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Abraham CH, Sakyi-Badu G, Boadi-Kusi SB, Morny E, Darko-Takyi C, Ocansey S, Hope PKF, Dadzie AK, Aboagye MacCarthy A, Osei-Frimpong K, Nyarkoa Opoku E, Kwasi Abu E. Simulation of visual impairment in persons with normal vision for scientific research. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2024; 44:442-456. [PMID: 38223917 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Simulation of visual impairment in healthy eyes has multiple applications in students' training, research and product development. However, due to the absence of an existing standard protocol, the method of simulation was left to the discretion of the researcher. This review aimed to outline the various methods of simulating visual impairment and categorising them. A scoping review of the relevant publications was conducted. Of the 1593 articles originally retrieved from the databases, 103 were included in the review. The characteristics of the participants, the method for simulation of the visual impairment in persons with normal vision and the level or type of visual impairment that was simulated were extracted from the papers. None of the methods of simulation can be judged as being superior to the others. However, electronic displays produced the most consistent form of visual impairment simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Halladay Abraham
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Godfred Sakyi-Badu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Enyam Morny
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Charles Darko-Takyi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Stephen Ocansey
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Albert Kofi Dadzie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Abraham CH, Morny E, Aboagye-MacCarthy A, Ocansey S, Ntodie M, Sakyi-Badu G, Dadzie AK, Addo NA, Holdbrook S, Abu EK. The effect of filters and varying illumination on contrast sensitivity in eyes with moderate to severe visual impairment. Int Ophthalmol 2023:10.1007/s10792-023-02738-7. [PMID: 37193933 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02738-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of filters and illumination on contrast sensitivity in persons with cataract, pseudophakia, maculopathy and glaucoma to provide a guide for eye care providers in low vision rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A within-subjects experimental design with a counter-balanced presentation technique was employed in this study. The contrast sensitivity of eyes with cataract, pseudophakia, maculopathy and glaucoma was measured with filters (no filter, yellow, pink and orange) combined with increasing illumination levels (100 lx, 300 lx, 700 lx and 1000 lx) using the SpotChecks™ contrast sensitivity chart. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS The yellow filter at 100 lx significantly improved contrast sensitivity in the maculopathy group. There were no significant improvements with either intervention in the rest of the groups. There was, however, a significant interaction between filters and illumination in the cataract group. CONCLUSION There were small improvements in contrast sensitivity at low illumination levels with the yellow filter in the maculopathy group, and this could be considered in clinical practice and low vision rehabilitation. Overall, filters at most illumination levels did not benefit most groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Halladay Abraham
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Enyam Morny
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Stephen Ocansey
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Michael Ntodie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Godfred Sakyi-Badu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Albert Kofi Dadzie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Naa Adjeley Addo
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Selina Holdbrook
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Ocansey S, Amuda R, Abraham CH, Abu EK. Refractive error correction among urban and rural school children using two self-adjustable spectacles. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2023. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2022-001202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveSelf-refracting spectacles (SRSs) have different optical and mechanical designs, which may affect the refractive outcome, depending on the experience of the end user. This study compared the performance of two SRS among children in Ghana.Methods and analysisA cross-sectional study of two Alvarez variable-focus SRS designs was conducted. A total of 167 children (mean age 13.6±1.6 years) identified as having refractive error were recruited from 2465 students who underwent screening. Subjects completed self-refraction using FocusSpecs, and Adlens, autorefraction and cycloplegic subjective refraction (CSR) (gold standard). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare visual outcomes and accuracy of refraction and graphically illustrated using Bland-Altman plots.ResultsEighty (47.9%) urban and 87 (52.1%) rural children were analysed and only about one-quarter 40 (24.0%) wore spectacles. The proportion who achieved visual acuity of ≥6/7.5 with FocusSpec, Adlens, autorefraction and CSR among urban schools were 92.6%, 92.4%, 60% and 92.6%, while those in rural schools were 81.6%, 86.2%, 54.0% and 95.4%, respectively. The mean±SD spherical equivalent errors for urban and rural schools using FocusSpec, Adlens and CSR were −1.05±0.61 D, –0.97±0.58 D and −0.78±0.53 D; and −0.47±0.51 D, –0.55±0.43 D and −0.27±0.11 D, respectively. The mean differences between the two self-refraction spectacles for urban and rural schools were not statistically different (p>0.00) but differed significantly when both were compared with the gold standard (CSR) (p<0.05).ConclusionBackground and refraction experience of school children did not significantly affect self-refraction.
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Miner CA, Timothy CG, Percy K, Mashige, Osuagwu UL, Envuladu EA, Amiebenomo OMA, Ovenseri-Ogbomo G, Charwe DD, Goson PC, Ekpenyong BN, Abu EK, Langsi R, Oloruntoba R, Ishaya T, Agho KE. Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among sub-Saharan Africans (SSA): a comparative study of residents and diasporan dwellers. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:191. [PMID: 36709269 PMCID: PMC9884132 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15116-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across all the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, with countries setting targets for achieving full vaccination rates. The aim of this study was to compare the uptake of, resistance and hesitancy to the COVID-19 vaccine between SSA locally residents and in the diasporan dwellers. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted using a web and paper-based questionnaire to obtain relevant information on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The survey items included questions on demography, uptake and planned acceptance or non-acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines among SSAs. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine probabilities of outcomes for factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination resistance and hesitancy among SSA respondents residing within and outside Africa. RESULTS Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines varied among the local (14.2%) and diasporan (25.3%) dwellers. There were more locals (68.1%) who were resistant to COVID-19 vaccine. Participants' sex [adjusted relative risk (ARR) = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58 - 0.93], education [primary/less: ARR = 0.22, CI:0.12 - 0.40, and bachelor's degree: ARR = 0.58, CI: 0.43 - 0.77]), occupation [ARR = 0.32, CI: 0.25-0.40] and working status [ARR = 1.40, CI: 1.06-1.84] were associated with COVID-19 vaccine resistance among locals. Similar proportion of local and diasporan dwellers (~ 18% each) were hesitant to COVID-19 vaccine, and this was higher among health care workers [ARR = 0.25, CI: 0.10 - 0.62 and ARR = 0.24, CI:0.18-0.32, diaspora and locals respectively]. After adjusting for the potential confounders, local residents aged 29-38 years [ARR = 1.89, CI: 1.26-2.84] and lived in East Africa [ARR = 4.64, CI: 1.84-11.70] were more likely to report vaccine hesitancy. Knowledge of COVID vaccines was associated with hesitancy among local and diasporan dwellers, but perception was associated with vaccine resistance [ARR = 0.86,CI: 0.82 - 0.90] and hesitancy [ARR = 0.85, CI: 0.80 - 0.90], only among the local residents. CONCLUSIONS Differences exist in the factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine acceptance between local SSA residents and thediasporan dwellers. Knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines affects the uptake, resistance, and hesitancy to the COVID-19 vaccine. Information campaigns focusing on the efficacy and safety of vaccines could lead to improved acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chundung Asabe Miner
- grid.412989.f0000 0000 8510 4538Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria
| | | | | | - Mashige
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,Bathurst Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia. .,Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, 2506, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Esther Awazzi Envuladu
- grid.412989.f0000 0000 8510 4538Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Onyekachukwu Mary-Anne Amiebenomo
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,grid.413068.80000 0001 2218 219XDepartment of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Ugbowo Nigeria
| | - Godwin Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa ,grid.23378.3d0000 0001 2189 1357Department of Optometry, Centre for Health Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK
| | - Deborah Donald Charwe
- grid.419861.30000 0001 2217 1343Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Piwuna Christopher Goson
- grid.412989.f0000 0000 8510 4538Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria
| | - Bernadine N. Ekpenyong
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa ,grid.413097.80000 0001 0291 6387Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- grid.413081.f0000 0001 2322 8567Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Raymond Langsi
- grid.449799.e0000 0004 4684 0857Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Richard Oloruntoba
- grid.1032.00000 0004 0375 4078School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102 Australia
| | - Tanko Ishaya
- grid.412989.f0000 0000 8510 4538Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley E. Agho
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa ,grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, 2506 New South Wales, Australia ,grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719School of Health Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
