University of Health and Allied Sciences

About: University of Health and Allied Sciences is a education organization based out in Ho, Ghana. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 637 authors who have published 1063 publications receiving 9380 citations. The organization is also known as: UHAS & IAU-024335.

n-3 Fatty acids and risk for fatal coronary disease.

Abstract: The purpose of this review is to consider the effects of the long-chain n-3 fatty acids found in marine foods, EPA and DHA, on risk for CVD, particularly fatal outcomes. It will examine both epidemiological and randomised controlled trial findings. The former studies usually examine associations between the dietary intake or the blood levels of EPA + DHA and CVD outcomes or, on occasion, total mortality. For example, our studies in the Framingham Heart Study and in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study have demonstrated significant inverse relations between erythrocyte EPA + DHA levels (i.e. the Omega-3 Index) and total mortality. Recent data from the Cardiovascular Health Study reported the same relations between plasma phospholipid n-3 levels and overall healthy ageing. As regards randomised trials, studies in the 1990s and early 2000s were generally supportive of a cardiovascular benefit for fish oils (which contain EPA + DHA), but later trials were generally not able to duplicate these findings, at least for total CVD events. However, when restricted to effects on risk for fatal events, meta-analyses have shown consistent benefits for n-3 treatment. Taken together, the evidence is strong for a cardioprotective effect of EPA + DHA, especially when consumed in sufficient amounts to raise blood levels into healthy ranges. Establishing target EPA + DHA intakes to reduce risk for cardiovascular death is a high priority.

Health facility delivery among women of reproductive age in Nigeria: Does age at first birth matter?

Abstract: BACKGROUND High maternal mortality ratio in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been linked to inadequate medical care for pregnant women due to limited health facility delivery utilization. Thus, this study, examined the association between age at first childbirth and health facility delivery among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. METHODS The study used the most recent secondary dataset from Nigeria's Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in 2018. Only women aged15-49 were considered for the study (N = 34,193). Bi-variate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between age at first birth and place of delivery. The results were presented as crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS The results showed that the prevalence of health facility deliveries was 41% in Nigeria. Women who had their first birth below age 20 [aOR = 0.82; 95%(CI = 0.74-0.90)] were less likely to give birth at health facilities compared to those who had their first birth at age 20 and above. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest the need to design interventions that will encourage women of reproductive age in Nigeria who are younger than 20 years to give birth in health facilities to avoid the risks of maternal complications associated with home delivery. Such interventions should include male involvement in antenatal care visits and the education of both partners and young women on the importance of health facility delivery.

Knowledge Adequacy on Cervical Cancer Among African Refugee and Non-Refugee Women in Brisbane, Australia

Abstract: Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue, especially in the developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa. To examine knowledge adequacy on cervical cancer and screening test among African refugee and non-refugee women in Brisbane and further examine whether the level of knowledge vary between refugee and non-refugee women. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 254 African-born women conveniently sampled from the Brisbane local government area. The outcome measures were knowledge on cervical cancer and Pap smear. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis non-refugees were more likely than refugees to have adequate knowledge about cervical cancer. Also, non-refugee women who were older and educated beyond secondary school, were more likely to have good knowledge about Pap smear test than refugee women. Overall, knowledge level about cervical cancer is limited among the participants and non-refugee women were more likely than refugee women to have good knowledge about cervical cancer and the screening test. These findings may inform the development of health education interventions for the targeted population to improve knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and the screening guidelines in Australia.

Treating pediatric and congenital heart disease abroad? Imperatives for local health system development

Abstract: Over one million children are born with congenital heart defects each year, whereas four million children live with with rheumatic heart disease. Although a majority of these patients will eventually require surgical or interventional care, most live in areas without access to safe, timely, and affordable cardiac surgical care. Countries with limited or no local cardiac surgical care spend up to over 10% of their health budgets on sending patients abroad to receive cardiac care. Similarly, billions of dollars are spent each year on international medical tourism, notably including seeking cardiac surgical care abroad. Some low- and middle-income countries have successfully invested in domestic cardiac surgical services, saving tens of millions of dollars over time whilst strengthening local health systems. In this article, we describe international medical tourism for pediatric and congenital heart disease, and present an analysis on whether expenditure in seeking foreign care for cardiovascular patients is worth the cost in light of a neglect of investments in local cardiac services in countries with growing health systems.

Compliance of commercial motorcycle riders with road safety regulations in a peri-urban town of Ghana.

Abstract: Background While motorcycles are essential for moving people and goods, they are also, a significant contributor to Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs), making it a public health issue of concern globally The Hohoe Municipal Hospital records increasing RTAs due to commercial motorcycles Determining motorcycle riders' compliance with road safety regulations is critical in helping to curb this menace Method A cross-sectional study was employed involving a multistage sample of 238 motorcycle riders Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and entered into Epi Data version 32 software and exported to STATA software version 12 for analysis Descriptive and inferential analyses were done while statistical significance was determined at 95% reliability interval and p-value of 005 Findings The level of compliance with road safety regulations among respondents was 592% The mean age of respondents was 299 ± 79 years, and all respondents were males Respondents who did not own their motorbikes were 039 times less likely to comply with road safety regulations compared to their counterparts who owned one, while those without alternate occupations were 051times less likely to comply with road safety regulations compared to those with an additional occupation Those aged between 30-39 years and 40-49 years were 237 and 41 times more likely to comply with road safety regulations, respectively, compared to those aged ≤29 years, and those who did not smoke were 315 times more likely to comply with road safety regulations than those who smoked Conclusion Compliance to safety regulations are fairly low and although motorcycle usage on a commercial basis is yet to be legalised in Ghana, routine education targeting riders who smoke, do not have alternate occupations, do not own motorbikes and younger riders will improve their compliance Also, riders should be encouraged to obtain their license from the appropriate authorities