District-level analysis of socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 infections in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, Ghana

Since December 2019 when COVID-19 was detected, it took the world by surprise in terms of spread and morbidity/mortality. The high rate of spread and casualties recorded from COVID-19 called for research in all directions to find ways to contain and reverse the incidences. It is against this background that this paper sought to measure the association of the socio-demographic factors in the hard-hit districts in Greater Accra and Ashanti to analyze its relationship with the novel COVID-19 virus. Data on COVID-19 cases from 35 Districts in both Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions were collected from the Ghana Health Service and population data from Ghana Statistical Service. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were generated using R. We found that some socio-demographic variables have an association with COVID-19 infections. For example, age and religion especially Christianity and Islam pose risk to COVID-19. The population aged 15–64 was particularly at high risk of infections due to the high level of movement of this age group. We, therefore, recommend that places of congregation such as Churches and Mosques be targeted for vigorous sensitization on COVID-19 protocols and prevention. Also, districts with a high population between the ages of 15–64 should step sensitization efforts to educate their inhabitants on the need to reduce travel and related activities to curb the spread of the virus

Integration of multiple geospatial applications and intelligence for responding to COVID-19 in Ghana

Objective: We describe the use of integrated geospatial applications for the provision of access to timely and accurate data on samples, visualisation of Spatio-temporal patterns of cases and effective communication between field sample collectors, testing laboratories, Regional Health directors and Government Decision Makers.Design: This study describes how an integrated geospatial platform based on case location and intelligence was developed and used for effective COVID-19 response during the initial stages of COVID-19 in Ghana.Data Source: Collector for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Survey123Main outcome measure: successful development and deployment of integrated geospatial applications and analytics.                                                              Results: The Collector for ArcGIS app was customised to collect COVID-19 positive cases location information. Survey 123 was introduced as a COVID-19 contact tracing application to digitise the case-based forms and provide real-time results from the laboratories to GHS and other stakeholders. The laboratory backend allowed the testing laboratories access to specific information about each patient (sample) collected by the fieldworkers. The regional supervisors’ backend web application provided accessing test results for confidentiality and timely communication of results.Conclusion: Geospatial platforms were successfully established in Ghana to provide timely results to Regional Health Directors and Government decision-makers. This helped to improve the timeliness of response and contact tracing at the district level

Data_Sheet_1_District-level analysis of socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 infections in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, Ghana.docx

Since December 2019 when COVID-19 was detected, it took the world by surprise in terms of spread and morbidity/mortality. The high rate of spread and casualties recorded from COVID-19 called for research in all directions to find ways to contain and reverse the incidences. It is against this background that this paper sought to measure the association of the socio-demographic factors in the hard-hit districts in Greater Accra and Ashanti to analyze its relationship with the novel COVID-19 virus. Data on COVID-19 cases from 35 Districts in both Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions were collected from the Ghana Health Service and population data from Ghana Statistical Service. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were generated using R. We found that some socio-demographic variables have an association with COVID-19 infections. For example, age and religion especially Christianity and Islam pose risk to COVID-19. The population aged 15–64 was particularly at high risk of infections due to the high level of movement of this age group. We, therefore, recommend that places of congregation such as Churches and Mosques be targeted for vigorous sensitization on COVID-19 protocols and prevention. Also, districts with a high population between the ages of 15–64 should step sensitization efforts to educate their inhabitants on the need to reduce travel and related activities to curb the spread of the virus.</p

Factors associated with condom breakage among female sex workers in the western region of Ghana

Condoms have been extensively demonstrated as being effective in reducing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection rates among both men and women. With proper use and production, condom breakage is ideally minimal. However, breakage is reportedly a widespread problem among Female Sex Workers (FSWs), who are classified as a Key Population and warrant special transmission prevention efforts. Nationally, Ghana records an average rate of 5% of condom breakage. This study sought to identify the factors associated with condom breakage among FSWs in the western region of Ghana, a region with an extensive sex worker population and HIV incidence rate of 2.5%, higher than the national average. This study employed a cross-sectional survey among FSW populations in the Western region, Ghana. A sample of 416 participants were proportionately invited between brothel based and roamer communities to participate in the surveys. A total of 403 consented to participate indicating a response rate of 96.9%. Data were analysed for frequencies and prevalence of variables including condom breakage. At the bivariate level, associations with breakage were examined and statistically significant variables were analysed with simple and multiple logistic regression analysis. Of the 403 research participants who consented to participate, 17.4% had experienced breakage over the past week. Brothel-based FSWs were only half as likely to report condom breakage as non-brothel based FSWs (aOR = 0.526; 95% CI, 0.296 - 0.936). Notably, FSWs who consumed alcohol-containing drinks every day were only 65.2% as likely as those who consumed alcohol at least once a week or less than once a week or never to experience condom breakage (aOR = 0.348; 95% CI, 0.164 - 0.740). The study determined that the occurrence of condom breakage among FSWs in the western region was 17.4%. Factors significantly associated with condom breakage were being non-brothel based, frequency of alcohol consumption and parity. Condom use education programmes targeted at non-brothel based FSWs are necessary to reduce breakage and lower the risk of HIV transmission