Predictors of recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma in a cohort study of patients presenting in a sub-Saharan African teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition affecting the elderly with decreased quality of life. Recurrence leads to increase in number of hospital admissions and surgical interventions. Several factors contribute to recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma, and determination of these factors will help institute measures to reduce recurrence of CSDH, cost of care and improved quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma in a cohort of patients presenting in a Sub-Saharan African Teaching Hospital. METHODS: A prospective hospital-based cohort study of 62 participants who presented with CSDH and underwent burr-hole and drainage at the Neuroscience unit of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital. The primary outcome of this study was the recurrence of CSDH within 3 months after the surgery. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and exported to International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 for analysis. Predictors of recurrence of CSDH were determined using logistic regression with odds ratio calculated at the 95% confidence level and a p-value less than 0.05 accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a male preponderance of 45 (72.6%), over females of 17 (27.4%). The mean age was 63.1 ± 13.6 years. The recurrence rate of CSDH was 21.0% whilst the mortality rate was 4.8%. Facial palsy and dysphasia were associated with the recurrence of CSDH (p = 0.045, 0.029). Hypertension and bilaterality were associated with recurrence of CSDH from a univariate analysis (p = 0.039, OR = 4.865, CI = 0.975-24.285; p = 0.005, OR = 5.979, CI = 1.585-22.557). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, bilaterality was the only independent predictor of recurrence of CSDH (p = 0.030, AOR = 5.47, CI = 1.18-25.34). CONCLUSIONS: Both hypertension and bilaterality showed statistically significant association with recurrence of CSDH. However, only bilaterality proved to be an independent predictor of recurrence of CSDH in patient who underwent burr-hole and drainage.

Determinants of willingness to accept kidney transplantation among chronic kidney disease patients in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The burden of chronic kidney disease in Africa is three to four times higher compared to high-income countries and the cost of treatment is beyond the reach of most affected persons. The best treatment for end stage renal disease is kidney transplantation which is not available in most African countries. As kidney transplantation surgery is emerging in Ghana, this study assessed factors which could influence the willingness of patients with chronic kidney disease to accept it as a mode of treatment. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was carried out among patients with chronic kidney disease in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. A consecutive sampling method was used to recruit consenting patients. A structured questionnaire and standardized research instruments were used to obtain information on demographic, socio-economic characteristics, knowledge about transplantation, perception of transplantation, religiosity and spirituality. Logistic regression model was used to assess the determinants of willingness to accept a kidney transplant. RESULTS: 342 CKD patients participated in the study of which 56.7% (n = 194) were male. The mean age of the participants was 50.24 ± 17.08 years. The proportion of participants who were willing to accept a kidney transplant was 67.3% (95%CI: 62.0-72.2%). The factors which influenced participants' willingness to accept this treatment included; willingness to attend a class on kidney transplantation (p < 0.016), willingness to donate a kidney if they had the chance (p < 0.005), perception that a living person could donate a kidney (p < 0.001) and perceived improvement in quality of life after transplantation (p < 0.005). The barriers for accepting kidney transplantation were anticipated complications of transplant surgery and financial constraints. CONCLUSION: More than two-thirds of CKD patients were willing to accept a kidney transplant and this is influenced by multiple factors. Government health agencies must consider full or partial coverage of kidney transplantation through the existing national health insurance scheme. Further, efficient educational programmes are required to improve both patients' and physicians' knowledge on the importance of kidney transplantation in the management of end stage renal disease in Ghana.