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Osuagwu UL, Mashige KP, Ovenseri-Ogbomo G, Envuladu EA, Abu EK, Miner CA, Timothy CG, Ekpenyong BN, Langsi R, Amiebenomo OM, Oloruntoba R, Goson PC, Charwe DD, Ishaya T, Agho KE. The impact of information sources on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:38. [PMID: 36609264 PMCID: PMC9816548 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14972-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination remains the most powerful weapon against the emergence of new variants of coronavirus (COVID-19). However, false information about COVID-19 vaccines through various platforms including social media remains a major threat to global public health. This study examined the impact of information sources on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS A validated web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 14 March to 16 May 2021, and was administered in both French and English to 2572 participants aged 18 years and over. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical and vaccination history, and the information sources (mainstream media and social media) used by the participants during the pandemic were obtained. There were three main outcomes: The vaccinated group were those who responded in the affirmation (Yes) to the question of whether they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who responded 'not sure' or 'no' to the question were then asked if they were willing to be vaccinated when the vaccine became available in their home countries. The responses to this follow-up question were used to derive the second and third outcome variables of 'vaccine hesitancy' and 'vaccine resistance', respectively. A series of logistic regression analyses were used to examine the impact of information sources on the three main outcomes. RESULTS The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the participants was lowest among newspaper readers (42%) and highest among TV (72%) and social media users (73%). The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine-resistance was also lowest among newspaper readers (37%) but highest among social media users (87%). Multivariate analyses revealed that compared to those who did not use these information sources, SSA participants who relied on the radio (aOR 0.83, 95%CI = 0.70, 0.99), TV (aOR 0.80, 95%CI = 0.65, 0.97) and social media (aOR 0.79, 95%CI = 0.65, 0.97) for information during the pandemic were less likely to be hesitant towards taking the vaccines. However, social media users (aOR 2.13, 95%CI = 1.62, 2.80), those who watched TV (aOR 1.40, 95%CI =1.08, 1.80), relied on healthcare workers (HCWs: aOR 1.32, 95%CI = 1.07, 1.63) and families/friends (aOR 1.31, 95%CI = 1.06, 1.61) for COVID-19 related information during the pandemic were more likely to resist taking the COVID vaccines in this study. Participants who relied on the newspaper for information during the pandemic were less likely to resist the vaccines (aOR 0.77, 95%CI = 0.62, 0.95) compared to non-readers of a newspaper. CONCLUSION We found that all six information sources except radio were strong predictors of the resistance towards COVID-19 vaccination. Further research on how these channels can be used to improve the availability of reliable healthcare information is needed. Investments in these resources will protect people and empower them to make appropriate choices about their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu
- grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University Bathurst, Bathurst, NSW 2795 Australia ,grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 3629 South Africa ,grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Campbeltown, NSW 2560 Australia
| | - Khathutshelo P. Mashige
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 3629 South Africa
| | - Godwin Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- grid.23378.3d0000 0001 2189 1357Department of Optometry, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH UK
| | - Esther Awazzi Envuladu
- grid.412989.f0000 0000 8510 4538Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, 930003 Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- grid.413081.f0000 0001 2322 8567Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, 00233 Ghana
| | - Chundung Asabe Miner
- grid.412989.f0000 0000 8510 4538Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, 930003 Nigeria
| | - Chikasirimobi G. Timothy
- grid.442592.c0000 0001 0746 093XDepartment of Optometry, Faculty of Health sciences, Mzuzu University, P. Bag 201 Luwinga 2,, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Bernadine N. Ekpenyong
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 3629 South Africa ,grid.413097.80000 0001 0291 6387Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Calabar, 540271 Nigeria
| | - Raymond Langsi
- grid.449799.e0000 0004 4684 0857Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, P. O. Box 39, Cameroon
| | - Onyekachukwu M. Amiebenomo
- grid.413068.80000 0001 2218 219XDepartment of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin, Nigeria ,School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Richard Oloruntoba
- grid.1032.00000 0004 0375 4078School of Management and Marketing, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6151 Australia
| | - Piwuna Christopher Goson
- grid.412989.f0000 0000 8510 4538Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Deborah Donald Charwe
- grid.419861.30000 0001 2217 1343Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, P. O. Box 977, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tanko Ishaya
- grid.412989.f0000 0000 8510 4538Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos, 930003 Nigeria
| | - Kingsley E. Agho
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 3629 South Africa ,grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Campbeltown, NSW 2560 Australia ,grid.1029.a0000 0000 9939 5719School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560 Australia
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Ocansey S, Antiri EO, Abraham CH, Abu EK. Dry eye symptom questionnaires show adequate measurement precision and psychometric validity for clinical assessment of vision-related quality of life in glaucoma patients. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283597. [PMID: 36961801 PMCID: PMC10038293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To ascertain the presence of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) in patients being treated for glaucoma, using subjective and objective methods and to examine DES impact on their quality of life (QOL). METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted by employing 156 glaucoma patients recruited from treatment centers in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. All the participants underwent dry eye examination and completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), the Dry Eye-related Quality of Life Score (DEQS) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Comparisons of the clinical tests, NEI VFQ-25 subscale item and composite scores and scores of DEQS and OSDI were made among subgroups divided according to the presence of dry eye symptoms or signs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors that influence DES related-QOL among the patients. RESULTS The study involved 156 subjects with a mean age of 47.88 ± 16.0 years and made up of 81 (51.9%) females and 75 (48.1%) males. A One-Way ANOVA was conducted, and the F-statistic (F) indicated that there was a significant difference in the mean scores of the groups. There were significantly lower Tear break-up time (TBUT) values found in the group with definite dry compared with the group without DES and the group that was symptomatic with no signs DES in both eyes, [(F(3,151) = 13.703, p<0.001 (RE): (F(3,152) = 18.992, p<0.001 (LE)]. Similar results were found for Schirmer test (ST) [(F (3,151) = 28.895, p<0.001 (RE): (F (3,152) = 17.410, p<0.001 (LE)]. There was statistically significant difference in the mean composite score (64.93 ± 20.27) for the NEI VFQ-25 and sub-scale score of ocular pain, which was significantly lower in the group with definite dry as compared to other sub-groups (F(3,152) = 4.559, p = 0.004). OSDI scores of the group with definite dry eye (47.69-19.17) and the group that was symptomatic but with no signs (38.90-22.44) were significantly higher than those without dry eye and those that were asymptomatic but had a sign (F(3,152) = 17.896, p<0.001), with a similar trend occurring in the groups with relation to DEQS scores (F(3,152) = 8.775, p<0.001). There was a strong correlation between the DEQS and the OSDI questionnaires, and a weak correlation between the DEQS and the NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire after adjusting for all other factors (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The study established a high presence of DES and consequently low DES related-QOL in glaucoma patients. Dry eye questionnaires are able to discriminate those who have definite dry eye from the other groups, showing its appropriateness for clinical use in glaucoma patients. Ocular surface evaluation should be conducted among glaucoma patients on topical anti-glaucoma therapy to ensure the timely detection and treatment of signs and symptoms of DES and improvement of dry-eye related QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ocansey
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Carl Haladay Abraham
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Abu EK, Abraham CH, Dadzie AK, Morny EA, Ntodie M, Ocansey S, Abokyi S, Owusu-Ansah A, Addo NA, Williams M, Aboagye-McCarthy A, Sakyi-Badu G, Hope PKF, Adueming POW. Central contrast sensitivity perimetry discriminates between glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2023; 15:25158414231208284. [PMID: 37915882 PMCID: PMC10617294 DOI: 10.1177/25158414231208284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy which causes irreversible vision loss. Standard perimetry, which is essential for glaucoma diagnosis, can only detect glaucomatous visual filed loss when considerable structural damage has occurred. Contrast sensitivity is one of the visual function tests that is reduced in eyes with glaucoma. It is known to be affected in pre-perimetric stages of glaucoma. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the discriminating ability of central contrast sensitivity perimetry in eyes with and without glaucoma. Design The study employed a cross-sectional study design. Methods The study participants were made of two groups; eyes diagnosed with glaucoma by an ophthalmologist based on visual field test and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and age- and sex-matched controls who were declared free from glaucoma. Static contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured in the central 10° of visual field using a custom psychophysical test. Results There were 45 eyes with glaucoma and 45 age- and sex-matched controls in this study. The static CS in the glaucoma group was significantly reduced in 9 out of the 13 tested locations in the central 10° of the visual field. The mean static CS at 5°, 10°, superior hemifield and inferior hemifield were all significantly reduced in the glaucoma patients compared to the controls. Conclusion Static CS measurement is a sensitive approach that can be utilized to aid in the detection of glaucoma. The use of static CS can be adopted in the development of a cost-effective yet sensitive screening tool for the detection of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Carl Halladay Abraham
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana
| | - Albert Kofi Dadzie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Enyam Amewuho Morny
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Michael Ntodie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Stephen Ocansey
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Abokyi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Andrew Owusu-Ansah
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Naa Adjeley Addo
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Michael Williams
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Asantewaa Aboagye-McCarthy
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Godfred Sakyi-Badu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Peter Osei-Wusu Adueming
- Lasor and Fibre Optics Unit, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
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Osuagwu UL, Langsi R, Ovenseri-Ogbomo G, Mashige KP, Abu EK, Envuladu EA, Goson PC, Ekpenyong BN, Oloruntoba R, Miner CA, Charwe DD, Timothy CG, Ishaya T, Amiebenomo OMA, Lim D, Agho KE. Analysis of Perception, Reasons, and Motivations for COVID-19 Vaccination in People with Diabetes across Sub-Saharan Africa: A Mixed-Method Approach. IJERPH 2022; 19:ijerph19137875. [PMID: 35805551 PMCID: PMC9266073 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with severe COVID-19 infection and complications. This study assesses COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in people with DM, and explores the reasons for not being vaccinated. This was a web-based cross-sectional survey using a mixed-method approach conducted in March–May 2021, corresponding to most sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries’ early vaccine rollout period. Participants were those aged ≥18 years with self-reported DM in 11 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Responses to comments on the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and facilitators for vaccine uptake were analyzed. Of the 73 participants with DM, 65.8% were males, older than 35 years (86.3%), had postsecondary education (90%), and a significant proportion were from South Africa (39.7%), Nigeria (28.8%) and Ghana (13.7%). At the time of this study, 64.4% experienced COVID-19 symptoms, 46.6% were tested for COVID-19, of which 19.2% tested positive. Few participants (6.8%) had received a COVID-19 vaccination, 65.8% were willing to take the vaccine when it becomes available in their country, while 26.0% either refused or remained hesitant towards taking the vaccine. The main identified reasons for not taking the vaccine were: advice from religious leaders; concerns about the safety, effects, and efficacy of the vaccines; mistrust of the pharmaceutical companies producing the vaccines and the process of production; the conspiracy theories around the vaccines; and the personal belief of the participants regarding vaccination. However, participants stated they would take the vaccine if they were more educated about it, received positive feedback from those vaccinated, were rewarded for taking the vaccine, or if vaccination became a condition for travel and employment. In conclusion, this study shows that the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine was very low in this high-risk group. Efforts to increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among people with diabetes are imperative, such as the provision of education and relevant information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia; (D.L.); (K.E.A.)
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 3629, South Africa;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-(2)-4620-3569
| | - Raymond Langsi
- Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Bamenda, Cameroon;
| | - Godwin Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- Department of Optometry, Centre for Health Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness IV2 3JH, UK;
| | - Khathutshelo Percy Mashige
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 3629, South Africa;
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 03321, Ghana;
| | - Esther Awazzi Envuladu
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos 930001, Nigeria; (E.A.E.); (C.A.M.)
| | | | - Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar 540271, Nigeria;
| | - Richard Oloruntoba
- School of Management and Marketing, Curtin Business School Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia;
| | - Chundung Asabe Miner
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos 930001, Nigeria; (E.A.E.); (C.A.M.)
| | | | | | - Tanko Ishaya
- Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos 930001, Nigeria;
| | | | - David Lim
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia; (D.L.); (K.E.A.)
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Kingsley E. Agho
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia; (D.L.); (K.E.A.)
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 3629, South Africa;
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
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9
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Mashige KP, Osuagwu UL, Ulagnathan S, Ekpenyong BN, Abu EK, Goson PC, Langsi R, Nwaeze O, Timothy CG, Charwe DD, Oloruntoba R, Miner CA, Ishaya T, Ovenseri-Ogbomo GO, Agho KE. Economic, Health and Physical Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Sub-Saharan African Regions: A Cross Sectional Survey. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:4799-4807. [PMID: 34866949 PMCID: PMC8636752 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s324554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The key preventive measures adopted to minimise the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had significant health, economic and physical impacts mostly in developing countries. This study evaluated the health, economic and physical impacts of COVID-19 lockdown measures among sub-Saharan African (SSA) population and associated demographic variations. Methods A total of 1970 respondents took part in this web-based cross-sectional survey during the mandatory lockdown period in most SSA. The dependent variables were health (COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation), socioeconomic (lost job, closed down business) and physical impacts (separated from family) of COVID-19. Univariate and bivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors associated with each of the dependent variables by the four sub-regions (Southern, Western, Central and East Africa). Results The respondents were aged 34.1 ± 11.5 years (range: 18–75 years) and mostly men (1099, 55%). 25.9% (n = 511) reported an impact of COVID-19 pandemic with significant regional variations (p < 0.0005, higher proportion were East 36.2% and Southern Africans 30.3%) but no gender (p = 0.334) and age group variations (p > 0.05). Among Central African respondents, more men than women lost their businesses (45.7% versus 14.3%, p = 0.002) and contracted COVID-19 infections (40.0% versus 18.2%, p = 0.024) during the study period. Multivariable analysis revealed that respondents from East (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–2.69), Southern (AOR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09–1.96) and Central Africa (AOR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.06–2.03) reported significantly higher impact of COVID-19. Those who reported family separation during the lockdown were more likely to be older participants (39–48 years, AOR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.11–5.57). Conclusion One in four SSA respondents, mostly East and Southern Africans, were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the lockdown. Interventions in high-risk populations are needed to reduce the health, socioeconomic and gender disparities in the impacts of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khathutshelo Percy Mashige
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, 3629, South Africa
| | - Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, 3629, South Africa.,Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sekar Ulagnathan
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bernadine N Ekpenyong
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, 3629, South Africa.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Raymond Langsi
- Health division, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Obinna Nwaeze
- County Durham and Darlington National Health Service (NHS) Foundation, Darlington, Durham, UK
| | - Chikasirimobi G Timothy
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya
| | | | - Richard Oloruntoba
- Supply Chain Management, Curtin Business School, School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chundung Asabe Miner
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Tanko Ishaya
- Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Godwin O Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, 3629, South Africa.,Department of Optometry, Centre for Life Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK
| | - Kingsley E Agho
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), School of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, 3629, South Africa.,School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Abraham CH, Ocansey S, Boadi-Kusi SB, Faheem F, Gyan BO, Nti YA, Berchie M, Abu EK. Knowledge and practice of drivers on the provision of service to persons with visual disability: A survey of public transport drivers in a tertiary inclusion school in West Africa. British Journal of Visual Impairment 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/02646196211044969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Public transport plays an important role in improving mobility for persons with visual impairment. Commercial drivers are major stakeholders in ensuring that there are efficient and accessible public transport systems on university campuses that have a relatively high number of persons with visual impairment. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 90 taxi drivers who operate their services on the campus of a tertiary inclusion school. The drivers were surveyed on their knowledge and practices in providing services to persons with visual impairment. The findings show that 55 (61.1%) drivers knew how to identify a pedestrian with a visual disability by looking out for the white cane. A total of 77 (85.6%) drivers have also adopted the practice of stopping for pedestrians to cross the road. However, only 20 (22.5%) respondents agreed to reserve the front seat for the passenger with visual impairment. Participants were not knowledgeable on the sections of the disability act relating to the provision of transport services to persons with visual impairment nor the kind of punishment associated with breaching the rules. The study provides recommendations on how to bridge the gap between the demands of the disability act and the practices of commercial drivers.
