Sociodemographic and Maternal Determinants of Postnatal Care Utilization: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Postnatal care (PNC) is critical for the newborn and the mother, as it offers the opportunity to examine the mother and child to ensure early and timely intervention of any obstetric anomalies that might have gone unnoticed during delivery. However, there is a lack of data on PNC utilization and associated determinants in Ghana. Meanwhile, it is suspected that the PNC service should be more patronized by mothers, particularly within the first 2 days after delivery; therefore, investigating PNC utilization and associated factors could inform policies to enhance PNC uptake. Objective: The objective is to determine the level of utilization of PNC service and associated factors in the Savannah region of Ghana. Methods: The study used a facility-based analytical cross-sectional study design. The study was carried out in 311 postnatal mothers using consecutive sampling. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire. Univariate and multiple logistic regression was performed to establish the determinants of PNC. Variables/variable categories with P < .05 were significantly associated with PNC. The significance level is anchored at P < .05. Results: The study showed that almost all respondents (98.7%) have heard about PNC services through health workers (39.7%), media (13.0%), and friends and relatives (47.2%). Most of the respondents (88.7%) have used PNC services within 48 h. Mothers aged 25-39 years were about seven times more likely to utilize PNC compared to those who were less than 25 years old (AOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 7.41, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.98-7.71); mothers with high school education (SHS) and above were also approximately four times more likely to use PNC compared to those who had no formal education (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI 1.97-13.66). In the same vein, married mothers were 10 times more likely to use PNC compared to those who are single mothers (AOR = 10.34, 95% CI: 3.69-28.97), whereas mothers who had at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy were approximately seven times more likely to use PNC compared to those who had less than four ANC visits (AOR = 6.92, 95% CI: 1.46-32.78). Reasons for not attending PNC include waiting time (40.5%), health workers' attitude (32.4%), being attended by a student (16.2%), being busy (27.0%), inadequate information on PNC (24.3%), and no family support (18.9%). Conclusion: All mothers knew about the PNC services, with a higher proportion patronizing the services. The increasing age, the level of mothers, marital status, and participation in ANC were significant determinants of the use of PNC. More education during ANC on the importance of PNC service is required to achieve universal coverage of PNC.

Neonatal Jaundice Management: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Nurses and Midwives in the Northern Region, Ghana.

Background: Nurses and midwives play important role in managing neonatal jaundice and provide nursing health education to mothers on preventive and remedial measures to neonatal jaundice. However, the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of nurses and midwives towards neonatal jaundice is not well understood in the Northern Region of Ghana. Aim of the study: The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses and midwives towards the management of neonatal jaundice. Design and Method: This is a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted between the periods of January 2021 to August 2021 in the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Northern Region, Ghana. Descriptive analysis such as mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages were performed to give general description of the variables. Simple Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression models were performed to test the level of associations between the outcome and independent variables and predictors for neonatal jaundice. A p-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant for the test of association. Results: Among the 202 nurses and midwives, the mean age was 30.6 ± 3.8 years and majority were females (71.3%). The overall good knowledge, attitudes, and practices score towards neonatal jaundice was 69.30%, 64.90%, and 62.90%, respectively. After adjusting for other variables, good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 22.41(10.21-49.18) p < .001) and good attitude (AOR = 25(11.86-55.07) p < .001) were positively associated with practices towards neonatal jaundice. Conclusion/Interpretation: The participants demonstrated substantial knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards neonatal jaundice. However, there still exist some gaps in their knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards neonatal jaundice that need to be addressed to improve neonatal health outcomes in the study setting.

Ghana health service performance appraisal system: a cross-sectional study on practices and perceptions among employees in the Bono East Region of Ghana, West Africa.

Introduction: the fulcrum of every organization lies in the productivity of its employees. Consequently, organizations have adopted a policy of fostering an organizational culture that promotes employee development, resulting in the consistent use of performance evaluation systems particularly, performance appraisals (PA). Nonetheless, the issue of concern for several organizations is whether PA will truly be an adequate tool for maximizing employee´s performance. Here is where it becomes important to gauge the perceptions and practices of Ghana Health Service (GHS) employees in the Bono East Region of Ghana, West Africa, towards these performance appraisal systems (PAS). Methods: the study used an institutional-based cross-sectional study. Using simple random sampling, 375 health workers were recruited using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Stata. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistical significance. Results: the study revealed that the majority of the respondents (86.7%) had completed the performance appraisal form. Out of which 47.7% complete and submit PA every year, followed by those who complete and submit during promotion time (24.3%), every half year (15.1%) and anytime (12.9%). The key determinants of PA completion include; increasing age (AOR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.08-4.62), male staff (AOR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.16-4.91), permanent GHS employees (AOR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.07-7.86), respondents who had worked for 3 to 7 years (AOR=5.53, 95% CI: 2.48-12.36) and those with over 7 years working experience (AOR=20.80, 95% CI: 5.43-79.74). Conclusion: the study identified that the majority of the respondents completed PA, but quite an encouraging number of them do not complete PA at the required period as expected. Age, male staff, permanent employment, and increasing years of experience were the significant predictors of PA completion. Continuous professional development for GHS staff on PAS is required. The GHS human resource division should organize stakeholders´ engagement with facilities managers and employees on the PAS to inform all managers and employees on what is required from everyone.

