Search

Abstract Background The work environment for informal solid waste collectors keeps deteriorating, which negatively affects the health, safety and well-being of these workers. The study explored the physical safety climate, safety practices and how these variables impact the health and well-being of these informal solid waste collectors within Cape Coast Municipal of Ghana. Methods This cross-sectional survey sampled 120 informal solid waste collectors in the Cape Coast Metropolis. These participants were selected using purposive and convenient sampling methods, where data collection was done in-person. Data were collected using a 43-item questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics, physical safety climate, safety practices, and physical and psychological well-being items. Frequency counts, percentage analysis, bivariate correlation and multiple regression were used to analyse the data. Results The results revealed that 40.8% of the workers perceived their work as high-risk due to low physical safety climate, and 41.7% exhibited poor safety practices while at work. There was also a strong positive relationship between perceived well-being, physical safety climate, and safety practices among the workers. Moreover, after controlling for the demographic factors, hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that physical safety climate (B = 0.844; p

Abstract Background In developing countries, driving long-distance buses presents substantial road-traffic challenges. These are intensified by demanding job conditions and job insecurity, potentially leading to increased safety incidents linked to driver fatigue. This study sought to investigate how driving fatigue mediates the relationship between job demands, job security, and safety incidents among long-distance bus drivers in Ghana. Methods This survey sampled 7315 long-distance commercial bus drivers using a convenient sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS version 4. Findings Both job demands and job security showed significant positive associations with safety incidents among the drivers. Driving fatigue produced a partial mediation effect of job demands and job security on safety incidents of the drivers. This highlights crucial link between job stressors and driving performance. Conclusion The study indicates critical impact of job demands and job security on driving fatigue and subsequent safety incidents among bus these drivers in Ghana. Thus, addressing these stressors through targeted interventions, such as improved working conditions and fatigue management programmes, become essential for enhancing driver well-being and road safety in Ghana. Importantly, addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among transport authorities, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders to enforce regulations and promote supportive work environments for the drivers.

Abstract Background Though the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is no more of a public health emergency, the experiences from burying SARS-CoV-2 infectious dead bodies may remain with the workers. For Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), dealing with decedents during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak may arouse strong feelings of pity, horror, repulsion, disgust, and anger at the tragedy. Therefore, this study aims to explore the experiences of EHOs in disposing off of confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 fatalities in Ghana. Methods Using an 18-item interview guide, we gathered data from 27 EHOs from three regions of Ghana. We followed the steps in Descriptive Phenomenology in conducting the data analysis. Results i. EHOs were confronted with several occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards like physical and chemical injuries, threat of harm, and psychological harm, ii. The officers also faced severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Unfortunately, they were not provided with any form of psychological support during the period. Conclusion The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Ghana exposed major fault lines in the health and safety/disaster and emergency preparedness of EHOs towards the burial of infectious disease dead bodies. Clearly, the disposal exercise failed to uphold the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.4, 8.3, and 8.5, which advocate for the promotion of decent jobs for all. Recommendation Ghana’s Ministries of Health, Local Government, and Sanitation and Water Resources need to attach Clinical Psychologists and security personnel to the disposal teams in future exercises to provide psychological support and security to the team. Though studies on the disposal of infectious bodies in Africa exist, very little is known about the experiences of EHOs in the disposal of SARS-CoV-2 dead bodies during the outbreak.

Abstract Background Psychosocial work factors significantly influence both organisational and worker health. Poor management of these factors can create precarious working conditions, risking drivers’ health. This review maps evidence on the health impact of these factors and health interventions targeting the working conditions and unhealthy habits of commercial drivers. Method The search was conducted in four main databases (PubMed, Central, JSTOR and Dimensions Ai) and other sources like Google Scholar. In All, 28,039 articles were retrieved and through a rigorous screening process, 68 records were included in this scoping review. Results This review found that drivers work in precarious conditions like long driving hours, low job resources and social support, low job control, poor remuneration, workplace abuse and sexual harassment, work-family conflict, lone driving hour, irregular shift work, lack or insufficient breaks during work hours and difficult access to social protection and sanitation facilities. These precarious working conditions may expose drivers to mental health issues, cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDs, stroke, chronic fatigue, kidney and bladder issues and musculoskeletal pains. Most health promotion interventions target behaviour at the individual level, such as the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, with little effort to improving working conditions. Conclusion Employers in the road transport sector need to implement health promotion interventions that focus on drivers’ well-being. Additionally, improving working conditions and enforcing occupational health and safety standards in the road transport sector are essential for creating a safe and healthy workplace for all commercial drivers.

