Prevalence and Associated Factors of Adolescent (15-19 Years) Childbearing in Ghana.

Background: Adolescent pregnancies continue to be a global issue that affects more high-income, middle-income, and then low-income countries, with the latter experiencing the majority of cases. Aim: The current study looked into the prevalence and variables predicting adolescent childbearing in Ghana. Methodology: Data from the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017-2018 was used to conduct an analytical cross-sectional study. The results were examined with SPSS Version 20 (IBM Corp., 2011, and NY). Pearson's chi-square and binary logistics analyses were done for associations. A p value of 0.05 was used to determine the analysis's statistical significance. Results: The total number of adolescents isolated from the 2017 Ghana MICS dataset for this study analysis was 2974. The mean age of the study participants was 16.9 ± 1.4 years with a modal age of 15 years. The prevalence of adolescent childbearing according to this study analysis was 12.3%. The predictive factors for adolescent childbearing were increasing age, decreasing educational level, Volta regional originality, ethnic originality of the study participants, and low economic status. Conclusion: The prevalence of adolescent childbearing in this study was significant and needs the attention of all. Programs to improve adolescent reproductive health must take into account multiple levels of elements, such as the individual, family, community, institutions, national, and international challenges that have an impact on such programs.

Dietary diversity and nutritional status of adults living with HIV during the COVID-19 era.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about unique challenges in healthcare and nutrition, particularly for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Understanding their dietary patterns and nutritional status is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving health outcomes. Therefore, this study assessed the dietary diversity and nutritional status of PLHIV during the COVID-19 era. METHODS: We adopted a facility-based cross-sectional study design to enroll 220 PLHIV from two hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-hour recall. Anthropometric and body composition data were collected with a stadiometer and a body composition monitor. Dietary diversity was evaluated using the FAO's Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS). Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 20. Significance level was set p-value less than 0.05. RESULTS: A significant proportion (33.2%) of PLHIV had low dietary diversity, with the majority (55.5%) categorized as needing dietary improvement. Approximately 2 out of every 10 of the participants were identified as underweight. Participants aged 40 to 59 years were more likely to exhibit higher dietary diversity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.966, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.045-4.987). Participants who consumed meals at least three times daily were more likely to have a high IDDS (AOR = 1.641, 95% CI: 1.221, 8.879). Employed participants (public sector and private sector) were also more likely to have a high IDDS compared to unemployed participants (AOR = 1.448, 95% CI: 1.028-3.042; AOR = 1.165, 95% CI: 1.030-9.329, respectively). Factors associated with undernutrition included being female (AOR = 1.829, 95% CI: 1.294, 3.872) and first-line antiretroviral therapy ART (AOR = 1.683, 95% CI: 1.282-2.424). CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the need for nutritional interventions for PLHIV, particularly during crises. It advocates for a policy collaboration to address food insecurity and promote resilient health outcomes.

COVID-19 and climate change concerns: Matters arising.

Until the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, developing countries, especially countries in the African continent, battled with the impact of climate change on the food value-chain systems and general livelihood. In this study, we discuss climate change concerns post-COVID-19 and argue that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of most developing and emerging economies. This has heightened political tensions and unrest among such developing nations. We suggest enhancement and intensification of efficient and effective locally engineered adaptation strategies in the post-COVID-19 era for countries that have been susceptible to the impact of climate change and other recent shocks.

Prevalence of Cesarean Section Among Nurses: Predictors and Effect on Exclusive Breastfeeding.

Introduction: The prevalence of cesarean sections (CSs) in both industrialized and developing nations is a significant issue for public health officials, particularly in light of the knowledge of their socioeconomic underlying determinants. Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of CS delivery among nurses, their predictors, and the effect it has on exclusive breastfeeding practice in Tamale, Ghana. Methods: This study used a quantitative technique and an analytical cross-sectional design. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and variable associations and predictions were identified using chi-square and logistics regression analysis. Results: There were 326 fully completed and returned questionnaires; the majority (40.0%) of respondents were registered general nurses (RGN). The majority of respondents (56.0%) were between the ages of 31 and 40. The prevalence rate of CS delivery was 21.1%. Predictor variables were; Community health nurses/RGN (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-11.0), and second degree/first degree level of educational attainment (AOR = 36.0, 95% CI = 2.4-528.9). The effects of CS delivery on exclusive breastfeeding were; low confidence to exclusively breastfeed, opting to combine both breastfeeding and artificial feeding, and less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: Even though CSs and exclusive breastfeeding practices are both problems facing nurses, CSs seem to compound the problem of exclusive breastfeeding among nurses.

