Pregnancy outcomes before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic affected expectant mothers seeking maternal health services in most developing countries. Access and utilization of maternal health services including antenatal care (ANC) attendance and skilled delivery declined drastically resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study assessed pregnancy outcomes before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. METHODS/DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study design was employed. A random sampling technique was used to select 450 women who delivered before or during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. The respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaire at their homes. In this study, the data collected were socio-demographics characteristics, ANC attendance, before or during pandemic delivery, place of delivery and birth outcomes. Chi-square test and bivariate logistic regression analyses were performed under significant level of 0.05 to determine factors associated with the outcome variables. RESULT: Of the 450 respondents, 51.8% were between 26 and 30 years of age. More than half (52.2%) of the respondents had no formal education and 93.3% were married. The majority (60.4%) of the respondents described their residence as urban setting. About 31.6% of the women delivered before the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced place of delivery. The proportion of women who attended at least one ANC visit (84.5% before vs 70.5% during), and delivered at a hospital (76.8% before vs 72.4% during) were higher before the pandemic. More women were likely to deliver at home during COVID-19 (OR: 2.38, 95%CI: 1.52-3.74, p<0.001). Similarly, there was statistically significance difference between before and during COVID-19 delivery on at least one ANC attendance (OR: 2.72, 95%CI: 1.58-1.67, p<0.001). Women who delivered during COVID-19 were about twice more likely to develop complications (OR: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.03-2.87, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: ANC attendance and health facility delivery decreased while pregnancy complications increased during COVID-19. During disease outbreaks, outreach engagement strategies should be devised to increase access and utilization of maternal health services for marginalized and underserved populations. The capacity of health workers should be strengthened through skills training to manage adverse birth outcomes.

Population-based cross-sectional study of factors influencing full vaccination status of children aged 12- 23 months in a rural district of the Upper East Region, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Achieving universal health coverage includes ensuring that children have access to vaccines that are of high quality, safe, efficacious, and affordable. The Immunisation Agenda 2030 aims to expand services to zero-dose and incompletely vaccinated children and reduce immunisation rate disparities as a contribution to vaccination equity. This study explored the factors influencing full vaccination status among children aged 12 - 23 months in a rural district of the Upper East Region of Ghana. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among carers of children aged 12 -23 months in the Kassena Nankana West district. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 360 carers. Information regarding the vaccination status of children was gathered through a combination of children's health record books and carers' recollections. Information on potential determinants was also systematically collected for analysis in Stata version 15.0. RESULTS: The results showed that 76.9% (95% CI: 72.3 - 81.0) of children had full vaccinations per the national schedule. All children received at least one vaccination. A higher percentage of carers with incompletely vaccinated children reported that they had travelled with their children as the primary reason for missing certain vaccine doses. Full vaccination status was significantly associated with secondary (aOR = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.20-5.63) and tertiary (aOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.34-11.84) maternal educational level, being in a partnership relationship (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.03-4.25), and residing in close proximity to healthcare facilities (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that nearly one-quarter of children aged 12-23 months in the study setting are underserved with vaccination services for a variety of reasons. Effectively reaching these children will require strengthening health systems, including eliminating vaccine shortages, addressing the unique challenges faced by unmarried women with children aged 12-23 months, and improving accessibility to vaccination services.

Knowledge and predictors of attitudes of hepatitis B virus infection prevention among adults in Tolon, Northern Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Viral hepatitis is one of the major public health concerns, targeted for eradication by 2030. Though previous research has concentrated largely on pregnant women and urban areas, rural populations are reported to be greatly affected in northern Ghana. This study determined knowledge and predictors of attitudes toward hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevention among adults in Tolon District, Northern Ghana. METHODOLOGY: This was a population-based cross-sectional descriptive study with a quantitative approach. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 195 adults. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Composite scores were generated for knowledge and attitude levels. At 0.05 precision level, multiple linear regression was performed to determine predictors of respondents' attitudes. RESULTS: The overall knowledge level (48.7%) of participants on HBV infection was average, with the majority (67.0%) demonstrating unsatisfactory attitudes towards the prevention. The regression equation was statistically significant (F (3,191) = 61.051), p < 0.001. About half (49%) of the variance in attitude was explained by the independent variables. Participants predicted attitude score was determined as 3.784 - 0.040 (age) + 0.435 (knowledge), where age was measured in years and knowledge was measured as scores on a continuous variable scale. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge levels are sub-optimal with unsatisfactory attitudes toward HBV infection prevention in the study setting. Participants' age and knowledge of HBV are significant predictors of attitudes toward its prevention. There is a need to increase access to formal education and health promotion programs in the district, to complement government efforts to attain Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3).

Temporal trend analysis of the HIV/AIDS burden before and after the implementation of antiretroviral therapy at the population level from 1990 to 2020 in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has helped reduce the burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the majority of countries. Its contribution to the HIV/AIDS burden in Ghana is still understudied. This study examined HIV/AIDS trends in Ghana before (1990-2004) and after (2004-2020) the implementation and expansion of ART. METHODS: We obtained HIV/AIDS epidemiology and treatment data for the years 1990-2020 from the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. We investigated the impact of the ART rollout on HIV/AIDS in Ghana using Joinpoint regression models. RESULTS: The HIV incidence, prevalence, and AIDS-related deaths decreased significantly after 2004, as ART coverage increased from 1% to 2004 to 60% in 2020. The HIV incidence decreased by approximately 3% (AAPC = -2.6%; 95% CI: -3.2, -1.9) per year from 1990 to 2004 and approximately 5% (AAPC = -4.5%; 95% CI: -4.9, -4.2) per year from 2004 to 2020. Between 1990 and 2004, the HIV prevalence increased by approximately 5% (AAPC = 4.7%; 95% CI: 3.6, 5.8) per year but decreased by 2% (AAPC = -1.9%; 95% CI: -2.1, -1.6) per year between 2004 and 2020. Between 1990 and 2004, the annual increase in AIDS-related mortality was 14% (AAPC = 13.8%; 95% CI: 12.6, 15.0), but between 2004 and 2020, it decreased at nearly a 4% (AAPC= -3.6%; 95% CI: -4.7, -2.5) annual rate. CONCLUSIONS: We found trends indicating progress in Ghana's fight against HIV/AIDS. However, the most significant declines occurred after the introduction of ART, suggesting that the scale-up of ART may have contributed to the decline in HIV/AIDS in Ghana. We advocate for the rapid expansion of ART in Ghana.

Prevalence and factors associated with the utilisation of modern contraceptive methods among married women of childbearing age in Yemen: a secondary analysis of national survey data.

OBJECTIVE: Improving reproductive health requires access to effective contraception and reducing the unmet need for family planning in high-fertility countries, such as Yemen. This study investigated the utilisation of modern contraception and its associated factors among married Yemeni women aged 15-49 years. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data from the most recent Yemen National Demographic and Health Survey were used in this study. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 12 363 married, non-pregnant women aged 15-49 was studied. The use of a modern contraceptive method was the dependent variable. DATA ANALYSIS: A multilevel regression model was used to investigate the factors associated with the use of modern contraception in the study setting. RESULTS: Of the 12 363 married women of childbearing age, 38.0% (95% CI: 36.4 to 39.5) reported using any form of contraception. However, only 32.8% (95% CI: 31.4 to 34.2) of them used a modern contraceptive method. According to the multilevel analysis, maternal age, maternal educational level, partner's educational level, number of living children, women's fertility preferences, wealth group, governorate and type of place of residence were statistically significant predictors of modern contraception use. Women who were uneducated, had fewer than five living children, desired more children, lived in the poorest households and lived in rural areas were significantly less likely to use modern contraception. CONCLUSIONS: Modern contraception use is low among married women in Yemen. Some individual-level, household-level and community-level predictors of modern contraception use were identified. Implementing targeted interventions, such as health education on sexual and reproductive health, specifically focusing on older, uneducated, rural women, as well as women from the lowest socioeconomic strata, in conjunction with expanding availability and access to modern contraceptive methods, may yield positive outcomes in terms of promoting the utilisation of modern contraception.

