Abdul Rauf Alhassan

When it comes to chronic conditions like hypertension, patient health outcomes are tightly linked to adherence to orthodox care. And Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) use may harm patient healthcare outcomes concerning poor antihypertensive medications adherence. The purpose of the study was to assess the use of CAM among hypertensive patients of TTH for management of hypertension. An analytic cross-sectional design was adopted for this study, using the method of survey for quantitative data. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square to determine factors associated with CAM use. And predictors of CAM use were identified using the multiple logistics regression model. A survey was done for 131 participants, the average age of the hypertensive study participants was 56.9 ±15.5 years, and more than half (58.9%) of the respondents were females. The prevalence of CAM use was 24.6%. Factors with significant association with CAM us...

Introduction:  We assessed the knowledge of and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to consecutive, consenting PLWHA who had been receiving treatment for a minimum of three months. The level of ART adherence was calculated manually for each respondent. Results: In total 318 PLWHA completed the questionnaire. The mean and median time on ART was 17.8 months and 19 months respectively. The mean age of the respondents was 39.1±9.6 years. The majority of these respondents (76.9%) had completed secondary education. Over 80% of the respondents reported knowing that HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions and unprotected sexual intercourse. Seventy-six per cent of the respondents reported knowing that ART suppresses HIV activity. However, 33% of the respondents denied being HIV pos...

Introduction: Anaemia is a serious public health issue that mostly affects children and women throughout their lives, resulting in a high morbidity and mortality burden. It is the third most dominant cause of hospital admission among children under-five in Ghana and the fourth leading cause of under-five mortality in Ghana.  This study aims to identify the determinants of under-five anaemia in the high prevalent regions of Ghana using the Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (2019 GMIS). Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (2019 GMIS). The data was analysed using SPSS version 20.  The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was established using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression model. A p-value of 0.05 was used to determine the statistical significance of the study. Results: There were 913 eligible under-five children for this study, with 50.2% males and 49.8% females. The preval...

Background According to neoclassical economics, happiness is related to increasing prosperity, but today financial gain as the sole source of happiness is demised by many factors such as education, health, and means of transportation. An emotional state of happiness can disturb health outcomes. Aim This study aimed to study happiness among Ghanaian men and their socioeconomic predictors. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used relying on data from Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017/18. Chi-square for two variables analysis and binary logistics for multiple variables analysis. Results The national prevalence of estimated happiness among men recorded in this current study was 79.8% and overall estimated unhappiness was 20.2%. And predictors of happiness were age, higher educational attainment, regional association, ethnicity, body functional status, health insurance status, alcohol, and cigarette use. Conclusion Over one-five Ghanaian men are unhappy. That is the issue of happiness among Ghanaian men is a major issue and there is the need for policy enforcement towards education promotion, poverty reduction, and minimizing the use of a substance such as alcohol and cigarette.

The main aim of the study was to assess the level of alcohol abuse and related factors in Kassena-Nankana Municipal of Ghana. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey with 397 participants, using AUDIT to assess alcohol use. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS. Bivariate analysis was done using chi-square and multivariate analysis was done using the multinomial logistics regression model. Lifetime alcohol use among the study participants was 96.0%; out of this, 51.7% were engaged in possibly dependent drinking, 23.4% involved in harmful drinking, and 24.9% involved in moderate drinking. Males were more likely to engage in harmful drinking than moderate (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.175–4.776). Males again were more likely to engage in dependent drinking than moderate (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.489–5.068). Christians as compared to traditionalists were less likely engage in dependent drinking than moderate drinking (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.223–0.940). Those with tertiary educa...

In Scottish prison, the prevalence of alcohol problem was 73% among male prisoners’ [5]. Proportionally men in Ghana are likely to drink alcohol than females and even tend to frequently drink alcohol than women. Variation of drinking habits among men in Ghana is associated with the level of education, economic status, and residential area [6]. Anyinzaam-Adolipore and Alhassan study in a district in Ghana reported that men were likely 2.3 times to engage in harmful drinking or 2.7 times to engage in independent drinking when compared to women [7].

Smoking is implicated with many adverse health and financial implications, even though it still remains one of the foremost reasons for many morbidities and mortalities which are preventable. It remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide (1,2). In the 1990s, every day worldwide about one billion people smoked, of which about 47% were adult males and 12% were female adults (3). The harmful effect of smoking is on active smokers alone but also on passive smokers or secondhand smokers (4,5). Each year, about half a million people die from passive smoking (4).

