Determining the Enablers and Barriers for the Adoption of Clean Cookstoves in the Middle Belt of Ghana-A Qualitative Study.

Despite its benefits and espousal in developed counties, the adoption of clean cookstoves is reportedly low in less developed countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This qualitative study aimed at exploring and documenting the enablers and barriers for adoption of clean cookstove in the middle belt of Ghana. The findings showed convenience of clean cookstove use, reduced firewood usage, less smoke emission and associated health problems resulting from indoor air pollution and time for firewood gathering and cooking, good smell and taste of food as enabling factors for clean cookstove adoption. Factors such as safety, financial constraint (cost), non-availability of spare parts on the open market to replace faulty stove accessories, stove size and household size were the potential barriers to clean cookstove adoption. These findings help us to understand the factors promoting and inhibiting the adoption of clean cook stoves, especially in rural settings

Traumatic herniation of the buccal fat pad: a case report

No Abstract. Ghana Medical Journal Vol. 38(3) 2004: 120-12

Benign fibro-osseous lesions of the facial skeleton: an analysis of 52 cases seen at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

No Abstract. Ghana Medical Journal Vol. 38(3) 2004: 96-10

Ankylosis of the mandible: analysis of 35 cases seen at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

No Abstract. Ghana Medical Journal Vol. 38(1) 2004: 8-1

Detailed Review of CT Scans Aids Assessment of the Airway in Patients Scheduled for Maxillofacial Surgery

Two cases are presented that illustrate the importance of information gained from CT scans of the head and neck taken in patients presenting for maxillo-facial surgery. The first case involved a 25 year old with a massive tumour filling his mouth. Pre-operative assessment was done without reviewing the CT scans of his head and neck. This was unfortunately overlooked as the CT scans were not available at the patient's bedside when the pre-operative assessment was carried out. An awake nasal fibreoptic intubation was planned but this was unsuccessful as the scope could not be passed through the nasopharynx. Review of the CT scan showed severe narrowing of the nasopharynx and a tracheostomy was done under local anaesthesia prior to anaesthetizing the patient. No attempt would have been made to carry out a fibreoptic intubation if the CT scan had been studied earlier and the narrowing of the pharynx appreciated.The second case involved a 12 year old girl with massive fibreosseous lesions involving the maxilla and mandible. The maxillary lesion had been excised two years previously when the child was 10 years old. At that time a tracheostomy was done, as attempted intubation was unsuccessful. On this occasion, detailed study of her CT scans showed that the left nostril was indented and occluded by the fibreosseous lesion but the right nostril, though narrow, was patent. Under sedation, a nasal fibreoptic intubation was successfully done through the right nostril

An assessment of the likely acceptability of vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention among women in rural Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The findings of the CAPRISA tenofovir studies have raised expectations that soon an approved microbicide would be available. However it is in only a limited number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa that the acceptability of microbicides has been evaluated. We conducted a study to assess the acceptability of vaginal microbicides among women in rural Ghana. METHODS: The study employs a mixed method design, using cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions to further understand issues related to awareness and attitudes towards microbicide development, acceptability and perceived partner attitudes among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in two health facilities in the Kintampo North municipality of Ghana. We used logistic regression to identify possible predictors of microbicide acceptability among the women surveyed. RESULTS: Although only 2% of the 504 women were aware of the development of microbicides, 95% were willing to use one when it became available. The cost of a microbicide that will be considered affordable to 50% of women was US$0.75. Although there were concerns about possible wetting effect, gel or creams were the most preferred (68% of women) formulation. Although 71% thought their partners will find microbicide acceptable, apprehensions about the feasibility of and consequences of failed discreet use were evident. 49% of women were concerned about possible negative effect of microbicide on sexual pleasure. Perceived partner acceptability (O.R. =17.7; 95%C.I. 5.03-62.5) and possibility of discreet use (O.R. =8.9 95%C.I. 2.63-30.13) were the important predictors of microbicide acceptability. CONCLUSION: Achieving microbicide acceptability among male partners should be made a part of the promotive interventions for ensuring effective use among women in rural Ghana