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.

Factors Influencing Home Births in the Krachi Nchumuru District in the Oti Region, Ghana: a Qualitative Study

Abstract: The rate of home births compared with health facility deliveries has severe implications for maternal and child health outcomes. In this paper, we explored the factors that influence home births in rural communities in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Oti Region, Ghana. The paper used qualitative research methods involving in-depth interviews with fifteen women who gave birth at home and traditional birth attendants (TBA). Data were manually analysed using a thematic approach and the results presented in quotes. The findings show that costs associated with health facility delivery, sudden onset of labour period, the absence of health facility and personnel, unavailability of transportation, support and care services of the TBA and the opportunity for spiritual assistance and intervention were the key drivers of home delivery among women in the district. The study also shows home births have some negative effects on maternal and child health during and after labour such as malaria, fever, bleeding after circumcision and a rise in body temperature. Several contextual factors encourage home births among women in the Krachi Nchumuru District, Ghana. There is, therefore, the need to increase health facilities and personnel to provide skilled delivery care and improve the transportation infrastructure in the district.

Clinical Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Heptonica: A Ghanaian Hepatorestorative Polyherbal Product.

Abstract: The incidence of liver diseases is increasing globally, and many patients in developing countries are resorting to the use of herbal products as treatment This study was aimed at establishing the safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients with deranged liver panel treated with a Ghanaian finished polyherbal product The product Heptonica is prepared by CPMR from three medicinal plants: Bidens pilosa, Citrus aurantifolia, and Trema orientalis Fifty (50) participants with clinical and biochemical signs of liver impairment were purposively recruited and treated for a period of 28 days Participants received Heptonica at a dose of 30 mL 8 hourly after meals for the treatment period Clinical and biochemical evaluation (liver panel test, renal function test, haematology, and urinalysis) of subjects for the safety and effectiveness of the product was undertaken at days 0 (baseline), 14, and 28 Compared to the baseline values, Heptonica did not have any untoward effect on renal function, haematological parameters, and urine parameters of subjects Clinical and liver panel results of the participants also improved compared to the baseline: serum aspartate transaminase (AST) (p < 00001), alanine transaminase (ALT) (p < 00001), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (p- 00013), total bilirubin (p-00136), direct bilirubin (p < 00001), total proteins (p-00409), and alkaline phosphates (p- 00284) Level of albumin showed no significant difference within the study period The outcome of this study indicates Heptonica has hepatorestorative action with no observable toxicity and can be used with confidence as indicated as a liver tonic

Inter-rater Variability in Malaria Microscopy at the LEKMA Hospital, Ghana.

Abstract: Background Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it is endemic. As such, it is important that a proper diagnosis is made before treatment is initiated. Malaria parasite count plays a key role in the diagnosis and management of malaria. Variations in ratings by laboratory personnel can impact negatively on the treatment regimen for malaria-infected patients. The study is thus aimed at evaluating and comparing the proficiency and parasitaemia counts by two different categories of laboratory staff at the LEKMA Hospital, Ghana. Materials and Methods A total of 200 confirmed malaria-positive samples were used in the study. Six thick and thin films were prepared from each sample and uniquely labelled. Two of the six slides were given to two WHO-accredited malaria microscopists to examine and report their respective parasite count/μl (parasite count/WBC × 8000). These were used as the reference for the two categories of laboratory staffs: rater A being diploma holders (Technical Officers referred to as untrained rater) and rater B being degree holders (Medical Laboratory Scientist referred to as trained rater) at the LEKMA Hospital. Results In comparison to the expected outcome, the parasite count by the rater group A (190 (151-239)]) and the rater group B (177 (140-224)) demonstrated significant positive correlation (r = 0.995, p < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.995, p < 0.0001, respectively) with the expected outcome in the cases of heavy parasitaemia. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between counts by the different raters in low parasitemia was observed in this study. A persistent nosedive inter-rater agreement from k = 0.82 to k = 0.40 with increasing density cutoff was observed in this study. Conclusion The study observed that the degree of inter-rater agreement of parasite density count by various categories of laboratory personnel is almost perfect. However, the parasite count between raters varied significantly with very low levels of parasitemia but better correlated with heavy parasitemia.

Mobility challenges of persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the University of Ghana

Abstract: An article published by Danso, Anthony Kwame; Ashigbi, Evans Kwaku Yayra and Tudzi, Eric Paul in 2011.

Assessment of Activity Pacing in Relation to Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Foundation for Further Intervention Development.

Abstract: Background Activity pacing is a behavioral strategy for coping with fatigue, optimizing physical activity (PA) levels, and achieving a paced approach to lifestyle and sustainable self-regulated exercise practice to optimize health and well-being. Yet little is known about how activity pacing affects PA and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) while controlling for fatigue and demographic characteristics over time in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examined the natural use of activity pacing and how it is associated with PA and HRQOL over time in adults with MS. Methods Sixty-eight adults with MS (mean ± SD age, 45.2 ± 10.9 years) completed questionnaires on their activity pacing, fatigue, PA, and HRQOL 14, 33, and 52 weeks after rehabilitation. Associations between the variables were examined using multilevel models. Results No associations were found between activity pacing and PA (β = -0.01, P = .89) or between activity pacing and HRQOL (β = -0.15, P = .09). Conclusions This study provides an initial understanding of how activity pacing relates to PA and HRQOL in people with MS over time and indicates that there is no clear strategy among adults with MS that is successful in improving PA and HRQOL in the short or long term. Persons with MS may benefit from goal-directed activity pacing interventions to improve longitudinal engagement in PA, and the present study provides a foundation for further intervention development.