Knowledge and sources of information on COVID-19 among children in Ghana

Abstract The few works on COVID-19 in Ghana have a strong emphasis on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults regarding the disease. As a supplement to the inadequate knowledge, this study examined children’s knowledge and sources of information regarding COVID-19. It was a cross-sectional study that employed mixed research methods for data collection and analysis. The study utilized remote research methods, including a web survey and phone interviews, for data collection from a sample of 385 children in two COVID-19 hotspot cities, Accra and Tema, in Ghana. The results show that almost all children sampled were aware of COVID-19. The qualitative aspects, however, reveal that some children do not have accurate knowledge about the causes and prevention of the virus and disease. This is evident from some children’s claims that bacteria, mosquitoes, and insect bites are the causes of the transmission of the virus and disease. The study reveals the internet, social media, and television are the most common methods for children to learn about COVID-19. The findings also show differences in the information sources across the major subgroups of sex, age, and educational attainment. The study further concludes that precautions should be taken by parents and carers regarding information consumed by children on social media. Hence, there is a need for the government and its partners to increase educational drives aimed at strengthening children’s knowledge about the transmission and prevention of the virus in educational institutions and in settings where children and young people are the dominant groups

Efficacy of HIV and AIDS education programs in the Elmina fishing community in Ghana

Abstract One of the most important steps in HIV prevention is the provision of education to raise awareness to ensure individuals have a sufficient understanding of HIV and AIDS and encourage them to apply that knowledge. The study is based on an earlier descriptive cross-sectional study that sought a link between fishers’ mobility and their risk of HIV exposure in the Elmina fishing community in Ghana. The current paper focuses on initiatives taken within the study area to inform fishers about HIV and AIDS. Additionally, it analyzes the successes and challenges of these programs and offers suggestions for improvement. Public and community durbars, town hall meetings, radio and television transmission, film creation, and the distribution of IE&C materials are the main strategies utilized to carry out HIV and AIDS education. The results suggest that few fishers in the study area take part in programs, whiles projects on HIV and AIDS cannot be implemented consistently and effectively due to a lack of funding and delays in the delivery of government funds. To enable organizations whose mandates, relate to HIV and AIDS interventions to carry out the programs timely and fully, it is advised that government enhances its financing and ensures the timely and full release of program funds

Prevalence, Reasons, Predictors, Perceived Effects, and Regulation of Alcohol Use among Children in Ghana

Early initiation of alcohol consumption increases the risk of alcohol dependence and adverse health outcomes. Consequently, nations have enacted laws to make alcohol unlawful to be purchased by, sold to, or used in public by children. This study examined the lifetime prevalence of alcohol use among children and their reasons for consuming alcohol. In addition, the study investigated predictors of alcohol consumption and the effects of alcohol use on children. Finally, it examined the effectiveness of measures in place for regulating the sale and use of alcohol by children in the country. A total of 5024 children between the ages of 8 and 17 were sampled across the ten regions of Ghana using a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed method. Children were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire, while focus group discussions were held with children, parents, and key informants. Lifetime prevalence of alcohol consumption was measured by “have you ever taken alcohol?”. The study revealed that lifetime alcohol consumption was less prevalent (6.6%) among children. Sex, age, and region of residence were significant predictors of lifetime alcohol use among children. More than half of the children who reported ever taking alcohol were first introduced to drinking by friends, and more than six in ten children claimed having been intoxicated after drinking alcohol. The findings further revealed that efforts to control the sale and consumption of alcohol by children have proven difficult despite the existence of laws, policies, and national regulatory structures. While regulations on alcohol sales and consumption have been difficult to implement in rural areas, they have been successful in urban areas because institutions there ensure rigorous adherence to the regulations. The study encourages national organizations with responsibility for child protection and development to step up their regulation, investigation, and information-sharing efforts to discourage and limit children from purchasing and consuming alcohol

Prevalence, correlates, and reasons for substance use among adolescents aged 10–17 in Ghana: a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-method study

Abstract Background Substance use among adolescents poses significant risks to their health, wellbeing, and development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana. However, little is known about the outlets and reasons for substance use among Ghanaian adolescents. This study examined the prevalence, correlates, reasons for substance use, and outlets of these substances among adolescents aged 10–17 in Ghana. Methods Data were obtained from the Department of Children, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Ghana, which employed a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-methods technique to collect quantitative and qualitative data from children aged 8–17, parents or legal guardians and officials of state institutions responsible for the promotion and protection of children’s rights and wellbeing. Overall, 4144 adolescents aged 10–17 were interviewed for the quantitative data, while 92 adolescents participated in 10 focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to analyse the quantitative data, while the qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results The prevalence of substance use was 12.3%. Regarding the types of substance use, alcohol (56.9%) and cigarettes (26.4%) were the most common substances. Being a male and currently working are significant risk factors, whereas being aged 10–13, and residing in the Middle- and Northern-ecological belts of Ghana are significant protective factors of substance use. Peers, household members who use substances, drug stores, and drug peddlers are the major outlets. The reasons for substance use were fun, substance as an aphrodisiac, boosting self-confidence, dealing with anxiety, and improved social status. Conclusions There is a relatively high substance use among adolescents in Ghana, and this calls for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing substance use by providing risk-behaviour counselling, parental control, and effective implementation of substance use laws and regulations

Additional file 1 of Prevalence, correlates, and reasons for substance use among adolescents aged 10–17 in Ghana: a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-method study

Working status of adolescents by sex