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.

Acid Neutralizing Capacity of Selected Antacid Suspensions Available in the Ghanaian Market

Abstract: Antacids are substances commonly used by patients to obtain fast symptomatic relief from dyspepsia. They are weak bases which neutralize excess gastric acid and subsequently raise the pH of the gastric contents. The potency of the antacids depends mainly on their acid neutralization capacity (ANC) and this can vary from one brand to another. Several dosage forms of antacids are available for use by patients. However, In Ghana, suspensions are the commonest dosage form of antacids which is preferred by patients. The objective of this study was to determine the acid neutralizing capacity of six (6) randomly selected brands of antacid suspensions on the Ghanaian market using potentiometric acid-base titration. The samples were coded A-F to avoid any bias in the study. All the sampled brands had more than one year to expiry as indicated on their label. Original Research Article Amengor et al.; AJRIMPS, 9(2): 10-15, 2020; Article no.AJRIMPS.60771 11 Brand D had the highest ANC of 29.70 mEq/dose whiles brand A had the lowest ANC of 11.25 mEq/dose. From the results obtained, it can be inferred that acid neutralization can be more effective and rapidly achieved with liquid antacids containing a high amount of magnesium hydroxide and aluminium Hydroxide. Hence, for acute symptomatic relief from dyspepsia, antacids containing a higher concentration of magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide would be most beneficial to patients.

The food multimix concept: harnessing and promoting local composite complementary diets.

Abstract: Over the past two decades, increasing efforts have been made to find suitable nutritional products for managing particularly moderate forms of malnutrition following acute phase treatment, including the adoption of ready-to-use therapeutic foods. The challenge in meeting nutrient needs of normal growing young children and other vulnerable population groups with scant food supply has led us to explore the use of local, traditional and culturally adaptable food-based complementary foods employing the food multimix (FMM) concept. The present paper examined FMM as a concept to demonstrate how locally available composite complementary recipes were used to create highly nutritious recipes at low cost and improve nutrition among vulnerable individuals. The method employed a food-to-food fortification approach for recipe development making use of the 'nutrient strengths' of candidate ingredients. A range of different food recipes had been developed using a stepwise approach and combinations of foods from different populations and communities and packaged as 100 g recipe powders. Proximate and micronutrient analyses have been undertaken, optimised and the nutrient compositions compared with reference nutrient intakes for target groups. Examples of recipes and their nutrient profiles had been highlighted for different formulations showing different ingredients. Theoretical nutrient values were translated into practice based on data from intervention studies. The FMM approach using locally available food has held promise, and published evidence did indicate that the concept can contribute significantly to long-term food-based solutions to meeting nutrient needs of vulnerable groups in poor communities.

Predictors of Anxiety-Induced Sleep Disturbance among in-School Adolescents in Ghana: Evidence from the 2012 Global School-Based Health Survey.

Abstract: (1) Background: Psychological problems of adolescents have become a global health and safety concern Empirical evidence has shown that adolescents experience diverse mental health conditions (eg, anxiety, depression, and emotional disorders) However, research on anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among in-school adolescents has received less attention, particularly in low- and middle-income countries This study’s central focus was to examine factors associated with t anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among in-school adolescents in Ghana (2) Methods: Analysis was performed using the 2012 Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) A sample of 1342 in-school adolescents was included in the analysis The outcome variable was anxiety-induced sleep disturbance reported during the past 12 months Frequencies, percentages, chi-square, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted Results from the multivariable logistic regression analysis were presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios at 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and with a statistical significance declared at p < 005 (3) Results: Adolescents who went hungry were more likely to report anxiety-induced sleep disturbance compared to their counterparts who did not report hunger (aOR = 168, CI = 110, 257) The odds of anxiety-induced sleep disturbance were higher among adolescents who felt lonely compared to those that never felt lonely (aOR = 282, CI = 198, 401) Adolescents who had sustained injury were more likely to have anxiety-induced sleep disturbance (aOR = 149, CI = 103, 214) compared to those who had no injury Compared to adolescents who never had suicidal ideations, those who reported experiencing suicidal ideations had higher odds of anxiety-induced sleep disturbance (aOR = 168, CI = 105, 271) (4) Conclusions: Anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among in-school adolescents were significantly influenced by the psychosocial determinants such as hunger, loneliness, injury, and suicidal ideation in this study The findings can help design appropriate interventions through effective strategies (eg, early school-based screening, cognitive-behavioral therapy, face-face counseling services) to reduce psychosocial problems among in-school adolescents in Ghana

Nutritional status and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana: cross-sectional study of highly active antiretroviral therapy clients.

Abstract: Background Nutrition among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is essential in their care and management as it has implication for their immune function. We examined the nutritional status and associated factors among HIV positive clients accessing Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) at a public hospital in Ghana. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 152 clients. Anthropometric measurements for weight and height were carried out in 2019. Data were analysed using SPSS 22.0. Descriptive and analytical statistics comprising frequency, percentage, and binary logistic regression were adopted in presenting the results. Results Seventy-nine percent and 74% of the clients had good nutrition knowledge and attitude, respectively. Also, 42% were malnourished (underweight = 13.8%, and overweight = 28.3%). Clients with primary (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.07-1.84), JSS/JHS (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08-0.84), SSS/SHS (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.05-1.02) and tertiary (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08-0.88) were less likely to be malnourished compared with those with no formal education. Those with good nutrition-related knowledge were 56% (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.18-1.09) less likely to be malnourished than those with poor knowledge; this was however, not statistically significant. Conclusion We found a high prevalence of malnutrition among the clients which militates against progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal targets 3.3 and 3.4 of stopping AIDS epidemic and preventing premature deaths from malnutrition. Our findings justify the need for the implementation of innovative interventions by stakeholders in Ghana's health industry to improve the nutritional status of people living with the disease.

Metabolic syndrome among individuals living with hypertension in Accra, Ghana.

Abstract: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major risk factor to cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigate the prevalence and associated risky behaviour of MetS in resource-poor urban communities in Accra, Ghana. We analysed data on 111 persons with hypertension, screened and recruited for a therapeutic lifestyle intervention program in August 2015. MetS was measured using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization definitions. The prevalence of MetS was 58.4% and 16.8% by the IDF and WHO definitions respectively. More women (61.8%) compared to men (31.8%) had MetS (p = 0.011). Approximately 31% of the hypertensive patients were engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity; 9.0% were current smokers, 42.0% consumed excess alcohol over the past month prior to the interview and 41.0% discontinued taking their antihypertensive medications without consulting with a doctor. About 42.0% and 37.0% of respondents always consumed fruits and vegetables respectively at least two times a day. The binary logistic regression showed that compared to women, men had lower odds of consuming two or more servings of vegetable in a day (OR: 0.2; 95% CI; 0.1, 0.8). Increase in age was associated with higher odds of consuming fruits at least twice a day (1.0; 1.0, 1.1) but with lower odds of engaging in moderate intensity physical activity (0.9; 0.8, 1.0). Being married was associated with higher odds of engaging in moderate physical activity (2.8; 1.0, 8.2). Therapeutic methods essential for the management of patients with hypertension and MetS should include non-pharmacological remedies targeting the promotion of medication adherence, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and physical activities; these are vital to changing unhealthy lifestyle which worsens the underlying pathology.