THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: COULD MORALITY LEAD THE WAY?

Since time immemorial, almost all human societies and institutions have and still continue to suffer issues of corruption in one way or another. This makes the issue of corruption a global problem. The issue of corruption has garnered lots of attention over the years since it seems to be practically inevitable. It is one issue that most societies and institutions have tried to in so many ways to curb; however, it keeps rearing its ugly head. It is in this vein that this paper aims to find out if morality could help us in the fight against corruption. The paper also aims to find out if there is a way whereby corruption could be justified. Thus, the paper is organized into three parts. The first part is the introduction which generally introduces the paper. The second part deals with corruption in Ghana. The third part tries to find out if corruption can be justified by juxtaposing it with some moral theories. Finally comes some recommendations and conclusion. 

Factors affecting early re-displacement of paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Background: Complete fractures of the forearm have the potential to displace and angulate with overriding fracture fragments. Maintaining acceptable reduction is not always possible, and re- displacement or re-angulation is the most commonly reported complication. Factors responsible for the re-displacement after an initial acceptable reduction have not been clearly defined. The study aimed to determine the factors that influence early re-displacement of paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.Methods: A prospective study in a cohort of 72 children below the age of 12 years with diaphyseal forearm fracture attending the Orthopaedic clinic were followed with close reduction casting from April 2017-December, 2017. Factors analysed included demographics, initial fracture features and the radiographic indices of the cast quality.Results: 93.1% (67) of the fractures were because of the children falling on an outstretched arm. Majority of the children had a fracture of the distal 1/3 of the radius (n=38, 52.6%). The overall C.I was 0.8 (SD 0.1). The only significant predictor for predicting re-displacement was children falling on an outstretched hand (p-value=0.0).Conclusion: This study has shown that the degree of initial displacement and the ability to achieve good reduction with a well moulded cast, constitute the major factors for early re-displacement of paediatric forearm fracturesKeywords: cast index, intermedullary nailing, elastic stable intramedullary nail, open reduction, internal fixationFunding: Personal fundin

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),

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with sickle cell disease on hydroxyurea treated with artemether-lumefantrine for acute uncomplicated malaria

IntroductionLimited information exists on any interactions between hydroxyurea (HU) and antimalarials in sickle cell disease (SCD). We evaluated changes in clinical and laboratory parameters among children with SCD on HU therapy treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for acute uncomplicated malaria (UM).MethodsA prospective, non-randomized, pilot study of 127 children with SCD (23, UM; 104, steady state) were recruited from three hospitals in Accra. UM participants were treated with standard doses of AL and followed up, on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 28. Venous blood was collected at baseline and follow-up days in participants with UM for determination of malaria parasitaemia, full blood count, reticulocytes, and clinical chemistry. Further, Plasmodium falciparum identification of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) positive samples was done using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsAmong SCD participants with UM, admission temperature, neutrophils, alanine-aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, and haemoglobin significantly differed between HU recipients (HU+) and steady state, while white blood cell, neutrophils, reticulocytes, bilirubin, urea, and temperature differed significantly between non-HU recipients (no-HU), and steady state. Mean parasitaemia (HU+, 2930.3 vs. no-HU, 1,060, p = 0.74) and adverse events (HU+, 13.9% vs. no-HU, 14.3%), were comparable (p = 0.94). Day 28 reticulocyte count was higher in the HU+ (0.24) (0.17 to 0.37) vs. no-HU, [0.15 (0.09 to 0.27), p = 0.022]. Significant differences in lymphocyte [HU+ 2.74 95% CI (−5.38 to 58.57) vs. no-HU −0.34 (−3.19 to 4.44), p = 0.024]; bilirubin [HU+, −4.44 (−16.36 to 20.74) vs. no-HU −18.37 (−108.79 to −7.16)]; and alanine aminotransferase, [HU+, −4.00 (−48.55 to 6.00) vs. no-HU, 7.00 (−22.00 to 22.00)] were observed during follow up.ConclusionParasite clearance and adverse event occurrence were comparable between SCD children treated with AL irrespective of HU status. However, distinct patterns of changes in laboratory indices suggest the need for larger, more focused studies

Elements of philosophy in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958)