Abstract Background The health system plays a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of communities in the face of health risks associated with climate change. This review maps evidence on health systems' adaptation to climate risk and barriers to effective adaptation. Methods This review followed the recommendations by Arksey and O’Malley for conducting scoping review. Search for records was conducted in PubMed, Central, Web of Science, JSTOR, Google, and Google Scholar. Only peer-reviewed papers published in English language were included in this review. All the 63 included studies were critically appraise d. Results We found that efforts are being made to create resilient health systems by incorporating climate change into health policies. Investments are being made in innovative technologies, climate-resilient health infrastructure, enhancing healthcare delivery, developing the capacity of climate specialists and agencies to provide high-quality evidence for resilient health systems. We also found that several obstacles prevent health system adaptation to climate risk, including poor policy implementation and evaluation. The obstacles are further exacerbated by financial constraints, including poverty, a lack of political commitment, inadequate data, and deficient healthcare systems, especially in developing countries. There is also a lack of integration of climate change into mental health actions and the health and safety of healthcare workers. Conclusion Efforts to develop resilient health systems against climate risks are underway, but persistent obstacles, including inadequate policy implementation, resource limitations, and a lack of integration of climate change into critical health domains, hinder comprehensive adaptation measures, particularly in developing nations.

Abstract Background The role of family caregivers in the management of cerebrovascular accident survivors is invaluable. So far, there is a strong evidence affirming the effectiveness of family support for cerebrovascular accident survivors. Meanwhile, caring for cerebrovascular survivors can be labour and time intensive and pretty stressful for caregivers. The purpose of the study was to examine the lived experiences of family caregivers of cerebrovascular accident survivors in the Ho Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana. This aims are to establish their caregivers’ knowledge, preparedness, and impact of caregiving on the caregiver, and coping strategies caregivers adopted. Methods Using a four-item (with 14 prompts) interview guide and descriptive phenomenological approach, we gathered and analysed data from 37 family caregivers in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Results We found that caregivers had limited knowledge about cerebrovascular disease-risk factors and were ill-prepared for their caregiving roles. Additionally, we found limited knowledge about coping strategies among the caregivers. We further report that some caregivers lost close relationships, and their jobs because of the caregiving, they also used fasting and prayer as coping strategies. Conclusions Caregivers suffered broken relationship, loss their jobs and incomes due to their caregiving roles. Moreover, some engaged in fasting and prayers, and alcohol use to cope with the stress associated with caring for the cerebrovascular accident survivors. We discussed the potential implications of our findings on the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4. The aim of this goal is to reduce by 75% premature deaths due to cerebrovascular and other non-communicable diseases by 2030.

Introduction The rate of urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has increased remarkably, with the urban population expected to double by 2050. This rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change pose serious public health challenges resulting from increased heat waves and other environmental changes. Urban greening holds promise as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy, leading to biodiversity conservation and enhancing the physical, mental and social well-being of the population.Methods and analysis This scoping review aims to identify and synthesise studies that investigated the availability and utilisation of green spaces, the factors that affect the utilisation of green spaces as well as the health impacts of urban greening in SSA. A systematic search will be conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, JSTOR, SCOPUS and Green FILE) and grey literature sources for papers published up to 2024, in line with established scoping review frameworks. The data will be charted and extracted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Extension for Scoping Reviews. We will further synthesise and use thematic analysis to fully understand the relationship between urban greening and population health in SSA.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval will not be required because primary data will not be collected for the study. The results of this study come from published articles, which are publicly available. The results of the review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication and presented at workshops and conferences.Registration The scoping review protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework https://osf.io/nfh68.

Abstract Background Work environment is rapidly evolving, unfortunately, it is also becoming increasingly hostile for workers due mostly to common psychosocial hazards. This situation is posing significant challenges for organisations to protect the psychological well-being of their workers. Hence, this review aims to map studies to understand the influence of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on workplace mistreatment and mental health of workers. Methods The guidelines outlined by Arksey and O’Malley were adopted for this review. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, Google and Google Scholar were searched for relevant papers. Only peer-reviewed studies that measured PSC using PSC-12, PSC-8 or PSC-4 were included in this review. Results Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. This review found that PSC has a negative association with workplace mistreatment such as bullying, harassment, violence, discrimination and abuse. Further, PSC has a positive association with psychological well-being, personal resilience and hope. Low level organisational PSC also promotes psychological distress, stress, depression, cognitive weariness and emotional exhaustion. The buffering effect of PSC is well-established. Moreover, PSC mediates the association between health-centric leadership and workers’ psychological health problems. The inverse relationship between PSC and depressive symptoms was stronger for females than males. Conclusion Organisations should prioritise training and development of supervisors to enhance their supportive skills, encourage respectful behaviour, encourage the use of resources promote open and bottom-up communication and provide guidance on conflict resolution. By promoting a high PSC context, organisations can create a culture that discourages mistreatment, leading to increased employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity.

Students’ and teachers’ acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination may help boost the uptake of the vaccines in the general population because teachers and students serve as a source of information and campaign mechanisation for vaccination. This review aimed to map evidence on the prevalence and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among teachers and students. After removing duplicates, a search in several databases (Dimensions, PubMed Central, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Google, the WHO Library, and HINARI) produced 2060 records. Through screening based on the inclusion criteria, 27 records were used for this review. A relatively high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was found among teachers and students. Teachers and students in countries such as China, Egypt, the USA, and India however, reported relatively low levels of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Vaccine hesitancy depends on perceived adverse effects, safety, efficacy, and benefits among teachers and students, with male teachers and male students being more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine than their female counterparts. Moreover, we found that vaccine acceptance could result from trust in the healthcare system and pharmaceutical companies, sources of COVID-19 information, and trust in healthcare providers. Public health experts, academics, other scientists, and health practitioners are required to take a more distinctive, multidisciplinary, and structured approach that focused on communicating effective evidence-based information to combat misinformation concerning COVID-19 vaccines.

Introduction This systematic review aims to highlight the methodological inconsistencies in studying psychosocial safety climate (PSC). Highlighting the diverse dimensions and implications of PSC, this review seeks to enhance the replicability and comparability of studies, contributing to the development of standardised measurement techniques for the construct.Methods and analysis The methodology encompasses a comprehensive search strategy in PubMed Central, Web of Science, Scopus, JSTOR, Embase, Science Direct, ProQuest, Google and Google Scholar from 28 January 2024 to 30 September 2024. A team of trained reviewers, under the guidance of the authors, will scrutinise eligible studies for inclusion based on predefined criteria. This will ensure a diverse yet focused selection of articles aligned with the research objectives. Robust data extraction and appraisal processes will be followed. Adopting a qualitative synthesis approach, the review aims to generate descriptive and analytical themes, uncovering nuanced dimensions of PSC beyond individual study findings. The protocol emphasises consultation with domain experts and a chartered librarian to refine research questions and optimise search strategies for selecting very relevant articles for the review. We will adopt qualitative data synthesis in summarising and presenting the results and findings for our review of PSC methodological issues.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not needed for this systematic review because the data for this review will be extracted from already published journal articles. The protocol for this review has been registered in the Open Science Framework. This review and its findings will be published in an academic journal and or presented at scientific conferences.Trial registration number OSF registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/3UZC2.

Introduction SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused global devastations in the social, economic and health systems of every nation, but disproportionately the nations in Africa. Apart from its grave effects on the global systems, is the persistence of post-COVID-19 condition in individuals infected with the virus. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to collate and summarise the existing research evidence about the prevalence and health effects of post-COVID-19 infection conditions in Africa.Methods and analysis Five main databases will be thoroughly searched from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2024, for eligible articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These databases include PubMed, Central, Scopus, Dimensions AI and JSTOR. Meanwhile, Arksey and O’Malley guidelines will guide this scoping review using article published between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2024. This review will provide a useful insight into the prevalence of the post-COVID-19 symptoms and their health effects within the population in Africa. The results and findings of the review will be valuable for health system interventions, including restructuring and reorientation of health systems in the continent.Ethics and dissemination This scoping review will involve analysis of secondary data, therefore, no ethical approval is needed. Dissemination of the results will be done through international journals and available research conferences.

Background: Commercial bus drivers account for most road traffic crashes and related mortality. The psychosocial working conditions of these drivers have been found precarious. However, road safety initiatives in Ghana still focus on correcting risky driving behaviours, ignoring the conditions under which these drivers operate. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine whether psychosocial work factors can predict the psychological well-being and risky driving behaviours of long-distance bus drivers in Ghana. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional survey recruited 7315 long-distance bus drivers that operate from Accra to other parts of Ghana and cities in other West African countries. Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results: We found that job demands and job resources are direct and significant predictors of psychological well-being and safety incidents among these drivers. Moreover, psychological well-being of the drivers had a significant inverse relationship with their safety incidents. Psychosocial safety climate (PSC) had a negative association with safety incidents, and a positive but non-significant association with psychological well-being. PSC had a negative and significant association with job resources contrary to the notion of the PSC theory. Conclusion: Psychosocial work factors are predictors of psychological well-being and safety incidents of long-distance bus drivers. Owners and managers of bus transport businesses in Ghana, driver unions and station masters need to highly prioritise psychological health and safety of this bus drivers by providing suitable job resources and adopting bottom-up communication that might help the drivers effectively cope with their job demands.

Background: Improving psychosocial work environment of long-distance bus drivers is essential for their psychological well-being and on-the-road safety. Despite the importance of the work environment of bus drivers, it has received little research attention in Ghana and other developing nations. Hence, this study examined the influence of psychosocial work factors (job demands and job resources) on safety incidents of long-distance bus drivers and how psychological well-being mediates this association. Methods: This cross-sectional survey sampled 7315 long-distance bus drivers who commute from the cities of Accra and Tema to other parts of Ghana and other cities in the West Africa sub-region. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test four hypotheses. Findings: The results suggest that job demands and job resources have direct association with safety incidents of the long-distance bus drivers. The psychological well-being of the bus drivers played a partial mediation role in the association between psychosocial work factors and safety incidents of the drivers. Conclusion: The job demand-resource model provides a useful model for understanding the impact of the work environment on driving performance among these long-distance bus drivers. Providing the drivers with high job control and supportive work culture can equip and support them to value the critical roles they play in the transport sector. Managers of bus transport companies and individual bus owners should implement effective communication strategies like the bottom-up communication approach, conduct periodic assessments to identify and address drivers’ precarious work conditions, create safety on the road, and reduce crashes and associated fatalities.

Background: Low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest road traffic crashes burden, with about 93% of global fatalities occurring in such countries. This situation is partly due to the high level of psychosocial work hazards to which professional drivers are exposed. Therefore, this review aims to map evidence on the psychosocial work factors that influence risky driving behaviours and road traffic crashes in LMICs. Methods: Four main databases (PubMed, Central, Dimensions and JSTOR), in addition to google and google scholar, were searched for records. In all, 6537 records were retrieved and finally, through experts' consultations and a vigorous screening process, 54 studies were included in this review. Included studies sampled 30,272 drivers from 23 LMICs. Results: The reviewed studies found that job strain, efforts-reward imbalance, payments based on performance, lack of social support from supervisors and co-workers, lack of job control from job autonomy and skill discretion, long driving hours, lonely driving, irregular job schedules like shift work and overtime, work-family conflicts, job insecurity and lack of safety motivation are the main psychosocial work factors influencing risky driving behaviours and road traffic crashes among professional drivers in LMICs. Conclusion: Though more quality studies are needed to explore the psychosocial work factors of professional drivers in LMICs, there is a need for occupational health and safety policies for improved working conditions like reduction in workload and long driving hours, access to healthcare and improved psychosocial safety climate.