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11
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Boadi-Kusi SB, Holdbrook S, Kyei S, Abu EK. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Postnatal Mothers on Ophthalmia Neonatorum in the Central Region, Ghana. Health Serv Insights 2021; 14:11786329211033248. [PMID: 34408432 PMCID: PMC8366197 DOI: 10.1177/11786329211033248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Health education is key in the prevention of Ophthalmia Neonatorum (ON). However, health education in relation to eye care in Ghana is very low. To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of mothers on Ophthalmia Neonatorum (eye infection in newborns), a descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, using a standardised interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data. Using a consecutive sampling technique, we enrolled 407 mothers to participate in the study. The overall KAPs of the study participants were assessed using the sum score of each outcome based on Bloom’s cut-off point. Completed data was then analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 22.0 at the level of P < .05. Out of the 407 participants, 321 (78.9%) had not heard about Ophthalmia Neonatorum with nearly 93% having low levels of knowledge on the neonatal infection. We found a significant association between formal education (P = .001), skilled occupation (P = .008) and a high level of knowledge on Ophthalmia Neonatorum. The study highlights the need to find improved and alternative methods of educating mothers on Ophthalmia Neonatorum in the bid to reduce blindness attributed to the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Selina Holdbrook
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kyei
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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12
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Abu EK, Oloruntoba R, Osuagwu UL, Bhattarai D, Miner CA, Goson PC, Langsi R, Nwaeze O, Chikasirimobi TG, Ovenseri-Ogbomo GO, Ekpenyong BN, Charwe DD, Mashige KP, Ishaya T, Agho KE. Risk perception of COVID-19 among sub-Sahara Africans: a web-based comparative survey of local and diaspora residents. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1562. [PMID: 34404377 PMCID: PMC8370831 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11600-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is key to improved compliance with public health measures to reduce the infection rates. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those in the diaspora perceive their risk of getting infected by the COVID-19 virus as well as the associated factors. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional survey on 1969 participants aged 18 years and above (55.1% male) was conducted between April 27th and May 17th 2020, corresponding to the mandatory lockdown in most SSA countries. The dependent variable was the perception of risk for contracting COVID-19 scores. Independent variables included demographic characteristics, and COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude scores. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses identified the factors associated with risk perception towards COVID-19. RESULTS Among the respondents, majority were living in SSA (n = 1855, 92.8%) and 143 (7.2%) in the diaspora. There was no significant difference in the mean risk perception scores between the two groups (p = 0.117), however, those aged 18-28 years had lower risk perception scores (p = 0.003) than the older respondents, while those who were employed (p = 0.040) and had higher levels of education (p < 0.001) had significantly higher risk perception scores than other respondents. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable analyses revealed that SSA residents aged 39-48 years (adjusted coefficient, β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 1.19]) and health care sector workers (β = 0.61, 95% CI [0.09, 1.14]) reported a higher perceived risk of COVID-19. Knowledge and attitude scores increased as perceived risk for COVID-19 increased for both SSAs in Africa (β = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.34] for knowledge; β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69] for attitude) and in Diaspora (β = 1.97, 95% CI [1.16, 2.41] for knowledge; β = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02, 0.58] for attitude). CONCLUSIONS There is a need to promote preventive measures focusing on increasing people's knowledge about COVID-19 and encouraging positive attitudes towards the mitigation measures such as vaccines and education. Such interventions should target the younger population, less educated and non-healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, 00233 Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Richard Oloruntoba
- School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6151 Australia
| | - Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560 Australia
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629 South Africa
| | - Dipesh Bhattarai
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria Australia
| | - Chundung Asabe Miner
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | | | - Raymond Langsi
- Health Division, University of Bamenda Bambili, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Obinna Nwaeze
- County Durham and Darlington National Health Service (NHS) Foundation, Darlington, DL3 0PD UK
| | - Timothy G. Chikasirimobi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, 50100 Kenya
| | - Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629 South Africa
- Department of Optometry, Center for Health Sciences, University of Highlands and Islands, Old Perth Road, IV2 3JH Scotland
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Bernadine N. Ekpenyong
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629 South Africa
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria
| | | | - Khathutshelo Percy Mashige
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629 South Africa
| | - Tanko Ishaya
- Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629 South Africa
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560 Australia
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13
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Ekpenyong BN, Osuagwu UL, Miner CA, Ovenseri-Ogbomo GO, Abu EK, Goson PC, Langsi R, Nwaeze O, Chikasirimobi TG, Charwe DD, Mashige KP, Oloruntoba R, Ishaya T, Agho KE. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of COVID-19 Among Healthcare and Non-Healthcare Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Web-Based Survey. Health Secur 2021; 19:393-404. [PMID: 34227870 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2020.0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated high mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, there is panic among healthcare workers because of the higher risk of being infected. This study compared knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-healthcare workers (non-HCWs) and examined common associated factors. A web-based cross-sectional study of 1,871 respondents (430 HCWs and 1,441 non-HCWs) was conducted while lockdown measures were in place in 4 regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Data were obtained using a validated self-administered questionnaire via an online survey platform. Mean scores were calculated and summarized using a t test for both groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the unadjusted (B) and adjusted coefficients (β) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. The mean scores were slightly higher among HCWs than non-HCWs, but not statistically significant. Being worried about contracting COVID-19 was the only common factor associated with knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions between the 2 groups. Knowledge of COVID-19 was associated with attitudes and perceptions between the 2 groups. Other significant associated factors were: the sub-Saharan Africa region, ages 29 to 38 years (β = .32; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.60 for knowledge among non-HCWs), education (β = -.43; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.04; and β = -.95; 95% CI, -1.69 to -0.22, for knowledge among non-HCWs and HCWs, respectively), practice of self-isolation (β = .71; 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.02 for attitude among non-HCWs and HCWs (β = .97; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.49), and home quarantine due to COVID-19, in both groups. Policymakers and healthcare providers should consider these factors when targeting interventions during COVID-19 and other future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadine N Ekpenyong
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Chundung Asabe Miner
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Godwin O Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Piwuna Christopher Goson
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Raymond Langsi
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Obinna Nwaeze
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Timothy G Chikasirimobi
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Deborah Donald Charwe
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Khathutshelo Percy Mashige
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Richard Oloruntoba
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Tanko Ishaya
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
| | - Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
- Bernadine N. Ekpenyong, PhD, is Head, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner, FWACP, is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, MSc, is a Reader and Head, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Obinna Nwaeze, MSc, DM, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, OD, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Bernadine Ekpenyong, Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Affiliates, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. *Co-first authors
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Osuagwu UL, Nwaeze O, Ovenseri-Ogbomo G, Oloruntoba R, Ekpenyong B, Mashige KP, Timothy C, Ishaya T, Langsi R, Charwe D, Kwasi Abu E, Chundung MA, Agho KE. Opinion and uptake of chloroquine for treatment of COVID-19 during the mandatory lockdown in the sub-Saharan African region. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2021; 13:e1-e8. [PMID: 34212739 PMCID: PMC8252178 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v13i1.2795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the search for effective treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection continues, the public opinion around the potential use of chloroquine (CQ) in treating COVID-19 remains mixed. AIM To examine opinion and uptake of CQ for treating COVID-19 in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region. SETTING This study was conducted through an online survey software titled SurveyMonkey. METHODS Anonymous online survey of 1829 SSA countries was conducted during the lockdown period using Facebook, WhatsApp and authors' networks. Opinion and uptake of CQ for COVID-19 treatment were assessed using multivariate analyses. RESULTS About 14% of respondents believed that CQ could treat COVID-19 and of which, 3.2% took CQ for COVID-19 treatment. Multivariate analyses revealed that respondents from Central (adjusted odds ratios [aOR]: 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43, 4.43) and West Africa (aOR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.15, 2.88) had higher odds of believing that CQ could treat COVID-19. Respondents from East Africa reported higher odds for uptake of CQ for COVID-19 than Central, Western and Southern Africans. Knowledge of the disease and compliance with the public health advice were associated with both belief and uptake of CQ for COVID-19 treatment. CONCLUSION Central and West African respondents were more likely to believe in CQ as a treatment for COVID-19 whilst the uptake of the medication during the pandemic was higher amongst East Africans. Future intervention discouraging the unsupervised use of CQ should target respondents from Central, West and East African regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- School of Medicine, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; and, African Eye and Public Health Research Initiative, African Vision Research Institute, Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Boadi-Kusi SB, Kyei S, Holdbrook S, Abu EK, Ntow J, Ateko AM. A study of Ophthalmia Neonatorum in the Central Reion of Ghana: Causative Agents and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns. Glob Pediatr Health 2021; 8:2333794X211019700. [PMID: 34104699 PMCID: PMC8165866 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x211019700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In developing countries such as Ghana, ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) remains a public health concern. This is because of its unknown etiology patterns, the growing concerns of antibiotic resistance strains and the contribution of ON to childhood blindness. This study was therefore conducted to determine the causative agents, risk factors and the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of micro-organisms associated with ON. A clinic-based prospective study was conducted in the Maternal and Child Health units of 6 health care facilities in the Central region of Ghana over a period of 17 months. Conjunctival swabs were taken from all neonates with clinical signs of ON. Isolation and characterization of bacteria were done using standard microbiological methods. Additionally, data were collected and analyzed on neonate's demographics and clinical features of ON. Microbial growth was recorded in 86 cases (52.4%) out of the 110 neonates assessed. Staphylococcus spp. (39.2% of all positive cultures) was the most common causative organism. No case of gonococcus was isolated. Delivery method, vaginal discharge, administration of prophylaxis and weight of neonate were the risk factors associated with the development of ON (P < .05). The level of resistance to Tetracycline was found to be 73%. Neonatal conjunctivitis is more likely to be acquired postnatal. Culture and sensitivity testing are required as an important guide for treatment. The commonest causative organism, Staphylococcus spp., were found to be resistant to Teteracyline, therefore is the need to consider alternatives measures in the prevention and control of ON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kyei
