ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Age at menarche is an important indicator of sexual maturity in females. It is known to be modified by both genetic and environmental factors. Downward trends in menarche have been recorded in many countries.. In Ghana, a cross-sectional study has been done about two decades ago that determined the age at menarche among school girls in Kumasi. The determinants of age at menarche onset in the Ghanaian population are unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study was done to determine the...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Malaria, though a preventable disease, remains a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in Africa where it causes high morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and children under five. Effective case management involving universal parasitological diagnosis and targeted treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) has been recognized as the cornerstone of malaria control strategies. Despite Ghana’s adoption of these recommendations, the tol...
ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to analyse the Physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters, evaluate the performance of domestic sewage ponds at the Accra sewage treatment plant at Legon. The aim is to assess the suitability of the final effluent for irrigation and the quality of sludge for agriculture use. A total of 36 wastewater samples and forty-eighty (48) sludge samples were therefore taken for six (6) consecutive months from the sedimentation tank (inlet) and maturation po...
ABSTRACT Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death and most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. In the advanced stage of the disease, the involvement of the family is required in the care of the patient at home. Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) does not affect the woman alone but also the wellbeing of the family caregiver. The purpose of this study was to explore the well-being of family caregivers of women with advanced breast cancer in the Accra Metropolis. The Quality of Life Model Applied ...
ABSTRACT In Namibia, the Widal test (a blood test that detects level of Salmonella antibodies) is widely used in the diagnosis of typhoid fever. There are no available normal population baseline Salmonella agglutinins titres in Namibia which can be used to come up with country specific diagnostic titres for typhoid fever. The normal population baseline Salmonella agglutinin titre is used as the basis for the interpretation of the Widal test. Since there is no guide, it means that standardizat...
ABSTRACT Interpersonal control is a significant factor in the maintenance of alcohol dependency within the dyad relationship. In the treatment of a dysfunctional behaviour, like alcohol dependency, intuitive psychological interventions have been in use. This has generated much criticism. Therefore, research and measurement tools need to be used as a basis for more objective therapeutic interventions. This study was designed to develop a reliable and valid interpersonal control rating measure ...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Informal sector recycling of e-waste could lead to release of various toxic substances; including the oxides of heavy metals into the ambient environment and therefore contributes significantly to environmental pollution. Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze heavy metals concentration levels in bird feathers and eggs and earthworm found at the Agbogbloshie e-waste dumpsite. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Agbogbloshie e-waste site near ...
ABSTRACT Individuals diagnosed with mental illness encounter stigma and discrimination under various circumstances and these negatively affect them. Even though support systems and attitudes of the general public act as sources of stigma, perceptions held by the patients also influence their sensitivity to the experiences they encounter. The purpose of this study was to describe the role of personal factors in bringing about stigma.It also explored the public attitudes toward individuals dia...
ABSTRACT This study was set out to identify the knowledge, attitude and perception of health workers about EVD. It also explored the level of preparedness and work habits in dealing with EVD. The study utilised qualitative research method design and it involved purposely selected Medical Doctors, Physician Assistant, Midwives, General Nurses, Orderlies and Mortuary Attendants as study participants. Following the analysis of the qualitative information from participants, the study found that ...
Abstract Ensuring that patients in chronic care and treatment such as tuberculosis adhere to medications has implications for their quality of life, health care costs and society at large. The purpose of this study was to assess and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) related to their treatments in Keetmanshoop district in //Karas region, Namibia. A quantitative, cross sectional study was done among 76 patients who were receiving their ...
ABSTRACT The neonatal mortality rate is the most essential indicator of obstetric care as well as overall socio-economic development in any given country. It is also a sensitive indicator of the impact of programme intervention and for monitoring changes in quality care (MOHSS, 1996: 2). The Health Information System (HIS) at Katima Mulilo State Hospital reported an increase in neonatal deaths of 8/1000 live births (0,8%) in 2001 to 39/1000 live births (3,9%)in 2002. Based on this problem, fa...
ABSTRACT Background and objective As population ageing, urbanization and epidemiological changes accelerates across the world, the prevalence of caregiving by the elderly is bound to increase. This situation in which the elderly give care to others has been found in various settings to have adverse effects on the elderly’s well-being. However, there is a paucity of evidence confirming the existence of such negative effects among the elderly in Ghana who give care, especially as it impacts...
ABSTRACT Cervical cancer is a public health problem that affects women‘s well-being worldwide. The literature on cancers from high-income countries indicates that patients combine traditional and western medicines for the treatment of cancer. However, there is scant empirical evidence on cervical cancer patients‘ experiences in both traditional and western medicine usage. The study, therefore, explored the experiences of women on the traditional and orthodox management of cervical cancer...
ABSTRACT It is the fundamental right of a child to grow in a safe, nurturing, consistent care-giving environment, free from maltreatment such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and inadequate physical care. Unfortunately, many children are deprived of parental care due to various circumstances and continuously seek care and protection. One of the solutions to the lack of provision of care to children in need is to place such a child in a Residential Child Care Facility. However,...
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Though construction advances the economic fortunes of a country, it still remains a high risk industry. Compliance with safety and health guidelines has been a major challenge to employees. It is important to identify gaps in the practice of occupational safety and health standards to inform impending policy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine compliance with health and safety protocols among building construction workers in the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Di...