Effect of maternal dietary habits and gestational weight gain on birth weight: an analytical cross-sectional study among pregnant women in the Tamale Metropolis.

Introduction: dietary intake and optimal gestational weight gain are important factors leading to a positive outcome for both mothers and their infants. Women who consume inadequate diet and gain inadequate weight during pregnancy are at risk of bearing a baby with low birth weight, whereas those who gain excessive weight are at increased risk of preeclampsia, having macrosomal babies, and gestational diabetes. The study aimed to assess the effect of maternal dietary intake, gestational weight on birth weight among pregnant women in Tamale Metropolis. Methods: the study was a health-facility-based analytical cross-sectional study that involved 316 postnatal mothers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data collected were analyzed using STATA version 12. Multiple logistic regression model was estimated to determine the predictors of birth weight. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: the study showed 17.8%, 55.9%, and 26.4% prevalence of inadequate, adequate, and excessive gestational weight gain, respectively. Although, all respondents consume supper every day, only 40.0% consumes snacks daily, 97.5% and 98.7% consumes breakfast and lunch daily respectively. Majority of the respondents (92.4%) had acceptable minimum dietary diversity. About 11.0% and 4.0% of the babies were low birth weight and macrosomic, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of inadequate and adequate dietary intake was, respectively, 7.6% and 92.4%. The results showed that underweight before pregnancy (BMI<18Kg/m2) (AOR=8.3, 95% CI: 6.7-15.0) and inadequate weight gain during pregnancy (AOR=4.5, 95% CI: 3.9-6.5) were significant determinant of low birthweight baby. Conclusion: on the whole, maternal body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy were strong predictors of low birth weight. Low birth weight is a major public health concern and the causes multifaceted in natures. Therefore, to deal with low birth weight, a more holistic and multi-sectoral approaches such as behaviour change communication and comprehensive preconception care are required.

Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake among Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana.

COV-2 SARs has disproportionately affected low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana, where the healthcare system was not prepared enough to provide care, drugs, and equipment. This study was carried out to assess predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among health professionals in the Bono region of Ghana. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 health professionals recruited through simple random sampling. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance presented as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). All respondents had heard about the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common source of information was the media (45.8%). The proportion of health professionals who accepted the COVID-19 vaccine was 73.6%. Among those who did not take the vaccine, 64.3% were willing to take it in the future. The key predictors of taking the COVID-19 vaccine included: age 25 to 45 years (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.14-3.35), age older than 45 years (AOR = 5.30, 95% CI: 2.59-10.87), males (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.34-7.15), Christians (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.44-7.72), and at least three years of experience (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.033-2.93). Reasons for not taking vaccines included: vaccines were rapidly developed and approved (41.0%), immediate side effects (39.2%), and unforeseen future effects (37.5%). This study showed that most participants had received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, and most of those hesitant about the vaccine were willing to receive it in the future. This is a positive finding for policy makers since it reflects that fewer resources will be needed for behavioural change initiatives. In addition, it would present a chance to focus on minority individuals who are unwilling to take the vaccine and offer targeted community mobilisation.

Adverse events reported after first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in the Northern Region of Ghana.

AIM: The study examined the associated adverse events following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among healthcare workers during the first dose of the vaccine in the Northern Region of Ghana. DESIGN: The study was a cross-sectional survey involving 463 healthcare workers. METHOD: The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed descriptively, and binary logistics was performed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: The mean age was 33.4 ± 9.7 years, the majority (43.6%) being ≤30 years and males (57.2%). The self-reported prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine adverse events was 75.5%. Common systemic adverse events comprised headache (47.5%), dizziness (18.4%) and local adverse events included generalized body pains (44.0%) and abscess around the injection sites (11.2%). The study found a high prevalence of self-reported SARS-CoV-2 vaccine adverse events involving both systemic and local adverse events. Our study gives useful information that can be used for public health-targeted interventions to boost public confidence in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Determinants of Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices among Schoolgirls: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Savannah Region of Ghana.

