Making Employee Recognition a Tool for Achieving Improved Performance: Implication for Ghanaian Universities

Many organisations are increasingly making use of employee recognition to motivate employees to achieve high performance and productivity. Research has shown that effective recognition occurs in organisations that have strong supportive culture, understand the psychology of praising employees for their good work, and apply the principles of employee recognition. This paper examined employee recognition, its benefits and the various types of employee recognition programs. It also sought to propose that employee recognition looked at from the perspective of formal, informal and day-to-day, could motivate staff to ensure high performance in Ghanaian universities. It is thus, recommended that management of Ghanaian universities should commit credible resources to the design and implementation of employee recognition programs to yield the needed outcome. Keywords: Employee recognition, employee recognition programs, performance, management, Ghanaian universitie

Magnitude and trend of HIV and Treponema pallidum infections among blood donors in Offinso-North District, Ghana: a nine-year retrospective, cross-sectional study

Introduction: Blood transfusion poses a high public health risk to recipients; hence no effort recommended to eradicate or minimize the danger of transmitting the infections.bReproductive Biology should be underestimated at minimizing the risk of TTIs. This study determined the prevalence and trend of HIV and syphilis infections in voluntary blood donors. Method: A retrospective analysis of secondary data from consecutive prospective voluntary blood donors who accessed Nkenkaasu District Hospital’s Blood Bank from January 2010 to December 2018 was conducted. Result: Cumulatively, HIV and Treponema pallidum seropositivity identified in the present study was high (19.1%, [95% C.I (0.026-0.028)]) . The prevalence of HIV and syphilis infections were 10.9% (95% C.I (0.098-0.120)) and 8.9% (95% C.I (0.073-0.92)) respectively. Prospective female blood donors were less likely to test positive for T. pallidum than males (OR 0.511, [0.340 – 0.769], p=0.001), but the infection was similar among different ages. The data showed downward trend for both HIV and T. pallidum seropositivity, (slope=-2.9467, p<0.0001) and (slope=-0.7117, p<0.0001) respectively. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of HIV and Treponema pallidum were high, and their individual or combined seropositivity pose a significant threat to the safety of blood. Extensive and continuous screening for high-risk behaviours and infectious markers before blood donation is therefore Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Keywords: Blood donors; HIV; magnitude; trend; Treponema pallidum

Reproductive toxicity potentials of methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea in male rats: An experimental study

Background: Purslane is an edible widely distributed shrub and one of the herbs used in decoctions for the treatment of different ailments including infertility. However, there is a shortage of evidence to validate its reproductive effects. Objective: To investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea (MEPO) on the reproductive system of male rats. Materials and Methods: Fifteen 10-wk old male Wistar rats with an average weight of 183 gr were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5/each). Group A (the control group) received distilled water only; group B received 400 mg/kg MEPO; and group C received 800 mg/kg MEPO for 14 days. The animals fasted overnight after the 14th day of administration and euthanized by cervical dislocation. Blood samples, sperm, testes, and epididymis were collected for serum hormones, sperm, and histological analyses. Results: There was no significant change in the serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels across all groups when compared to the control. However, group C showed a significant increase (p = 0.020) in follicle-stimulating hormone levels when compared to the control. There was a significant reduction (p = 0.006) in the sperm count in group C when compared with the control group. There was also a significantly reduced (p = 0.003) sperm motility in MEPO-treated groups compared to the control. While the testis showed no abnormalities in its histoarchitecture across groups, the epididymis showed some blood congestion in MEPO-treated groups. Conclusion: Portulaca oleracea showed the ability to reduce sperm count and motility at higher doses. Key words: Portulaca oleracea, Purslane, Testis, Epididymis, Rat, Sperm motility

A Comparative Analysis of the Knowledge and Stigmatizing Attitude of Ghanaians and Nigerians towards COVID-19 Survivors

Introduction: In Africa, COVID-19 associated stigmatization still remains the contextual factor that poses a challenge for the mitigation and suppression of COVID-19 spread, especially among the illiterate populations. This comparative study was therefore conducted to assess the knowledge and willingness of Ghanaians and Nigerians to associate with COVID-19 survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect information from 290 Ghanaian and 220 Nigerian nationals aged 18 years and above between 11th July-30th October 2020. An electronic-based questionnaire was developed to collect information on the public. The data were analyzed with SPSS v 22 and factors influencing knowledge and willingness to associate with COVID-19 survivors were identified using chi-square and logistic regression at p=0.05. Results: The mean age of all participants was 26.18(SD=6.87), about 75% of the Ghanaians and 81.8% of Nigerians were within 25-34 years of age. . Ghanaians were more knowledgeable about COVID-19, 230(79.3%) compared with Nigerians 60(27.3%). High stigmatizing attitude was dominant among Nigerians 140(73.7) than Ghanaian 50 (26.3). While age significantly increased knowledge [OR: 2.83(1.461,5.495), p=0.002] and deceased stigmatizing attitude [OR: 0.35(0.182,0.684), p=0.002] in Ghana, it wasn’t significant in Nigeria. In both countries, religious affiliation and education were not statistically associated with knowledge and stigmatizing attitude. Conclusions: The overall knowledge and willingness to associate with COVID-19 survivors among these study participants were fairly adequate and welcoming for the integration of COVID-19 survivors into normal living. Stakeholders should embark on COVID-19 stigmatization campaigns through a timely online update, van mobilization and mass media broadcasting aimed at stopping and preventing further stigma surrounding infected and recovered persons

Assessment of occupational stress among certified registered anesthetists in the Greater Accra region

BackgroundWork-related stress is a prevailing concern within the community of Certified Registered Anesthetists (CRAs), significantly impacting both the health and professional performance of these individuals. This study aimed to assess work-related stress and its influencing factors among CRAs practicing in the Greater Accra region was examined.MethodsUsing convenience sampling techniques, data were gathered from 140 participants via a Google form questionnaire distributed through WhatsApp. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the collected data, focusing on frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. For continuous variables, bivariate analysis (Chi-square) and ordinal logistic regression were conducted using STATA 16. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsAmong the 140 CRAs, 20 individuals (14.3%) reported experiencing mild stress levels according to the Weiman Occupational Stress Scale. Approximately 3 out of 4 CRAs (73.6%) reported having moderate stress levels, and 12.1% reported severe stress levels. This indicated that the majority of CRAs experienced moderate levels of stress, which was notably affected by the type of health facility and the use of inadequate or sub-standard equipment in the hospitals.ConclusionBased on these findings, the study recommends educational programs and counseling for CRAs to heighten awareness of the demanding nature of their job. Additionally, it suggests the provision of proper resources and standard equipment for CRAs. Facility-level motivation for CRAs is also advised to alleviate their stress. Finally, the study proposes further investigations into the factors contributing to work-related stress among CRAs

Psychological impact of COVID-19 on diabetes mellitus patients in Cape Coast, Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has had a greater psychological impact on patients with chronic ailments such as diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS compared to those without chronic conditions. We explored the psychological impacts of COVID-19 among people living with diabetes mellitus in Ghana. Methods: this study employed a hospital-based cross-sectional design involving 157 diabetes mellitus patients aged 20 years and above. We assessed diabetes distress by the seventeen-item diabetes stress (DDS17) scale and COVID-19 worries by 3 specific benchmarks: “worry about overly affected due to diabetes if infected with COVID-19”, “worry about people with diabetes characterized as a risk group” and “worry about not able to manage diabetes if infected with COVID-19”. A close-ended questionnaire was used in data collection. Results: of 157 diabetic patients interviewed, the majority had type 2 diabetes mellitus with known complications and only 42.7% were managing COVID-19 symptoms. The participants showed moderate to high level of COVID-19 specific worry, moderate fear of isolation, and low level of diabetes-associated distress. About 33.8% of the study population expressed a sense of worry towards the pandemic. The logistic regression showed that age, employment status, and presence of other chronic diseases were significantly associated with worries about being overly affected if infected with COVID-19 due to their diabetes status. Age and sex were associated with worries about people with diabetes being characterized as a risk group and age, sex and employment status were associated with participants who were worried about not being able to manage diabetes if infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: the general trend indicates a sense of worry among diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic which is associated with poorer psychological health. Clients' education and counseling on COVID-19 are necessary to address some of their concerns to minimize the level of anxiety and emotional stress in these individuals

Serum Soluble Transferrin Receptor and Transferrin Levels among Regular Blood Donors

