Mental Health Service in Ghana: a Review of the Case

Mental health care in Ghana has been fraught with several challenges leading to stagnant growth in mental health service delivery and in some cases a severe depreciation in the nature of care. The Government of Ghana pays little or no attention to mental health care in the country, a situation that has led to poor service delivery in the three major psychiatric hospitals in Ghana. The implementation of the Ghana Mental Act of 2012 has also been faced with major challenges with no significant progress being made. This studytherefore sought to review and document the development of mental health care services in Ghana. Specifically, the study examined the various legislations on mental health that have been enacted in Ghana since 1900; investigated the implementation of the current Mental Health Act of Ghana; found out whether the Ghanaian government has prioritise mental health services in the country and assessed the challenges and problems that confronted mental health services in Ghana since 1900.The study concludes that, since 1888 efforts have been made by various governments to legislate the provision of mental services in Ghana. However, these legislations have not always protected the rights and interest of the mentally ill

Review of Rabies Preventions and Control

Rabies is an acute viral infection of the central nervous system, caused by a lyssavirus in the family Rhabdoviridae. It is zoonotic viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans, cats, dogs, and wildlife and farm animals. The virus is present in the saliva of affected animals, and the most frequent method of transmission to humans is by bites, scratches or licks to broken skin or mucous membranes. The disease has a long incubation period (six months) and symptoms may take several weeks to appear after infection. The first clinical symptom is neuropathic pain at the site of infection or wound due to viral replication. Diagnosis can only be confirmed by laboratory tests preferably conducted post mortem on central nervous system tissue removed from cranium. This paper reviews the possible prevention and control of rabies. Essential components of rabies prevention and control include ongoing public education, responsible pet ownership, routine veterinary care and vaccination, and professional continuing education. Control strategies include quarantine, confirmation of diagnosis, determining the origin and spread of an outbreak. Since rabies is invariably fatal and deadly viral disease that can only be prevented the collaborative effort between Veterinarians and human health care professionals are needed in the prevention and control of rabies

Design and Implementation of Performance Metrics for Evaluation of Assessments Data

The objective of this paper is to design performance metrics and respective formulas to quantitatively evaluate the achievement of set objectives and expected outcomes both at the course and program levels. Evaluation is defined as one or more processes for interpreting the data acquired through the assessment processes in order to determine how well the set objectives and outcomes are being attained. Even though assessment processes for accreditation are well documented but existence of an evaluation process is assumed. This paper focuses on evaluation process to provide insights and techniques for data interpretation. It gives a complete evaluation process from the data collection through various assessment methods, performance metrics, to the presentations in the form of tables and graphs. Authors hope that the articulated description of evaluation formulas will help convergence to high quality standard in evaluation process

Investigations of Latrine Coverage and Associated Factors Among Debretabor Town, Amhara Region North West Ethiopia

Studies in a number of countries have shown that wherever inappropraite waste disposal morbidity and mortality rates are high. Although latrine coverage is an important indicator for measuring success of the health service program; data on latrine coverage scarce in the study area. Objective: To investigate latrine coverage and associated factors in among households of Debretabor town, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Debretabor town from September 1-30, 2013. A total of 422 households were included in the study using systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Degree of association between independent and dependent variables was assessed with a 95% confidence level and p-value less than 0.05 was used to detect statistical significance. Result: In this study. Ninety three point five percent of households have latrine. Graduated as model family was predictor for availability of latrine (AOR= 3.18,). Income and house ownership were also found to be predictors for availability of latrine (AOR=3.70), (AOR=8.46), respectively. Educational status of respondents was found to be predictors for availability of latrine (AOR= 2.65). Conclusion: latrine coverage was relatively lower from the national target of 100%, still there are households that use open defication. Educational status, house owner shipe, income and graduated as model family were main factors affecting latrine availability. Improving socio economic status of households, provision of continuous advice and technical support at household level on the availability of latrine are recommended

Central Obesity and BMI Associated with Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescent

Adipose tissue distribution is effective in metabolic complications resulting from obesity. Fat accumulation in the body, particularly increase in visceral fat, is a major risk factor of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and android obesity based on various phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 14-18 year old high-school girl students in Shiraz in 2009. This descriptive study was conducted on 14-18 year old high-school girl students in Shiraz in 2009. Considering the confidence coefficient of 95% and loss rate of 20%, a 3190subject sample size was determined for the study. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. After obtaining written informed consents, demographic information questionnaire was completed and the participants were examined regarding hirsutism, acne, alopecia, and menstrual disorders. Besides, the criteria proposed by Adams et al. were employed to diagnose PCOS in sonography. Android obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI) were evaluated, as well. The results of independent t-test showed no significant difference among various phenotypes of PCOS regarding mean android obesity and BMI (P>0.05). The results of the present study revealed no significant relationship between girl adolescents\u27 obesity and various phenotypes of PCOS. However, adolescents should be informed about the long-term hyperandrogenic outcomes which are accompanied by insulin secretion and endanger their health after the age of 40 years