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Selina Holdbrook
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jonathan Ntow
- Department of Laboratory Technology, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abena Mantebea Ateko
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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16
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Amoani B, Gyan B, Sakyi SA, Abu EK, Nuvor SV, Barnes P, Sarkodie-Addo T, Ahenkorah B, Sewor C, Dwomoh D, Theisen M, Cappello M, Wilson MD, Adu B. Effect of hookworm infection and anthelmintic treatment on naturally acquired antibody responses against the GMZ2 malaria vaccine candidate and constituent antigens. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:332. [PMID: 33832450 PMCID: PMC8028774 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria and helminths diseases are co-endemic in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Immune responses from each of these pathogens interact, and these interactions may have implications on vaccines. The GMZ2 malaria vaccine candidate is a fusion protein of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) and glutamate rich protein (GLURP R0). GMZ2 has recently showed modest efficacy in a phase IIb multicenter trial. Here, we assessed the effect of hookworm (Necator americanus) infection and anthelmintic treatment on naturally acquired antibody responses against GMZ2 and constituent antigens. Methods This longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana. Blood and stool samples were taken from 158 individuals (4–88 years old) infected with either P. falciparum alone (n = 59) or both hookworm and P. falciparum (n = 63) and uninfected endemic controls (n = 36). Stool hookworm infection was detected by the Kato-Katz method and PCR. Malaria parasitaemia was detected by RDT, light microscopy and P. falciparum-specific 18S rRNA gene PCR. Serum samples were obtained prior to hookworm treatment with a single dose of albendazole (400 mg) and 3 weeks (21 days) after treatment. Levels of IgG1, IgG3 and IgM against GMZ2, MSP3 and GLURP R0 were measured by ELISA and compared among the groups, before and after treatment. Results Participants with P. falciparum and hookworm co-infection had significantly higher IgG3 levels to GMZ2 than those with only P. falciparum infection and negative control (p < 0.05) at baseline. Treatment with albendazole led to a significant reduction in IgG3 levels against both GMZ2 and GLURP R0. Similarly, IgM and IgG1 levels against MSP3 also decreased following deworming treatment. Conclusion Individuals with co-infection had higher antibody responses to GMZ2 antigen. Treatment of hookworm/malaria co-infection resulted in a reduction in antibody responses against GMZ2 and constituent antigens after albendazole treatment. Thus, hookworm infection and treatment could have a potential implication on malaria vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Amoani
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ben Gyan
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Victor Nuvor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Precious Barnes
- Department of Physician Assistant, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Tracy Sarkodie-Addo
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Ahenkorah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana
| | - Christian Sewor
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of International Health, Immunology, and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Cappello
- Partnerships for Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Bright Adu
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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17
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Osuagwu UL, Miner CA, Bhattarai D, Mashige KP, Oloruntoba R, Abu EK, Ekpenyong B, Chikasirimobi TG, Goson PC, Ovenseri-Ogbomo GO, Langsi R, Charwe DD, Ishaya T, Nwaeze O, Agho KE. Misinformation About COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Survey. Health Secur 2021; 19:44-56. [PMID: 33606572 PMCID: PMC9347271 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2020.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Misinformation about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a significant threat to global public health because it can inadvertently exacerbate public health challenges by promoting spread of the disease. This study used a convenience sampling technique to examine factors associated with misinformation about COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa using an online cross-sectional survey. A link to the online self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 1,969 participants through social media platforms and the authors' email networks. Four false statements-informed by results from a pilot study-were included in the survey. The participants' responses were classified as "Agree," "Neutral," and "Disagree." A multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associated factors. Among those who responded to the survey, 19.3% believed that COVID-19 was designed to reduce world population, 22.2% thought the ability to hold your breath for 10 seconds meant that you do not have COVID-19, 27.8% believed drinking hot water flushes down the virus, and 13.9% thought that COVID-19 had little effect on Blacks compared with Whites. An average of 33.7% were unsure whether the 4 false statements were true. Multivariate analysis revealed that those who thought COVID-19 was unlikely to continue in their countries reported higher odds of believing in these 4 false statements. Other significant factors associated with belief in misinformation were age (older adults), employment status (unemployed), gender (female), education (bachelor's degree), and knowledge about the main clinical symptoms of COVID-19. Strategies to reduce the spread of false information about COVID-19 and other future pandemics should target these subpopulations, especially those with limited education. This will also enhance compliance with public health measures to reduce spread of further outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Chundung A Miner
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Dipesh Bhattarai
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Khathutshelo Percy Mashige
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard Oloruntoba
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Bernadine Ekpenyong
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Timothy G Chikasirimobi
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Piwuna Christopher Goson
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Godwin O Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Raymond Langsi
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Deborah Donald Charwe
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tanko Ishaya
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Obinna Nwaeze
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
- Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, School of Medicine; and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences; both at Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia. Chundung A. Miner is an Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences; Piwuna Christopher Goson, MBBS, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences; and Tanko Ishaya, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Computer Science; all at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Dipesh Bhattarai, PhD, is an Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, PhD, is a Professor, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Richard Oloruntoba, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, School of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, PhD, is Dean, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Bernadine Ekpenyong, PhD, is Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Timothy G. Chikasirimobi, MSc, is a Master's Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Raymond Langsi, MBBS, is Head, Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon. Deborah Donald Charwe, MSc, is Senior Research Nutritionist, Tanzania Food and Nutrition Center, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Obinna Nwaeze, MBBS, is a Practicing Physician, County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service Foundation, United Kingdom. Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu, Bernadine Ekpenyong, Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo, and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho are also Conjoint Members, Discipline of Optometry, African Vision Research Institute, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Langsi R, Osuagwu UL, Goson PC, Abu EK, Mashige KP, Ekpenyong B, Ovenseri-Ogbomo GO, Chikasirimobi G T, Miner CA, Ishaya T, Oloruntoba R, Nwaeze O, Charwe DD, Agho KE. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Mental and Emotional Health Outcomes among Africans during the COVID-19 Lockdown Period-A Web-based Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18030899. [PMID: 33494209 PMCID: PMC7908555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mental health and emotional responses to the effects of COVID-19 lockdown in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are of serious public health concern and may negatively affect the mental health status of people. Hence, this study assessed the prevalence of mental health symptoms as well as emotional reactions among sub-Saharan Africans (SSAs) and associated factors among SSAs during the COVID-19 lockdown period. This was a web-based cross-sectional study on mental health and emotional features from 2005 respondents in seven SSA countries. This study was conducted between 17 April and 17 May 2020 corresponding to the lockdown period in most SSA countries. Respondents aged 18 years and above and the self-reported symptoms were feeling anxious, being worried, angry, bored and frustrated. These were the main outcomes and were treated as dichotomous variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with these symptoms. We found that over half (52.2%) of the participants reported any of the mental health symptoms and the prevalence of feeling bored was 70.5% followed by feeling anxious (59.1%), being worried (57.5%), frustrated (51.5%) and angry (22.3%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that males, those aged >28 years, those who lived in Central and Southern Africa, those who were not married, the unemployed, those living with more than six persons in a household, had higher odds of mental health and emotional symptoms. Similarly, people who perceived low risk of contracting the infection, and those who thought the pandemic would not continue after the lockdown had higher odds of mental health and emotional symptoms. Health care workers had lower odds for feeling angry than non-healthcare workers. During the COVID-19 lockdown periods in SSA, about one in two participants reported mental health and emotional symptoms. Public health measures can be effectively used to identify target groups for prevention and treatment of mental health and emotional symptoms. Such interventions should be an integral component of SSA governments' response and recovery strategies of any future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Langsi
- Health Division, University of Bamenda, Bambili P. O. Box 39, Cameroon;
| | - Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 3629, South Africa; (K.P.M.); (B.E.); (G.O.O.-O.); (K.E.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-(2)-4634-4570
| | | | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 00233, Ghana;
| | - Khathutshelo P Mashige
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 3629, South Africa; (K.P.M.); (B.E.); (G.O.O.-O.); (K.E.A.)