High BMI: an important health risk factor among older adults in Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: We examined BMI as a health risk factor for self-reported diabetes mellitus, angina, strokes and arthritis among older Ghanaians aged 50 years and above. DESIGN: We analysed the individual-level data from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health Ghana Wave 2 (2014/2015). The influence of BMI on self-reported chronic conditions including diabetes, angina, stroke and arthritis was examined. SETTING: Households from all the administrative regions of Ghana. PARTICIPANTS: Included 3350 adults aged 50 years and older. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants was 22·8 % (95 % CI 20·6, 25·2) and 13·2 %, respectively (95 % CI 11·5, 15·1). With respect to individual chronic conditions, arthritis emerged with the highest prevalence rate of 7·3 (95 % CI 5·3, 9·9), while the prevalence rate of diabetes, angina and stroke was 2·8 % (95 % CI 2·0, 3·9), 1·7 % (95 % CI 1·1, 2·6) and 1·3 % (95 % CI 1·0, 1·8), respectively. The risk of diabetes among overweight and obesity was over three and two times, respectively, higher compared with participants with normal weights. Overweight and obesity were significantly more than two and three times likely to experience angina, respectively, compared with participants with normal weight. Obesity significantly influences arthritis with approximately two times increased odds compared with normal weight participants. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of obesity and overweight in Ghana is high and increasing, which poses a health risk at the individual and population levels. Inter-sectorial and multidisciplinary measures in line with the national non-communicable disease policies aimed at curbing this trend are imperative.

Willingness to pay for kidney transplantation among chronic kidney disease patients in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with end stage renal disease. However, it is largely unavailable in many sub-Sahara African countries including Ghana. In Ghana, treatment for end stage renal disease including transplantation, is usually financed out-of-pocket. As efforts continue to be made to expand the kidney transplantation programme in Ghana, it remains unclear whether patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) would be willing to pay for a kidney transplant. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess CKD patients' willingness to pay for kidney transplantation as a treatment option for end stage renal disease in Ghana. METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study conducted at the Renal Outpatient clinic and Dialysis Unit of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital among 342 CKD patients 18 years and above including those receiving haemodialysis. A consecutive sampling approach was used to recruit patients. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain information on demographic, socio-economic, knowledge about transplant, perception of transplantation and willingness to pay for transplant. In addition, the INSPIRIT questionnaire was used to assess patients' level of religiosity and spirituality. Contingent valuation method (CVM) method was used to assess willingness to pay (WTP) for kidney transplantation. Logistic regression model was used to determine the significant predictors of WTP. RESULTS: The average age of respondents was 50.2 ± 17.1 years with most (56.7% (194/342) being male. Overall, 90 out of the 342 study participants (26.3%, 95%CI: 21.7-31.3%) were willing to pay for a kidney transplant at the current going price (≥ $ 17,550) or more. The median amount participants were willing to pay below the current price was $986 (IQR: $197 -$1972). Among those willing to accept (67.3%, 230/342), 29.1% (67/230) were willing to pay for kidney transplant at the prevailing price. Wealth quintile, social support in terms of number of family friends one could talk to about personal issues and number of family members one can call on for help were the only factors identified to be significantly predictive of willingness to pay (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The overall willingness to pay for kidney transplant is low among chronic kidney disease patients attending Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Patients with higher socio-economic status and those with more family members one can call on for help were more likely to pay for kidney transplantation. The study's findings give policy makers an understanding of CKD patients circumstances regarding affordability of the medical management of CKD including kidney transplantation. This can help develop pricing models to attain an ideal poise between a cost effective but sustainable kidney transplant programme and improve patient access to this ultimate treatment option.

