Physicochemical characteristics and microbiological quality of senescent plantain products

Senescent plantains have relatively very rapid deterioration rate compared to plantains at other ripening stages. In Ghana, they are used for products which are consumed either as a snack or a main meal. This paper presents results of a study conducted in five regions of Ghana to investigate processing of senescent plantain products and evaluate their physicochemical characteristics and microbial quality. Survey data were collected on product types and processing methods. Freshly prepared products obtained from respondents were packaged in Ziploc bags and transported in a clean ice chest to the lab for physicochemical and microbial analyses. Samples were stored in the refrigerator (5°C) prior to analyses. Products made by respondents include Apitsi or Apiti, Bodongo, Akankyie, Ofam, Kumaku, Agbetenya; which were either baked or steamed. There were variations in cooking methods, time, type and quantity of ingredients used to produce these products. The products had relatively high moisture (47.63% − 68.42), appreciable crude fat (0.06% − 9.50%), crude protein (1.66% − 7.87%) contents and were good sources of energy (129.64 kcal/g − 241.19/g). The products were slightly acidic, with pH ranging from 4.53 to 5.38. Aerobic plate count, yeast and mold, coliform and E. coli ranged between <10 to 1.7 × 105 CFU/g; 0 and 3.9 × 105 CFU/g; 0 and 1.5 × 102 CFU/g; and 0 and <10 CFU/g, respectively. The bacteriological quality of samples A to I are more superior than samples J and K. Product standardization is required

Improved blood pressure control via a novel chronic disease management model of care in sub‐Saharan Africa: Real‐world program implementation results

Abstract A chronic disease management model of care (Empower Health) was launched in rural and urban areas of Ghana and Kenya in 2018. The goal was to improve disease awareness, reduce the burden of disease, and improve the clinical effectiveness and efficiency of managing hypertension. Leveraging the model, clinicians provide patients with tailored management plans. Patients accessed regular blood pressure checks at home, at the clinic, or at community‐partner locations where they received real‐time feedback. On the mobile application, clinicians viewed patient data, provided direct patient feedback, and wrote electronic prescriptions accessible through participating pharmacies. To date, 1266 patients had been enrolled in the “real‐world” implementation cohort and followed for an average of 351 ± 133 days across 5 facilities. Average baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 145 ± 21 mmHg in the overall cohort and 159 ± 16 mmHg in the subgroup with uncontrolled hypertension (n = 743) as defined by baseline SBP ≥ 140 mmHg. SBP decreased significantly through 12 months in both the overall cohort (−9.4 mmHg, p < .001) and in the uncontrolled subgroup (−17.6 mmHg, p < .001). The proportion patients with controlled pressure increased from 46% at baseline to 77% at 12 months (p < .001). In summary, a new chronic disease management model of care improved and sustained blood pressure control to 12 months, especially in those with elevated blood pressure at enrollment