Introduction: Menstruation is crucial in the reproductive lives of all women. The advent of menses in most settings is accompanied by physical and psychological health, religious, social, and cultural implications. The research intends to identify determinants of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices among adolescent girls in Junior High Schools in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region of Ghana. Methods: The study employed an analytical cross-sectional design with 430 adolescent schoolgirls selected through multistage sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and analyzed using STATA version 14. A logistic regression model was run to determine the predictors of MHM practices. Results: The study discovered that 63.7% of the girls had sufficient knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Almost all girls (97%) used some form of absorbent materials during menses, with over half of these girls (58.6%) using commercial sanitary pads, 30.5% using cloth, 3.7% using cotton, and 4.2% using tissue papers with 3.0% reported not using any absorbent material. Only 44.4% reported reusing their absorbent materials. Out of which, the majority (88.5%) of the schoolgirls cleaned their reusable absorbent material using soap and water with 77.5% drying absorbent materials in the sun. Overall, 84.9% practiced good MHM. Type of school [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =6.0; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (2.64-13.59)], pocket money [AOR =2.5; 95% CI (1.27-4.86)], and residence [AOR =2.8 95% CI (1.55-5.18)] were the most significant determinants of menstrual hygiene management practice. Conclusion: About two-thirds of the schoolgirls are knowledgeable in menstrual hygiene but access to management materials is problematic whereas approximately half of the girls have access to sanitary pads and the rest resort to the use of cloth and cotton. Pocket money and residential status were the most important predictors of the menstrual hygiene management. The government initiative to provide schoolgirls with sanitary pads could go a long way to improve menstrual hygiene management if implemented across all schools in Ghana, particularly in rural areas.

Perceived factors influencing menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls: a qualitative study in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region, Ghana.

Introduction: menstrual hygiene (MH) is important for all women, yet it is still a neglected issue in many parts of the world. In most traditional African contexts, including Ghana, menstruation is largely treated as a taboo and humiliating topic that is rarely discussed openly. The main aim of this study is to assess perceived factors influencing menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ghana´s Savannah Region, West Gonja Municipality. Methods: we conducted a descriptive exploratory qualitative study among adolescents who had reached menarche. Purposive sampling was used to conduct 24 interviews with 18 teenagers and 6 mothers. Data were analyzed using the thematic content analysis. Results: the majority (55.5%) of respondents were ≥15 years with maximum and minimum ages being 19 and 13 years respectively. The mean age was 15.7, with a standard deviation of 1.8. A higher proportion (38.9%) of respondents were in their final year (JHS 3). Before menarche, all adolescent girls had heard about menstruation, mostly from their mothers, then from instructors and friends. During menstruation, all of the girls in this study used absorbent products. The cost, comfort, heaviness of menstrual flow, and accessibility influenced the choice of absorbent material, with some respondents utilizing multiple absorbent materials. Some girls were forced to dry their reusable absorbent material in their room because of shyness. Girls thought that reusing absorbent materials after drying them in the sun would have killed germs and removed unpleasant odours. During menstruation, girls are barred from participating in social and religious activities. Conclusion: culture and religion have very dire consequences on effective menstrual hygiene management. There is therefore urgent need to dispel the growing myths and misconception on menstrual hygiene as well as providing support for adolescent girls for practicing good menstrual hygiene.

Schools preparedness for menstrual hygiene management: a descriptive cross-sectional study in the West Gonja Municipality, Savannah Region of Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate schools' preparedness for menstrual hygiene management in the West Gonja Municipality of Ghana. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods approach. SETTING: Junior high schools in the West Gonja Municipality. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six schools were randomly selected, and 13 schoolgirls were purposively chosen for qualitative interviews. ANALYSIS OF DATA: The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and thematic content analysis, respectively. The transcriptions were printed out and read repeatedly to identify similar wordings, phrases, concept and meanings. OUTCOMES: Presence of menstrual hygiene facilities in basic schools. RESULTS: Majority (69.2%) of the schools were poorly prepared towards menstrual hygiene management. Only 38.5% schools had water, most schools (61.5%) did not have waste bins, 30.8% of the schools had designated places for changing of menstrual materials. No school had menstrual hygiene materials available for emergency use. All participants acknowledged inadequate hygiene facilities in their schools. During menses, adolescent girls often absent themselves from school. Girls tend to be very inactive during their menstrual period for fear of embracement from their male counterparts. The following themes were obtained 'unavailability of hygiene material', 'involvement in class during menses' and 'absence from school'. CONCLUSION: Schools in West Gonja Municipality have inadequate menstrual hygiene management facilities that could be a major setback to the health and educational attainment of young girls. The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources should expand menstrual hygiene and its management to reach the West Gonja Municipality as part of the National Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy.