Social change and adolescent rites of passage: A cross cultural perspective

This paper examines the role social change and modernity plays in adolescent rites of passage in developing and developed countries. The ‘Dipo’ rite of the Krobo in Ghana is compared and contrasted with the ‘Russ’ in Norway with specific reference to social change and modernity. A salient distinction in both rites of passage is the observance of a set of processes, procedures and stages adolescent undergo including, inter alia, participation in a procession characterized by a special symbolic outfit to annunciate the celebration of the rite. Adolescents in both cultures believe they are parting the adolescent stage of life and preparing to assume young adult roles. Whiles adults participate or supervise the Dipo, the Russ has nothing to do with adult supervision or participation. If an adolescent fails to participate in the Dipo she is not recognised by her family and not fit for marriage but adolescents are not subjected to this treatment should they decide not to participate in the Russ. In general both rites have undergone several positive and/or negative transformations and modifications due to social changes and modernity. This paper, thus, argues that as a result of social change and modernity adolescents have developed rites of passage in which explicit individualism is projected as a value

The role of alcohol abstinence self-efficacy in alcohol use: a cross-sectional survey of Ghanaian undergraduate students

There is an increasing awareness of indiscriminate alcohol use among University students worldwide. Self-efficacy to abstain from alcohol use plays a significant role in the abstinence of alcohol use by perceiving less benefits (pros) and more costs (cons) of alcohol use. However, not much is known about self-efficacy to abstain from alcohol use in relation to the pros and cons of alcohol use among Ghanaian university students. The aim of this study was to examine the role of alcohol abstinence self-efficacy in the pros and cons of alcohol use in Ghanaian university students. Participants consisted of 215 undergraduate students with a mean age of 23.5 years who completed self-report measures assessing alcohol abstinence self-efficacy and pros and cons of alcohol use. Thirty nine percent of students had never used alcohol. Adjusting for age, gender, and residence status, results of a one-way MANCOVA showed significant main effect of alcohol abstinence self-efficacy on both pros (p < 0.001) and cons (p < 0.001) of alcohol use, although the effect was stronger in cons ( Ƞ2p = 0.26) than pros ( Ƞ2p = 0.18) of alcohol use. Independent-samples t-test results showed that students classified under high (M = 11.12, SD = 11.02) alcohol abstinence self-efficacy reported more pros than those classified under low (M = 1.68, SD = 3.58) alcohol abstinence self-efficacy, t(122.25) = -8.22, p < 0.001). Similarly, those classified under high (M = 11.12, SD = 12.17) alcohol abstinence self-efficacy reported more cons than those classified under low (M = 2.03, SD = 6.66) alcohol abstinence self-efficacy, t(154.58) = -6.59, p < 0.001). Finally, while there were no gender differences in cons of alcohol use, males (M = 8.8, SD = 10.06) reported significantly higher than females (M = 4.61, SD = 8.24) on pros of alcohol use, t(209) = 2.74, p < 0.01). These findings provide preliminary evidence for the viability of reinforcing self-efficacy, particularly relating to abstinence, as a strategy to encourage abstinence from alcohol use and subsequently prevent harmful use of alcohol in Ghanaian university students.Keywords: Alcohol abstinence, alcohol use, self-efficacy, decisional balance, pros and cons of alcohol use, Ghan

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) among Ghanaian adolescents

Purpose: There is little information about the reliability and validity of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in Ghana. This study sought to examine the reliability and factor structure of the GHQ-12 in Ghanaian adolescents. Method: sHigh school students (N = 770) completed the GHQ-12 and the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ). Internal consistency, convergent validity and exploratory factor analysis were used. Results: A two factor structure, each with six items, was extracted. The total GHQ-12 had acceptable internal consistency and a generally high correlation with the ASQ subscales. Conclusion: The GHQ-12 can be used in Ghanaian samples, but more research is needed to confirm its factor structure

Socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial consequences of sickle cell disease: the case of patients in a public hospital in Ghana

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is of major public health concern globally, with majority of patients living in Africa. Despite its relevance, there is a dearth of research to determine the socio-demographic distribution and psychosocial impact of SCD in Ghana. The objective of this study was to examine the socio-demographic distribution and psychosocial consequences of SCD among patients in Ghana and to assess their quality of life and coping mechanisms. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used that involved the completion of questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, quality of life, coping mechanisms, anxiety and depression. Participants were 387 male and female patients attending a sickle cell clinic in a public hospital. Results: Results showed that majority of the patients were single, female, less than 39 years old and had attained secondary school level of education or less. Also, patients were more satisfied by the presence of love, friends and relatives as well as home, community and neighbourhood environment. While pains of varied nature and severity were the major reasons for attending hospital in SCD condition, going to the hospital as well as having faith in God was the most frequently reported mechanisms for coping with an unbearable SCD attacks. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that some socio-demographic and quality of life indicators had strong associations with anxiety and/or depression. Conclusions: It is recommended that a holistic intervention strategy incorporating psychosocial dimensions should be considered in the treatment and management of SCD

Association between psychosomatic health symptoms and common mental illness in Ghanaian adolescents: Age and gender as potential moderators

