Effect of Compost Quality and Microbial Population Density of Composts on the Suppressiveness of Pythium myriotylum, Causal Agent of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Root Rot Disease in Cameroon

The effect of eight compost types made from four different grass species mixed with poultry and pig manure and microbial population in compost were evaluated on the suppressiveness of the root rot disease on cocoyam. The experimental layout was a complete randomized design with five replicates conducted in a screen house in the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang. Compost was used in the ratio of 1:1 by weight (2kg compost: 2kg soil/plant). It was inoculated 48 hours before planting to enable compost-pathogen interaction. Compost microbial populations were estimated using dilution plating with appropriate media (tryptic soil agar, TSA) for Heterotrophic bacteria and Actinomycetes isolation agar for Actinomycetes respectively. The physicochemical properties (pH-H2O, CEC, N, K, Na, Mg and Ca) of compost were determined and analysed. Disease incidence and severity was significantly (

A qualitative analysis of factors influencing antiretroviral adherence among persons living with <scp>HIV</scp> in Ghana

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains an important factor in HIV prevention and treatment efforts. We explored the individual and environmental factors influencing antiretroviral adherence among PLWH in Ghana. This study used 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions (FGD) involving 29 PLWH attending one of three antiretroviral clinics. Thematic analysis covered experiences of PLWH clinic visits, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy related to ART adherence, psychological wellbeing and stigma. The findings suggest that both individual and environmental factors including treatment outcome, coping skills, disclosure, self-regulation, healthcare-provider interaction, family and partner support, organization of ART clinics, stigma, and transportation cost influenced treatment adherence. Interventions that empower PLWH and reduce HIV-related stigma in the community will most likely support antiretroviral adherence. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement