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.

Objectively-assessed physical activity and self-reported activity pacing in adults with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

Abstract: Objective:To examine the association between self-reported activity pacing (a strategy to manage fatigue symptoms) and objectively-measured physical activity behaviours in adults with multiple scle...

Biofilm formation by Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in aqueous extract of schmutzdecke for clarifying untreated water in water treatment operations

Abstract: AIMS: To determine the effect of aqueous extract of schmutzdecke on adhesion and biofilm formation by three isolates of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (Map) under laboratory conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Strains of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in aqueous extract of schmutzdecke were subjected to adhesion tests on two topologically different substrata i.e. aluminium and stainless steel coupons. Biofilm formation was then monitored in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plates. All the three strains adhered onto both coupons, howbeit greatly on aluminium than stainless steel. In the PVC plates, however, all strains developed biofilms which were observed by spectrophotometric analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The environmental isolates of Map attained higher cell proliferation in both filtered and unfiltered aqueous extracts of schmutzdecke (FAES and UAES respectively) compared with the human isolate. Furthermore, the results showed that irrespective of the media used, Map might have developed biofilm by its genetic competence to do so under favourable conditions that the immediate environment might have provided.

Challenges Junior High School Pupils Face in the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools for Learning in Ghana

Abstract: Aims: This paper seeks to explore the challenges Junior High School pupils in the South Tongu District in the Volta Region of Ghana face in the use of Information and Communication Technology tools for learning. The rationale was to identify the challenges these pupils face in the use of ICT tools for learning and the possible means to overcome these challenges in the school. Research Design: To achieve the purpose of this studya descriptive research design was used. Place and Duration of Study: Agorkpo D.A. J.H.S in the South Tongu District of Ghana was used for this study for over six months. Methodology: The study adopted the quantitative approach, employed descriptive research design and used questionnaire to collect data from 60 students. The entire questionnaires were retrieved and IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 in combination with the Microsoft excel were used to analyse the data. Simple frequency tables were also used to present the data. Original Research Article Banji et al.; AJESS, 11(3): 37-45, 2020; Article no. AJESS.61315 38 Results: The research revealed that the commonest challenges of using ICT tools for learning were lack of opportunity provided by teachers for students to use the tools on their own, inadequate ICT tools and difficulty teaching ICT practical lessons without demonstration. Conclusion: Measures identified to improve the use of ICT tools in the school include the call on government to provide the required ICT tools to the school. Secondly, in order to achieve meaningful academic improvement in the school, teachers must spend more time to teach the ICT subject and create the enthusiasm in the students. Thirdly, supervision of ICT teachers should be taken seriously to ensure that they meet time-table requirements for ICT in the school. Also, requisite ICT tools should be used by the teachers to demonstrate the processes and application of ICT in everyday life. This way, pupils would easily understand the concept and be able to apply it practically and independently. Finally, the study recommended that an ICT laboratory be built for the school to house the ICT department and provide an atmosphere that can motivate the teachers and learners to show more interest in the subject.

Hirudiniasis in Cattle in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region of Tanzania.

Abstract: Hirudiniasis is a condition caused by infestation by leeches. Despite the annoyance, clinical signs, and associated lesions caused by leeches in both humans and animals, the extent of the problem in Tanzania is not well elucidated. Individual animals and people become infested when they drink, bath, or walk through contaminated water sources. Leech infestations are more common in rural areas where water is scarce especially during the dry season. In this report, clinical cases of hirudiniasis in twenty-seven (27) cattle in Mpwapwa, Tanzania, are presented. The report further reviews the morphological features of leeches and creates awareness among the affected cattle farmers and the general public. A total of two hundred (200) live cattle were examined; out of these, 27 cattle had live leeches. There were, on average, 3-8 leeches per animal. Affected cattle had wounds on the gums, buccal mucosa, root of the tongue, and under the tongue with copious amounts of blood-stained frothy discharge. Further, the affected animals had respiratory distress and were rolling their tongues. The leeches were manually removed from all the affected cattle, with uneventful recovery. Laboratory examination revealed segmented, dorsal-ventral flattened, cylindrical parasites which had posterior and anterior suckers. The leech infestation was linked to drinking water from a pond which was suspected to be contaminated with "undescribed organisms" as indicated by the farmers. A follow-up was made and revealed no new cases and complete recovery of the affected animals. Hirudiniasis is one of the neglected diseases in humans and livestock and, therefore, requires integrated efforts especially in areas where water is scarce during the dry season. It is anticipated that this case report will stimulate interest and more studies in the subject matter to understand the extent of the problem and document the species and distribution of leeches in Tanzania.

Potential ways to enhance ADR reporting given current concerns

Abstract: In previous commentaries, we discussed potential ways to enhance the quality and efficiency of medicine use amongst all key stakeholder groups and across health‑care sectors.[1,2] We would now like to focus on adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which can be defined as harmful or unpleasant unintended reactions, resulting from the use of medicines occurring at doses normally used in man.[3,4] Adverse drug events (ADEs) are now commonly used as a wider term than ADRs, defined as an injury resulting from the use of a medicine; however, not necessarily causally related to that medicine.[3,5,6] ADEs incorporate a number of areas including ADRs, drug allergies, medication errors, and overdoses.