Analyses of crop water use and environmental performance of small private irrigation along the white Volta basin of Northern Ghana.

Small private irrigation (SPI) is a farmer-initiated irrigation which has the potential to increase the contribution of the overall irrigation sector to global food security. However, there is no much information about these systems for effective policies for regulation. This study compared the resource use productivities and environmental impacts of SPI systems to those of a government-led irrigation scheme (GIS) in Northern Ghana. The results showed that land productivity was higher in the SPI than in the GIS. Productivity per unit cultivated area was 2571.00 US$/ha under SPI while that of the GIS was 676.00 US$/ha. Output per unit command area was also two times higher in the SPI than in the GIS; that is 2571.00 US$/ha and 1113.00 US$/ha for SPI and GIS respectively. For water productivity, output per unit irrigation supply was 0.33 US$/m3 and 0.08US$/m3 for SPI and GIS respectively while output per unit water consumed by ET was 0.60 US$/m3 for SPI and 0.06 US$/m3 for the GIS. The results implied that the SPI schemes performed better in land and water productivities compared with the GIS which is attributed to higher yields and the selection of high valued crops by farmers under SPI. However, both irrigation system types at the time of this study did not cause significant deterioration to the water bodies and surrounding environment as the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values of nearby water bodies were less than 3.0-5.0 mg/l, which is considered as acceptable levels for drinking water by World Health Organisation (WHO) while salinity levels were also within acceptable limits (<750 µS/cm). With appropriate policies to regulate and provide support systems to the SPI, these systems may increase the overall agricultural productivity and improve job creation for the teeming unemployed youth and women in the savannah agroecological zone of Ghana.

Polygynous marriage union among Ghanaian Christian women: Socio-demographic predictors.

INTRODUCTION: Polygamy has declined in the last decade, but it is still prevalent in West African nations including Ghana even with the arrival of Christianity and colonists, which came to be recognized as a form of slavery that needed to be abolished. AIM: To analyze the determinants of polygyny among married Christian women in Ghana. METHODS: Ghana Maternal Health Survey data was used for this study to do an analytic cross-section study. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The association between dependent and independent variables was explored using chi-square and logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of Ghanaian Christian women's involvement in polygyny marriage union was 12.2%, the prevalence was higher (15.0%) among women of Anglican denomination, catholic denomination (13.9%), and the lowest (8.4%) prevalence recorded among those of Methodist denominations. The predictor factors identified include the age of the woman, history of education, type of place of residence, region, ethnicity, early sex initiation, and history of multiple unions. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of polygyny in this present study is high given the strict position the Christian religion has against polygyny. This study recommends that the pros and cons of polygyny are objectively looked at from a scientific point rather than a religious point of view.

Impact of soil amendments on nitrous oxide emissions and the associated denitrifying communities in a semi-arid environment.

Denitrifying bacteria produce and utilize nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. However, there is little information on how organic fertilization treatments affect the denitrifying communities and N2O emissions in the semi-arid Loess Plateau. Here, we evaluated how the denitrifying communities are responsible for potential denitrification activity (PDA) and N2O emissions. A field experiment was conducted with five fertilization treatments, including no fertilization (CK), mineral fertilizer (MF), mineral fertilizer plus commercial organic fertilizer (MOF), commercial organic fertilizer (OFP), and maize straw (MSP). Our result showed that soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) were significantly increased under MSP treatment compared to MF treatment, while nitrate nitrogen (NO3 --N) followed the opposite trend. Organic fertilization treatments (MOF, OFP, and MSP treatments) significantly increased the abundance and diversity of nirS- and nosZ-harboring denitrifiers, and modified the community structure compared to CK treatment. The identified potential keystone taxa within the denitrifying bacterial networks belonged to the distinct genera. Denitrification potentials were significantly positively correlated with the abundance of nirS-harboring denitrifiers, rather than that of nirK- and nosZ-harboring denitrifiers. Random forest modeling and structural equation modeling consistently determined that the abundance, community composition, and network module I of nirS-harboring denitrifiers may contribute significantly to PDA and N2O emissions. Collectively, our findings highlight the ecological importance of the denitrifying communities in mediating denitrification potentials and the stimulatory impact of organic fertilization treatments on nitrogen dynamics in the semi-arid Loess Plateau.

Maternal Age and Stage of Pregnancy as Determinants of UTI in Pregnancy: A Case of Tamale, Ghana.

