Faculty Research

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Community Pharmacies Treatment Practices of Malaria and Residents’ Pattern of Antimalarial Drug Use in Abura Community, Cape Coast Metropolis-Ghana
(Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 2021-04-14) Tettey, Etornam Abla; Dzantor, Edem Kojo; Akomaning, Edwin
Background: Community pharmacies are health care facilities that allows the public access to their medications, counselling, and advice about their health. Community pharmacies play critical role in the health delivery systems of several countries especially in developing countries and serve as the first point of call for the treatment and management of many ailments, including malaria. The study therefore examined community pharmacies treatment practices of malaria and residents’ pattern of antimalarial drug use in Abura Community, in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region of Ghana. Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey involving 301 study participants from the Abura Community (Cape Coast Metropolis). A structured questionnaire was Descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS version 23.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: The age range of our study was between 15 and 60 years. Females were the majority (52.5%). The self-reported use of unprescribed antimalarial drugs was 41%. The source of the drugs were mainly community pharmacies, licensed chemical shops, self-herbal preparations, and left-over antimalarial drugs. Conclusion: A high proportion of our study participants reported self-medication of non-prescribed antimalarial drugs. These antimalarials included both orthodox and herbal medications, which were sourced from outlets like community pharmacies, licensed chemical sellers, and home herbal preparations. There is the need to intensify monitoring, public health education on self-medication and the training of staff of community pharmacies to ensure effective treatment and management of malaria at the community level.
Timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international prospective cohort study
(Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2021-06) Rubio-Palau, J.; GlobalSurg Collaborative
Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal duration of planned delay before surgery in patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection. This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study included patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during October 2020. Surgical patients with pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted 30-day mortality rates stratified by time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to surgery. Among 140,231 patients (116 countries), 3127 patients (2.2%) had a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Adjusted 30-day mortality in patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.5% (95%CI 1.4–1.5). In patients with a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, mortality was increased in patients having surgery within 0–2 weeks, 3–4 weeks and 5–6 weeks of the diagnosis (odds ratio (95%CI) 4.1 (3.3–4.8), 3.9 (2.6–5.1) and 3.6 (2.0–5.2), respectively). Surgery performed ≥ 7 weeks after SARSCoV-2 diagnosis was associated with a similar mortality risk to baseline (odds ratio (95%CI) 1.5 (0.9–2.1)). After a ≥ 7 week delay in undertaking surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients with ongoing symptoms had a higher mortality than patients whose symptoms had resolved or who had been asymptomatic (6.0% (95%CI 3.2– 8.7) vs. 2.4% (95%CI 1.4–3.4) vs. 1.3% (95%CI 0.6–2.0), respectively). Where possible, surgery should be delayed for at least 7 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with ongoing symptoms ≥ 7 weeks from diagnosis may benefit from further delay.
Attitude of Reproductive Age Women Towards Male Involvement in Family Planning; a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda.
(MedRxiv, 2022-07-16) Wambete, Sarah Namee; Baru, Ararso; Serwaa, Dorcas; Dzantor, Edem Kojo; Evelyn Poku-Agyemang,; Kukeba, Margaret Wekem; Olayemi, Oladapo O.
Background: In African countries, men are often the primary decision-makers and that have a significant influence on their spouse’s health and access to health care including family planning (FP) decisions. This study aimed to assess the attitude of women in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda towards male involvement in FP and the associated factors. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study carried out in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda. A total of 480 women aged 18-49 years were selected as participants for the study using multi-stage sampling. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the participants. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Data were described using frequency and percentage while associations were assessed using logistic regression analysis at P<0.05. Results: A total of 485 participants with mean age of 28.29±6.57 years were involved in this study; 197(41.0%) were aged 26-33 years, 399 (83.1%) were Christians, 240(50.0%) had attained secondary school education and 239(49.8%) of their partners had attained tertiary education. The most utilized contraceptives among the women were injectables 151(32.5%), pills 122(26.2%), condoms 76(16.3%), implants 37(8%) and calendar method 30(6.5%). More, 302/465(62.9%) of the women had adequate partner involvement in their FP and a total of 438/480 (91.3%) of the participants had favorable attitude of women toward male involvement in FP. After adjusting for confounders, participants with an average monthly income of 600,000/= and above were more likely to have favorable attitude towards male involvement in FP (AOR=10.51, 95% CI {1.19−93.25}, p=0.035) compared with those earning 0-100,000/= average monthly income per month. Also, participants with adequate male partner involvement in FP/contraceptive use were more likely to have favorable attitude towards male involvement in FP (AOR=2.78, 95% CI {1.23−6.30, p<0.014) Conclusion: The study found high favourable attitude of women towards male partner involvement at FP. The average monthly income of participants and male involvement were predictors of favourable attitude towards male involvement in FP. This finding indicates the 50 need for increased sensitization of the men as a means of attaining the broader objective of increasing male partner involvement in FP for better contraceptive use and better birth spacing.
