Determining the Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Deaf People in Ghana

This article examines how deaf people in Ghana prioritize their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. The aim is to determine the most pressing SRH needs of the deaf community in Ghana and then propose appropriate measures to make SRH information and services accessible to them. The study was a SRH needs assessment with deaf people in Ghana, which utilized a participatory needs assessment method. A total sample of 179 participants took part in the study: 26 were focus group participants, 152 were survey respondents, and one person acted as a key informant. The study findings indicated that deaf people in Ghana have many SRH challenges, but the most pressing needs were related to barriers associated with communication and attitude of health professionals. To design SRH programmes that are deaf-friendly, there is the need to take into account the linguistic and cultural values of the deaf community

Sources and Use of Sexual and Reproductive Health Information Among Deaf People in Ghana

While information is critical for making informed decisions on SRH issues, the deaf community in Ghana has limited access due to social, economic, and institutional barriers. The purpose of this article is to describe the sources and use of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information among deaf people in Ghana. Data for this article were derived from a SRH needs assessment project with deaf people in Ghana. The study involved 179 participants, consisting of 178 deaf participants” 26 focus group participants, 152 survey respondents” and one hearing person served as a key informant. Findings from both the focus groups and survey revealed that deaf people in Ghana obtained SRH information from a wide range of sources: school teachers, family members, health professionals, friends, the media, and SRH organizations and centers. The study findings also indicated that although health professionals are the official source of information on SRH issues in Ghana, they were not the most utilized and preferred source for the deaf community due to communication barriers. These findings are consistent with other studies and suggest that any SRH program aimed at improving access to information to the deaf population should endeavor to eliminate communication barriers

Barriers to utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among young deaf persons in Ghana

Despite significant progress made to improve access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the general populace in Ghana, information on the accessibility of such services to deaf persons is limited. This study investigated access to and utilization of SRH services among young female deaf persons in Ghana. Sixty deaf persons were interviewed from six metropolis/municipalities/districts in three regions of Ghana. The data were collected using focus group discussion and one-on-one interviews. The data were subjected to content analysis, leading to the identification of two broad themes. The study identified barriers at two levels: point of service delivery and barriers at the individual level. For instance, at the point of service delivery, they were claims that deaf women were victims of negative attitudes from health workers. The study concludes on the need forhealth policymakers to consider collaborating with the Ghana National Association of the Deaf in an effort towards designinginclusive SRH programmes. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[12]: 58-66). Malgré des progrès significatifs réalisés pour améliorer l'accès aux services de santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR) pour la population générale au Ghana, les informations sur l'accessibilité de ces services aux personnes sourdes sont limitées. Cette étude a examiné l'accès et l'utilisation des services de SSR chez les jeunes femmes sourdes au Ghana. Soixante personnes sourdes ont été interrogées dans six métropoles/municipalités/districts dans trois régions du Ghana. Les données ont été recueillies à l'aide de discussions de groupe et d'entretiens individuels. Les données ont fait l'objet d'une analyse de contenu qui a conduit à l'identification de deux grands thèmes. L'étude a identifié des obstacles à deux niveaux : le point de prestation de services et les obstacles au niveau individuel. Par exemple, au point de prestation de services, il y avait des allégations selon lesquelles les femmes sourdes étaient victimes d'attitudes négatives de la part des agents de santé. L'étude conclut sur la nécessité pour les décideurs de la santé d'envisager e collaborer avec l'Association nationale des sourds du Ghana dans le but de concevoir des programmes de SSR inclusifs. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[12]: 58-66)

Level of satisfaction and sexual and reproductive health needs of deaf persons in Ghana : a sequential explanatory mixed method study