Mammography examination among women aged 40 years or older in Ghana: evidence from wave 2 of the World Health Organization's study on global AGEing and adult health multicountry longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the uptake of mammography among Ghanaian women aged 40 years or older and to examine critical risk factors that influence the uptake. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of 2787 women and 1948 men aged ≥18 years were surveyed in the Wave 2 (2014-2015) of the World Health Organization's multicountry study on AGEing and adult health in Ghana. Of the 2787 women aged ≥18 years, data on a total of 2301 women aged ≥40 years were included in this study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine critical risk factors for mammogram examination. RESULTS: Of the 2301 women sampled, only 83 (3.61%) ever had mammogram. The odds of mammogram examination were lower for women aged ≥70 years (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19, 0.93), being self-employed (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.42) and being informal sector employee (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.57) in the multivariable analyses. Belonging to the Ewe ethnic group (OR=3.41, 95% CI:1.88, 6.16) compared to the Akan group was associated with increased odds of mammogram examination in the multivariable analysis. Women aged ≥70 years, being self-employed, being an informal employee and belonging to the Ewe ethnic group were independently associated with mammography examination. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of screening for breast cancer using mammography among Ghanaian women aged 40 years and older was 3.6%. Age, type of employer and ethnicity were associated with an older adult woman's likelihood to access mammography screening. Overall, our study provided critical data to encourage and promote good health-seeking behaviour in terms of breast cancer screening among older adult women. Further qualitative studies are warranted to explore why some of these factors influence mammography.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with non-traffic related injury in the older population in Ghana: Wave 2 of the WHO Study on Global AGEing and adult health (SAGE).

Injuries are a significant cause of hospitalization in the older population, leading to a decline in physical activity and greater dependence on others. Compared to traffic related injury, relatively fewer studies have been conducted on non-traffic related injury in the older population in Ghana. This analysis provides a nationwide baseline prevalence and associated factors of non-traffic related injuries among older adults in Ghana. Data from the 2014-2015 nationally representative World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 2 was used. A final sample of 3461 older adults living in 2827 households was used in the statistical modelling. Predictors of injury were examined using both single-level and multilevel binary logistic regression models. The prevalence of non-traffic related injury found in this study was 3.74%. The odds of being injured decreased among females (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.95) compared to their male counterparts and those who rated their heath state as moderate (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.94). Depression was the only risk factor identified in the multivariable model (OR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.38, 4.71). The study did not observe significant residual household-level variation in injury status. The role of depression as a risk factor suggests that interventions that aim to reduce non-traffic related injury in older adults should consider improving mental health.

Regional disparities in immunization services in Ghana through a bottleneck analysis approach: implications for sustaining national gains in immunization.

BACKGROUND: Immunization is considered one of the most cost effective public health interventions for reducing child morbidity, mortality and disability. The aim of this work is to describe the application of the Bottleneck analysis (BNA) process to assess gaps in immunization services in Ghana and implications for sustaining the gains in Immunization coverage. METHODS: A national assessment was conducted in May 2015, through use of desk reviews, field visits and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed with the BNA Tool (an excel-based tool) based directly on service coverage data and programme monitoring and review reports in Ghana. Outputs were generated based on service coverage indicators; supply side/health system factors (commodities, human resource and access), demand side (service utilisation) and quality/effective coverage. National targets were used as benchmarks to assess gaps in coverage indicators. RESULTS: In all, only 50% of regions and districts had health facilities with at least 80% of health care workers training provided in-service training on routine immunization; only 40% of district had communities with functional fixed or outreach EPI service delivery point and over 70% of regions and districts had challenges with effective coverage of infants aged 0-11 months fully immunized during the past year. Other key health system bottlenecks included, limited number of fixed and outreach sites, difficult to reach island communities along the Volta Basin, inadequate storage facilities for vaccines at lower levels, stock out of vaccines and auto destruct syringes and absence of updated policies/field guides at services delivery points/facilities. In addition, inadequate in-service training in routine Immunization and absence of good quality data were major challenges. Demand side bottlenecks included fear of mothers on the safety of multiple vaccines and limited active involvement of communities in Immunization service delivery. CONCLUSION: The BNA tool and approach provided data driven planning of health service in Ghana. This resulted in the development of regional and national operational plans for immunization and will be the baseline for evaluating the national programme in three years.

The lancet series nutritional interventions in Ghana: a determinants analysis approach to inform nutrition strategic planning.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children in low- and middle-income countries. Ghana is one of 36 countries with the highest burden of stunting, globally. The aim of this work is to use data driven planning methods to conduct in-depth analysis on the Lancet series nutrition interventions in Ghana to inform nutritional strategic planning. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was employed for this national nutritional assessment conducted in May 2016. Quantitative data on nutritional interventions were generated by application of the Determinants Analysis Tool and phenomenological approach was employed to explain the causes of barriers identified. Outputs from the tool were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics and data from group discussions were assessed by thematic content analysis. The base line years for this assessment were 2014 and 2015. RESULTS: Overall in Ghana, 21.0% of frontline health workers are trained on lactation management and breastfeeding counselling and support, 56.6% of mothers of children 0-2 years initiated breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and 59.4% of mothers with children 0-5 months took iron folate supplementation for 90 or more days during pregnancy. In addition, only 19.9% of children 12-59 months received two doses of vitamin A supplementation in a calendar year, and 32.5% of children 6-59 months with severe acute malnutrition were admitted for treatment at health facilities. In all, among infants 6-8 months old, 6.9% were fed with minimum dietary diversity, 50.6% received age appropriate meal frequency and 21.6% received iron rich diet. Inadequate pre-service and in-service training for staff, low prioritization and coordination (at higher levels) and weak integration of services (at lower levels) were key barriers to nutrition coverage in Ghana. CONCLUSION: Data driven analysis and planning based on proven nutritional interventions in Ghana demonstrated gaps and barriers and garnered workable strategies to improve nutrition services.

Bottleneck analysis approach to accelerate newborn care services in two regions in Ghana: implications for national newborn care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to describe application of a data-driven approach (bottleneck analysis [BNA] approach process) to accelerate newborn care services in two regions and what effect it had on national-level newborn care interventions in Ghana. STUDY DESIGN: A mixed-method approach was used for the study. The BNA tool generated quantitative data and group discussions provided phenomenological explanations to identified service gaps. METHODS: Regional newborn care health service assessments were conducted in November 2013 through desk reviews, field and health facility visits and coaching/mentorship. The BNA tool (an excel-based tool) directly utilized service coverage data and programme monitoring and review reports in Ghana. Outputs were generated based on service coverage indicators: supply side/health system factors (commodities, human resource and access), demand side (service utilization) and quality/effective coverage. National targets were used as benchmarks to assess gaps in coverage indicators. RESULTS: Key health system bottlenecks included absence/stock-out of essential newborn care commodities/resuscitation kits and absence of updated policies at services delivery points. In both regions, less than 55% of health facilities had at least 80% of midwives trained to provide essential obstetric and newborn care, management of preterm babies, resuscitation and inpatient paediatric care. In addition, less than 35% of pregnant women were assisted by a skilled birth attendant (midwife) and monitored with a partograph in the two regions. Demand-side bottlenecks included cultural preference for home deliveries, limited knowledge on importance of postnatal care and poor community involvement.The BNA approach in the two regions resulted in the development of national and other regional operational plans and monitoring and evaluation framework for newborn care services in Ghana over the period 2012-2016, and a relative improvement in neonatal mortality at the regional and national level. CONCLUSION: The BNA tool and approach provided data-driven planning for newborn care service delivery in a low-income setting. It identified gaps in service coverage based on empirical data at lower levels of the health system and garnered strategies in addressing bottlenecks to newborn care services at the national level.

Effect of socio-economic factors in utilization of different healthcare services among older adult men and women in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The older adult population is increasing all over the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, due to poverty and low policy coverage, older adults are not well catered for. The effect of socio-economic inequality in the use of healthcare services among older adult men and women in Ghana was investigated in this paper. METHODS: The data employed in the study were drawn from Global Ageing and Adult Health survey SAGE Wave 1 Ghana and was based on the design for the World Health Survey 2003, SAGE Wave 0, Ghana. The survey was conducted in 2007-2008 and collected data on socio-economic characteristics and other variables of the 5573 individuals interviewed. RESULTS: Using generalized logit model, the study found that health status is a very strong determinant of the type of healthcare services preferred by older adults Ghanaians. Men with higher income preferred the private health facilities, while those who completed tertiary education, those with health insurance and those who self-rated their health as very bad, bad or moderate preferred public facility. Self-employed men and those in informal employment, preferred other health facilities outside the formal public health service. Women with primary and secondary education, preferred the private health facilities. Women with health insurance, those in middle and upper class income quintiles or those with self-rated bad and moderate health status or being relatively younger preferred the public facility to other health services. Self-employed women and those in informal employment preferred traditional treatment. In Ghana, there are important socio-economic gradients in the use of some healthcare services. In both sexes, those without insurance and rural residents preferred the pharmacy and traditional treatment. CONCLUSION: These differences may be due to socio-economic inequities but could also indicate that the existing health facilities are not always used in an optimal way. Patient factors may be equally important as supply factors in explaining the differential use of health services. The public health systems in Ghana still have a major role in improving the health of older adults. National commitments in providing basic essential infrastructure and personnel to health centres for the citizenry is imperative. Policy readjustment of the national health insurance scheme to make it truly accessible to the aged is essential.

Prevalence of and factors associated with frailty and disability in older adults from China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The severe burden imposed by frailty and disability in old age is a major challenge for healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries alike. The current study aimed to provide estimates of the prevalence of frailty and disability in older adult populations and to examine their relationship with socioeconomic factors in six countries. METHODS: Focusing on adults aged 50+ years, a frailty index was constructed as the proportion of deficits in 40 variables, and disability was assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), as part of the Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. RESULTS: This study included a total of 34,123 respondents. China had the lowest percentages of older adults with frailty (13.1%) and with disability (69.6%), whereas India had the highest percentages (55.5% and 93.3%, respectively). Both frailty and disability increased with age for all countries, and were more frequent in women, although the sex gap varied across countries. Lower levels of both frailty and disability were observed at higher levels of education and wealth. Both education and income were protective factors for frailty and disability in China, India and Russia, whereas only income was protective in Mexico, and only education in South Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Age-related frailty and disability are increasing concerns for older adult populations in low- and middle-income countries. The results indicate that lower levels of frailty and disability can be achieved for older people, and the study highlights the need for targeted preventive approaches and support programs.

Towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ghana: an analysis of national programme data.

BACKGROUND: Despite global scale up of interventions for Preventing Mother to child HIV Transmissions (PMTCT), there still remain high pediatric HIV infections, which result from unequal access in resource-constrained settings. Sub-Saharan Africa alone contributes more than 90 % of global Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) burden. As part of efforts to address this, African countries (including Ghana) disproportionately contributing to MTCT burden were earmarked in 2009 for rapid PMTCT interventions scale-up within their primary care system for maternal and child health. In this study, we reviewed records in Ghana, on ANC registrants eligible for PMTCT services to describe regional disparities and national trends in key PMTCT indicators. We also assessed distribution of missed opportunities for testing pregnant women and treating those who are HIV positive across the country. Implications for scaling up HIV-related maternal and child health services to ensure equitable access and eliminate mother-to-child transmissions by 2015 are also discussed. METHODS: Data for this review is National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP) regional disaggregated records on registered antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees across the country, who are also eligible to receive PMTCT services. These records cover a period of 3 years (2011-2013). Number of ANC registrants, utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling among ANC registrants, number of HIV positive pregnant women, and number of HIV positive pregnant women initiated on ARVs were extracted. Trends were examined by comparing these indicators over time (2011-2013) and across the ten administrative regions. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the dataset and presented in simple frequencies, proportions and percentages. These are used to determine gaps in utilization of PMTCT services. All analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel 2010 version. RESULTS: Although there was a decline in HIV prevalence among pregnant women, untested ANC registrants increased from 17 % in 2011 to 25 % in 2013. There were varying levels of missed opportunities for testing across the ten regions, which led to a total of 487,725 untested ANC clients during the period under review. In 2013, Greater Accra (31 %), Northern (27 %) and Volta (48 %) regions recorded high percentages of untested ANC clients. Overall, HIV positive pregnant women initiated onto ARVs remarkably increased from 57% (2011) to 82 % (2013), yet about a third (33 %) of them in the Volta and Northern regions did not receive ARVs in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: Missed opportunities to test pregnant women for HIV and also initiate those who are positive on ARVs across all the regions pose challenges to the quest to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ghana. For some regions these missed opportunities mimic previously observed gaps in continuous use of primary care for maternal and child health in those areas. Increased national and regional efforts aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare delivery, as well as HIV-related care, is paramount for ensuring equitable access across the country.

