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.

University students' alcohol use behaviour and self-efficacy to abstain from alcohol use: data from Ghana.

Abstract: The university students’ alcohol use behaviour and alcohol use self-efficacy data were collected among Ghanaian university students. This survey had two main objectives: (a) to examine the factorial validity, structure, and reliability of the 20-item alcohol abstinence self-efficacy scale among undergraduate students and (b) to examine the role of alcohol abstinence self-efficacy in the pros and cons of alcohol use. These two objectives have been published as separate research articles without the data (including data management) that were used for analyses. As the data are not already available as part of these published papers, this data note provides a composite and integrated data grounded on these published research articles with detailed information on the instruments used to collect data, raw data in statistical software, managed/coded data in statistical software, and generated correlation matrix used to perform complex analysis. The data includes information on two major dimensions: (a) alcohol abstinence self-efficacy—negative affect, social interactions and positive states, physical pain/illness, and alcohol craving (thoughts about using) and (b) decisional balance—measuring the benefits (pros) of alcohol use and the costs (cons) of alcohol use. In addition, data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics of students including their age, sex, level/year in school, stream of study, place of residence and religious affiliation. The data collected is more representative of students in private universities.

Evaluation of Measles Surveillance System amidst Covid 19 pandemic in Asutifi North District, Ahafo Region, Ghana.

Abstract: BackgroundMeasles is a disease of public health importance earmarked for elimination by all WHO Regions. Globally, more than 140 000 people died from Measles in 2018 affecting mostly children under 5 years, despite the availability of safe and effective vaccine. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. Disease surveillance focal persons were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire on the system operations and use of Measles case definitions. Measles case-based investigation forms from 2015 - 2020 were reviewed for its timeliness and data quality. CDC updated guidelines for surveillance system evaluation was used to assess its usefulness and attributes. Data was analyzed for frequencies and proportions and results presented in tables and graphs. ResultsMeasles surveillance system was timely as 100% (69/69) of the suspected cases were reported on time. Also, the level of representativeness was good as all the 14 health facilities in the District were participating in the Measles Surveillance system. Majority 73.1 (44/60) of the case-based investigation forms filled were incomplete with some columns wrongly filled. ConclusionDespite the outbreak of Covid - 19 with most districts battling with how to contain the virus, measles surveillance system was still meeting its objectives of early detection and prompt reporting but with poor data quality.

Glycine/NMDA Receptor Pathway Mediates the Rapid-onset Antidepressant Effect of Alkaloids From Trichilia Monadelpha

Abstract: Introduction: Major depressive disorder is often associated with suicidal tendencies, and this condition accentuates the need for rapid-acting antidepressants. We previously reported that Alkaloids (ALK) from Trichilia monadelpha possess antidepressant action in acute animal models of depression and that this effect is mediated through the monoamine and L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathways. This study investigated the possible rapid-onset antidepressant effect of ALK from T. monadelpha and its connection with the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway. Methods: The onset of ALK action from T. monadelpha was evaluated using the Open Space Swim Test (OSST), a chronic model of depression. The modified forced swimming and tail suspension tests were used to assess the effect of the ALK on the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway. The Instutute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were treated with either ALK (30–300 mg/kg, orally [PO]), imipramine (3–30 mg/kg, PO), fluoxetine (3–30 mg/kg, PO), or saline. To identify the role of glycine/NMDA receptor pathway in the effect of ALK, we pretreated mice with a partial agonist of the glycine/NMDA receptor, D-cycloserine (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [IP]), and an agonist of glycine/NMDA receptor, D-serine (600 mg/kg, IP), before ALK administration. Results: ALK reversed immobility in mice after the second day of drug treatment in the OSST. In contrast, there was a delay in the effects induced by fluoxetine and imipramine. ALK also increased mean swimming and climbing scores in mice. ALK was more efficacious than imipramine and fluoxetine in reducing immobility and increasing distance traveled. It is noteworthy that ALK was less potent than fluoxetine and imipramine. D-cycloserine potentiated mobility observed in the ALK- and fluoxetine-treated mice. In contrast, D-serine decreased mobility in the ALK-treated mice. Conclusion: The study results suggest that ALK from T. monadelpha exhibits rapid antidepressant action in mice, and the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway possibly mediates the observed effect.

Suitability of IgG responses to multiple Plasmodium falciparum antigens as markers of transmission intensity and pattern.

Abstract: Detection of antibody reactivity to appropriate, specific parasite antigens may constitute a sensitive and cost-effective alternative to current tools to monitor malaria transmission across different endemicity settings. This study aimed to determine the suitability of IgG responses to a number of P. falciparum antigens as markers of transmission intensity and pattern. Antibody responses to multiple malaria antigens were determined in 905 participants aged 1-12 years from three districts with low (Keta), medium (Hohoe) and high (Krachi) transmission intensity in the Volta region of Ghana. Blood film microscopy slides and dry blood spots (DBS) were obtained for parasitaemia detection and antibody measurement, respectively. Sera were eluted from DBS and levels of IgG specific for 10 malaria antigens determined by a multiplex assay. Results were compared within and among the districts. Total IgG responses to MSPDBL1, MSPDBLLeucine, MSP2-FC27, RAMA, and PfRh2a and PfRh2b were higher in Krachi than in Hohoe and Keta. Seroprevalence of IgG specific for MSPDBLLeucine, RON4, and PfRh2b were also highest in Krachi. Responses to RALP-1, PfRh2a and PfRh2b were associated with patent but asymptomatic parasitaemia in Keta, while responses to MSPDBL1, MSPDBLLeucine, MSP2-FC27, RAMA, Rh2-2030, and PfRh2b were associated with parasite carriage in Hohoe, but not in Krachi. Using ROC analysis, only PfRh2b was found to predict patent, but asymptomatic, parasitaemia in Keta and Hohoe. Antibody breadth correlated positively with age (r = 0.29, p<0.0001) and parasitaemia (β = 3.91; CI = 1.53 to 6.29), and medium to high transmission (p<0.0001). Our findings suggest differences in malaria-specific antibody responses across the three transmission zones and that PfRh2b has potential as a marker of malaria transmission intensity and pattern. This could have implications for malaria control programs and vaccine trials.