Abstract Background Creating a healthy, decent and safe workplace and designing quality jobs are ways to eliminate precarious work in organisations and industries. This review aimed at mapping evidence on how psychosocial safety climate (PSC) influence health, safety and performance of workers. Methods A literature search was conducted in four main databases (PubMed, Scopus, Central and Web of Science) and other online sources like Google Scholar. A reference list of eligible studies was also checked for additional papers. Only full-text peer-reviewed papers published in English were eligible for this review. Results A search in the databases produced 13,711 records, and through a rigorous screening process, 93 papers were included in this review. PSC is found to directly affect job demands, job insecurity, effort-reward imbalance, work-family conflict, job resources, job control and quality leadership. Moreover, PSC directly affects social relations at work, including workplace abuse, violence, discrimination and harassment. Again, PSC has a direct effect on health, safety and performance outcomes because it moderates the impact of excessive job demands on workers’ health and safety. Finally, PSC boosts job resources’ effect on improving workers’ well-being, safety and performance. Conclusion Managers’ efforts directed towards designing quality jobs, prioritising the well-being of workers, and fostering a bottom-up communication through robust organisational policies, practices, and procedures may help create a high organisational PSC that, in turn, promotes a healthy and decent work environment.

Overweight and obesity are linked to the severity of infections and the development of chronic conditions among children and adolescents in Ghana. Hence, estimating the current prevalence and its determinants is imperative to guide public health interventions. This review mapped evidence on the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among in-school children and adolescents (aged 5–19 years) in Ghana. Three main databases (PubMed, Central, and JSTOR) were searched for studies conducted in Ghana. Also, the study included only studies published online between 2010 and 2022. The search produced 1214 records, with an additional 23 identified through a search conducted in Google, Google Scholar, the WHO library, HINARI, and institutional repositories. After a thorough screening, 24 records were synthesized. The prevalence of overweight/obesity among the 23,663 in-school children and adolescents in Ghana was 0.5%–47.06%. Females have higher odds of being overweight than males. In addition, lack of nutrition and physical activity (PA) knowledge and low participation in school sports and physical activities exposed in-school children and adolescents in Ghana to overweight and obesity. Consumption of unhealthy foods, late bed, smoking, loneliness, watching television, and playing computer games exposed schoolchildren and adolescents in Ghana to overweight and obesity. There are relatively high levels of overweight and obesity among school-going children and adolescents in Ghana. Addressing sex gaps in PA, ensuring healthy eating, and limiting sedentary lifestyles is the surest way to promote healthy weight among in-school children and adolescents in Ghana.

Food safety is of global public health concern. Hotels and their restaurants provide hospitality like accommodation and food services and are spearheaded by food handlers who have varied experiences. This study was undertaken to examine knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) on food safety and explore knowledge-practice gaps among food handlers at hotels in Ghana. There were 233 participants, including 205 food handlers, 10 managers/chefs, and 18 regulatory officials, who were at post after the COVID-19 restrictions were eased on hotel and restaurant activities. Data were gathered through questionnaire with food handlers and face-to-face interview with managers/chefs and officials of the regulatory agencies. Frequencies and percentages, and Wilcoxon signed ranked test were employed to analyse the data. The knowledge on food safety was moderate, 58 ± 0.169, and 82% of the food handlers portrayed positive attitude towards food safety, while only 42.8% demonstrated good food safety practices. There was significant variance between knowledge and practice such that food handlers’ food safety knowledge did not reflect in their daily practices, yet most of the food handlers had training prior to being employed. Many people may be eating contaminated foods from hotels that may increase the rate of food-borne illnesses. We suggest continuous training in transmission of food-borne diseases and time and temperature control, and that the training should be obligatory to reinforce food handlers’ KAP. In addition, managers need to intensify their collaborations with the regulators to improve monitoring and supervision activities at the hotels.