Risk Quotient of Airborne Paraquat Exposure Among Workers in Palm Oil Plantation

Paraquat is the herbicide widely used at palm oil plantations, although usage it in some countries has been banned and restricted. Paraquat spraying was not appropriate procedure could be polluted the environment and lead to health disorders workers. Paraquat could enter the body through inhalation, dermal and ingestion, one of frequent routes through inhalation during spraying weeds in plantation areas. This study aimed was to analyze potential inhalation dose and Risk Quotient to workers at palm oil plantation. This research was a descriptive study with cross sectional design and analysis of environmental health risk methods. Airborne Paraquat residue was collected from 8 workers with occupational activity as a supervisor and sprayer. Airborne Paraquat residue was measured for 25 minutes during spraying by using personal air sampler at worker's breathing zone. Airborne Paraquat residue was detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with NIOSH 5003 methods. The average of airborne Paraquat residue was 0.0125 mg/m3, it values was less than the Threshold Limit Value (0.05 mg/m3) of American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists, but the average of potential inhalation dose was 0.001 mg/kg/day for worker's weight 55 kg, it was value higher than Acceptable Operator Exposure Limit (0.0005 mg/kg/day) and the calculation of Risk Quotient (RQ) was more than 1, it conditions was unacceptable for workers. Although, airborne Paraquat residue were safe, but potential inhalation dose and Risk Quotient (RQ) were unsafe for workers, cause it can be lead to lung function disorders. Therefore, for further studies it was necessary to assess the lung function of workers and the use of personal protective equipment must be completely and standard

Differences in Physical Activity and Built Environment Perceptions Between Younger and Older Adults Living in the Same Rural

This study examined associations between perceptions and physical activity of younger and older adults residing in the same rural/small town community. Thirty-two adults completed interviews about their community and their physical activity. Both groups perceived their neighborhood as pleasant and safe to be active. Fewer older adults perceived their neighborhood as having sidewalks. Younger adults reported being more vigorously active and they were more often utilizing private membership clubs for physical activity. Older adults utilized more public recreational facilities. These results suggest that higher perceived quality of the neighborhood built environment can enhance participation in moderate exercise in older adults

High Glucose, But Not Testosterone, Increases Platelet Aggregation Mediated by Endothelial Cells

Endothelial cells inhibit platelet aggregation by releasing thromboregulators, such as prostacyclin and nitric oxide. Male subject is a traditional risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Platelet hyperreactivity has been frequently found in patient with diabetes mellitus. To examine whether testosterone and high glucose modify platelet aggregation through endothelial cells, we did an in vitro study using endothelial cells culture from human umbilical vein (HUVEC). Treatments were performed in HUVEC sub culture as either normoglucose (5.6 mM) or high glucose (22.4 mM) medium, with or without testosterone (0, 1, 10, 100 nM), for 24 hours. HUVEC were trypsinized, resuspended, and then incubated with platelet rich plasma from healthy male donors with ratio 1:104 for 3 minutes. Platelet aggregation measured by turbidimetry methode. This study showed that testosterone did not significantly influence platelet aggregation through endothelial cells in normoglucose (p = 0.144) or high glucose (p = 0.916) medium. There was no main effect of testosterone (p = 0.73) as well as no interaction between testosterone and glucose (p = 0.69), but there was a main effect of glucose (p = 0.004), to platelet aggregation through endothelial cells. In conclusion, high glucose, but not testosterone, inhibits platelet aggregation mediated by endothelial cells

Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Tuberculosis Screening Among Immigrant Plantation Workers in Sabah, Malaysia

Tuberculosis (TB) among immigrants has substantial contribution to the TB epidemiology in Sabah. This study aimed to determine the yield of screening for TB disease among immigrant plantation workers in Sabah, Malaysia. This was a prospective cohort study involving 482 legal immigrant workers aged 18 years and above, consented and available at study sites during the study period. Workers with previous history of TB or currently on TB treatment were excluded from participation. Symptom based questionnaire was administered along with both chest radiograph and sputum samples collection for symptomatics participants. Out of 482 plantation workers creened, there was no case of active TB detected among the 44 (9.1%) symptomatics participants. Finding of low TB yield in this study was rather unexpected but this indicates the real challenges for the local health authority to come out with more cost effective screening programs, including reducing stigma, in active TB screening among migrant population

The Role of Village Surveillance Officer to Prevent Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue is a major public health problem in Indonesia. The program of elimination of mosquito breeding places is still low. This study was aimed to analyze the effectiveness of village surveillance officer for decrease container index. Study design was quasy experiment. The intervention included: community workshops; community involvement in clean-up campaigns; and distribution of information, education and communication materials in the village surveillans officer. Data were analyzed with t test, and path way analyzed. There is significantly differences knowdlege, attitude, behaviour, sanitation, and container index p<0.05. Based on the path analysis was concluded that village surveillance officer increased knowledge, attitude, behavior, sanitation and container index.Surveillance village officer is concluded to be more effectively decreased of larva index through comunity behavior. Surveillance village officer is important because it effectively the coverage of larva index through community behaviour participation