ABSTRACT In developing countries, hospital wastewater management is an issue of major concern. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the performance of the waste stabilization pond at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Wastewater samples were taken from the raw sewage (anaerobic pond) after screening. The process was repeated in both the facultative and maturation ponds, sequentially. Fifty four samples representing 18 samples each from the three stages of the waste stabilization t...
Abstract This study was aimed at providing comprehensive information on infant and young child feeding practices adopted by HIV positive mothers participating in the nation’s pilot PMTCT programme in the Manya Krobo District, Eastern Region of Ghana. It also drew comparisons with the same feeding practices among mothers of unknown HIV status.Secondly, the study provided information on the relationships between infant and young child feeding practices and selected background factors of ...
ABSTRACT Background Cervical cancer is a Public Health threat. The disease imposes economic burden on resources in the form of medical and non-medical expenditure and loss of productivity. Cervical cancer cases are expected to increase in 2030 by 1.5-fold in view of the rising world population. A woman who develops cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa has at least 79 percent chance of dying from this malignancy. Cervical cancer risk can be reduced by 80 percent through regular scree...
ABSTRACT Rubella is a vaccine-preventable, mild rash-inducing viral disease with complications that include a spectrum of birth defects in the developing fetus, especially if the infection is acquired in the early months of pregnancy. Consequently, the primary objective of global rubella control programs is prevention of congenital rubella infection and associated birth defects. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, and the elimination of the rubella virus in many developed...
ABSTRACT In Nigeria, use of urine for fertigation has been limited because of its liquid form, odour and the unsanitary disposal methods. This poses great hazard to man and the environment. Converting urine into dry fertilizer product (struvite) helps extract nutrients contained in urine and also eliminates handling problems. The study was aimed at converting urine to struvite and comparing its effectiveness on plant growth with inorganic fertilizer (NPK). The study involved the extraction ...
The unique position of the eye as a superficial, easily accessible organ makes it readily available for inspection. However, in certain circumstances, particularly where there is cataract formation, the posterior segment is obscured from view using the ophthalmoscope. In addition to intraocular lesions, most extra-ocular lesions are not accessible for study and assessment by the ophthalmologist. Ultrasound offers a unique opportunity to inspect the lens, the posterior segment, the wall of the...
ABSTRACT Background: Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus globally, with an increase in mortality. The most effective ways of controlling diabetes mellitus are through medication and lifestyle modifications primarily diet and physical activity. Evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet is effective in the management of chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus. Some studies have investigated the adherence to this diet amon...
ABSTRACT Background Water pipe (shisha) smoking is gaining popularity worldwide, but no research has been undertaken to determine the drawers and facilitating factors in Ghana. This dissertation was aimed at assessing the characteristics of the shisha smoking population in selected areas in the Accra Metropolis and the factors influencing their choice of shisha. Methodology This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 210 participants between the ages of 18 – 59, who had sm...
ABSTRACT All over the world voluntary blood donation is hailed to be a safe source of blood supply and the window of hope for those who need blood transfusion. The main objective of this study was to examine the perceptions of voluntary blood donation among the youth in La Dadekotopon. The study also sought to determine the knowledge of the youth about voluntary blood donation, examine the attitude of the youth towards voluntary blood donation and to identify factors that influence the yout...
ABSTRACT Background: Addressing the reproductive health needs of adolescents remains one of the greatest public health issues confronting Ghana. Education and advocacy on reproductive health by parents, teachers and healthcare providers have the potential to improve their knowledge, ensure easy accessibility and utilization of services to prevent complication. The study aimed at investigating factors influencing accessibility and utilization of reproductive health services among adolescents ...
ABSTRACT Introduction: Prostate cancer is of increasing public health concern and often predisposed by some risk factors such as age, race, family history of cancer, and dietary. It is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men in Ghana. Men diagnosed with prostate cancer are affected sexually, psychologically, socially and in many forms. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to examine aggressive prostate cancer and associated factors among patients attending the oncology c...
ABSTRACT Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common haemoglobinopathy that is acquired by inheriting the defective gene from both parents. In recent years, it has become an important public health issue among people of African descent especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, SCD occurs in almost 1 in 50 (2%) of all births annually. The disease is characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, vaso-occlusion and inflammation. These events increase the resting energy expenditure ...
ABSTRACT Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a public health concern in Africa particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. As at the end of 2017, among the 36.9 million people living with HIV world-wide, 1.8 million were under 15years of age. HIV infection prevention, particularly mother-to-child transmissions are key models of reducing the infection. The purpose of this study was to assess the implementation of the National Guidelines for PMTCT of HIV in selected districts in the Eastern Region ...
ABSTRACT Background: Arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are toxic heavy metals that occur naturally in the environment. However, their levels are on the rise due to anthropogenic activities posing threat to aquatic wildlife and humans. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess As, Hg and Pb concentrations in sediment, water and fishes from the Ankobra and Tano River in the Western Region of Ghana, where human activities; especially the artisanal gold mining have been suspected of g...
ABSTRACT In the tropics, prevailing weather conditions exert a tremendous influence on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis of residents. For the tropical resident, who may have evolved an adaptive strategy to conserve sodium and water by renal and hormonal mechanisms, increases in sodium intake may cause changes that would, in the long term, lead to an increase in the arterial blood pressure. In this study, three serial protocols were followed to elucidate the significant role of sodium balance...