Abstract Background Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) among children under five are still the leading cause of mortality among this group of children in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence on prevalence and risk factors associated with ALRTIs among children under 5 years to inform interventions, policies and future studies. Methods A thorough search was conducted via four main databases (PubMed, JSTOR, Web of Science and Central). In all, 3,329 records were identified, and 107 full-text studies were considered for evaluation after vigorous screening and removing duplicates, of which 43 were included in this scoping review. Findings Findings indicate a high prevalence (between 1.9% to 60.2%) of ALRTIs among children under five in SSA. Poor education, poverty, malnutrition, exposure to second-hand smoke, poor ventilation, HIV, traditional cooking stoves, unclean fuel usage, poor sanitation facilities and unclean drinking water make children under five more vulnerable to ALRTIs in SSA. Also, health promotion strategies like health education have doubled the health-seeking behaviours of mothers of children under 5 years against ALRTIs. Conclusion ALRTIs among children under five still present a significant disease burden in SSA. Therefore, there is a need for intersectoral collaboration to reduce the burden of ALRTIs among children under five by strengthening poverty alleviation strategies, improving living conditions, optimising child nutrition, and ensuring that all children have access to clean water. There is also the need for high-quality studies where confounding variables in ALRTIs are controlled.

Objective: To investigate sexual behavior changes adopted by People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional survey with a questionnaire to collect data from 900 clients from 9 major ART centers within the region. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to the data. Results: More than 50% of PLHIV on ART use condoms, reduce sexual partners, practice abstinence, reduce unprotected sex with married/regular partners, and avoid casual sex. Fear of others getting to know patients’ HIV-positive status (χ2 = 7.916, p = 0.005), stigma (χ2 = 5.201, p = 0.023), and fear of loss of family support (χ2 = 4.211, p = 0.040) significantly predict non-disclosure of HIV-positive status among the participants. Change in sexual behavior is influenced by the following: “to avoid spreading the disease to others” (R2 = 0.043, F (1, 898) = 40.237, p < 0.0005), “to avoid contracting other STIs” (R2 = 0.010, F (1, 898) = 8.937, p < 0.0005), “to live long” (R2 = 0.038, F (1, 898) = 35.816, p < 0.0005), “to hide HIV-positive status” (R2 = 0.038, F (1, 898) = 35.587, p < 0.0005), “to achieve good results from ART treatment” (R2 = 0.005, F (1, 898) = 4. 282, p < 0.05), and “to live a Godly life” (R2 = 0.023, F (1, 898) = 20. 880, p < 0.0005). Conclusions: High self-disclosure rate of HIV-positive status was identified, with participants disclosing to their spouses or parents. Reasons for disclosure and non-disclosure differed from person to person.

Abstract Background Workplace Sexual Harassment (WSH) remains a major occupational health hazard to many nurses globally. Despite the negative impact of WSH on health and safety of nurses, there are limited studies exploring sexual harassment experiences of nurses in the line of duty in Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Ghana. Aim This study aimed at exploring the lived sexual harassment experiences among nurses working in healthcare facilities in the Central Region of Ghana. Method This study used a qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA). Data from 24 participants, 13 participants’ written descriptive narratives of sexual harassment experiences (via online) and 11 telephone interviews were analysed concurrently using the IPA. Results Participants experienced verbal, non-verbal and physical forms of sexual harassment, often perpetrated by physicians, colleague workers, and patients. Most victims reacted passively to the acts sexual harassment and cases are often not reported despite the negative impact on victims’ health. While some participants dealt with sexual harassment by accepting the behaviour as an inevitable part of their job, others either quit or intend to quit the job to avoid the harassers. Most participants are unaware of any workplace measure such as policy that addresses sexual harassment in the health sector in Ghana. Conclusion This study highlights the problems of sexual harassment against nurses in the healthcare sector in Ghana, and calls for urgent development of measures such as a sexual harassment policy to prevent occurrence and promote effective resolution of sexual harassment within the healthcare sector in the country. Sexual harassment against nurses could be hampering quality healthcare delivery in the region.

Abstract Introduction Africa has a higher burden of malaria-related cases and deaths globally. Children under five accounted for over two-thirds of all malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence of the prevalence, contextual factors and health education interventions of malaria amongst children under 5 years (UN5) in SSA. Method Four main databases (PubMed, Central, Dimensions and JSTOR) produced 27,841 records of literature. Additional searches in Google, Google Scholar and institutional repositories produced 37 records. Finally, 255 full-text records were further screened, and 100 records were used for this review. Results Low or no formal education, poverty or low income and rural areas are risk factors for malaria amongst UN5. Evidence on age and malnutrition as risk factors for malaria in UN5 is inconsistent and inconclusive. Furthermore, the poor housing system in SSA and the unavailability of electricity in rural areas and unclean water make UN5 more susceptible to malaria. Health education and promotion interventions have significantly reduced the malaria burden on UN5 in SSA. Conclusion Well-planned and resourced health education and promotion interventions that focus on prevention, testing and treatment of malaria could reduce malaria burden amongst UN5 in SSA.

