ABSTRACT Exercise training enhances healthy brain function by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress and promotes the production of growth factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is essential for neuronal growth and survival in deleterious neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Moreover, dietary nutrients in cocoa reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and may have a protective effect that affects the growth and survival of...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Many studies have proven that breast milk is the most important infant feed, and in the first six months of life, it is adequate for sustenance. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life has been recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) as the best infant feeding strategy. Breast milk provides infants with the antibodies and nourishment needed to begin a healthy life. Mixed feeding with breast milk and other fluids/foods is common in Ghana, st...
ABSTRACT Background: Since independence, Ghana has made several efforts to ensure that its population has access to appropriate health care at an affordable cost. A vital measure to increase affordability is to reduce the out-of-pocket payments for health care which is recognised as one of the barriers to access, especially in poorer countries. The National Health Insurance Scheme was therefore introduced in 2003, to address issues of inequities in financial access to health care. Objectiv...
ABSTRACT Background: Studies have shown that motivation improves performance of health workers. However, when health workers are not motivated enough their performance and delivery of care is affected. Therefore, ensuring health worker motivation is important, if health workers are to perform their optimum best and effectively deliver health services. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to determine the influence of motivation on health worker performance. Methods: This st...
ABSTRACT Workplace violence is a globally recognised workplace hazard in the health sector however, there is a lack of research on the phenomenon in Ghana. Workplace violence includes physical and psychological violence and involves acts such as assault, threats, verbal and sexual abuse. These can all have deleterious effects on victims. Thus, this study sought to determine the prevalence and factors relating to violence perpetrated against hospital workers in the Greater Accra Regional H...
ABSTRACT Studies have shown that human milk and breastfeeding of infant provides advantages with regard to general health, growth and development for infants. Mothers who breastfeed their babies may also gain health benefits. In addition to health benefits to mothers and infants, breastfeeding provides significant social and economic benefits to nations and individuals. Researchers have found out that both mother and infant can maximise the benefits if they practice exclusive breastfee...
ABSTRACT Sociosexuality is a sexual risk behaviour, which poses public health concerns. This study aimed at determining some predictors of sociosexuality among young adults in Accra, Ghana. A sample size of 315 (164 = males, 151 = females) was recruited for this study. Participants completed questionnaires assessing dimensions of sociosexuality (i. e. sociosexual behaviour, sociosexual attitude, and sociosexual desire), sexual sensation seeking, sexual attitudes, dimensions of religiosity, a...
ABSTRACT Background: Several neonatal deaths have been reported in developing countries such as Ghana despite a marginal decrease over the years. Majority of these deaths occur due to inappropriate or poorly practiced newborn care specifically safe cord care, optimal thermal care and early and exclusive breastfeeding. There is limited information about the quality of essential newborn care practiced by mothers in the Greater Accra region. This information is needed to inform policy makers an...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Behaviours established during youthful and early adult life such as risky sexual behaviours (RSBs) have undesirable effects on the future wellbeing and overall health of adolescents and young adults. Engaging in risky sexual behaviours such as early sexual initiation, multiple partner sexual relationships, unprotected sex, and sex in exchange of money or gifts often lead to undesirable consequences such as contracting sexually transmitted diseases or having unintended ...
ABSTRACT Background: Cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is on the rise. However, the availability of antiretroviral drugs has to a larger extent increased the survival of these patients in recent times. The increased survival often presents challenges to the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) mainly due to adverse drug effects and or the prevailing socio-economic and cultural challenges associated with the disease condition...
ABSTRACT Occupational exposure to HIV by health workers is a major issue globally. It is more prevalent in the low-income countries especially, in the Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Yet it seems that there is very little information on occupational exposure to HIV by health workers and how they cope in Ghana. The study explored the occupational exposure to HIV and how health workers cope with it. The exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used to explore and describe the occu...
ABSTRACT Background: Societies in sub-Saharan Africa have always depended on religion as an important resource in addressing matters of health and wellbeing, especially, in addressing various healthcare challenges. The aim of this study is to explore how church-related social support contributes to the health and well-being of the elderly in Achimota, Accra Metropolitan District. Methodology: Three churches within Achimota were purposively selected and the elderly above 60 years and above we...
ABSTRACT Warfarin (vitamin K antagonist) is effective for the management of thromboembolic disorders. However, continued use of warfarin is challenged by its complex pharmacology and inherent risk of adverse outcomes which needs drug monitoring to ensure safe and effective therapy. The purpose of the study is to examine the knowledge of anticoagulation and its relationship with international normalized ratio control among patients, after discharge from hospital. A cross sectional survey was ...
ABSTRACT Background: Mercury is commonly used in Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) to amalgamate gold. Mercury use in ASGM is a global public health problem, since it is the world’s fastest source of mercury contamination. Mercury is toxic even at low concentration and exposure is of great concern since it is a potent neurotoxicant. Mercury poisoning among small scale gold miners has been observed in many small scale gold mining regions across the world. ASGM is a rapidly growing in...
ABSTRACT Introduction Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally especially during pandemics. For this reason countries have set up surveillance systems to continually monitor Influenza like illnesses (ILI) for early detection of outbreaks and rapid response. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Ghana where medication can be purchased over the counter, it is more likely that people might have taken some antipyretics before reporting to the health facility. This...