Utilization of growth monitoring and promotion services and undernutrition of children less than two years of age in Northern Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Child undernutrition is a major public health problem and an important indicator of child's health. Adequate nutrition is critical for a child's growth and development. Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) services is a nutrition intervention aimed at improving the nutritional status of children. We assessed the utilization of growth monitoring and promotion services and nutritional status of children less than two years of age in northern Ghana. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that involved face-to-face interviews among 266 mothers with children < 2 years of age attending child welfare clinics (CWC). We also collected anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistic was performed and data presented as percentage. The nutritional status of children was classified as underweight (weight-for-age z score < -2 standard deviations), stunted (length-for-age Z score < - 2) and wasted (weight-for-length z score < -2) while utilization of GMP services was based on attendance to CWC and ability to interpret different growth curves. Chi square test was used to determine the relationship between utilization of GMP services and nutritional status of children at an alpha of 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of undernutrition shows that, 18.6% of the children were underweight, 14.7% were stunted and 7.9% were wasted. About 60% of the mothers accessed GMP services regularly. Less than half of the mothers were able to interpret the children's growth curve correctly: falling growth curve (36.8%), flattening growth curve (35.7%) and rising growth curve (27.4%). In combining children < 6 and 6-23 months of age, only one-third (33.1%) of mothers practiced appropriate infant and young child feeding. Regular GMP services was found to have a statistically significant relationship with underweight (P < 0.001), stunting (P = 0.006) and wasting (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The level of undernutrition remains high and child feeding practices is poor. Maternal utilization of GMP services is also low in the study area. Similarly, ability to interpret the child's growth curve appropriately persist as a challenge among women. Thus, attention is needed to improve utilization of GMP services to address child undernutrition challenges.

Experiences of nurses on COVID-19 preventive protocols implementation in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: A qualitative exploration.

The Coronavirus Disease, 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted healthcare delivery. Health workers, particularly nurses are key members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. They are faced with many challenges due to the pandemic. In addition to providing basic healthcare services, nurses are required to adhere to the COVID-19 recommended safety protocols. This study explored experiences of nurses on the implementation of COVID-19 preventive protocols in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. A qualitative study was conducted among seventeen (17) nurses, comprising five (5) staff with COVID-19 infection, and twelve (12) ward managers or in-charges who did not have COVID-19 infection, using explorative design and an interview guide. The participants were purposively selected. The ward managers/in-charges and infected staff were interviewed face-to-face and by mobile phone respectively. Content analysis was conducted on the data and the results presented as themes and sub-themes. After the analysis, five (5) main themes and fourteen (14) sub-themes were identified on experiences of nurses regarding COVID-19 preventive protocols implementation. These included understanding COVID-19 transmission/spread (patients-to-staff, staff-to-staff and through fomites), communicating the preventive protocols (social media, ward meetings and administrative memoranda), and attitude of nurses on the protocol's implementation (growing apathy, discomfort in applying personal protective equipment (PPEs) and outright defiance). Nurses also experienced some challenges and inadequate support (progressive decline in supply of PPEs, infrequent supply of water and limited infrastructure), in addition to dealing with issues of protocols implementation in healthcare setting (inapplicability of social distancing in hospital setting and improvising PPEs). In conclusion, the nurses had varied experiences on COVID-19 preventive protocols implementation. The themes explored were mode of COVID-19 transmission, communication approaches, negative attitudes, inadequate logistics and inability to implement social distance. Overall, these affected the effective implementation of the protocols. Thus, health facilities should be provided with adequate logistics/supplies and trainings to enable nurses implement COVID-19 preventive protocols effectively.

Risk of adverse newborn outcomes among women who experienced physical and psychological intimate partner abuse during pregnancy in Ghana's northern region.