Background: The intersection between deafness and culture in sub-Saharan African contexts such as Ghana has culminated in restricted access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. While some attention has been given to the barriers faced by deaf persons in accessing SRH services, discussion of their needs and satisfaction with SRH services is at an embryonic stage. This lends support to the use of sequential mixed-method study design to assess the level of satisfaction and SRH needs of deaf persons. Methods: This study was guided by explanatory sequential mixed-method study design. Thus, a two-phase data collection approach was adopted. In Phase I, a 32-item questionnaire with 16 items each for satisfaction regarding SRH services and SRH needs, was used for data collection from 288 deaf persons recruited from 3 of the 16 regions in Ghana. The data were subjected to the following computations: means, t-tests, analysis of variance, correlations, and multiple regression. In Phase II, a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 60 participants who were drawn from the earlier pool. The interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: The results showed of correlation and multiple analyses showed a small relationship and significant contribution of needs in the variance of satisfaction. Also, there was a convergence between both the qualitative and quantitative data as participants confirmed the lack of consideration given to the needs of deaf persons regarding SRH service provisions. Conclusion: Deaf persons who took part in this study were unsatisfied with SRH services due to barriers such as sign language interpreters and inaccessible information. Consequently, they expressed the need for preferred mode of communication and expedition of awareness creation on SRH. The study findings warrant the need for policymakers to inculcate the needs of deaf person in SRH services to improve access and thus, enhance satisfaction. For instance, recommendations such as the training of health professionals in the use of sign language could be considered in future SRH policy and other implications, are discussed

Effect of Community-Based Functional Aerobic Training on Motor Performance and Quality of Life of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND፡ Efficacies of community-based exercise programmes have been well reported, but there is scarce information on the expediency of community-based rehabilitation in a society where many children with disabilities live in poorly resourced settings with extremely limited rehabilitative services. This study investigated the effects of community-based functional aerobic exercise (CBFAE) on gross motor function, walking distance, and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy (CP).METHODS: Quasi-experimental design was used. Children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I – II participated in eight weeks CBFAE training four times/week, 50 minutes/day at 40-80% maximum heart rate. Gross motor function (GMF), walking distance and quality of life were assessed pre and post CBFAE training.RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in GMF (Dstanding) (8.2%, P=.000), GMF (E-walking + running+ jumping (5.12%, P=.004), walking distance (6.09%, P=.009). Higher significant positive effects of CBFAE were observed in Social wellbeing and acceptance (107.10%, P=.000), and participation and physical health (105.04%, P=.005) by children parent proxy. Self-reported results showed that for CBFAE, significant positive improvements were higher in pain and impact of disability (67.93%, P=.049) and participation and physical health (60.00%, P=.042).CONCLUSION: CBFAE training contributes majorly to improved standing, walking, jumping and running and selfesteem, quality of life of children with spastic CP. Clinicians and exercise therapists should essentially incorporate CBFAE training and activities into the management of children with CP for improved mobility and functional performances

Factors Influencing Sign Language Interpretation Service in Ghana: The Interpreters’ Perspective

This study aimed to provide insights into factors influencing sign language interpretation services in Ghana. Participants for the study were purposively selected and interviewed based on the principle of saturation. In all, 14 participants were involved in the study. These participants were selected using GNAD’s Sign Language Interpreters Directory. An inductive approach was used to analyze the obtained data thematically. The study established that despite having self-acclaimed sign language interpreters in Ghana, none had received a formal qualification in sign language interpretation. However, all participants were in their pursuit of obtaining a diploma in Ghanaian Sign Language Interpretation. Other factors, such as misunderstanding the role of sign language interpreters among individuals who organize public events, were barriers to sign language interpreters. Misconceptions about the role of sign language interpreters by the deaf and weak interpreters’ association, which interpreters feel deny them legal protection, were found to be affecting sign language interpreting services in Ghana. To succeed, there should be a vibrant sign language interpreter association. Universities should consider running programs on sign language interpretation. Education targeting individuals who organize public events and deaf people is highly recommended

The interaction between typically developing students and peers with autism spectrum disorder in regular schools in Ghana : an exploration using the theory of planned behaviour

The purpose of this study is to assess the intention of typically developing peers towards learning in the classroom with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In developing countries, such as Ghana, the body of literature on the relationship between students with disabilities and typically developing peers has been sparsely studied. Using Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour as a theoretical framework for this study, 516 typically developing students completed four scales representing belief constructs, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural controls (self-efficacy), hypothesised to predict behavioural intention. The data were subjected to a t-test, analysis of variance, and structural equation modelling. The modelling confirmed the combining ability of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural controls to predict intention. We conclude by revealing the need for policymakers to consider designing programmes aimed towards promoting social relationships between students with ASD and typically developing peers

