa. Methods A cross-sectional study design involving 246 pregnant women was employed for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to solicit information about the knowledge, prevalence, and risk factors of STBBIs. Results The overall prevalence of STBBIs was 11.4%; HBV prevalence was 9.8% and 0.8% each for HCV, HIV, and syphilis. About 66% of mothers were aware of mother-to-child transmission of infections during pregnancy. Knowledge of transmission of HIV (93.9%), hepatitis (67.1%), and syphilis (53.7%) in pregnancy was relatively high. Knowledge of risk factors for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis was 97.6%, 74.4%, and 76.0%, respectively. More than 98% of respondents knew about the prevention of HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. Significant risk factors associated with and predictive of STBBIs were female genital mutilation (FGM) and gravidity. Conclusion The occurrence of STBBIs among pregnant women was strongly associated with FGM and gravidity. Public health education should be directed at stopping the practice of FGM and improving reproductive health in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene D. Kuugbee
- School of Medical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, UER, Ghana
| | - Gloria Maaldu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, St Joseph's Hospital, P.O. Box 3, Jirapa, UWR, Ghana
| | - Aseta Adamu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Nafisa Salia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Williams Walana
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Sylvanus Kampo
- School of Medical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, UER, Ghana
| | - Ezekiel K. Vicar
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Juventus B. Ziem
- School of Medical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, UER, Ghana
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Lokpo SY, Owusu-Dabo E, Deku JG, Orish VN, Kye-Duodu G, Ussher FA, Boakye T, Adigbli D, Ameke LS, Fianko WK, Adedze-Kpodo R, Letsa HK, Tashie W, Gbormittah NS, Kpene GE, Osei-Yeboah J. A Comparative Study of the Epidemiology of Treponemal Infection in the Volta and Oti Regions of Ghana: A Five-Year Multisite Parallel Population-Based Analysis vis-à-vis the Sentinel Survey. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:4462389. [PMID: 34796232 PMCID: PMC8595007 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4462389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Treponemal infections can be blood-borne with great public health consequences. This study is aimed at comparatively describing the five-year (2013-2017) regional epidemiology of treponemal infection using pregnant women in the sentinel survey and apparently healthy blood donors as a proxy for the general population at four sentinel sites in the Volta and Oti Regions of Ghana. We analyzed retrospective data from 17,744 prospective blood donors aged 18 to 58 years and 7,817 pregnant women in a sentinel survey with ages from 15 to 49 years at Hohoe, Ho, Tongu, and Krachi West sentinel sites in the Volta and Oti Regions. Laboratory data extracted include variables such as age, gender, date of blood donation, and Treponema pallidum chromatographic immunoassay results from the blood banks of the four study sites. The five-year treponemal infection rate among the pregnant women in the sentinel survey and prospective blood donors was 0.79% and 2.38%, respectively. Site-specific infection rate for population-based/sentinel survey was 4.6%/1.1%, 2.0%/0.5%, 1.3%/1.1, and 1.2%/0.3% for Hohoe, Ho, Krachi West, and Tongu, respectively. Significant gender disparity in Treponemal infection rate exists with a male preponderance. The regional infection rate in the sentinel survey is lower compared to the general population. Therefore, the use of pregnant women as a proxy for population estimates could underestimate the burden in the study jurisdiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Yao Lokpo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - John Gameli Deku
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Verner Ndudiri Orish
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Gideon Kye-Duodu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Francis Abeku Ussher
- Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - Thomas Boakye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Daniel Adigbli
- Laboratory Department, Krachi West District Hospital, Krachi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Godsway Edem Kpene
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - James Osei-Yeboah
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Nutor JJ, Duah HO, Duodu PA, Agbadi P, Alhassan RK, Darkwah E. Geographical variations and factors associated with recent HIV testing prevalence in Ghana: spatial mapping and complex survey analyses of the 2014 demographic and health surveys. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045458. [PMID: 34244255 PMCID: PMC8273465 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the factors associated with recent HIV testing and to develop an HIV testing prevalence surface map using spatial interpolation techniques to identify geographical areas with low and high HIV testing rates in Ghana. DESIGN Secondary analysis of Demographic and Health Survey. SETTING Rural and urban Ghana PARTICIPANTS: The study sample comprised 9380 women and 3854 men of 15-49 years. RESULTS We found that 13% of women and 6% of men of Ghana had tested for HIV in the past 12 months. For women, being within the age groups of 15-39 years, being currently married, attainment of post-secondary education, having only one sexual partner and dwelling in certain regions with reference to greater Accra (Volta, Eastern, Upper West and Upper East) were associated with a higher likelihood of HIV testing. For men, being older than 19 years, attainment of post-secondary education and dwelling in the Upper East region with reference to the greater Accra region were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of HIV testing. The surface map further revealed intra-regional level differences in HIV testing estimates. CONCLUSION Given the results, HIV testing must be expanded with equitable testing resource allocation that target areas within the regions in Ghana with low HIV testing prevalence. Men should be encouraged to be tested for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry John Nutor
- Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Precious Adade Duodu
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Huddersfield School of Human and Health Sciences, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Pascal Agbadi
- School of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Robert Kaba Alhassan
- Centre for Health Policy and Implementation Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ernest Darkwah
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Banong-le M, Ofosu SK, Anto F. Factors associated with syphilis infection: a cross-sectional survey among outpatients in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District, Ghana. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:360. [PMID: 31035953 PMCID: PMC6489217 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease affects all ages and both sexes but more prevalent among the sexually active age group of 15–49 years. The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis infection among outpatients 15–49 years in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District of Ghana where high levels of infection were earlier reported among antenatal women. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 13 randomly selected health facilities. Blood samples were collected and tested for syphilis infection and a questionnaire administered to determine factors associated with the disease. Results A total 277 patients aged 15–49 years participated in the study. The overall prevalence of syphilis infection was 3.2% (9/277), with 5.7% (6/105) and 1.7% (3/172) among males and females respectively. Significant factors associated with syphilis infection included sub-district of residence, (χ2 (4) = 31.20, p < 0.001) and history of coerced sexual intercourse (χ2 (1) =7.49, p = 0.006). Conclusions The prevalence of syphilis infection was high among male patients who lived in rural areas. Having a history of coerced sexual intercourse was a strong predictor for syphilis infection. Access to sexually transmitted infection control interventions in rural communities including health education may help control the disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-3967-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Banong-le
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Ministry of Health, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nalerigu, Northern Region, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kwabena Ofosu
- District Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Breman Asikuma, Central Region, Ghana
| | - Francis Anto
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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