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common worldwide. However, the health effects of exposure to IPV during pregnancy are significantly more severe. We investigated the relationship between exposure to IPV during pregnancy and the risk of preterm and low birthweight births among women in Ghana's northern region. Methods: We recruited 402 postnatal women aged 15-49 years from five selected public health facilities in the Tamale Metropolis of the northern region of Ghana. Using Kobo Collect, information on a wide range of factors, including exposure to IPV during the last pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, was collected electronically. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted in Stata to determine the associations between prenatal exposure to IPV and binary measures of gestational age at birth and birthweight. Results: Overall, 35.1% (95% CI: 30.5, 39.9) of the respondents experienced IPV during their recent pregnancy; 6.7% (95% CI: 4.6, 9.6) experienced physical IPV; and 34.8% (95% CI: 30.3, 39.6) experienced psychological IPV. The prevalence of preterm and low birthweight deliveries was 18.9% (95% CI: 15.4, 23.1) and 9.0% (95% CI: 6.5, 12.2), respectively. Prenatal exposure to IPV was linked to poor newborn outcomes by multivariable binary regression models. Women who suffered IPV during their last pregnancy were three times more likely to deliver low birthweight babies (AOR = 3.12: 95% CI: 1.42, 6.84). Exposed women were also about twice as likely to deliver prematurely, although this association was not statistically significant (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 0.97, 3.38). Conclusion: Exposure to IPV during pregnancy increases a woman's risk of delivering prematurely and having a low birthweight baby. IPV screening should be a regular part of ANC, so that pregnant women who are experiencing IPV can be monitored and supported to avoid adverse outcomes for their babies.

Factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy: A retrospective cross-sectional study in the Bolgatanga Municipality, northern Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia in pregnancy (AIP) remains a severe public health problem associated with adverse outcomes. This study assessed haemoglobin levels and the prevalence of anaemia during antenatal care (ANC) registration, at 28 weeks and 36 weeks of gestation as well as the factors associated with AIP at the different stages of pregnancy. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional design was implemented. Using ANC registers as the sampling frame, 372 pregnant women, within 36 and 40 weeks of gestation were randomly sampled from 28 health facilities for the study. The participants were all receiving ANC in the Bolgatanga Municipality. Data were collected via clinical records review and a questionnaire-based survey between October and November, 2020. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), descriptive analysis of haemoglobin levels and the prevalence of anaemia were performed. In addition, binary logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with anaemia in pregnancy. AIP was determined using the national practice of 11.0g/dl haemoglobin cut-off point and the World Health Organisation's recommended adjustment for the 2nd trimester of pregnancy was made using the cut-off of 10.5g/dl to account for the effect of haemodilution. RESULTS: At booking, AIP prevalence was 35.8% (95%CI:30.9, 40.9) using a cut-off of 11.0g/dl and 25.3% (95%CI:20.9, 30.0) using a cut-off of 10.5g/dl for those in the 2nd trimester. At 28 weeks, AIP prevalence was 53.1% (95%CI:45.8, 60.3) and 37.5 (95%CI:30.6, 44.8) using a cut-off of 11.0g/dl and 10.5g/dl for those in the 2nd trimester, respectively. At 36 weeks, AIP prevalence was 44.8% (95%CI:39.2, 50.4) using a cut-off of 11.0g/dl. At p<0.05, registering after the first trimester (AOR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.17, 2.98, P = 0.009) and at a regional hospital (AOR = 2.25, 95%CI: 1.02, 4.98, P = 0.044) were associated with increased odds of AIP but registering at a private hospital (AOR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.92, P = 0.035) was associated with decreased odds of AIP at booking. At 28 weeks, age group 26-35 years (AOR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.98, P = 0.044), Christianity (AOR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.31, 0.89, P = 0.028.), high wealth (AOR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.83, P = 0.022) and tertiary education (AOR = 0.09, 95%CI:0.02, 0.54, P = 0.009) were associated with decreased odds of AIP. At 36 weeks, booking after first trimester of pregnancy was associated with increased odds (AOR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.05, 2.84, P = 0.033) whilst high wealth (AOR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.99, P = 0.049), higher age groups-26-35 (AOR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.68, P = 0.001) and 36-49 years (AOR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.90, P = 0.024) and secondary education of spouse were associated with reduced odds (AOR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.14, 0.88, P = 0.026) of AIP. CONCLUSION: AIP consistently increased from registration to 36 weeks of gestation. Given the observed correlates of AIP, we recommend that interventions geared towards early ANC registration, improved household wealth, and improved maternal education are required to reduce AIP.

A qualitative study of health workers' perspectives on malaria case identification and management among pregnant women in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana.

Despite successes in malaria control interventions over the past two decades, malaria remains a major public health concern. Over 125 million women live in endemic areas and experience adverse pregnancy outcomes due to malaria. Understanding health workers' perspectives on malaria identification and management is important to informing policy changes on the control and eradication of the disease. This study explored the perspectives of health workers on malaria case identification and management among pregnant women in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana. A qualitative study with a phenomenology design was conducted among participants. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was performed and the results were presented as themes and sub-themes. Four themes and eight sub-themes regarding case identification and management of malaria in pregnancy were identified including malaria case identification training (trained and untrained), identification approach (signs/symptoms and routine laboratory test), diagnostic tools (rapid diagnostic test and microscopy) and management options. It revealed that attending malaria training programs was generally optional. Some of the participants had not undergone any refresher training for malaria identification after their formal training at health institutions. Participants identified malaria by its signs and symptoms. However, they often referred clients for routine laboratory tests for confirmation. When malaria is confirmed in pregnancy, quinine is used for first trimester treatment, while Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies are prescribed after the first trimester. Clindamycin was not used in the first trimester treatment. This study found that training programs were optional for health workers. Some participants have not received refresher training after graduating from health institutions. Treatment of confirmed cases did not include clindamycin for first trimester malaria infections. Malaria refresher training programs should be made mandatory for health workers. Every suspected case should be confirmed using Rapid Diagnostic Test or microscopy before treatment.

Exclusive breastfeeding among beneficiaries of a nutrition enhancement programme and its associated factors in Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the gains on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), recent nationwide surveys have consistently revealed a decline in EBF rates in Ghana. The World Food Programme implemented an intervention for Enhanced Nutrition and Value Chain (ENVAC) which was based on three pillars including pregnant women, lactating women, adolescent and children under two years old being beneficiaries of the third pillar since the first 1000 days are critical for averting malnutrition. The social behavior change communication (SBCC) interventions implemented as part of this project have a potential to increase EBF among beneficiaries but this has not been measured. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of EBF practice among mothers with children under two years old who were beneficiaries of the ENVAC project and its associated factors in northern Ghana. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 339 mother-child pairs in two districts of the northern region of Ghana. Participants were mother-child pairs who benefitted from the ENVAC project, which used SBCC strategies to promote good feeding and care practices as well as address other causes of malnutrition during antenatal care and child welfare clinic services among pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under two years. We used WHO standard questionnaire to assess breastfeeding practices. Factors associated with EBF were modelled using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Exclusive breastfeeding was 74.6% (95%CI = 69.5% -79.2%) in the ENVAC project areas, a 31.7% points higher than recent national levels. Adjusted analyses showed that EBF practice was associated with increasing maternal education: moderately educated women [aOR = 4.1 (95% CI = 2.17-7.66), P<0.001], and high [aOR = 9.15, (95% CI = 3.3-25.36), P<0.001], and access to pipe-borne water in households [aOR = 2.87, (95% CI = 1.11-7.43), P = 0.029]. CONCLUSION: A social behaviour change communication strategy implemented by ENVAC to lactating mothers likely improved exclusive breastfeeding practice in two districts of northern Ghana. EBF practices were higher among beneficiaries with high education and households with access to pipe-borne water. A combination of SBCC strategies and maternal and household factors are likely the best way to increase EBF rates in impoverished communities and warrants further investigation through future research.

Caregivers' use of insecticide-treated nets is associated with the use of ITNs by children under the age of five in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Malaria poses a greater risk to children under the age of five years due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The use of Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) has been proven to be an effective preventive intervention in the control of malaria. However, its utilisation remains low. This study assessed the association of mother or caregiver's utilisation of ITN on its use by their children under five years of age in Ghana. METHODS: This study used data from the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (GMIS). The study analysed a weighted sample of 1,876 women aged 15-49 years who had at least one child under the age of five. In this study, the outcome variable is mosquito bed net use in children under five years. We performed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regressions. RESULTS: Of the women studied, 58.59% [95% CI: 55.39, 61.71] slept under mosquito bed nets the previous night. The utilisation of ITN in children under five was 61.88% [95% CI: 58.43, 65.2] on the night before the study. The adjusted logistic regression revealed that mothers/caregivers who slept under a mosquito bed net were more likely to have their children under five years of age sleeping under a mosquito bed net (RRR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.48, 4.12; p <0.001). In addition, the use of ITN in children under five was also found to be predicted by the number of ANC visits, the number of children under five in the household, and wealth status. CONCLUSION: The study found that the use of ITN by mothers/caregivers and their children remains low in Ghana. Nevertheless, we found that when a mother uses ITN, her children under the age of five are more likely to use it as well.