Abstract Background Adolescent pregnancy is a public health challenge that has well-defined causes, associated health risks, and social and economic consequences for adolescent, their families, communities, and society. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize studies published on socio-cultural determinants of adolescent pregnancy in Ghana. Methods Search for records was done in four major databases, including PubMed CENTRAL, Science Direct and JSTOR. Records from Google and Google Scholar were also added, and results and findings from published and unpublished studies were included. All the 22 studies that met the eligibility criteria, were critically appraised. The guidelines for conducting scoping reviews by Arksey and O’Malley were followed. Results The result revealed that poverty, peer influence, low level of education, dysfunctional family, lack of communication between parents and their daughters, lack of sexual and reproductive health education, child marriage, coerced sex, misconception and non-usage of contraceptives, and decline in cultural values such as puberty rites and virginity inspection are some of the determinants of adolescent pregnancy in Ghana. The study also showed that there is a lack of high-quality observational studies that adjust for confounding variables. Conclusion Interventions and policies should be designed to take into consideration the needs, context, and background of adolescents. Programmes to enhance adolescent reproductive health need to consider multilevel factors such as person, family, community, institutions, national, and global issues that affect such programmes.

Background: There are indications that heatwaves will be intensified in duration, frequency and magnitude and will pose threats to the livelihoods and health of the global working population. The purpose of this scoping review was to map evidence regarding occupational heat stress risk factors, their impact on workers’ health and productivity, and potential adaptation measures. Methods: Keywords reflecting climate change, heat stress, health, productivity and adaptation strategies were used for searches in PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus and Web of Science. Manuscripts that focused on heat adaptation, health and productivity outcomes of heat exposure among working populations were considered eligible for this review, while reviews, preprints and papers focused on the general population were excluded. Results: The evidence suggests that gender, age, pre-shift dehydration, piece-rate payment, poor access to sanitation facilities, use of inappropriate personal protective equipment, physically demanding work, high workload, low job control, and high temperatures are risk factors for heat-related illness, dehydration, kidney diseases and mental distress. Specific working populations including migrants, pregnant women, and children were found to be extremely vulnerable to heat stress. The review identified that frequent intake of fluids, resting under shade or in cooling facilities, changing work hours, and increased electrolyte intake were used as adaptation measures. Conclusion: Measures targeting adequate hydration, self-pacing, work-rest regimes, provision of shade and appropriate sanitation facilities need to be matched with improved psychosocial work conditions such as optimal work hours, job autonomy and control, and social supports to ensure safe working conditions in changing climates.

Abstract Background The demand for quality maternal and child health (MCH) data is critical for tracking progress towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 3. However, MCH cannot be adequately monitored where health data are inaccurate, incomplete, untimely, or inconsistent. Thus, this study assessed the level of MCH data quality. Method A facility-based cross-sectional study design was adopted, including a review of MCH service records. It was a stand-alone study involving 13 healthcare facilities of different levels that provided MCH services in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Data quality was assessed using the dimensions of accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and consistency. Health facilities registers were counted, collated, and compared with data on aggregate monthly forms, and a web-based data collation and reporting system, District Health Information System (DHIS2). The aggregate monthly forms were also compared with data in the DHIS2. Eight MCH variables were selected to assess data accuracy and consistency and two monthly reports were used to assess completeness and timeliness. Percentages and verification factor were estimated in the SPSS version 22 package. Results Data accuracy were recorded between the data sources: Registers and Forms, 102.1% (95% CI = 97.5%—106.7%); Registers and DHIS2, 102.4% (95% CI = 94.4%—110.4%); and Forms and DHIS2, 100.1% (95% CI = 96.4%—103.9%). Across the eight MCH variables, data were 93.2% (95% CI = 82.9%—103.5%) complete in Registers, 91.0% (95% CI = 79.5%—102.5%) in the Forms, and 94.9% (95% CI = 89.9%—99.9%) in DHIS2 database. On the average, 87.2% (95% CI = 80.5%—93.9%) of the facilities submitted their Monthly Midwife’s Returns reports on time, and Monthly Vaccination Report was 94% (95% CI = 89.3%—97.3%). The overall average data consistency was 93% (95% CI = 84%—102%). Conclusion Given the WHO standard for data quality, the level of MCH data quality in the health care facilities at the Cape Coast Metropolis, available through the DHIS2 is complete, reported on timely manner, consistent, and reflect accurately what exist in facility’s source document. Although there is evidence that data quality is good, there is still room for improvement in the quality of the data.

