Gini Method Application: Indoor Radon Survey in Kpong, Ghana

In this study, the indoor radon concentrations map, starting from a sparse measurements survey, was realized with the Gini index method. This method was applied on a real dataset coming from indoor radon measurements carried out in Kpong, Ghana. The Gini coefficient variogram is shown to be a good estimator of the inhomogeneity degree of radon concentration because it allows for better constraining of the critical distance below which the radon geological source can be considered as uniform. The indoor radon measurements were performed in 96 dwellings in Kpong, Ghana. The data showed that 84% of the residences monitored had radon levels below 100 Bqm¯³, versus 16% having levels above the World Health Organization's (WHO) suggested reference range (100 Bqm¯³). The survey indicated that the average indoor radon concentration (IRC) was 55 ± 36 Bqm¯³. The concentrations range from 4–176 Bqm¯³. The mean value 55 Bqm¯³ is 38% higher than the world's average IRC of 40 Bqm¯³ (UNSCEAR, 1993)

Factors associated with the appropriate use of asthma medications among adult asthmatic patients attending asthma clinic in a teaching hospital

Introduction: asthma tends to be more severe with worse symptoms in Africa due to late diagnosis and delayed initiation of treatment. To identify patient and treatment-related factors which influence the appropriate use of asthma medications. Methods: the study was institution based cross-sectional design. Patients were invited to provide information regarding the use of their asthma medications and factors potentially associated with appropriate use of these medications. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the most important factor at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: respondents with better knowledge of their asthma medications were more likely to use them appropriately (OR 5.82 [CI 95% 2.25-15.04]) as were those with positive attitudes and beliefs towards asthma and asthma medications (OR 3.88 [CI 95% 1.44-10.44]). Conclusion: patients need to understand the importance of adhering to the prescribed regimen for their asthma medications even in the absence of overt symptoms in order to optimize clinical outcome

An assessment of indoor radon level in a suburb of Ghana

Abstract Radiation and radioactive isotopes form part of our natural environment. Elevated levels of these radioactive isotopes in the environment can pose a threat to our health. A greater proportion of the natural radiation is from the radioactive gas radon. Although it cannot be detected by human senses, radon and its progenies are of health concern as it can cause lung cancer when inhaled over a period of time. This study sought to provide baseline indoor radon data, the life time risk of lung cancer and its interpretation within a suburb of Ghana. Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (LR-115 type II) was deployed in 82 homes within a suburb for a period of three months (September 2017- January 2018). Indoor radon concentration (IRC) for the suburb was within the range of 4.1�176.3 Bq m?3. With mean 57 ± 39 Bq m?3. The mean radon exposure to the dwellers was recorded as 0.12 ± 0.08 WLMy?1 resulting in 0.7 ± 0.5 mSvy?1 effective dose to the lung with an excess lifetime cancer risk of 0.39 ± 0.26%. There was a positive correlation between indoor radon concentration and the building type and the association was significant with a P value of 0.047.</jats:p