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The trafficking of cocaine has become a global challenge now and Ghana is no exception. Cocaine is a whitish powder, which is, produced both from natural and synthetic means. This paper studied the metal content of seized cocaine in Ghana and the data used for batch identification. Ten metals, namely, Pb, Cu, Mg, Mn, Cr, As, Ni, Fe, Co and Ca were analyzed in 37 samples which were sampled from 2010 to 2014. Analyses of the metals were done using ICP-MS and data was analyzed using statistical tools. The results showed that, calcium recorded the highest amount in all the samples with a mean of 64.94mg/kg followed by Magnesium, Zinc and Iron with mean values of 24.35mg/kg, 6.25mg/kg and 2.65mg/kg, respectively. All the samples, within-seizure classification under class A showed to significant differences between each pair at a confidence level of 95%. With three sample pairs under class B in the within-seizure classification, one of the pairs; 103A and 105B showed no significant differences between them even though they were sampled from two different packages from the same seizure. Five samples from five different seizures also showed a significant difference among them showing that they came from different batches or origin. It is confirmed that seized cocaine contained poisonous heavy metals like Lead, Arsenic and Chromium, which have the amount that could affect the user-provide figures. Based on the data gathered from the within-seizure class A group, it could be proposed that a missing cocaine could be identified by its metal content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing neonatal mortality rates (NMR) in developing countries is a key global health goal, but weak registration systems in the region stifle public health efforts. To calculate NMRs, investigate modifiable risk factors, and explore neonatal deaths by place of birth and death, and cause of death in two administrative areas in Ghana. Data on livebirths were extracted from the health and demographic surveillance systems in Navrongo (2004–2012) and Kintampo (2005–2010). Cause of death was determined from neonatal verbal autopsy forms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyse factors associated with neonatal death. Multiple imputations were used to address missing data. The overall NMR was 18.8 in Navrongo (17,016 live births, 320 deaths) and 12.5 in Kintampo (11,207 live births, 140 deaths). The annual NMR declined in both areas. 54.7% of the births occurred in health facilities. 70.9% of deaths occurred in the first week. The main causes of death were infection (NMR 4.3), asphyxia (NMR 3.7) and prematurity (NMR 2.2). The risk of death was higher among hospital births than home births: Navrongo (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.25, p = 0.01); Kintampo (adjusted OR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.55–2.00, p < 0.01). However, a majority of deaths occurred at home (Navrongo 61.3%; Kintampo 50.7%). Among hospital births dying in hospital, the leading cause of death was asphyxia; among hospital and home births dying at home, it was infection. The NMR in these two areas of Ghana reduced over time. Preventing deaths by asphyxia and infection should be prioritised, centred respectively on improving post-delivery care in health facilities and subsequent post-natal care at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited evidence about the prevalence of depression among older people in sub-Saharan Africa, about access to treatment or the potential efficacy of community-based interventions. Objective: Using nationally representative data from the WHO SAGE survey, we examine the prevalence of and factors associated with depression among people aged 50 and over in Ghana. Compare self-reported diagnosis and a symptom algorithm to assess treatment gaps and factors associated with the size of gap. Assess the feasibility of a small community-based intervention specifically for older people. Method: Prevalence and treatment data were taken from the WHO SAGE 2007 survey in Ghana, including 4,725 people aged 50 or over. Outcomes of interest were self-reported depression and diagnosis of depression derived from a symptom-based algorithm. The data were subjected to bivariate and multivariate analysis. In parallel, a pilot intervention was conducted with 35 older people, which included screening by a trained psychiatrist and follow-up group sessions of psychotherapy. Results: The symptomatic algorithm reported an overall rate of 9.2 per cent for the study population, with associations with female sex and older age. The treatment gap for these cases was found to be 83.0 per cent. The implementation of the pilot study was perceived as effective and replicable by stakeholders and there was some evidence of enhanced outcomes for people with mild depression. Conclusions: Large numbers of older people in Ghana experience depression, but very few have access to treatment. There is an urgent need to develop and validate community-based services for older people experiencing this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]