Little is known about the role of age and gender in the association between psychosomatic symptoms and common mental illness in Ghanaian adolescents. This cross-sectional study examined age and gender as moderators between psychosomatic symptoms and common mental illness using data from a school-based survey ( N = 770). Males reported higher psychosomatic symptoms and common mental illness, while younger adolescents reported higher common mental illness only. Psychosomatic symptoms were positively associated with common mental illness, but age and gender did not moderate this association. Interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence rate in psychosomatic symptoms are crucial in decreasing common mental illness in Ghanaian adolescents. </jats:p

Pilot implementation of community health advocacy teams to improve the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticide net distribution through both campaigns and continuous channels in Ghana: a qualitative study of opportunities and barriers to implementation

IntroductionIn Ghana, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) distributes long-lasting insecticide net (LLIN) to households for free through the periodic point mass distribution (PMD) campaign and continuous distribution to populations most vulnerable to malaria. It is known that the existence of effective and functional community-based groups could influence positive behaviours regarding health interventions promoted through health campaigns. However, there is no evidence of functional community-based groups that aim to improve the effectiveness of LLIN distribution campaigns by transitioning into primary healthcare delivery. This study aimed to explore the opportunities and barriers to the pilot implementation of co-created community health advocacy teams (CHATs) to improve the effectiveness of LLIN distribution through both campaigns and continuous channels in Ghana.MethodsA qualitative research approach was used among 43 CHAT members across six communities in the Eastern and Volta regions of Ghana. The CHAT constitutes significant community actors whose roles are centred on key elements of community/social mobilisation and capacity building, all nested in social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) strategies. The CHATs were pilot implemented in all study communities for 4 months after which we identified opportunities and barriers during implementation. CHAT members participated in six focus group discussions which were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using the NVivo 13.ResultsCHATs were instrumental in sensitising community members through SBCC strategies. Moreover, there were changes in the behaviour of community members who were receptive towards and participated in CHAT activities. Community members were accurately informed about malaria (e.g., causes and preventive measures). However, the CHAT experienced barriers during implementation, including a lack of financial support to aid in transportation, organisation of meetings, and outreach activities. Additionally, the level of participation by CHAT members in activities and the medium of communication among members were key areas of concern.ConclusionThe CHATs would be instrumental in promoting LLINs' use during and after PMD campaigns through community outreaches. It is therefore necessary to provide resources to support their operations and a good network to address communication barriers. Finally, continuous capacity strengthening of CHAT members by the NMCP is important

Social support, stress, health, and academic success in Ghanaian adolescents: A path analysis

The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the role psychosocial factors play in promoting the health and academic success of adolescents. A total of 770 adolescent boys and girls in Senior High Schools were randomly selected to complete a self-report questionnaire. School reported latest terminal examination grades were used as the measure of academic success. Structural equation modelling indicated a relatively good fit to the posteriori model with four of the hypothesised paths fully supported and two partially supported. Perceived social support was negatively related to stress and predictive of health and wellbeing but not academic success. Stress was predictive of health but not academic success. Finally, health and wellbeing was able to predict academic success. These findings have policy implications regarding efforts aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing as well as the academic success of adolescents in Ghana. © 2014 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents

Spatial, temporal, and demographic patterns in prevalence of smoking tobacco use and attributable disease burden in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019 : a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Ending the global tobacco epidemic is a defining challenge in global health. Timely and comprehensive estimates of the prevalence of smoking tobacco use and attributable disease burden are needed to guide tobacco control efforts nationally and globally. Methods We estimated the prevalence of smoking tobacco use and attributable disease burden for 204 countries and territories, by age and sex, from 1990 to 2019 as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study. We modelled multiple smoking-related indicators from 3625 nationally representative surveys. We completed systematic reviews and did Bayesian meta-regressions for 36 causally linked health outcomes to estimate non-linear dose-response risk curves for current and former smokers. We used a direct estimation approach to estimate attributable burden, providing more comprehensive estimates of the health effects of smoking than previously available. Findings Globally in 2019, 1.14 billion (95% uncertainty interval 1.13-1.16) individuals were current smokers, who consumed 7.41 trillion (7.11-7.74) cigarette-equivalents of tobacco in 2019. Although prevalence of smoking had decreased significantly since 1990 among both males (27.5% [26. 5-28.5] reduction) and females (37.7% [35.4-39.9] reduction) aged 15 years and older, population growth has led to a significant increase in the total number of smokers from 0.99 billion (0.98-1.00) in 1990. Globally in 2019, smoking tobacco use accounted for 7.69 million (7.16-8.20) deaths and 200 million (185-214) disability-adjusted life-years, and was the leading risk factor for death among males (20.2% [19.3-21.1] of male deaths). 6.68 million [86.9%] of 7.69 million deaths attributable to smoking tobacco use were among current smokers. Interpretation In the absence of intervention, the annual toll of 7.69 million deaths and 200 million disability-adjusted life-years attributable to smoking will increase over the coming decades. Substantial progress in reducing the prevalence of smoking tobacco use has been observed in countries from all regions and at all stages of development, but a large implementation gap remains for tobacco control. Countries have a dear and urgent opportunity to pass strong, evidence-based policies to accelerate reductions in the prevalence of smoking and reap massive health benefits for their citizens. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe