Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among older adults (50 years and above) in a peri-urban setting: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Background: In the absence of vaccine or cure, public knowledge about Human Immune Virus (HIV) is a central tool for curbing HIV epidemic. This study sought to assess the knowledge of HIV among older adults (50 years and above) at the Methodist Faith Healing hospital, Ankaase, Ghana. Methods: Using a descriptive study design, older adults (50 years and above) who visited the Ankaase Methodist Faith Healing hospital were randomly sampled for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data which was analyzed quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16.0). Results: A total of 100 respondents who were aged 50 to 68 (54 ± 2.3) were recruited. Most of the respondents had average knowledge of the mode of HIV transmission (62%) as well as HIV prevention (58%) and signs and symptoms of HIV (60%). HIV status was significantly associated with HIV knowledge among older adults as HIV positive respondents were 2.25 times more knowledgeable in terms of signs and symptoms, mode of transmission and prevention of HIV [AOR (95% CI) 2.25(1.02-8.68)]. Conclusion: Most older adults (50 years and above) have average knowledge of the mode of transmission, prevention as well as signs and symptoms of HIV. The National Commission for Civic Education should collaborate with various key stakeholders to educate older adults on issues related to HIV/AIDS

Time series analysis of malaria in Kumasi: Using ARIMA models to forecast future incidence

Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium genus that is transmitted between humans by Anopheles mosquitoes. The study sought to assess the trends of Malaria incidence in Kumasi Metropolis and forecast future incidence. A retrospective comparative study design was employed using data from the Regional Health Directorate from January 2010 to December 2016. Trend of malaria prevalence was analysed and compared by years and months. Data used for the study was entirely secondary which was gathered from recorded monthly malaria cases at various hospitals in Kumasi. The Quadratic model was used for the forecasting of the half year incidence of Malaria while Auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) (1, 1, 2) was used for forecasting monthly malaria incidence for the years 2018 and 2019 in Kumasi Metropolis. For the general pattern, July recorded the highest number of cases whereas January recorded the lowest cases in each year. Also, 2010 was the best performing year since it recorded the lowest number of malaria cases (10,336). The projected malaria cases for the first half year of 2018 is expected to be 61,371.8, while the second half year is expected to be 77,842.0. This model is recommended to the metropolitan health directorate and researchers who want to monitor the malaria reported cases in the metropolis and other parts of the world. It is suggested that measures should be put in place to curb malaria incidence during the period of the year when high incidence were recorded

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