| | - Bernadine Ekpenyong
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 3629, South Africa; (K.P.M.); (B.E.); (G.O.O.-O.); (K.E.A.)
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State 540271, Nigeria
| | - Godwin O Ovenseri-Ogbomo
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 3629, South Africa; (K.P.M.); (B.E.); (G.O.O.-O.); (K.E.A.)
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City 300283, Nigeria
| | - Timothy Chikasirimobi G
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of public health, Biomedical sciences and technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega 50100, Kenya;
| | - Chundung Asabe Miner
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos 930003, Nigeria;
| | - Tanko Ishaya
- Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos 930003, Nigeria;
| | - Richard Oloruntoba
- School of Management and Marketing, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6151, Australia;
| | - Obinna Nwaeze
- County Durham and Darlington, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation, DL3 0PD, UK;
| | | | - Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
- African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), Discipline of Optometry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 3629, South Africa; (K.P.M.); (B.E.); (G.O.O.-O.); (K.E.A.)
- School of Health Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
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Timothy CG, Charwe DD, Osuagwu UL, Miner CA, Kwasi Abu E, Ovenseri-Ogbomo G, Goson PC, Langsi R, Ekpenyong B, Oloruntoba R, Nwaeze O, Ishaya T, Mashige KP, Agho K. COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan African Countries: Association between Compliance and Public Opinion. Glob J Health Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v13n2p91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created a global public health crisis and non-compliance with public health measures to contain the infection poses a challenge to Sub-Saharan African governments. This study investigated the associations between compliance and public opinion on COVID-19 public health containment measures across selected SSA countries.
METHOD: Anonymous online cross-sectional survey was administered to 1779 adults (18 years and older) during the mandatory lockdown period in most African countries (April 18 - May 16, 2020). Respondents were recruited via Facebook, WhatsApp, and authors' networks. Data on participants’ socio-demographics, their opinions regarding the precautionary measures against COVID-19, and their compliance with preventive measures were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between compliance and public opinions about COVID-19.
RESULTS: Respondents who did not think that public health authorities in their countries were doing enough to control the C0VID-19 outbreak were more likely to attend crowded places (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.30-2.35). Those who thought COVID-19 would not remain in their countries (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 - 0.96) and those who thought self-isolation is not needed during the pandemic (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13 - 0.65) were less likely to encourage others to comply with the strategies put in place to prevent the spread of the disease. Participants who thought the COVID-19 outbreak was dangerous and those wearing medical masks were found to wash their hands with soap under running water.
CONCLUSION: The study showed that public opinion influenced the compliance of individuals to public health measures for containment and mitigation of COVID-19. There is a need to improve compliance by the public.
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Ghartey-Kwansah G, Adu-Nti F, Aboagye B, Ankobil A, Essuman EE, Opoku YK, Abokyi S, Abu EK, Boampong JN. Autophagy in the control and pathogenesis of parasitic infections. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:101. [PMID: 32944216 PMCID: PMC7487832 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00464-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autophagy has a crucial role in the defense against parasites. The interplay existing between host autophagy and parasites has varied outcomes due to the kind of host cell and microorganism. The presence of autophagic compartments disrupt a significant number of pathogens and are further cleared by xenophagy in an autolysosome. Another section of pathogens have the capacity to outwit the autophagic pathway to their own advantage. Result To comprehend the interaction between pathogens and the host cells, it is significant to distinguish between starvation-induced autophagy and other autophagic pathways. Subversion of host autophagy by parasites is likely due to differences in cellular pathways from those of ‘classical’ autophagy and that they are controlled by parasites in a peculiar way. In xenophagy clearance at the intracellular level, the pathogens are first ubiquitinated before autophagy receptors acknowledgement, followed by labeling with light chain 3 (LC3) protein. The LC3 in LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) is added directly into vacuole membrane and functions regardless of the ULK, an initiation complex. The activation of the ULK complex composed of ATG13, FIP200 and ATG101causes the initiation of host autophagic response. Again, the recognition of PAMPs by conserved PRRs marks the first line of defense against pathogens, involving Toll-like receptors (TLRs). These all important immune-related receptors have been reported recently to regulate autophagy. Conclusion In this review, we sum up recent advances in autophagy to acknowledge and understand the interplay between host and parasites, focusing on target proteins for the design of therapeutic drugs. The target host proteins on the initiation of the ULK complex and PRRs-mediated recognition of PAMPs may provide strong potential for the design of therapeutic drugs against parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ghartey-Kwansah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Frank Adu-Nti
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Radford University College, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Aboagye
- Department of Forensic Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Amandus Ankobil
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, State University of New York at Albany, New York, USA
| | - Edward Eyipe Essuman
- US Food and Drugs Administration CBER, OBRR, DETTD 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, White Oak, USA
| | - Yeboah Kwaku Opoku
- Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Science, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Samuel Abokyi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Johnson Nyarko Boampong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Ocansey S, Abu EK, Abraham CH, Owusu-Ansah A, Boadi-Kusi SB, Ilechie AA, Acheampong DO. Ocular Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2: Indication of Possible Ocular Transmission or Viral Shedding. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 28:1269-1279. [DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1799035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ocansey
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Carl Halladay Abraham
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Andrew Owusu-Ansah
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Alex Azuka Ilechie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Desmond Omane Acheampong
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Abokyi S, Ayerakwah PA, Abu SL, Abu EK. Controlled blood sugar improves the eye's accommodative ability in type-1 diabetes. Eye (Lond) 2020; 35:1198-1204. [PMID: 32616866 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-1058-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of blood sugar level on ocular measures, including refractive error (RE), amplitude of accommodation (AoA), and lag of accommodation (LoA), in pre-presbyopes with type-1 diabetes. METHOD The fasting blood sugar (FBS) and ocular measures of type-1 diabetes patients (age: 14-39 years; n = 30) on insulin treatment was recorded while they fasted on two separate visits, at baseline and 3 months later. The AoA and LoA was measured with the appropriate spectacle correction worn. The Welch's t-test was used for comparison of the baseline measures between the normal FBS ≤ 7 (n = 10) and higher FBS > 7 (n = 20) patients, and the paired t-test used to investigate for differences between the baseline and follow-up data in patients with changes in FBS. RESULTS On average, the spectacle correction for the normal FBS group was marginally more myopic (RE: -0.30 ± 0.67 D vs. +0.18 ± 1.00 D, p = 0.032), and they showed greater AoA (5.38 ± 1.08 D vs. 3.68 ± 1.43 D, p < 0.001) and lower LoA (1.00 ± 0.30 D vs. 1.30 ± 0.38 D, p = 0.004) compared with the higher FBS group at baseline. On the follow-up visit attended by 25 patients, the FBS of 15 patients was reduced by an average of 7.0 mmol/L, 8 patients had an average increase of 5.2 mmol/L, while 2 patients recorded no changes relative to the baseline. The patients whose FBS was reduced showed improvement in the mean AoA from 3.78 ± 1.58 D to 4.88 ± 1.61 D (p < 0.001) and a reduction in the mean LoA from 1.37 ± 0.40D to 0.87 ± 0.19D (p < 0.001), whereas those with deteriorated control of the FBS showed an opposite trend. CONCLUSIONS Controlling hyperglycemia improves ocular accommodation in type-1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abokyi
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. .,School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
| | - Patience Ansomah Ayerakwah
