Predictors of noncompliance to antihypertensive therapy among hypertensive patients Ghana: Application of health belief model

This study determined noncompliance to antihypertensive therapy (AHT) and its associated factors in a Ghanaian population by using the health belief model (HBM). This descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Kintampo Municipality in Ghana recruited a total of 678 hypertensive patients. The questionnaire constituted information regarding sociodemographics, a five-Likert type HBM questionnaire, and lifestyle-related factors. The rate of noncompliance to AHT in this study was 58.6%. The mean age (SD) of the participants was 43.5 (±5.2) years and median duration of hypertension was 2 years. Overall, the five HBM constructs explained 31.7% of the variance in noncompliance to AHT with a prediction accuracy of 77.5%, after adjusting for age, gender, and duration of condition. Higher levels of perceived benefits of using medicine [aOR=0.55(0.36-0.82),p=0.0001] and cue to actions [aOR=0.59(0.38-0.90),p=0.0008] were significantly associated with reduced noncompliance while perceived susceptibility [aOR=3.05(2.20-6.25),

Prevalence of postpartum depression and interventions utilized for its management

Abstract Introduction Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that affects approximately 10–15% of adult mothers yearly. This study sought to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and interventions utilized for its management in a Health facility in Ghana. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design using a quantitative approach was used for the study. The study population included mothers and healthcare workers. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 257 mothers, while a convenience sampling technique was used to select 56 health workers for the study. A Patient Health Questionnaire was used to screen for depression and a structured questionnaire comprising closed-ended questions was used to collect primary data on the interventions for the management of postpartum depression. Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 16.0. Results Postpartum depression was prevalent among 7% of all mothers selected. The severity ranged from minimal depression to severe depression. Psychosocial support proved to be the most effective intervention (p = 0.001) that has been used by the healthcare workers to reduce depressive symptoms. Conclusion Postpartum depression is prevalent among mothers although at a lower rate and psychosocial support has been the most effective intervention in its management. Postpartum depression may affect socialization behaviors in children and the mother, and it may lead to thoughts of failure leading to deeper depression. Frequent screening exercises for postpartum depression should be organized by authorities of the hospitals in conjunction with the Ministry of Health

Knowledge on Food Safety and Food-Handling Practices of Street Food Vendors in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ghana

Street foods have become a major source of cooked food for most households and individuals in many developing countries including Ghana. However, the rising concern about food-borne illness has questioned the knowledge of the street food vendors to constitute safety practices for food handling. This study assessed the knowledge of street food vendors on food safety and food-handling practices in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ghana. The study used a cross-sectional mixed approach involving 340 participants selected by simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data and analyzed using STATA version 12. The results indicated that 98.8% of the food vendors had good knowledge on food safety and handling. The knowledge on food safety was associated with training (p value ≤0.011), license status (p value ≤0.002), marital status (p value <0.001), and religion (p value ≤0.038). Good food-handling practices were associated with training (p value ≤0. 001) and license (p value ≤0.002) and not their educational levels. The study found training of food vendors as the most effective way to increase knowledge on food safety and enhance food-handling practices. The study recommended for collaborations of municipal assemblies with other agencies to strengthen, sustain, and organize regular training programs for new entrants and existing food vendors as well as retraining of trainers to equip them adequately with knowledge and skills to enable them effectively facilitate training programs for food vendors

Knowledge on and attitude towards Sexually Transmitted Infections: A qualitative study of people with physical disabilities in a peri-urban district of Ghana

Persons with disabilities are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), however, they are often excluded from programmes targeting groups at high risk of STIs. This study explored the level of knowledge and attitude of persons with physical disabilities toward Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Jachie Community in Ashanti Region of Ghana. This was a descriptive study using a qualitative approach and conducting in-depth interview among 17 participants who were purposively selected. The data were transcribed, analysed, and presented in themes that emerged. Most of the participants mentioned that STIs are transmitted mainly through unprotected sex, kissing, blood transfusion and cuts from an infected blade or razor. The participants knew STIs such as HIV/AIDS, gonorrhoea, syphilis and candidiasis. Also, participants also resorted to using the internet as a source to get information about STIs. They intermittently visit the hospital for check-up when they see any abnormalities with their reproductive health. The use of condoms as a way of preventing STIs was low among the participants. This was as a result of the belief that one gets STI only if he/she has multiple sexual partners. Its imperative to make information about STI more accessible to the disabled community. This will reduce the risk of STIs among persons with disability