Utilisation of antenatal care and skilled delivery services among mothers in Nanton District of Northern Ghana: a mixed-method study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal morbidity and mortality are a global phenomenon with devastating effects on low-income and middle-income countries among which sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the hardest hit. Low utilisation of maternal health services has been recorded in recent times in the Nanton District of Ghana. This has raised concerns about the utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) and skilled delivery (SD) services in the district. However, we found no specific existing literature which has addressed these questions on ANC and SD utilisation in the study setting. Thus, this study seeks to explore the utilisation of ANC and SD services among mothers in the Nanton District of Northern Ghana. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This will be an observational study. It will use a mixed-method approach, particularly, convergent parallel design to implement the study. This will include quantitative and qualitative aspects using a questionnaire and focus group discussion guide. The planned sample size is 411 participants. The data will be collected at the communities. Before participation in the study, the research team will receive individual written consent from the participants. Descriptive and inferential data analysis will be performed after the data collection. The results will be presented as frequency tables, bar charts and line graphs to indicate the proportions of the outcome indicators. The strength of association among variables will be determined at 95% CI and a significance level of alpha (0.05) will be used. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical clearance has been sought from the Ghana Health Service Ethics Review Board (GHS-ERC 027/03/22). The outcomes from this study may serve as a reference document for the District Health Directorate to use when developing strategies for ANC and SD services. The results will be published in open access and peer-reviewed journals.

Bacterial infections epidemiology and factors associated with multidrug resistance in the northern region of Ghana.

Bacterial infections caused by multidrug resistant organisms are a major global threat. There is still a knowledge gap on this situation in the Northern Region of Ghana. This study determined the prevalence and resistance profile of bacterial infections. It also identified factors associated with multidrug resistance in the study area. This was a retrospective cross-sectional design and it analyzed data from the samples received at the Tamale Zonal Public Health Reference Laboratory from June 2018 to May 2022. The data were analyzed using the R software version 4.2.0. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with multidrug resistance. The samples included all specimen types possible. The specimens were collected for the purpose of clinical bacteriology diagnostics. Overall a total of 1222 isolates were obtained. The three (3) main bacteria responsible for infections were: Klebsiella spp. (27%), Moraxella spp. (22%), Escherichia spp. (16%). High resistance levels were found against the tested antibiotics and about 41.60% of the bacterial strains isolated were multidrug resistant. Hospitalization was associated with multidrug resistance in univariate (COR 1.96; 95% CI 1.43-2.71; P-value < 0.001) and multivariable analyses (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.28-2.49; P-value < 0.001). There is the need for further research on the molecular epidemiology of antibiotic resistance genes in the study area to effectively control the spread of multidrug resistant pathogens. In addition, efforts to build the capacity of health professionals on infection prevention and control as well as diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship needs urgent attention.

Predictors of knowledge and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols among nurses at health facilities in Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in 2019 and caused widespread disruption to many facets of life, including healthcare. Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, became the front-line fighters against the pandemic, making it imperative to comply with recommended safety protocols. However, many nurses were infected by the virus in the Tamale Metropolis, raising concerns regarding their level of adherence to the safety protocols. This study assessed the predictors of knowledge and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols among nurses at selected health facilities in the Tamale Metropolis of northern Ghana. METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study design was adopted and 339 nurses from six (6) public health facilities in the Tamale Metropolis were recruited for the study using questionnaires. The questionnaires were transformed into Google Forms for respondents to answer online via WhatsApp or email. The data were exported from the Google spreadsheet into SPSS and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Of the 339 participants, 60.2% were classified as having adequate knowledge while only 9.1% demonstrated high adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. Knowledge of COVID-19 was predicted by source of information, and marital status, whereas health facility types predicted level of adherence. The odds of having adequate knowledge were higher among unmarried nurses (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.16-3.25; p = 0.012) and nurses using social media (AOR = 1.80; 95%CI 1.02-3.18; p = 0.042) compared to their counterparts. Meanwhile, primary health care nurses (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.12-0.50; p<0.001) and secondary health care nurses (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.31-0.88; P = 0.016) had reduced odds of exhibiting higher adherence compared to nurses from tertiary-level facility. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that knowledge was high but adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols was low. We suggest that facility managers should enforce compliance of their staff to the safety protocols to prevent spread of the virus within healthcare settings.