Role of Schools in Promoting Proper Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices among Schoolgirls in Ghana
(South Asian Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 2023-04-24) Abdul-Mumin Amankwa; Abdulai Kojo Mohammed; Josephine Ajigewe Abacheng
Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet it remains a stigmatized and under-discussed subject in many cultures, particularly in developing countries. This article explores the challenges faced by adolescent girls in managing menstrual hygiene, highlighting the myths, misconceptions, and lack of education surrounding menstruation. Poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices, often due to inadequate access to menstrual products, clean water, and sanitation facilities, pose significant health risks, including reproductive and urinary tract infections. The article identifies factors contributing to poor MHM, such as insufficient health education, lack of menstrual hygiene products, and inadequate toilet facilities in schools. It emphasizes the critical role schools play in promoting proper MHM by providing education, access to menstrual products, and creating a supportive environment for girls during menstruation. By prioritizing MHM practices, schools can help reduce absenteeism, prevent infections, and improve educational opportunities for girls, thereby fostering a more inclusive and healthy environment for female students.
Male Midwives Practicing: Barriers and Strategies in Promoting the Acceptance
(Asian Research Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2023-05-06) Amankwa, Abdul-Mumin; Mohammed, Abdulai Kojo; Bakinam, Adamu; Abukari, Adam Baba; Abdulai, Yahaya; Yakubu, Mohammed Sheriff
Midwifery is a vital component of reproductive healthcare, traditionally dominated by females. However, the inclusion of male midwives in this profession has become more common globally, despite facing significant cultural, religious, and societal challenges. This editorial explores the barriers male midwives encounter, particularly in culturally and religiously sensitive areas, where childbirth is often considered a female-only domain. These challenges include cultural resistance, religious prohibitions, lack of role models, and discrimination in the workplace. To promote the acceptance of male midwives, this article advocates for community education, involving traditional and religious leaders, and fostering an inclusive and respectful healthcare environment. By addressing these barriers, the acceptance of male midwives can be improved, leading to enhanced maternal healthcare outcomes, gender equality, and a more diverse midwifery workforce.
Vaccine Coverage: Resurgence of Measles Outbreak in Ghana
(South Asian Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 2023-06-27) Amankwa, Abdul-Mumin; Yahaya, Abdulai; Offei, Kwesibea; Abdul Malik, Yussif; Adankah, Adam Yushawu
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications and even death, especially in young children. Children who are not vaccinated against measles are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. In the first 5 weeks of 2023, a total of 209 suspected cases were reported in 11 districts and they were all later confirmed to be positive by laboratory investigations. The low vaccination coverage rates have contributed to the recent measles outbreak in Ghana, which has had devastating consequences on children's health. The outbreak has been linked to several factors, including low immunization coverage, poor healthcare infrastructure, and inadequate disease surveillance systems. Improving vaccination coverage and strengthening surveillance and monitoring systems are critical steps in controlling and preventing the spread of measles.