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the world's second most common cause of death, trailing only respiratory tract infections. Because of anatomical and physiological changes along the urinary tract, pregnant women accounted for approximately 20% of all cases of urinary tract infection. Aim: This study sought to assess maternal age and stage of pregnancy as determinants of UTI among pregnant women in Tamale. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey as the study design in the antenatal clinic of Tamale Central Hospital (TCH). This was carried out by reviewing laboratory records of urinalysis results done on pregnant women. Data entry and analysis were performed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Chi-square and binary logistics analysis were used to determine the relationship. Results: Data analysis was done for 158 pregnant women, most (35.4%) were within the age group of 36-45 years, and most (38.6%) were within their first trimester. The overall prevalence of UTI infections among pregnant women was 33.5%. The prevalence was 27.8% for candiduria and 8.9% for bacteriuria. Women in the first trimester of their pregnancy were more likely to have UTI (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI =1.03-5.94). Also, Pregnant women of the age group of 26-35 years were less likely to get UTIs as compared to those of the age group 15-25 years (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI =0.17-0.92). Finally, those of the age group of 36-45 years were less likely to get UTI as compared to those of the age group 15-25 years (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI =0.12-0.66). Conclusion: The prevalence of UTI among studied pregnant women was high (38.0%), and the most prone maternal age group and trimesters to UTI are 15-25 years and first trimester, respectively.

Ghanaian men and happiness: socioeconomic predictors.

Background: According to neoclassical economics, happiness is related to increasing prosperity, but today financial gain as the sole source of happiness is demised by many factors such as education, health, and means of transportation. An emotional state of happiness can disturb health outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to study happiness among Ghanaian men and their socioeconomic predictors. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used relying on data from Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017/18. Chi-square for two variables analysis and binary logistics for multiple variables analysis. Results: The national prevalence of estimated happiness among men recorded in this current study was 79.8% and overall estimated unhappiness was 20.2%. And predictors of happiness were age, higher educational attainment, regional association, ethnicity, body functional status, health insurance status, alcohol, and cigarette use. Conclusion: Over one-five Ghanaian men are unhappy. That is the issue of happiness among Ghanaian men is a major issue and there is the need for policy enforcement towards education promotion, poverty reduction, and minimizing the use of a substance such as alcohol and cigarette.

Pregnant Women and Malaria Preventive Measures: A Case of Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: In Saharan Africa, an estimated 25 million pregnancies are all at risk of malaria every year, with substantial morbidity and death effects for both the mother and the fetus. AIM: To investigate the use of malaria preventive measures among pregnant women patronizing antenatal services of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Methodology. This study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 250 participants. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Graphs and tables were used to present the study data. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square use to determine the relationships and binary logistics regression used for identification of predictor variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 30.0 ± 4.5 years and most of them (73.0%) were within the age group of 25-35 years. Respondents' favorable knowledge, a favorable attitude, and favorable practice were 78.0%, 62.0%, and 57.6%, respectively. And the following variables were associated with malaria preventive practice: age of the respondent (X 2 = 6.276, P=0.043), religion (X 2 = 6.904, P=0.032), level of education (X 2 = 41.482, P < 0.001), employment status (X 2 = 20.533, P < 0.001), monthly income (X 2 = 21.838, P < 0.001), and attitude level towards malaria prevention (X 2 = 35.885, P < 0.001). Further analysis revealed educational level and attitude level as predictors of malaria preventive practice. CONCLUSION: This study recorded favorable knowledge, attitude, and practice with regards to malaria prevention among more than half of the study participants.

Early Sexual Debut among Ghanaian Women: Correlates and Psychological Effect.

Early sexual initiation is linked to an increased risk of HIV/AIDS and other STIs among teenagers, as well as having multiple partners, not using contraception, unintended pregnancy, and illegal abortions. Aim. To identify the correlates and psychological effects of early sexual debut among not-in-union women in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used for this study using data from Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) for the year 2017/2018. SPSS software was used for data analysis, bivariate analysis for association was done using chi-square, and the prediction was done using a binary logistic regression model. The national prevalence of nonmarital early sexual initiation this current study recorded was 56.9%. Predictors variables were age, 15-24/≥35 years (AOR = 1.51, 1.28-1.78), ever educated (AOR = 0.50, 0.43-0.60), urban address (AOR = 0.85, 0.74-0.98), married/single (AOR = 1.23, 1.07-1.42), cohabitation/single (AOR = 1.43, 1.19-1.72), Greater Accra Region/Upper West Region (AOR = 0.67, 0.49-0.92), and health insurance (AOR = 0.89, 0.79-0.998). As the wealth indices of the woman decrease from the richest to poorest, the likelihood of early sexual debut inversely increases: fourth/richest (AOR = 1.23, 1.04-1.45), middle/richest (AOR = 1.31, 1.09-1.58), second/richest (AOR = 1.38, 1.11-1.72), and poorest/richest (AOR = 1.44, 1.12-1.86); use of the internet (AOR = 0.58, 0.50-068); substance use and alcohol ever use (AOR = 1.32, 1.17-1.49); cigarette ever use (AOR = 2.58, 1.44-4.64); contraceptive use (AOR = 1.31, 1.16-1.49); and ever heard of HIV (AOR = 59, 0.42-0.82). In conclusion, the prevalence of early sexual debut is still high in Ghana, especially among the northern regions. Several factors predicted early sex debut, and low life satisfaction and happiness were related to early sexual debut.