Frequency of exposure to the media is associated with levels of HIV-related knowledge and stigmatising attitudes among adults in Ghana.

Studies show that increased knowledge of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is achieved through exposure to mass media, which then contributes to positive attitudes and behaviours towards people living with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study examined the relationship between the frequency of exposure to the media and the level of HIV-related knowledge and stigmatising attitudes towards HIV and AIDS among adults in Ghana. A weighted sample of 13 484 men and women 15 to 59 years old took part in the study. The main outcome variable was the HIV-related knowledge score, calculated based on responses to eight questions about general HIV concepts and HIV transmission modes. The frequency of exposure to the media was the primary explanatory variable. The relationship between the frequency of media exposure and the level of HIV-related knowledge was investigated using Poisson regression methods in Stata 13.0. Of the 13 484 respondents analysed, 25%, 88.2% and 79.7% reported reading print media, listening to the radio and watching TV at least once a week respectively. The average HIV-related knowledge score was 4.9 (SD 1.6), with 22.9% of respondents correctly answering five questions and about 2.0% correctly answering all eight questions. The frequency of exposure to the media, particularly print media and television, was associated with an increase in the level of HIV-related knowledge. When compared to having a low level of HIV-related knowledge, having a moderate and high level of HIV-related knowledge reduced the score of stigmatising attitude by 0.065 and 0.277 points, respectively. The adult population in Ghana has a very low level of HIV or AIDS knowledge, as well as a significant level of stigma associated with HIV or AIDS, which could stymie HIV prevention efforts. The media, on the other hand, provide a platform for these issues to be addressed.

Prevalence and determinants of anaemia during third trimester of pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study of women in the northern region of Ghana.

Anemia during the third trimester of pregnancy is linked to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This retrospective cohort study estimated the prevalence of anemia and its determinants among third-trimester pregnant women in Ghana's northern region. We analyzed 359 pregnant women aged 18-48, drawn at random from 12 health facilities in the Tatale-Sanguli and Zabzugu districts. A questionnaire collected demographic, obstetric, as well as data on medical interventions. Data on hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the third trimester of pregnancy were gathered from antenatal care (ANC) records. Logistic regression models identified the determinants of anemia during the third trimester. The average age was 28.2 (±6.2 years), and their average Hb level in the third trimester was 10.3 ± 1.1 g/dL. There were 259 women whose Hb values indicated anemia, giving a prevalence of 72.1% (95% CI: 67.3-76.6). Among these, 4 (1%), 108 (42%), and 147 (57%) had severe, moderate, and mild anemia, respectively. Anemia status at first ANC registration (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.14-3.41) and exposure to information on anemia (aOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.10-7.43) were strong determinants. Anemia prevalence is high among third-trimester pregnant women in the study area. Strategies implemented to control anemia should be intensified to prevent maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes.