An examination of the position of any school of thought on the nature of African philosophy will lead one to the realization that traditional African cultures are very relevant to the study of (indigenous) African philosophy – at least to the extent that both ethno-philosophy (philosophy based on cultural values and practices of a given society) and philosophic sagacity (philosophy as derived from sages in a given society) are still relevant. This gives a clear and imperative indication that discussions on what African philosophy is, or should be, cannot be devoid of culture. The mention of traditional cultures means that there are in Africa a variety of ethnic groups with cultures that vary or differ in several respects. Nevertheless, there are some underlying similarities that run through these cultures which justify speaking of an African traditional cultural heritage which has been preserved and passed down the generations. It is in respect of exhibiting this traditional culture that literalists have written insightful books. This paper concerned itself with one of the works of the renowned African writer, Chinua Achebe. His literary work, Things Fall Apart, just like the writings of other authors, presents philosophical elements in various forms, including; religion, proverbs, idioms, folk music, songs and folklores. Our aim, in this paper, was, primarily, to identify these indigenous African cultural traditions in Things Fall Apart and to draw out the elements of philosophy embedded in them

Components of the History in Surgery

This multimedia-based module is part of a series designed for medical students to assist in preparation for clinical examinations in surgery. This module, the first of seven in the series, explores the basic guidelines for surgery and the components history taking. The basic guidelines for surgery are similar to internal medicine. The disease profile, however, may vary. The basic process is: 1. History 2. Physical Examination 3. Integration of information This module has been internally reviewed by a cross-disciplinary committee within University of Ghana prior to releasing as an Open Educational Resource. Authors: Dr Nii Armah Adu-Aryee, Prof E Q Acheampong, Prof E D Yeboah, Mr. Baako, Dr Michael Segbefia, Prof. Richard M. K. Adanu, Chris Andrew Yebuah Institution: University of Ghanahttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/133130/1/medical_african_health_oer_network-components_of_the_history_surgery-May11.zi

Examination of the Goitre

This multimedia-based module is part of a series designed for medical students to assist in preparation for clinical examinations in surgery. This module explores how to examine superficial swellings including various goitres. The basic guidelines for surgery are similar to internal medicine. The disease profile, however, may vary. The basic process is: 1. History 2. Physical Examination 3. Integration of information; This module has been internally reviewed by a cross-disciplinary committee within University of Ghana prior to releasing as an Open Educational Resource. Authors: Dr Nii Armah Adu-Aryee, Prof E Q Acheampong, Prof E D Yeboah, Mr. Baako, Dr Michael Segbefia, Prof. Richard M. K. Adanu, Chris Andrew Yebuah; Institution: University of Ghanahttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/133138/1/medical_african_health_oer_network-examination_of_the_goitre-May11.zi

Examination of the Lump

This multimedia-based module is part of a series designed for medical students to assist in preparation for clinical examinations in surgery. This module explores how to examine superficial swellings including various lumps. The basic guidelines for surgery are similar to internal medicine. The disease profile, however, may vary. The basic process is: 1. History 2. Physical Examination 3. Integration of information; This module has been internally reviewed by a cross-disciplinary committee within University of Ghana prior to releasing as an Open Educational Resource. Authors: Dr Nii Armah Adu-Aryee, Prof E Q Acheampong, Prof E D Yeboah, Mr. Baako, Dr Michael Segbefia, Prof. Richard M. K. Adanu, Chris Andrew Yebuah; Institution: University of Ghanahttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/133140/1/medical_african_health_oer_network-examination_of_the_lump-May11.zi

Breast Examination

This multimedia-based module is part of a series designed for medical students to assist in preparation for clinical examinations in surgery. This module explores how to examine superficial swellings in breasts. The basic guidelines for surgery are similar to internal medicine. The disease profile, however, may vary. The basic process is: 1. History 2. Physical Examination 3. Integration of information This module has been internally reviewed by a cross-disciplinary committee within University of Ghana prior to releasing as an Open Educational Resources Authors: Dr Nii Armah Adu-Aryee, Prof E Q Acheampong, Prof E D Yeboah, Mr. Baako, Dr Michael Segbefia, Prof. Richard M. K. Adanu, Chris Andrew Yebuah Institution: University of Ghanahttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/133109/1/medical_african_health_oer_network-breast_examination-May11.zi

Examination of Hernia

This multimedia-based module is part of a series designed for medical students to assist in preparation for clinical examinations in surgery. This module explores how to examine superficial swellings including herniae. The basic guidelines for surgery are similar to internal medicine. The disease profile, however, may vary. The basic process is: 1. History 2. Physical Examination 3. Integration of information This module has been internally reviewed by a cross-disciplinary committee within University of Ghana prior to releasing as an Open Educational Resource. Authors: Dr Nii Armah Adu-Aryee, Prof E Q Acheampong, Prof E D Yeboah, Mr. Baako, Dr Michael Segbefia, Prof. Richard M. K. Adanu, Chris Andrew Yebuah; Institution: University of Ghanahttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/133136/1/medical_african_health_oer_network-examination_of_hernia-May11.zi