Abstract Soil active organic carbon responds quickly to soil disturbances and is a sensitive indicator of early changes in soil organic carbon (SOC). In order to identify the differences in the distribution of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), light fraction organic carbon (LFOC), SOC and their changes as affected by vegetation degradation degree along water gradient in wetland, we analyzed DOC, LFOC, and SOC in the 0–100 cm soil layer under four vegetation degradation degrees: non-degradation (ND), lightly degradation (LD), moderately degradation (MD) and heavily degradation (HD). The results showed that soil DOC, LFOC and SOC in the 0–100 cm layer of ND wetland was significantly higher than the other three degradation levels. DOC, LFOC and SOC contents decreased with increasing soil depth under the four degradation degrees and the contents of soil DOC, LFOC and SOC were mainly concentrated in the soil surface (0–20 cm). The DOC, LFOC, and SOC contents in the 0–20 cm layer under all four degradation levels showed obvious seasonal changes, while the DOC, LFOC, and SOC contents in the 20–100 cm layer showed little fluctuation over the plant growing season. There was a significant positive correlation between soil DOC and SOC, and between LFOC and SOC, with correlation coefficients of 0.948 and 0.911, respectively. There was also a very significant correlation between DOC and LFOC(R2 = 0.904). Soil DOC and LFOC in the 0–100 cm layer under the four degree of degradation were linearly correlated with SOC. While there was a linear correlation between DOC and LFOC in the non-degradation wetland soils, DOC and LFOC in the three degradation soils correlated exponentially correlated with SOC.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are type of Gram-negative rod bacterium which dwells in the individual gastric milieu [1]. This type of bacteria colonize in the stomach and incite a local inflammation in almost all host, uninterrupted process increases the threat of developing atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and non-cardiac gastric adenocarcinoma [2]. According to Atherton & Blaser, gastric cancer is the fourth most common caused by Helicobacter pylori; this cancer is responsible for second most common death related to cancer [3].

Induced abortion is a common practice for women worldwide; nevertheless, the practice of unsafe abortion rate in Ghana is in height and is a constant issue of public health concern. Objective: The main aim of the study was to identify predictive factors associated with induced abortion among women in Ghana. Methods: Ghana Maternal Health Survey data was used for this study to do an analytic cross-section study. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The association between dependent and independent variables was explored using chi-square and logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: In this study, the prevalence of induced among the respondents was 14.8%, the prevalence was higher (25.5%) in Greater Accra Region and lower (3.2%) in Northern Region. All under-studied independent variables through chi-square analysis were associated with induced abortion with significance. However, in advance analysis through binary logistics regression mode...

Background Each year, not less than three million women are circumcised, and more hundred million females have already been circumcised. In many African societies, the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is a serious cultural practice. Aim: This current study is aimed at identifying the socioeconomic predictors of female genital mutilation in Ghana. Methods The design adopted for this study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey relying on data from the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017/18. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Chi-square and binary logistic regression were used for associations. Results Overall FGM prevalence, this study recorded was 11.7%. The region with the highest (50.5%) prevalence was the Upper West Region. Area of residence predicted rural (AOR = 2.30, 95%C.I. = 1.75–3.00) Upper West/western Region (AOR = 1.84, 95%C.I. = 1.23–2.75). In terms of ethnicity, the tribes that predicted FGM when compared with the Akan tribe were Gua...

Background. In Saharan Africa, an estimated 25 million pregnancies are all at risk of malaria every year, with substantial morbidity and death effects for both the mother and the fetus. Aim. To investigate the use of malaria preventive measures among pregnant women patronizing antenatal services of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Methodology. This study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 250 participants. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Graphs and tables were used to present the study data. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square use to determine the relationships and binary logistics regression used for identification of predictor variables. Results. The mean age of the study participants was 30.0 ± 4.5 years and most of them (73.0%) were within the age group of 25–35 years. Respondents’ favorable knowledge, a favorable attitude, and favorable practice were 78.0%, 62.0%, and 57.6%, respectively. And the following variables were associated with m...

Background: Spontaneous abortion in other words miscarriage is considered as one of the utmost frequent problems a woman may experience during early pregnancy which usually predominates from chromosomal abnormalities and hormonal problems. Objective: The main aim of the study was to identify maternal socio-demographic factors associated with spontaneous abortion among women in Ghana. Methods: Ghana Maternal Health Survey data was used for this study. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The association between dependent and independent variables was explored using chi-square. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of Spontaneous abortion history (ever had a miscarriage) among the respondents was 15.6%. Chi-square analysis revealed significant relation between miscarriage and the following demographic factors: age of the woman X2=1853.557, P ≤ 0.001, educational status X2=76.755, P ≤ 0.001, marital status X2=967.688, P ≤ 0.001, place of resi...