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Sampson Listowell Abu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Ghartey-Kwansah G, Aboagye B, Adu-Nti F, Opoku YK, Abu EK. Clearing or subverting the enemy: Role of autophagy in protozoan infections. Life Sci 2020; 247:117453. [PMID: 32088215 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites are evolutionarily divergent, unicellular eukaryotic pathogens representing one of the essential sources of parasitic diseases. These parasites significantly affect the economy and cause public health burdens globally. Protozoan parasites share many cellular features and pathways with their respective host cells. This includes autophagy, a process responsible for self-degradation of the cell's components. There is conservation of the central structural and functional machinery for autophagy in most of the eukaryotic phyla, however, Plasmodium and Toxoplasma possess a decreased number of recognizable autophagy-related proteins (ATG). Plasmodium noticeably lacks clear orthologs of the initiating kinase ATG1/ULK1/2, and both Plasmodium and Toxoplasma lack proteins involved in the nucleation of autophagosomes. These organisms have essential apicoplast, a plastid-like non-photosynthetic organelle, which is an adaptation that is used in penetrating the host cell. Furthermore, available evidence suggests that Leishmania, an intracellular protozoan parasite, induces autophagy in macrophages. The autophagic pathway in Trypanosoma cruzi is activated during metacyclogenesis, a process responsible for the infective forms of parasites. Therefore, numerous pathogens have developed strategies to impair the autophagic mechanism in phagocytes. Regulating autophagy is essential to maintain cellular health as adjustments in the autophagy pathway have been linked to the progression of several physiological and pathological conditions in humans. In this review, we report current advances in autophagy in parasites and their host cells, focusing on the ramifications of these studies in the design of potential anti-protozoan therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ghartey-Kwansah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
| | - Benjamin Aboagye
- Department of Forensic Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Frank Adu-Nti
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yeboah Kwaku Opoku
- Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Science, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Ocansey S, Abu EK, Nii Armah O, Morny EK. The practise of paediatric optometry in a low-resource environment. Clin Exp Optom 2019; 103:520-530. [PMID: 31852024 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of optometrists in paediatric visual assessment must compliment the role of other eye-care practitioners at all levels of care. This study was undertaken to determine if optometrists in Ghana screen, diagnose and manage paediatric ocular conditions (for example, strabismus, amblyopia), and further assessed if optometrists in Ghana have the requisite paediatric instrumentation in their practices. METHODS This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey involving optometrists in both public and private eye-care sectors in Ghana. A paediatric visual assessment questionnaire was sent to all registered optometrists in Ghana. The contents of the questionnaire evaluated areas of vision assessment, refraction, and previous diagnosis and management, which were matched with practice characteristics such as location, type of practice and type of employment. Chi-squared statistic was used to test associations between variables. RESULTS Responses were obtained from 140 optometrists out of the 326 registered optometrists, representing a response rate of 46 per cent. Overall, less than half of respondents (64 which represents 46 per cent) assessed themselves as practising full-scope paediatric eye care. These self-assessment views were more common among optometrists at the regional level (111: 79.3 per cent), followed by the district (20: 14.3 per cent) and sub-district levels (nine: 6.4 per cent) (χ2 = 4.774, p < 0.05), but was not influenced by type of employment, type of practice and level of training (p > 0.05). In addition, the study revealed that many respondents were more likely to assess pre-schoolers' visual acuity (VA) (121: 96.0 per cent), do refraction (109: 88.6 per cent) and perform binocular vision (BV) assessment (93: 76.9 per cent) compared to the toddlers' VA (72: 55.4 per cent), refraction (57: 46 per cent) and BV assessment (68: 56.2 per cent). CONCLUSION Full-scope paediatric eye care services among optometrists in Ghana is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ocansey
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Enyam Ka Morny
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Amoani B, Adu B, Frempong MT, Sarkodie-Addo T, Victor Nuvor S, Abu EK, Harrison LM, Cappello M, Gyan B, Wilson MD. Cytokine profiles of Necator americanus and Plasmodium falciparum co-infected patients in rural Ghana. Cytokine X 2019; 1:100014. [PMID: 33604551 PMCID: PMC7885886 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2019.100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-infection of hookworm with P. falciparum modulates blood parasitemia levels. Cytokine levels were higher in the parasite infected individuals. Serum eotaxin level correlate negatively with hookworm intensity. Deworming drug treatment alters cytokine profiles in hookworm infected subjects.
Background Necator americanus (hookworm) and Plasmodium falciparum co-infections are common in endemic communities in rural Ghana. Human immune responses to P. falciparum and hookworm are complex, and the dynamics of cytokine levels and effector mediators are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the effect of hookworm and P. falciparum co-infection on parasite intensities and cytokine profiles in individuals before and after deworming drug treatment. Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana blood and stool samples were analyzed from 984 participants (aged 4–88 years). Stool samples were collected at baseline from all participants and examined for the presence of hookworm using the Kato-Katz method. Blood and stool samples were analysed again two weeks after albendazole treatment of hookworm infected individuals. Malaria parasitaemia was estimated by light microscopy and P. falciparum-specific 18S rRNA gene PCR method used for species identification. Serum levels of circulating cytokines interleukins -5, -10 (IL-5, IL-10), tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and eotaxin [CCL11] were determined using ELISA based methods. Results Malaria parasitaemia was significantly reduced in hookworm and P. falciparum co-infected individuals (p = 0.0018) while hookworm intensity was similar between groups. IL-10 level was significantly higher in the co-infected individuals (39.9 ± 12.2 pg/ml) compared to the single infected or the uninfected group (10.7 ± 7.6 mg/ml). IL-5 level was higher in the hookworm only infected individual. TNF-α levels were higher in all infected groups compared to the uninfected controls. CCL11 levels were significantly higher in subjects infected with hookworm only or co-infected with hookworm and P. falciparum. There was a significantly negative correlation (rs = −0.39, p = 0.021) between hookworm eggs per gram of stool and CCL11 levels in the group mono-infected with hookworm which was not affected by treatment. Treatment with albendazole led to a significant reduction of TNF-α (p = 0.041), IL-5 (p = 0.01) and IL-10 (p = 0.001) levels. Conclusion This study shows that in the absence of other helminths, co-infection of hookworm with P. falciparum may modulate blood parasitemia levels and cytokine responses. Data also show that deworming drug treatment alters these cytokine profiles in hookworm infected subjects. Future studies to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying these observations should include an assessment of parasite specific cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Amoani
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
| | - Bright Adu
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Margaret T Frempong
- Molecular Medicine Department, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
| | - Tracy Sarkodie-Addo
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Samuel Victor Nuvor
- Department of Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry, College of Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Lisa M Harrison
- Partnerships for Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Cappello
- Partnerships for Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ben Gyan
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Kyei S, Owusu-Ansah A, Boadi-Kusi SB, Abbey DN, Abu EK. Occupational hazards correlates of ocular disorders in Ghanaian fisheries. Healthc Low Resour Settings 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/hls.2016.5482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study examined the ocular health of agricultural workers in the fisheries sub sector with the aim of establishing a possible correlation between the work place hazards and their ocular health. A multi-stage random sampling (involving 683 subjects, 358 fishmongers and 325 fishers) was employed. Ocular hazards encountered at the work place included seawater, sand or dust, heat, sunrays and smoke. Exposure to these hazards were found to be associated with ocular irritation (P<0.001), tearing (P<0.001), red eye (P<0.001), gritty sensation (P<0.001), blurred distant vision (P=0.001) and blurred near vision (P=0.001). The development of pterygium was associated with the exposure to sunrays (P=0.042) and heat (P=0.001) among fishmongers. Further analysis using multivariate logistic regression indicated exposure to heat as the most important predictive factor for pterygium (OR=1.951, P=0.003). Exposure to seawater was found to be associated with the development of cataract (P=0.022) among fishermen/fishers. Cataract among fishmongers was rather associated with exposure to heat (P=0.005), sunrays (P=0.035) and sand/dust (P=0.002). Exposure to work place hazards is associated with ocular disorders in the fishing industry of Ghana.
