Unmet Needs of Healthcare Services and Associated Factors among a Cohort of Ghanaian Adults: A Nationally Stratified Cross-Sectional Study Design.

We estimated the prevalence of unmet needs of healthcare services (UNHS) and its associated factors among a cohort of older Ghanaian adults. World Health Organization (WHO) Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health for Ghana was used with a total of 4735 participants. Logistics regression analysis was performed using Stata 16 to assess associated factors. The overall UNHS was 3.7% (95% CI = 2.7-4.8) and the prevalence was significantly high amongst older adults aged 60 to 69 years (5.9%). Could not afford the healthcare (56.4%) was the main contender for UNHS. UNHS was influenced by; those aged 60 to 69 years [OR (95% CI) = 1.86 (1.19-2.91)]; no formal educational [aOR (95% CI) = 4.71 (1.27-17.38)], and no NHIS [OR (95% CI) = 1.78 (1.03-3.09)]. Participants needed care for joint pain (25.4%), and communicable diseases (19.1%). The inability to access healthcare was relatively higher for older adults more advanced in age, with low education, and for those without health insurance. Health system strengthening including financial protection by expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme to all Ghanaians in line with Ghana's Universal Health Coverage Roadmap would reduce the unmet healthcare needs of older adults.

Emotional intelligence in medical students at the University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana.

Emotional Intelligence is a form of interpersonal intelligence. There's evidence that high emotional intelligence (EQ) of a medical student is associated with better coping with the tedious medical training. We evaluated EQ in medical students in their clinical years. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), Accra. In all, 111 students completed the questionnaires. Their average age was 24±1.5 years with marginal male preponderance. There were 37, 31 and 43 students in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd clinical years respectively. For global scores, 16 (14.1%) had good EQ (>120) with a mean total score of 105.49. The mean EQ for males was 104.2±17 and 106.2±12 for females, however this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.319). Mean EQ for 1st, 2nd and 3rd clinical years were 104.4±13, 104.4±20, and 107.1±12. This rise with increasing years was however not significant (p=0.659). EQ showed a weak positive correlation with age (r=0.1) but this was not significant (p=0.29). We report low EQ among students of the UGMS with no significant difference between gender, age and clinical year. EQ should be actively taught as part of the curriculum in UGMS. A larger study involving other medical schools in Ghana is recommended. Funding: None Declared.

Use of skin-lightening products among selected urban communities in Accra, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The practice of skin lightening has been reported from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In literature, some prevalence rates exceed 50%, and both sexes are involved. Common agents used include hydroquinone, mercury, corticosteroids, and caustic agents. The agents are easily accessible and affordable with very little regulation. Cutaneous and systemic side effects occur but do not appear to be a deterrent, as the notion of light skin as a surrogate for beauty is strong. In Ghana, anecdotal reports of high bleaching rates among certain urban communities resulted in a study supported by the Food and Drugs Authority to determine various facets of this practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among adults in selected urban fishing communities of Accra was undertaken. Consecutive cases were enrolled after written informed consent. A questionnaire was administered, followed by physical examination and clinical photographs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Of the 555 participants from the three communities, prevalence was 279 (50.3%). Duration of use ranged from 2 months to 17 years. Approximately 212 (76%) used more than one product, and 231 (82%) used agents on their face and body. Dermatological features were hypopigmentation 270 (96.8%), other color changes including ochronosis 241 (86.4%), changes in consistency 141 (50.3%), striae 157 (56.3%), and infections 42 (15.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of skin bleaching was 50.3% in these communities, which is high considering the adverse effects from the practice. We recommend regulation of products by enforcing the law, more education, and a population prevalence study.