Challenges to the utilization of Community-based Health Planning and Services: the views of stakeholders in Yendi Municipality, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) is a national health reform programme that provides healthcare at the doorsteps of rural community members, particularly, women and children. It seeks to reduce health inequalities and promote equity of health outcomes. The study explored implementation and utilization challenges of the CHPS programme in the Northern Region of Ghana. METHODS: This was an observational study that employed qualitative methods to interview key informants covering relevant stakeholders. The study was guided by the systems theory. In all, 30 in-depth interviews were conducted involving 8 community health officers, 8 community volunteers, and 14 women receiving postnatal care in four (4) CHPS zones in the Yendi Municipality. The data were thematically analysed using Atlas.ti.v.7 software and manual coding system. RESULTS: The participants reported poor clinical attendance including delays in seeking health care, low antenatal and postnatal care visits. The barriers of the CHPS utilization include lack of transportation, poor road network, cultural beliefs (e.g. taboos of certain foods), proof of women's faithfulness to their husbands and absence of health workers. Other challenges were poor communication networks during emergencies, and inaccessibility of ambulance service. In seeking health care, insured members of the national health insurance scheme (NHIS) still pay for services that are covered by the NHIS. We found that the CHPS compounds lack the capacity to sterilize some of their equipment, lack of incentives for Community Health Officers and Community Health Volunteers and inadequate infrastructures such as potable water and electricity. The study also observed poor coordination of interventions, inadequate equipment and poor community engagement as setbacks to the progress of the CHPS policy. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical attendance, timing and number of antenatal and postnatal care visits, remain major concerns for the CHPS programme in the study setting. The CHPS barriers include transportation, poor road network, cost of referrals, cultural beliefs, inadequate equipment, lack of incentives and poor community engagement. There is an urgent need to address these challenges to improve the utilization of CHPS compounds and to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals.

Self-reported gender differentials in the knowledge of tuberculosis transmission and curative possibility using national representative data in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Health-seeking behaviour, stigma, and discrimination towards people affected by tuberculosis (TB) are influenced by awareness of the disease. Gender differentials in the diagnosis and treatment of TB have been reported in other settings of the world. However, little is known about the gender differences in the knowledge of TB transmission and curative possibility in Ghana. METHODS: The analysed data were a weighted sample of 9,396 women aged 15-49 years and 4,388 men aged 15-59 years, obtained from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The dependent variable, correct knowledge regarding TB transmission and cure was derived from questions on the transmission of the disease and the possibility of a cure. A design-based multivariate logistic regression model in Stata 13.0/SE was used to identify the correlates of reporting correct knowledge. RESULTS: Overall, the mean knowledge score was 6.1±0.9 (maximum = 7). Of the 13,784 respondents, 45.7% (95% CI: 44.0-47.3) reported correct knowledge regarding TB transmission and cure. Men had significantly higher knowledge than women (50.9% versus 43.2%). Misconceptions, including TB transmitted through sharing utensils (13.3%), food (6.9%), touching a person with TB (4.5%), sexual contact (4.1%), and mosquito bites (0.4%) were noted. About 30% (33% women and 25% men) of the total sample would keep the information secret when a household member is affected with TB. In the adjusted analysis, age, gender, education, region, place of residence, wealth quintile, frequency of reading newspaper/magazine, listening to the radio, and watching television were significantly associated with reporting correct knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: There was low knowledge regarding TB transmission and cure. Misconceptions regarding the transmission of TB prevailed among the participants. Gender differential in knowledge was observed. Comparatively, females were less likely to be aware of TB and report correct knowledge regarding TB transmission but were more likely to conceal information when a household member was affected by the disease.

Women's autonomy and modern contraceptive use in Ghana: a secondary analysis of data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Women's empowerment and autonomy have been proven to promote women's use of modern contraceptives. This study examined women's autonomy as a potential factor for modern contraceptive use among Ghanaian women in a union. METHOD: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The main outcome measure was current modern contraceptive use from women's self-report. Three composite indices were used to assess women's autonomy: household decision-making, attitudes towards wife-beating, and property ownership. RESULTS: A total of 4772 non-pregnant women aged 15-49 years in a union were included in the analysis. The mean age was 34.2(±7.97) years, 53.6% received at least secondary education, 87.7% were employed, and 76.5% received family planning information within the last 12 months. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 24.8% (95% CI: 22.9-26.7). Women's autonomy was independently associated with modern contraceptive use. Compared with women with low autonomy, women with moderate (AOR= 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02-1.55, p = 0.034) and high autonomy (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01-1.79, p = 0.044) had increased odds of modern contraceptive use. Maternal age, education, number of living children, employment, region, and exposure to family planning information were also strongly associated with modern contraceptive use. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study support the assertion that women's autonomy may be vital in promoting the use of modern contraceptives among women in a union in Ghana and other low-income and middle-income countries and should be considered in family planning programs.