1
|
Abu-Bonsrah N, Dada OE, Haizel-Cobbina J, Ukachukwu A, Spann M, Adu KO, Banson M, Bandoh D, Sarpong K, Dadey D, Ametefe M, Kanmounye US, Totimeh T, Groves ML. Understanding the Ghanaian Neurosurgical Literature: A Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis. World Neurosurg 2023; 169:12-19. [PMID: 36265747 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research serves to bolster clinical neurosurgery by critically assessing various disease pathologies, while identifying important challenges and opportunities. However, there is limited information on the landscape of the Ghanaian neurosurgical literature. METHODS A scoping review and bibliometric analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Global Index Medicus, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched from inception until December 21, 2021 for English language articles about neurosurgery in Ghana. RESULTS 927 articles were identified and 66 were ultimately included in the analysis. A majority of them, 42.4%, were retrospective cohort studies, with 62.1% published after 2010. There were no randomized controlled or basic science studies. Most articles were published in the West African Journal of Medicine (24.2%) and non-infectious/non-traumatic spinal pathology was the most commonly discussed topic (22.7%); 66.7% of articles included only authors affiliated with Ghanaian institutions, and international collaborators frequently originated from the United States (15.9%). Only 22.7% of the manuscripts reported a funding source. Commonly reported challenges included limited sample sizes, delays in diagnosis and treatment, and lack of proper diagnostic tools and specialized care. CONCLUSIONS This review revealed that while the Ghanaian academic neurosurgery output has been increasing over time, these have been limited to cohort studies largely assessing spine pathology. The Ghanaian neurosurgical research environment may be bolstered by an increase in research funding, the establishment of longitudinal clinical databases, training in research methodology, increased incentives for researchers, strengthening of research collaborative networks, and increased engagement of neurosurgical trainees in research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Abu-Bonsrah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon.
| | | | - Joseline Haizel-Cobbina
- Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alvan Ukachukwu
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke Hospital Department of Neurosurgery, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marcus Spann
- Informationist Services, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kojo Okyere Adu
- Department of Internal Medicine, LEKMA Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mabel Banson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dickson Bandoh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Sarpong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David Dadey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mawuli Ametefe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Teddy Totimeh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ghana Medical Center, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mari L Groves
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Howlett WP, Urasa SJ, Maro VP, Walker RW, Kilonzo KG, Howlett PJ, Dekker MCJ. Neurological disorders in Northern Tanzania: A 6-year prospective hospital-based case series. Afr Health Sci 2022; 22:269-284. [PMID: 36032440 PMCID: PMC9382522 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i1.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of neurological disorders is large and altered by the HIV epidemic. Objectives We describe the pattern of neurological disorders and their association with HIV infection in adult patients attending a consultant hospital in Northern Tanzania. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional study, we collected data on adult neurological referrals over a 6-year period between 2007-13. The odds of HIV infection, across neurological categories adjusted for age and sex, was calculated. Results Of 2037 participants, 54.8% were male and 45.2% were female. The median age of participants was 43 years. The results for HIV screening were available for 992/2037 (48.7%) patients, of whom 306 (30.8%) were seropositive. The most frequent neurological disorders were cerebrovascular disease (19.9%), paraplegia (13.6%), and peripheral neuropathies (8%). Taken together CNS infection accounted for 278/2037 (13.6%). The adjusted odds (aOR) of HIV infection was highest amongst infections; brain abscesses (aOR 107, 95% CI 35.1-470.4) and meningitis/encephalitis (aOR 40.1, 95% CI 13.6-172.9), but also raised in cerebrovascular disease, paraplegia, peripheral neuropathies, cranial nerve palsies, seizures, cerebllar disorders, movement disorders, motor neuron disease and headache. Conclusion The main pattern of neurological disorders in Northern Tanzania is presented. The odds of HIV infection was highest in CNS infections and in a wide range of non-communicable neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William P Howlett
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Centre for International Health University of Bergen, Bergen Norway
| | - Sarah J Urasa
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
| | - Venance P Maro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
| | - Richard W Walker
- Department of Medicine, North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, Tyne, and Wear NE29 8NH
| | - Kajiru G Kilonzo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
| | - Patrick J Howlett
- Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Trust Fulham Road, London, SW3 6HP
| | | |
Collapse
|