Background: The study evaluated the effects of regular blood donation on serum transferrin and soluble transferrin receptor levels at Wenchi Methodist Hospital. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the Medical Laboratory Department of the Wenchi Methodist Hospital in the Bono Region of Ghana. A total of eighty-nine (89) venous blood samples from apparently healthy blood donors were analyzed. Complete blood count parameters were analyzed using an automated haematology analyzer and serum transferrin and transferrin receptor using ELISA. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Haemoglobin (p<0.001) and HCT (p=0.004) were significantly lower among the regular blood donors compared with the first-time donors. Regular blood donors had relatively higher serum transferrin (p<0.001) and soluble transferrin receptor levels (p<0.001). A negative correlation was observed between Hb and serum transferrin (r=-0.552, p<0.001), as well as Hb and serum soluble transferrin receptor (r=-0.552, p<0.001). Remunerated donors had lower Hb (p=0.001) and HCT% (p=0.001) but a higher transferrin receptor (p=0.041) than non-remunerated donors. Conclusion: Regular blood donors had relatively lower erythrocyte parameters but higher serum transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors, indicating a possible reduction in serum iron and iron stores. Moderate negative correlations exist between Hb and both transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors. Again, remunerated donors had lower erythrocyte parameters but higher transferrin and soluble transferrin receptors than non-remunerated donors. Periodic assessment of iron parameters among regular blood donors is recommended. A future longitudinal study to assess the entire iron profile of regular blood donors is recommended.   Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-01 Full Text: PD

Circulating Naturally-Occurring Anticoagulants before Treatment and after Recovery from SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Ghana

Background: Disturbance in naturally-occurring anticoagulants may contribute to the hypercoagulable state in COVID-19. This study determined the plasma antigen levels of protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin-III (AT-III), and thrombomodulin (TM) before treatment and after recovery from COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from February to August 2022 at Kumasi South Hospital, recruited sixty-five RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 participants. A venous blood sample was taken for full blood count (FBC) analysis using a 3-part fully automated haematology analyzer, and PC, PS, AT-III, and TM antigen levels measured using ELISA. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Severe COVID-19 participants had relatively lower haemoglobin (p<0.001), RBC (p<0.001), HCT% (p<0.001) and platelets (p<0.001), but higher RDW-CV% (p=0.013), WBC (p<0.001), and absolute lymphocyte counts (p<0.001) compared to those with the non-severe form of the disease. The overall prevalence of anaemia among the participants was 58.5%, and 32 (84.2%) and 6 (15.8%) of the anaemic participants had mild and moderate anaemia respectively. Protein C (p<0.001), PS (p<0.001) and ATIII (p<0.001) levels were lower among the severe COVID-19 participants than in the non-severe group. But severe COVID-19 group had higher TM levels (p<0.001) than the non-severe group. Again, participants had higher haemoglobin (p<0.001), RBC (p<0.001), HCT% (p=0.049), absolute neutrophil count (p<0.001) and platelets (p<0.001) after recovery from COVID-19 than the values on admission. Additionally, after recovery, participants had higher levels of PC (p<0.001), PS (p<0.001), and ATIII (p<0.001), but reduced TM (p<0.001). Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients had higher PC, PS, and AT-III, but lower TM levels. The changes in circulating anticoagulants may contribute to the hypercoagulable state of COVID-19. Blood cell indices are negatively affected during COVID-19. Complete recovery from the SARS-CoV-2 infection normalised the haematological indices. Assessment of naturally-occurring anticoagulants and the provision of anticoagulants are recommended in the management of COVID-19.   Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-04-01 Full Text: PD

The Use of Zipline Drones Technology for COVID-19 Samples Transportation in Ghana

Drone technology has a wide range of general applications in the military, agriculture, data processing, security, and healthcare. The emergence of the novel coronavirus pandemic has accelerated its revolution in the healthcare industry. Ghana, a western African country, was the first to program and deploy automated drones to shuttle medical supplies and samples of suspected COVID-19 patients. With this approach, Ghana was able to quickly respond to the pandemic and save the lives of the general population. This paper presents a narrative study on the use of Zipline drones for transporting samples of suspected COVID-19 patients, highlighting the challenges and potential barriers encountered. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2020-01-02-03 Full Text: PD

Increasing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the general population while maintaining autonomy

The accelerated dissemination of coronavirus disease, its effects on the general public and healthcare system have been unparalleled. COVID-19 vaccination is critical for reducing the alarming incidence of the infection, promoting herd immunity, preventing associated mortality and morbidity, and maintaining public health and safety. Through the development of COVID-19 vaccines, many people are keen to protect themselves against the virus; however, the willingness for vaccination especially in Africa, is far below what is required to stop the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there is an immediate need to implement plans aimed at increasing population vaccine willingness. The slippery slope is whether sanctions, bans and restriction should be imposed on hesitant persons, since transmission of the epidemic can be prevented through stringent enforcement of the control barriers, while eradicating the disease would necessitate vaccination. This commentary provides recommendations about how to increase population vaccine acceptance while maintaining autonomy