Changing Patterns of the Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Among Patients at a Corporate Hospital in Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) discovered in 1982, has strongly been associated with multiple clinical disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This study described the prevalence of H. pylori among large numbers of patients over two different time periods in Accra, Ghana. METHODS: It was a retrospective records review on patients attending a quasi-government hospital in Accra, Ghana, during two time periods, 1999 and 2012. A total of 2401 records were reviewed, 1128 in first period and 1273 in second period. Biopsy was taken from the gastric antrum for Rapid Urease Test (RUT) in identifying H. Pylori. Data on patient characteristics, clinical diagnosis and findings upon endoscopy were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics. Associations between categorical outcome variables were determined by Chi square test at 95% significance level. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was high in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms 69.7% (1999) and 45.2% (2012), and was even higher in patients with gastritis and duodenal ulcer. H. pylori infection however, decreased among patients over the period, 69.7% in 1999 to 45.2% in 2012. Sex differences in H. pylori infection was identified (higher among males) and young adults (21-40 years). Commonest symptom in all patients was non-ulcer dyspepsia, 86.9% in 1999 and 84.2% in 2012, while gastritis and duodenal ulcer were the commonest endoscopic finding in the two periods. CONCLUSION: Appropriate management guidelines in West Africa considering the high background H. pylori infection and other co-infections requiring particular antibiotic combination therapy is required.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Ante-Natal Clients in a Large Teaching Hospital in Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, the presence of bacteria in urine without symptoms of acute urinary tract infection, predisposes pregnant women to the development of urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis, with an attendant pregnancy related complications. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among ante-natal clients at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana and its' associated risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 274 antenatal clients was conducted over a period of 4 weeks. A face to face questionnaire was completed and midstream urine collected for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. RESULTS: The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 5.5%. It was associated with sexual activity during pregnancy (Fisher's Exact 5.871, p-value 0.0135), but not with sexual frequency. There were no significant associations with educational status, parity, gestational age, marital status and the number of foetuses carried. The commonest organism isolated was Enterococcus spp (26.7%) although the enterobacteriaceae formed the majority of isolated organisms (46.7%). Nitrofurantoin was the antibiotic with the highest sensitivity to all the isolated organisms. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among ante-natal clients at this large teaching hospital in Ghana is 5.5%, which is lower than what has been found in other African settings. Enterococcus spp was the commonest causative organism. However, due to the complications associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria, a policy to screen and treat- all pregnant women attending the hospital, is worth considering.