Influence of conservation tillage on Greenhouse gas fluxes and crop productivity in spring-wheat agroecosystems on the Loess Plateau of China.

The effects of climate change such as dry spells, floods and erosion heavily impact agriculture especially smallholder systems on the Northwestern Loess Plateau of China. Nonetheless agriculture also contributes to global warming through the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4 and N2O. Yet this complex conundrum can be alleviated and mitigated through sound soil and water management practices. Despite considerable literature on Conservation Agriculture (CA) as a strategy to improve the resilience and mitigation capacity of agroecosystems, there is still paucity of information on the impacts of CA on crop production and environmental quality on the Plateau. In order to fill this gap this study examined the effects of no-till and straw mulch on crop productivity and greenhouse gas fluxes in agroecosystems on the Plateau where farmers' common practice of conventional tillage (CT) was tested against three CA practices: conventional tillage with straw mulch (CTS), no-till (NT) and no-till with straw mulch (NTS). The results indicated that all three CA practices (CTS, NT and NTS) markedly increased soil water content (SWC), soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) but reduced soil temperature (ST). Average grain yields were 854.46 ± 76.51, 699.30 ± 133.52 and 908.18±38.64 kg ha-1 respectively under CTS, NT and NTS indicating an increase by approximately 33%, 9% and 41% respectively compared with CT (644.61 ± 76.98 kg ha-1). There were significant (p < 0.05) reductions of Net CO2 emissions under NT (7.37 ± 0.89 tCO2e ha-1y-1) and NTS (6.65 ± 0.73 tCO2e ha-1y-1) compared with CTS (10.65 ± 0.18 tCO2e ha-1y-1) and CT (11.14 ± 0.58 tCO2e ha-1y-1). All the treatments served as sinks of CH4but NTS had the highest absorption capacity (-0.27 ± 0.024 tCO2e ha-1y-1) and increased absorption significantly (p < 0.05) compared with CT (-0.21 ± 0.017 tCO2e ha-1y-1); however, CA did not reduce emissions of N2O. These had an influence on Global warming potential (GWP) as NT and NTS resulted in significant reduction in net GWP. Grain yield was significantly correlated positively with SOC and STN (p < 0.05); ecosystem respiration was also significantly correlated with SWC and ST while CH4 flux was highly correlated with ST (p < 0.001). Crop yield and GHG responses to CA were controlled by soil hydrothermal and nutrient changes, thus improving these conditions through adoption of sustainable soil moisture improvement practices such as no-till, straw mulch, green manuring, contour ploughing and terracing can improve crop resilience to climate change and reduce GHG emissions in arid and semi-arid regions.

Surgical Healthcare Workers Knowledge and Attitude on Infection Prevention and Control: A Case of Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Most morbidities and mortalities related to clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures are related to infection and the solution to this is good infection prevention and control (IPC) compliance which is influenced by the right knowledge and positive attitude. AIM: This study aimed to assess infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge and attitude among healthcare workers at the surgical department of Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). METHODS: This study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Graph Pad Prism version 6.05. Tables, frequencies, and percentages were used for descriptive analysis and chi-square analysis for the associations. RESULTS: Of the 156 participants who responded, 22 (14.1%) were doctors, with 107 (68.6%) nurses, 12 (7.7%) certified registered anesthetics (CRA), and 15 (9.6%) orderlies. Approximately, 50.6% of the respondents were knowledgeable with regard to IPC and 55.1% of the respondents had a good attitude towards IPC. Factors associated with knowledge level were educational level (p ≤ 0.001), occupation (p ≤ 0.001), marital status (p=0.030), and age (p=0.030). The occupation was the only factor associated with the attitude level (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: More than half of the healthcare providers reported good knowledge and attitude towards IPC. Proportionally, more nurses had good IPC knowledge and attitude as compared to other professional groups. Firming up and assimilating universal precaution with routine services by providing training, protocol, rules, and regulation are recommended.