Background Most morbidities and mortalities related to clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures are related to infection and the solution to this is good infection prevention and control (IPC) compliance which is influenced by the right knowledge and positive attitude. Aim This study aimed to assess infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge and attitude among healthcare workers at the surgical department of Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). Methods This study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Graph Pad Prism version 6.05. Tables, frequencies, and percentages were used for descriptive analysis and chi-square analysis for the associations. Results Of the 156 participants who responded, 22 (14.1%) were doctors, with 107 (68.6%) nurses, 12 (7.7%) certified registered anesthetics (CRA), and 15 (9.6%) orderlies. Approximately, 50.6% of the responde...

Introduction: Efficient infection prevention and control (IPC) measures such as hand hygiene and facemask use are basic requirements for all health facilities to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with microbial agents and hence excellent patient outcome. Methodology: This study was conducted using descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and Graph Pad Prism version 6.05 and the level of significance was at confidence level of 95%. Results: Out of the 156 participants who responded, 22 (14.1%) were Doctors, with 107 (68.6%) Nurses, 12 (7.7%) Certified registered an aesthetics (CRA) and 15 (9.6%) Order lies. Hand hygiene compliance was 49.4% and facemask use compliance was 73.7%. Factors significantly related to hand hygiene compliance were: occupational category (p = 0.000), educational level (p = 0.000), In-service training/workshop related to IPC (p = 0.013) and hospital monitoring of staff adherence to IPC (p = 0.000). ...

Background. Most morbidities and mortalities related to clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures are related to infection and the solution to this is good infection prevention and control (IPC) compliance which is influenced by the right knowledge and positive attitude. Aim. 'is study aimed to assess infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge and attitude among healthcare workers at the surgical department of Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). Methods. 'is study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Graph Pad Prism version 6.05. Tables, frequencies, and percentages were used for descriptive analysis and chisquare analysis for the associations. Results. Of the 156 participants who responded, 22 (14.1%) were doctors, with 107 (68.6%) nurses, 12 (7.7%) certified registered anesthetics (CRA), and 15 (9.6%) orderlies. Approximately, 50.6% of the...

Background: The hand of the healthcare worker is acknowledged as the highest route for the spread of exogenous infections mostly through invasive procedures. Aim: To identify hand hygiene compliance among nurses and factors that predicted non-compliance. Materials and Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted for this study in the pediatric department of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Data of the study was collected by using the method of observation. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Variables associations were done using chi-square and binary logistics regression analysis. Results: About 410 indications were observed, the hand hygiene compliance level was 80.2%. The ward of the participant predicted hand hygiene non-compliance, CEW (AOR = 0.4, 95%, C.I. 0.162 – 0.890). Also, duty shift predicted hand hygiene noncompliance, afternoon shift (AOR = 3.1, 95%, C.I. 1.172 – 7.980), night shift (AOR = 8.6, 95%, C.I. 3.147 – 23.359). The occupational of participants pre...

Background: In our healthcare setting transmission of hepatitis B is a big challenge to handle for both patients and healthcare providers especially those in frequent contact with blood. Objectives: To determine Hepatitis B knowledge, attitude, and vaccination status among nurses of Tamale Central Hospital. Methods: This study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Bivariate analysis was done using chi-square to determine the relationships. Results: The study recorded a response rate of 92.5%. Majority (59.6%) had high, 36.4% had moderate and 4.0% had low knowledge hepatitis B. Hepatitis knowledge level was associated with: age X2 (4) = 17.789, P= 0.001, sex, X2(2) = 13.203, P = 0.001, educational level, X2(6) = 17.552, P = 0.007, nursing category, X2(4) = 19.226, P = 0.001, and duration of nursing practice X2(2) = 19.492, P ≤ 0.001. About 42.9% had positive attitude toward hepatitis B prevention and attitude level towa...

Early sexual initiation is linked to an increased risk of HIV/AIDS and other STIs among teenagers, as well as having multiple partners, not using contraception, unintended pregnancy, and illegal abortions. Aim. To identify the correlates and psychological effects of early sexual debut among not-in-union women in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used for this study using data from Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) for the year 2017/2018. SPSS software was used for data analysis, bivariate analysis for association was done using chi-square, and the prediction was done using a binary logistic regression model. The national prevalence of nonmarital early sexual initiation this current study recorded was 56.9%. Predictors variables were age, 15-24/≥35 years ( AOR = 1.51 , 1.28-1.78), ever educated ( AOR = 0.50 , 0.43-0.60), urban address ( AOR = 0.85 , 0.74-0.98), married/single ( AOR = 1.23 , 1.07-1.42), cohabitation/single ( AOR = 1.43 , 1.19-1.72), Greater ...

Introduction: Efficient infection prevention and control (IPC) measures such as hand
hygiene and facemask use are basic requirements for all health facilities to reduce the
morbidity and mortality associated with microbial agents and hence excellent patient
outcome.
Methodology: This study was conducted using descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data
entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and Graph Pad Prism version 6.05
and the level of significance was at confidence level of 95%.
Results: Out of the 156 participants who responded, 22 (14.1%) were Doctors, with 107
(68.6%) Nurses, 12 (7.7%) Certified registered an aesthetics (CRA) and 15 (9.6%) Order
lies. Hand hygiene compliance was 49.4% and facemask use compliance was 73.7%.
Factors significantly related to hand hygiene compliance were: occupational category
(p = 0.000), educational level (p = 0.000), In-service training/workshop related to IPC
(p = 0.013) and hospital monitoring of staff adherence to IPC (p = 0.000). The factor
significantly related facemask use was: occupation (p = 0.000), age group (p = 0.024),
educational level (p = 0.006) and hospital monitoring of staff adherence to IPC (p =
0.002).

Background: Under-five mortality remains serious public health importance and contributes to
the estimates of life expectancy of any country at birth, which is a key health indicator.
Aim: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and socioeconomic predictors of under-five
mortality in Ghana.
Method: The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional survey relying on data from Ghana
Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017/18. The analysis was done using SPSS version
20 (IBM Corp., 2011, and NY).
Results: In this study the prevalence of under-five mortality recorded was 8.4% and
socioeconomic predictor factors were: male sex of child (AOR = 1.2, 95% C.I. = 1.11 – 1.35),
maternal age, < 20 years (AOR = 1.9, 95% C.I. = 1.60 - 2.36), education level, No education
(AOR = 2.4, 95% C.I. = 1.41 – 4.04), Primary (AOR = 2.1, 95% C.I. = 1.22 – 4.04),
JSS/JHS/Middle (AOR = 1.7, 95% C.I. = 1.03 – 2.93), SSS/SHS (AOR = 1.8, 95% C.I. = 1.03 –
3.14), Ethnicity, Ga/ Dangme (AOR = 1.3, 95% C.I. = 1.01 – 1.58) and Grusi (AOR = 1.4, 95%
C.I. = 1.05 – 1.75), region Northern/Western region (AOR = 1.3, 95% C.I. = 1.04 – 1.70),
mother with functional disability (AOR = 1.4, 95% C.I. = 1.21 – 1.58), short birth interval (AOR
= 1.71, 95% C.I. = 1.54 – 1.89) and no health insurance (AOR = 1.22, 95% C.I. = 1.10 – 1.34).
Conclusion: prevalence of under-five mortality was high and socioeconomic predictors factors
identified were: maternal age, educational level, ethnicity, region, functional disability, short
birth interval, and health insurance status.

The main aim of the study was to assess the level of alcohol abuse and related factors in Kassena-Nankana Municipal of Ghana. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey with 397 participants, using AUDIT to assess alcohol use. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS. Bivariate analysis was done using chi-square and multivariate analysis was done using the multinomial logistics regression model. Lifetime alcohol use among the study participants was 96.0%; out of this, 51.7% were engaged in possibly dependent drinking, 23.4% involved in harmful drinking, and 24.9% involved in moderate drinking. Males were more likely to engage in harmful drinking than moderate (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.175–4.776). Males again were more likely to engage in dependent drinking than moderate (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.489–5.068). Christians as compared to traditionalists were less likely engage in dependent drinking than moderate drinking (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.223–0.940). Those with tertiary education were less likely to engage in dependent drinking than moderate as compare to those without formal education (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.076–0.670). Also employed civil servants were more likely to engage in dependent drinking than moderate as compared to those without employment (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.187–16.646). This study revealed a high prevalence of alcohol abuse among the residents of Kassena-Nankana municipality that was predicted by gender, educational level, and religious practice; therefore, there is a need for a public campaign on the harmful effects of alcohol abuse in the municipality.

Background: The use and abuse of alcohol has been increased worldwide among people of all social classes particularly among the youth. It is of public health importance that deserves attention due to the adverse effects it has on individuals, family, and community in terms of culture, ethical-legal, political, economic, and technology.
Aim: To identify alcohol use prevalence among men in Ghana, socioeconomic predictors, and the psychological effect of usage.
Methods: The design used for this study was descriptive cross-sectional relying on the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) of Ghana for 2017/18.
Results: Men's alcohol use prevalence was 48.7%. Predictor factors were: Age above 24 years: 25 – 34, AOR = 2.4 (2.03 – 2.84), ≥ 35, AOR = 3.09 (2.63 – 3.64). Region (Western as reference): Volta region, AOR = 2.8 (1.86 – 4.21), Northern region, AOR = 0.21 (0.14 – 0.30). Ethnicity (Akan as reference): Guan’s, AOR = 2.36 (0.28 – 0.65). Mole Dagbani, AOR = 0.35 (0.27 – 0.45). Grusi, AOR = 0.32 (0.22 – 0.47). Mande, AOR = 0.12 (0.03 – 0.45), other Ghanaian tribes, AOR = 0.25 (0.19 – 0.34), no health insurance, AOR = 1.17 (1.02 – 1.35), wealth index quintile (Poorest as reference): second, AOR = 0.58 (0.47 – 0.73), middle, AOR = 0.55 (0.44 - 0.70), Fourth, AOR = 0.56 (0.44 – 0.70) and richest, AOR = 0.54 (0.42 – 0.68). A good percentage (71.5%) of men without alcohol use indicated improved life satisfaction from the previous year as compared to 59.8% for those with alcohol use(X2(5318) = P ≤ 0.001). percentage of happiness among those without alcohol use was high (42.9%) as compared to that (36.8%) of those with alcohol use.
Conclusion: Prevalence of alcohol use was high, several socioeconomic factors predicted use. Identified psychological effects were life dissatisfaction and depression.

Background: Cigarette smoking is implicated with many adverse health and financial implications, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, even though it still remains one of the foremost reasons for many morbidities and mortalities which are preventable.
Aim: To identify cigarette smoking prevalence among men in Ghana, socioeconomic predictors, and the psychological effect of smoking.
Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design was used relying on the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) of Ghana for 2017/18. Chi-square and logistics regression analysis was used for variable association and prediction.
Results: The prevalence of ever cigarette smoking among Ghanaian men of 5322 study participants was 12.7%. Predictors’ factors included: increased age above 24 years, lower educational attainment, single/co-habitation relationship, region (Greater Accra), ethnicity (Grusi, Mole Dagbani and other tribes), no health insurance and alcohol use. On psychological effects, a high proportion of those without cigarette smoking history were satisfied with life and happy.
Conclusion: Prevalence of cigarette smoking was high when compared to earlier similar studies in Ghana. Higher educational coverage is a necessary solution, since no or lower educational level predicts smoking.

Background: Half of the world population is estimated to be infected with H. Pylori and most of them originate from developing countries as compare to those in developed countries.
Objective: The prevalence of H. pylori among gastric and non-gastric patients in Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Methodology: Descriptive retrospective survey was adopted be for this study. Data entry and analysis was than using SPSS version 20. Data presentation was done through tables and figures using percentages and frequencies categorical variables. Two variable analyses were done using chi-square at confidence level of 95%.
Results: 100 cases were reviewed for the study, 50 for gastric ulcer and 50 for non-gastric, majority (55.0%) of the participants were males. The prevalence of H. Pylori among all the participants was 55.0%. The prevalence was high (76.0%) among gastric patients. There was significant association between type ulcer and presence of H. Pylori infection, 6.15 (2.57 – 14.73). After adjusting for age, sex, marital status and location, absence of H. pylori infection was now likely only 0.12 times in gastric patient as compare to non-gastric patients [AOR = 0.12, 95% (0.045 – 0.320)]. Absence of Peptic ulcer complication was likely 0.2 times in gastric patient as compare to non-gastric patients [AOR = 0.2, 95% (0.045 – 0.884)].
Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori infection among peptic ulcer patient was more than average and was high among gastric cases. Peptic ulcer complication was more likely among gastric ulcer.