Prioritizing Workplace Health Promotion Policy to Address High Blood Pressure and Obesity in a Public University in the Northern Region of Ghana
(SAGE Publications, 2023-11-15) Edem, Kojo Dzantor; Margaret, Kweku; Emmanuel, Senanu Komla Morhe; Samuel, Zanya Bugri
The International Labour Organization (ILO) recommends the engagement of the world of work in providing comprehensive and effective prevention strategy for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Workers are at risk of developing 1 or more cases of NCDs due to their exposure to risk factors at work. The ILO suggests that the work-related risk factors can be prevented by improving working conditions and integration of workplace health promotion programs. Workplace health promotion policies promote workers general health, improve working environment, work practices, and reduces the risks of common NCDs including hypertension (high blood pressure) and obesity among employees. A number of studies have described the increasing trends of hypertension and obesity among civil servants but are limited in assessing the availability and effectiveness of workplace health promotion policies to address them. We assessed the availability and effectiveness of workplace health promotion policy to address the prevalence of high blood pressure in a public university in the Northern Region of Ghana. Using a mixed method study design, 191 administrative staff were recruited and in-depth qualitative interviews conducted among 5 key informants. The study found significant number of participants with elevated and high blood pressure and overweight and obesity with no functional workplace health promotion at the time of the study. We therefore recommend the prioritization and development of a workplace health policy to reduce the prevalence of high blood pressure and obesity among staff of the university using the integrative workplace health promotion model.
Neonatal Jaundice Management: Improving Clinical Knowledge of Jaundice for Improved Attitudes and Practices to Enhance Neonatal Care
(SAGE Publications, 2023-11-25) Edem, Kojo Dzantor; Dorcas, Serwaa; Alhassan, Abdul-Mumin
Neonatal jaundice is a common medical condition that affects neonates in the early days of life. Nurses and midwives play important role in the identification and management of neonatal jaundice and the promotion of good neonatal health and education. Their clinical knowledge of neonatal jaundice may influence their attitude and practices toward the identification and management of neonatal jaundice. The study results showed that the level of good knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward neonatal jaundice management was 69.30% (140/202), 64.90% (131/202), and 62.90% (127/202), respectively. The inferential statistics showed a positive association between good knowledge and attitudes toward neonatal jaundice and good practices of neonatal jaundice management. Suggestively, nurses and midwives who have and demonstrate better clinical knowledge and exhibit positive attitudes are more likely to implement appropriate practices for the management of neonatal jaundice. Healthcare providers should therefore invest in life-long learning activities for staff, especially in the study setting
Ghana's Public Health Act, AI Algorithms and the Vaccine Supply Chain in Ghana
(International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2024-01) Addy, Alfred; Gbadagba Kwame Joshua; Selorm, Johnson Mensah Sukah; Mensah, George Benneh
Objective: This analysis explored gaps between Ghana’s Public Health Act’s oversight provisions and on-the-ground implementation realities using an algorithmic accountability lens, assessing the sufficiency of current vaccine supply chain governance to address risks of unfairness and opacity from integrating artificial intelligence systems. Method: A structured CRAC/IRAC framework was utilized integrating legal analysis of statutory duties under the Public Health Act, case law precedents, real-world examples, counterevidence, and multidisciplinary literature to holistically evaluate institutional capabilities and barriers for monitoring AI automation. Results: The research found that while existing law confers broad transparency and equity mandates applicable to algorithmic tools for health officials under Sections 97, 108 and 169, practical challenges surrounding proprietary opacity of commercial AI and gaps in enforceability impede their fulfillment, necessitating updated regulations. Scientific Contribution: This pioneers legal analysis of AI governance in Ghana while transferring analytical concepts like algorithmic fairness into the sociolegal domain, seeding an important emerging field. It provides a template for assessing automation impacts on rights empirically using mixed criteria. Practical Significance: Scrutinizing legal shortcomings and barriers early while AI integration remains nascent aims positively influence application of guidelines protecting patients. It brings material questions of resource prioritization rooted in moral values of justice into sharper relief for key decision-makers shaping digitized futures.