Female Genital Mutilation in Ghana: Prevalence and Socioeconomic Predictors.

BACKGROUND: Each year, not less than three million women are circumcised, and more hundred million females have already been circumcised. In many African societies, the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is a serious cultural practice. Aim: This current study is aimed at identifying the socioeconomic predictors of female genital mutilation in Ghana. METHODS: The design adopted for this study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey relying on data from the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017/18. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Chi-square and binary logistic regression were used for associations. RESULTS: Overall FGM prevalence, this study recorded was 11.7%. The region with the highest (50.5%) prevalence was the Upper West Region. Area of residence predicted rural (AOR = 2.30, 95%C.I. = 1.75-3.00) Upper West/western Region (AOR = 1.84, 95%C.I. = 1.23-2.75). In terms of ethnicity, the tribes that predicted FGM when compared with the Akan tribe were Guan (AOR = 8.91, 95%C.I. = 3.53-22.51), Gruma (AOR = 6.45, 95%C.I. = 2.91-14.31), Mole-Dagbani (AOR = 38.10, 95%C.I. = 21.20-68.49), Grusi (AOR = 45.30, 95%C.I. = 24.47 - 83.49), Mande (AOR = 68.58, 95%C.I. = 30.85 - 152.42), and other tribes (AOR = 29.33, 95%C.I. = 16.11-53.39). Women in the richest/poorest wealth index quintile (AOR = 1.80, 95%C.I. = 1.19-2.72). CONCLUSION: The study prevalence of FGM is still high in the northern part of Ghana, and the predicted factors were residence region, ethnicity, educational level, and economic status.

Sociodemographic Correlates of Alcohol Abuse in Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Ghana.

The main aim of the study was to assess the level of alcohol abuse and related factors in Kassena-Nankana Municipal of Ghana. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey with 397 participants, using AUDIT to assess alcohol use. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS. Bivariate analysis was done using chi-square and multivariate analysis was done using the multinomial logistics regression model. Lifetime alcohol use among the study participants was 96.0%; out of this, 51.7% were engaged in possibly dependent drinking, 23.4% involved in harmful drinking, and 24.9% involved in moderate drinking. Males were more likely to engage in harmful drinking than moderate (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.175-4.776). Males again were more likely to engage in dependent drinking than moderate (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.489-5.068). Christians as compared to traditionalists were less likely engage in dependent drinking than moderate drinking (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.223-0.940). Those with tertiary education were less likely to engage in dependent drinking than moderate as compare to those without formal education (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.076-0.670). Also employed civil servants were more likely to engage in dependent drinking than moderate as compared to those without employment (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.187-16.646). This study revealed a high prevalence of alcohol abuse among the residents of Kassena-Nankana municipality that was predicted by gender, educational level, and religious practice; therefore, there is a need for a public campaign on the harmful effects of alcohol abuse in the municipality.

Response of soil organic carbon to vegetation degradation along a moisture gradient in a wet meadow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The study was conducted during the growing seasons of 2013, 2014, and 2015 in the wet meadows on the eastern Qinghai-Tibet plateau (QTP) in the Gansu Gahai Wetland Nature Reserve to determine the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) as affected by vegetation degradation along a moisture gradient and to assess its relationship with other soil properties and biomass yield. Hence, we measured SOC at depths of 0-10, 10-20, and 20-40 cm under the influence of four categories of vegetation degradation (healthy vegetation [HV], slightly degraded [SD], moderately degraded [MD], and heavily degraded [HD]). Our results showed that SOC decreased with increased degree of vegetation degradation. Average SOC content ranged between 36.18 ± 4.06 g/kg in HD and 69.86 ± 21.78 g/kg in HV. Compared with HV, SOC content reduced by 30.49%, 42.22%, and 48.22% in SD, MD, and HD, respectively. SOC significantly correlated positively with soil water content, aboveground biomass, and belowground biomass, but significantly correlated negatively with soil temperature and bulk density (p < 0.05). Highly Significant positive correlations were also found between SOC and total nitrogen (p = 0.0036), total phosphorus (p = 0.0006) and total potassium (p < 0.0001). Our study suggests that severe vegetation and moisture loss led to approximately 50% loss in SOC content in the wet meadows, implying that under climate warming, vegetation and soil moisture loss will dramatically destabilize carbon sink capacities of wetlands. We therefore suggest wetland hydrological management, restoration of vegetation, plant species protection, regulation of grazing activities, and other anthropogenic activities to stabilize carbon sink capacities of wetlands.