Assessing the Impact and Uses of the Disability Common Fund Among Persons with Disabilities in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana

The Disability Common Fund (DCF) is a social protection program aimed at alleviating poverty among persons with disabilities in Ghana. Since its introduction, little has been done to examine if beneficiaries use the fund for its intended purposes. The study was conducted to assess beneficiaries’ perception of the sufficiency of the fund, what the fund was used for and the possible impact on the lives of beneficiaries in the Kumasi Metropolis, and make recommendation for improvement. This cross-sectional quantitative study obtained survey data from120 beneficiaries of the fund in the Kumasi Metropolis. Findings indicated that the DCF was used for a variety of purposes, which could be beneficial to the recipients of the fund. These included procurement of assistive devices, awareness creation, enabling the environment, payment of school fees of dependents and assisting beneficiaries to access healthcare. Although respondents complained of the insufficiency of the fund and delays in releasing of funds to the beneficiaries, the fund has had some positive impacts on their lives. It is recommended that the fund be increased and disbursed in a timely manner in order for the DCF to serve its intended purpose

Perceived causes and management of epilepsy among rural community dwellers in Ghana: a qualitative synthesis

BackgroundIn Ghana, over 270,000 people live with epilepsy, of which 70% do not receive treatment. Despite the high number of people with the condition, misconceptions exist about its causes and management in African regions. The study assessed the perceived causes and management of epilepsy among rural community dwellers in Ghana.MethodsA qualitative approach and phenomenological design were employed for the study. The population comprised community dwellers in Berekum, a rural town in the Bono Region of Ghana. A convenience sampling technique was used to sample the participants. An in-depth face-to-face interview with a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect participant data. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultA total of 15 participants were interviewed in the study, after which saturation was reached. Seven of the participants were men, and eight were women. Two categories emerged as the causes of epilepsy: socio-cultural and superstitious causes and biomedical causes. The socio-cultural and superstitious causes include “a manifestation or an influence of an evil spirit,” “family curse or disease,” “punishment from ancestors or gods of the land,” “having several convulsions,” “exposure to foam from an epileptic,” and “bites from an epileptic during seizures”, while the biomedical causes are “brain damage,” “blood group,” and “genetic makeup”. Consulting with the spiritual realm, pouring water on the person or washing the person's face, and putting a spoon in the mouth were identified by the participants as ways to manage epilepsy.ConclusionThe causes of epilepsy are primarily linked to the supernatural, with the results indicating that rural community residents largely attribute epilepsy to “evil spirits”. This implies that the rural communities' knowledge about the causes of epilepsy is based on the social causation theory of disease and disability, which relates diseases to the supernatural. Management of the condition was mainly seen as spiritual

Use and completion of partograph during labour is associated with a reduced incidence of birth asphyxia: a retrospective study at a peri-urban setting in Ghana

Background: Morbidity of birth asphyxia has been estimated to be 42 million disability-adjusted life years. The study sought to assess the impact of the use and completion of partograph during labour on reducing birth asphyxia at the St Anthony\u2019s Hospital, Dzodze, in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methods: A retrospective study design using a quantitative approach was adopted for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 200 folders of labouring women who were admitted and delivered at St Anthony\u2019s Hospital, Dzodze, between 1st May 2015 and 30th April 2016. A structured checklist, which was developed by using labour and foetal monitoring parameters based on the standards of the World Health Organization partograph usage, was used to review all the 200 existing maternal records. Results: The findings revealed that partographs were used by midwives at St Anthony\u2019s Hospital with the majority of the maternal folders fully completed. The use and completion of partograph were found to be associated with less non-asphyxiated birth outcomes. Labours which were monitored with partograph were 4.29 times less likely to result in birth asphyxia [AOR (95% CI) 4.29 (1.35\u201314.81)], and those that were monitored with a completed partograph were 5.3 times less likely to result in birth asphyxia [AOR (95% CI) 5.31 (2.011\u201316.04)]. Conclusion: Midwives used partographs during labour at St Anthony\u2019s Hospital. The use and completion of partograph were significantly associated with a reduced incidence of birth asphyxia at the hospital. Birth asphyxia could be reduced if partographs are used and completed by midwives during labour in all cases