Prevalence and predictive factors of preoperative hypomagnesaemia among adult surgical patients in a large tertiary hospital in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation and a co-factor in several reactions involved in the formation and usage of adenosine triphosphate and nucleic acid synthesis. Magnesium deficiency may be as high as 65 % in patients admitted to a medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Significant and potentially fatal conditions have been attributed to hypomagnesaemia and it has also been associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality in the critically ill. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the predictive factors of preoperative hypomagnesaemia in adult surgical patients who require an emergency laparotomy. METHODS: This was a hospital based prospective study conducted at the Korle-Bu teaching hospital. General surgical patients between the ages of eighteen and seventy years with a preoperative diagnosis which required emergency laparotomy for management were consecutively enrolled into the study. A total of 102 patients were enrolled in the study. Preoperative total serum magnesium and serum potassium were determined. Data was summarised utilising simple descriptive statistics (i.e., proportions, ratios and percentages). The Chi-square test was used to determine significant differences or associations between categorical variables, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between continuous variables and predictive factors were determined by multiple regression. Analysis was done in SPSS version 16. RESULTS: The mean serum total magnesium and potassium were 0.66 ± 0.20 mmol/L and 3.79 ± 0.65 mmol/L respectively. The prevalence of preoperative hypomagnesaemia was found to be 68.0 %. Multiple logistic regression found only hypokalaemia to be a predictive factor (p-value of 0.001, odd's ratio of 9.21 and a confidence interval of 2.42-35.09). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of preoperative hypomagnesaemia was high (68.0 %) with hypokalaemia the only predictive factor. Hypokalaemic patients requiring emergency laparotomy are nine times more likely to develop hypomagnesaemia as compared to patients who were not hypokalaemic.

Foodborne Illness Among School Children in Ga East, Accra.

BACKGROUND: A food borne illness was reported in Ga-East district of Greater Accra Region among school children in May, 2007 after eating food provided at school. The objective of the investigation was to determine the source, mode of contamination and the causative agent. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted, cases were schoolchildren with abdominal symptoms and controls were children of the same sex and class without any symptom during the same period. The school children were selected by systematic sampling. Food handlers and the children were interviewed by a structured questionnaire. Food handlers were physically examined and their stools and blood examined. The kitchen for food preparation was inspected. Risks of food borne infection from the foods eaten were determined using attack rates. RESULTS: The minimum, peak and maximum incubation periods were 2, 11 and 61 hours respectively. The source was rice and groundnut soup (with the highest attack rate difference). Stool and blood samples of food handlers were not infective. Storage facility for food items was poor. No food samples were available for organism isolation. A protocol to prevent such outbreaks was nonexistent. CONCLUSION: The short incubation period and symptoms presented suggest an infective origin. The storage of the meat may potentially have been the point of contamination. The study showed that the schoolchildren ate contaminated food although the investigation could not determine the causative agent. Protocols to prevent such outbreaks need to be developed for the schools.

Cataract Surgical Uptake Among Older Adults in Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: In sub-Saharan Africa, cataract surgical services are highly inadequate and surgical uptake for cataract is low. This paper describes cataract surgical uptake among older adults in Ghana. METHODS: This work was based on World Health Organization's multi-country Study on global Ageing and adult health (SAGE), conducted in six countries including Ghana. Wave one of SAGE in Ghana was conducted in 2007-2008 as collaboration between WHO and Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School. A nationally representative sample of 5571 older adults (≥50 years) and a small sample of persons 18-49 years were interviewed. Data was obtained on uptake of cataract surgery in older adults and analyzed using descriptive measures and chi square for associations in categorical outcome measures. RESULTS: Overall surgical uptake was 48.9% among older adults and was slightly higher among older men (49.1%) than women (48%). Cataract surgical uptake was relatively higher in the 60-69 years group (55%), urban residents (52.6%) and those living without partners (50%). Educational and income levels of older persons did not affect cataract surgical uptake. Regional differences in cataract surgical uptake existed; was less than 60% in all ten regions (except one), and the two regions with most self-reported cataracts (Ashanti and Greater Accra) had less than 50% uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive public education, engagement of community groups and increased access to cataract surgery at health facilities and outreach services need consideration at national/sub-national levels. Further investigations to garner equity in national eye care efforts are recommended.