Analysis of Ghana's Food and Drugs Law, and Public Health Act for Vaccine Safety
(International Journal of Health and Pharmaceutical Research, 2024-02) Addy, Alfred; Selorm, Johnson Mensah Sukah; Puopele, Paulina; Deborah Addo,4; Mensah, George Benneh
Amidst vaccine safety hesitancy risks, this analysis applies CREAC method to interpret Ghana’s Food and Drugs Law 1992 (PNDCL 305B) establishing regulation alongside Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) enabling compulsion, evaluating policy levers balancing access assurance and outbreak response efficacy with dissent and rights protections. Key amendments and guidance recommended affirm nuanced applications upholding exemption and exclusion fairness amidst necessity, minimizing restrictions through transparent and accountable procedures. Significantly, codifying posterity considerations builds trust in oversight systems with Phase IV post-market surveillance while proactive rights jurisprudence presses judicious state action – fostering adoption not resistance.
Analysis of Ghana's Public Health Act 2012 and AI's Role in Augmenting Vaccine Supply and Distribution Challenges in Ghana
(ResearchGate, 2024-02) Addy, Alfred; Gborfuh, Abraham; Selorm, Johnson Mensah Sukah; Mensah, George Benneh
Objective: This study examines reforming Ghana’s dated Public Health Act to enable responsible AI adoption improving equitable vaccine access. Method: A blended CRuPAC-CREAC analytical framework grounded in statutory language, precedents and academic literature is utilized. Results: Current Act provisions grant the Health Minister broad oversight powers interpretable to permit AI supply chain innovations, but lack explicit permissions, priorities, assessments and safeguards to govern responsible development. Scientific Contribution: This pioneers structured public health law analyses assessing AI governance gaps and reform solutions in Ghana grounded in peer country models. Practical Significance: The evidenced recommendations provide legislators and advocates a framework for balancing permission and oversight of impactful technology. Conclusion: While the Act could allow AI vaccination optimizations, targeted modernizing amendments codifying guidelines for responsible innovation can profoundly accelerate equitable access. Recommendations: Legislators should enact laws expressly permitting, prioritizing and governing high-impact health AI based on reforms in India, EU and Rwanda.
Determinants for male involvement in family planning and contraception in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda; An urban slum qualitative study
(PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH, 2024-05-31) Sarah, Namee Wambete; Dorcas, Serwaa; Edem, Kojo Dzantor; Ararso, Baru; Evelyn, Poku-Agyemang; Margaret, Wekem Kukeba; Yussif, Bashiru; Oladapo, O. Olayemi
Current evidence shows that male involvement in family planning (FP) is crucial to women’s contraceptive use decisions. This study explored the reasons for male involvement in FP and contraception in slum areas in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Uganda. A qualitative study was conducted among sexually active males in a slum area in Nakawa Division, Kampala. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to recruit 40 men for a Focus Group Discussion (FGDs), and 2 key informants (KI) for critical perspective interviews. A semi-structured FGDs and interview guides were used to collect the data. The FGDs were conducted in both English and the local language, Luganda. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts for both FGDs and KI interviews were imported into the NVivo Qualitative Data Analysis Software version 10 application, and thematic data analysis was conducted. The findings show that males’ involvement in FP and its decisions were minimal. The findings also show that several factors emerged as contributing to male’s participation in FP and utilisation of contraceptives. Inadequate understanding of FP and contraceptives, lack of clarity on males’ role in FP, unfriendly healthcare environment and community members’ perceptions of male involvement in FP were reported as reasons contributing to male participation in FP and contraction. There is limited involvement of males in FP. There is a need for renewed efforts that will positively alter the factors that impact male involvement favourably. Promotion and education about FP for males will significantly address issues of limited understanding and clarity of males’ role in FP services.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Nursing Credential Upgrades: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Global Studies
(Ghana Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 2024-09-02) Asare, Bismarck; Brobbey, Samuel Sanaa; Asamoah-Atakorah, Shadrach; Selorm, Johnson Mensah Sukah
Purpose: To analyze stakeholder perspectives on nursing credential upgrades, comparing global, sub-Saharan African and Ghanaian contexts. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using systematic search strategies across multiple databases. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and patterns in stakeholder perspectives. Findings: Common themes across all levels include a push for higher qualifications, emphasis on competency-based education, and recognition of stakeholder involvement importance. Unique challenges in the Ghanaian context include resource constraints and rapid healthcare system changes. Conclusion: Successful nursing credential upgrades require balancing global standards with local needs, addressing resource constraints, and ensuring meaningful stakeholder engagement. Recommendations: Implement comprehensive curriculum reforms, strengthen faculty development programs, and establish formal mechanisms for stakeholder participation in policy development. Significance: This analysis provides valuable insights for policymakers and educators involved in nursing education reforms, contributing to efforts to strengthen health systems through improved healthcare workforce education.