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Abu EK, Boadi-Kusi SB, Opuni PQ, Kyei S, Owusu-Ansah A, Darko-Takyi C. Ocular Health and Safety Assessment among Mechanics of the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. J Ophthalmic Vis Res 2016; 11:78-83. [PMID: 27195090 PMCID: PMC4860992 DOI: 10.4103/2008-322x.158890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To conduct an ocular health and safety assessment among mechanics in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study included 500 mechanics using multistage sampling. All participants filled a structured questionnaire on demographic data, occupational history and ocular health history. Study participants underwent determination of visual acuity (VA) using LogMAR chart, external eye examination with a handheld slit lamp biomicroscope, dilated fundus examination, applanation tonometry and refraction. Results: Out of 500 mechanics, 433 were examined (response rate, 87%) comprised of 408 (94.2%) male and 25 (5.8%) female subjects. The prevalence of visual impairment (i.e. presenting VA < 6/18) among the respondents was 2.1%. Eye injuries were reported in 171 (39.5%) mechanics probably due to the large number of workers, 314 (72.5%), who did not use eye protective devices. Mechanics in the auto welding category were at the highest risk of sustaining an eye injury (odds ratio [OR], 13.4; P < 0.001). Anterior segment ocular disorders were mostly pterygia while posterior segment eye disorders included glaucoma suspects and retinochoroidal lesions. The development of pterygia was associated with the number of years a mechanic stayed on the job. Eye care seeking behavior among the participants was poor. Conclusion: Eye injuries were prevalent among the mechanics as the use of eye protection was low. Eye safety should be made an integral part of the public health agenda in the Cape Coast Metropolis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Prince Quarcoo Opuni
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kyei
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew Owusu-Ansah
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Charles Darko-Takyi
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
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Abu EK, Boampong JN, Kyei S, Afoakwah R, Ayi I. Associations between Polymorphisms within Interferon Gamma and Tumor Necrosis Factor Genes and Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis in Ghanaian Patients. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2016; 25:678-684. [DOI: 10.3109/09273948.2016.1159315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Johnson N. Boampong
- Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kyei
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Richmond Afoakwah
- Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Irene Ayi
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
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Abu EK, Boampong JN, Amoabeng JK, Ilechie AA, Kyei S, Owusu-Ansah A, Boadi-Kusi SB, Amoani B, Ayi I. Epidemiology of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in Three Community Surveys in the Central Region of Ghana, West Africa. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2016; 23:14-9. [PMID: 26786055 DOI: 10.3109/09286586.2015.1089579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct the first ever population-based survey on ocular toxoplasmosis in the Central Region of Ghana. METHODS A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in three randomly selected communities in the Central Region, Ghana. Visual acuity (VA) measurement, dilated fundus examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy and serology testing were performed on all participants. Ocular toxoplasmosis was diagnosed based on characteristic retinal lesions and supported by positive serologic testing using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. RESULTS A total of 390 subjects aged 10-100 years (mean age 47 years) were examined; 118 (30.3%) were male and 272 (69.7%) female. Ten subjects (6 females and 4 males) had toxoplasmic ocular lesions (prevalence 2.6%). Of these, two had bilateral lesions and eight had unilateral lesions. Subjects with toxoplasmic ocular lesions were older than those without lesions (p = 0.028). The development of ocular toxoplasmosis was not associated with rural dwelling, sex, keeping cats, or consumption of meat. CONCLUSION The prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in our Ghanaian study population was lower than findings from Southern Brazil, where there is a similar prevalence of infection in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- a Department of Optometry , School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana.,b Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences , School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana
| | - Johnson Nyarko Boampong
- b Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences , School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana
| | - Joseph Kwame Amoabeng
- a Department of Optometry , School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana.,c Department of Ophthalmology , Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital , Sekondi , Ghana
| | - Alex A Ilechie
- a Department of Optometry , School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana
| | - Samuel Kyei
- a Department of Optometry , School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana.,d Discipline of Optometry , School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus , Durban , South Africa
| | - Andrew Owusu-Ansah
- a Department of Optometry , School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana.,e Department of Ophthalmology , the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , Hunan , China
| | - Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi
- a Department of Optometry , School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana.,d Discipline of Optometry , School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus , Durban , South Africa
| | - Benjamin Amoani
- b Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences , School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Ghana
| | - Irene Ayi
- f Department of Parasitology , Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana , Accra , Ghana
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Abokyi S, Ilechie A, Nsiah P, Darko-Takyi C, Abu EK, Osei-Akoto YJ, Youfegan-Baanam M. Visual impairment attributable to uncorrected refractive error and other causes in the Ghanaian youth: The University of Cape Coast Survey. J Optom 2016; 9:64-70. [PMID: 26025809 PMCID: PMC4705321 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of visual impairment attributable to refractive error and other causes in a youthful Ghanaian population. METHODS A prospective survey of all consecutive visits by first-year tertiary students to the Optometry clinic between August, 2013 and April, 2014. Of the 4378 first-year students aged 16-39 years enumerated, 3437 (78.5%) underwent the eye examination. The examination protocol included presenting visual acuity (PVA), ocular motility, and slit-lamp examination of the external eye, anterior segment and media, and non-dilated fundus examination. Pinhole acuity and fundus examination were performed when the PVA≤6/12 in one or both eyes to determine the principal cause of the vision loss. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 21.86 years (95% CI: 21.72-21.99). The prevalence of bilateral visual impairment (BVI; PVA in the better eye ≤6/12) and unilateral visual impairment UVI; PVA in the worse eye ≤6/12) were 3.08% (95% CI: 2.56-3.72) and 0.79% (95% CI: 0.54-1.14), respectively. Among 106 participants with BVI, refractive error (96.2%) and corneal opacity (3.8%) were the causes. Of the 27 participants with UVI, refractive error (44.4%), maculopathy (18.5%) and retinal disease (14.8%) were the major causes. There was unequal distribution of BVI in the different age groups, with those above 20 years having a lesser burden. CONCLUSION Eye screening and provision of affordable spectacle correction to the youth could be timely to eliminate visual impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abokyi
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana.
| | - Alex Ilechie
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana
| | - Peter Nsiah
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana
| | - Charles Darko-Takyi
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Central Region, Ghana
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Boadi-Kusi SB, Kyei S, Mashige KP, Abu EK, Antwi-Boasiako D, Carl Halladay A. Demographic characteristics of Ghanaian optometry students and factors influencing their career choice and institution of learning. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract 2015; 20:33-44. [PMID: 24748205 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-014-9505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Optometry is only provided at tertiary level in two institutions in Ghana, with an average of 50 students graduating each year for a population of approximately 24.6 million. No information on the demography of optometry students and factors that influence their choice of optometry as a career and institution of learning is available. This information is important as it will assist optometry institutions to formulate effective student recruitment strategies. To assess the demographic characteristics of Ghanaian optometry students, the factors that influence their selection of optometry as a career and institution of learning. We conducted a cross sectional study among Ghanaian optometry students using a structured questionnaire to collect data on the demographic characteristics and factors that might influence their choice of optometry as a career as well as choice of institution of learning. Two hundred and eighty students from the two optometry training institutions in Ghana; University of Cape Coast (48.2%) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (51.8%) responded to the questionnaire. Their ages ranged from 17 to 28 years with most being males (72.5%), and the majority (79%) being from urban areas. The main factors that influenced their career choice were job availability after graduation (90%) and desire to help other people (89.2%). Factors that influenced their institution choice were preference for an institution (36.8%) and proximity to home (24.4%). In the absence of adequate optometry jobs in the public health sector, women will remain marginalised specifically those in rural areas. This marginalisation is however, a reflection of a broader societal disadvantage for women. Greater effort needs to be made to recruit high school students from rural areas to study optometry and more institutions need to provide optometry instruction throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi
- Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana,
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