Predictors of Subjective Well-Being among Older Ghanaians

Background: Later years of life are accompanied by many physical; emotional and environmental changes which may impact on the well-being of the individual. Many factors are known to influence the subjective well-being of older adults; but most; if not all of this information was the result of studies in the Western world. This study aimed at obtaining and documenting the predictors of subjective well-being (SWB) among older Ghanaians. Methods: Data for the study was obtained from the WHO SAGE study. The single item measure of life satisfaction was used to determine subjective wellbeing. Descriptive statistics as well as logistic regression analysis were carried out to determine the predictors of SWB. Results: A total of 4724 individuals aged 50 years and above responded to the questionnaires. Of these 50.4 were males. Following multivariate logistic regression analysis; age; sex; educational level; income and ethnic background were found to significantly affect the SWB of older Ghanaians. Being male was associated with higher level of SWB (OR=1.68; CI: 1.39 - 2.03). For those 50 years and above; being younger (50-59 years) was also associated with a high level of SWB (OR=17.72; CI: 10.13-30.98). Earning a low income and having low educational level were both associated with low levels of SWB (OR=0.304; CI: 0.22-0.42; and OR=0.47; CI: 0.37-0.60 respectively). Ewes (p=0.027); Grumas (p=0.002) and Mole-Dagbons (p=0.04) had significantly higher SWB compared to the other ethnic groups. Conclusion: Among older Ghanaians; factors that positively influence SWB are younger age; male sex; high educational level and high income

Aetiological agents of ear discharge: a two year review in a teaching hospital in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The discharging ear is a common presentation in medical practice affecting all age groups but primarily children. This study shows the current aetiological causes of ear discharge and their antibiograms, data which would guide empirical treatment of ear infections, and also form a basis for further research. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective review of laboratory records of all ear swabs submitted for culture over a two year period in the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Accra, Ghana. Data was obtained on demographic characteristics of patients, clinical diagnosis, isolated organisms and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolated organisms. Data was analyzed by simple descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 351 ear swabs were received by the laboratory for processing over the two year period. Of these 277(78.9%) had microorganisms isolated. A significant number127 (47%) was obtained from children under five years. Pseudomonas spp was the commonly isolated organism 121(46%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 33(12.5%) and Proteus spp 32(12.2%). Candida was the commonest isolated fungi 9 (69.2%). Susceptibility of Pseudomonas spp to commonly used ototopics (ciprofloxacin & gentamicin) was 93% and 74% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of the discharging ear were found in children under the age of five years. The most common bacteriologic cause of the discharging ear was Pseudomonas spp followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Candida species was the commonest fungal cause of ear discharge. Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin are effective ototopic antimicrobial agents for empirical treatment of the discharging ear.

Predictors of subjective well-being among older Ghanaians.

BACKGROUND: Later years of life are accompanied by many physical, emotional and environmental changes which may impact on the well-being of the individual. Many factors are known to influence the subjective well-being of older adults, but most, if not all of this information was the result of studies in the Western world. This study aimed at obtaining and documenting the predictors of subjective well-being (SWB) among older Ghanaians. METHODS: Data for the study was obtained from the WHO SAGE study. The single item measure of life satisfaction was used to determine subjective well-being. Descriptive statistics as well as logistic regression analysis were carried out to determine the predictors of SWB. RESULTS: A total of 4724 individuals aged 50 years and above responded to the questionnaires. Of these 50.4% were males. Following multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, sex, educational level, income and ethnic background were found to significantly affect the SWB of older Ghanaians. Being male was associated with higher level of SWB (OR=1.68; CI: 1.39 - 2.03). For those 50 years and above, being younger (50-59 years) was also associated with a high level of SWB (OR=17.72; CI: 10.13-30.98). Earning a low income and having low educational level were both associated with low levels of SWB (OR=0.304; CI: 0.22-0.42; and OR=0.47; CI: 0.37-0.60 respectively). Ewes (p=0.027), Grumas (p=0.002) and Mole-Dagbons (p=0.04) had significantly higher SWB compared to the other ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: Among older Ghanaians, factors that positively influence SWB are younger age, male sex, high educational level and high income.