A Comparative Literature Review of Nursing Education Standards across Cultures: Focusing on Baccalaureate Transitions in Developing Nations
(Ghana Journal of Nursing and Midwifery (GJNMID), 2024-09-03) Selorm, Johnson Mensah Sukah; Asamoah-Atakorah, Rebecca; Opare, Dorothea; Asare, Bismarck; Danso, Kweku Owusu
This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of nursing education standards across cultures, focusing on baccalaureate transitions in developing nations. A systematic literature review methodology was employed, analyzing 49 studies from databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate. The analysis revealed common challenges across developing nations, including outdated curricula, inadequate clinical education, limited technology integration, and workforce retention issues. However, it also identified innovative approaches such as problem-based learning, simulation-based training, and global health integration. Findings highlight the need for context-specific educational strategies that align with global standards while addressing local healthcare needs. The study concludes that improving nursing education in developing nations requires multi-faceted approaches, including curriculum modernization, enhanced clinical training, technology integration, and stronger quality assurance mechanisms. Recommendations include investing in faculty development, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering international collaborations. This analysis is significant in providing a comprehensive overview of nursing education challenges and potential solutions in developing nations, informing policy and educational reform efforts.
Influence of social media and the digital environment on international migration of health workforce from low- and middle-income countries post COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review protocol.
(BMJ Open, 2024-09-19) Dzansi, Gladys; Amankwa,Abdul-Mumin; Menkah, William; Ametefe, Vivian; Xatse, Eugenia; Azanku, Believe Adzoa
Introduction: Migration of the health workforce from low- and middle-income countries (LMCIs) is increasingly becoming a phenomenon of interest within migration governance systems. The COVID-19 pandemic aggravated health workforce shortages that have created job opportunities in high-income countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany, among others. Conditions of service in LMCIs are unattractive, leading to the search for better opportunities. The digital environment is becoming one of the facilitators of migration intentions due to the activities of recruitment agencies and the search for job opportunities on the World Wide Web. The digital environment creates opportunities for migration but also poses a security threat, economic loss, and a brain drain to departure countries. However, there is a paucity of evidence on how the proliferation of advertisements on health workforce recruitment within social media, unsolicited emails, and activities of recruitment agencies in the digital environment influence the migration of the health workforce and the implications of migration governance. Method and analysis: This scoping review protocol describes a comprehensive systematic extraction and examination of existing literature to map key concepts and identify previous literature, noting the gaps in how social media and the digital environment are influencing the migration of the health workforce. We lean on Arksey and O'Malley’s scoping framework in developing this protocol. This involves the following: identifying research questions, searching for the literature, selecting articles or studies, charting the data, and organizing and reporting the outcome of the review. The review question is informed by the population, concept, and context framework, which details the population as the health workforce (doctors, nurses, midwives, and pharmacists), the key concepts as migration, social media, and digital environment, and the context as LMICs. The search strategy was developed with the assistance of an experienced librarian who will work with the team to conduct a peer review of electronic search strategies to evaluate titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for inclusion from databases such as Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Additionally, we will search grey literature sources including online news media, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), web pages of WHO, UN, and migration-related agencies, and interfaces like EBSCO host. Two members of the team will screen titles and abstracts, and all team members will screen full text for data extraction. Data from grey sources will be converted to transcripts, coded, and grouped into themes and subthemes consistent with thematic analysis strategies. All authors will be involved in the synthesis of the data. We intend to follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines in reporting the outcome of peer-review sources. Ethics and dissemination: This is a scoping review protocol that addresses a subject of interest that poses no risk to individuals or groups. All the information will be retrieved from open sources only. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework registry (osf. oi/ zan3q) to serve as an audit trail. Reports from the review will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

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