Abstract Background The older person population is rapidly increasing globally, including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Concurrently, malnutrition is also increasing among older persons in SSA, with a dearth of empirical evidence on nutritional status and associated factors among the older persons in the region to inform effective interventions to promote healthy ageing. Aim/Objective This review assessed the nutritional status and associated factors among older persons in SSA. Method PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched for published articles from 2010 to 2021 using keywords and Boolean logic. Also, we carried out a free web-based search to retrieve other relevant evidence that assesses the older persons’ nutritional status. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow chart was used to appraise the research articles that responded to the study’s research questions. Findings Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, from which data were extracted as findings. The malnutrition prevalence was between 6 to 54% among older persons in SSA. We found that the prevalence of malnutrition vary and could be as high as 28.4% in a low socio-economic status area. Of these studies, twelve (12) provided data on undernutrition with prevalence ranging from 2.9 to 41%;10 provided data on overweight (8.1–54.1%) and 5 on obesity (2.7–44.7%). Seventeen of the studies evaluated factors associated with malnutrition; 4 studies revealed the association between socioeconomic status and malnutrition, 7 studies reported a significant association between dietary habits and malnutrition. Four studies showed an association between educational status and malnutrition. Disease conditions associated with malnutrition were reported in four of the studies. Conclusion This review shows that malnutrition is a problem among older persons in SSA coupled with many risk factors which should be given critical attention. We recommend nutrition education for older persons as well as the development of nutrition interventions for this vulnerable group.

Nutrition is sturdily and rapidly becoming the foremost determinant of health in today's Sars-Cov-2 and climate change ravaged world. While safe food sustains life, contamination obliterates its values and could result in death and short to long term morbidity. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore food contamination in Ghana, between 2001-2022. Using Arksey and O'Malley's procedure, a systematic literature search from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Scopus, Emeralds Insight, Google Scholar, and Google was carried out. Following the inclusion criteria, 40 published and grey literature were covered in this review. The review revealed the following: Studies on food contamination involving Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, and Eastern Regions alone account for over 50% of the total number of such studies conducted in Ghana; regulators failed in enforcing regulations, monitoring and supervision; managers failed to provide adequate infrastructure and facilities. The most common food safety risks of public health concern are: i) micro-organisms (E. coli/faecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, Bacillus cereus, and Viral hepatitis); ii) drugs (Amoxicillin, Chlortetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Danofloxacin, and Doxycycline) and; iii) chemicals (Chlorpyrifos). Salad, vegetables, sliced mango, meat pie, and snail khebab are of high public health risks. The following deductions were made from the review: Highly contaminated food results in death, short to long term morbidity, economic loss, and threatens to displace Ghana's efforts at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2. Thus, Government must resource key regulatory bodies to enhance their operational capacity, regulators must foster collaboration in monitoring and supervision of food vendors, and managers of food service outlets must provide adequate facilities to engender food safety culture.

The Sars-Cov-2 pandemic has ravaged societies at their very core and deepened pre-existing inequalities. Meanwhile, persons with disabilities (PwDs), the most oppressed group in Ghana that live in poor and deplorable conditions are most like to be negatively impacted by the Sars-Cov-2 crisis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore how the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic is influencing access to healthcare by PwDs in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis (STM). We collected data from 17 participants, nine from the Ghana Blind Union (GBU), five from Ghana Society for the Physically Challenged (GSPC), and three from the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD). An interview guide containing 25 items was used to gather data from the participants and we employed Phenomenological Analysis (PA) approach in making sense of the data. PWDs encounter many different barriers like; i) stigma and discrimination, ii) cost and availability of transport, iii) poor attitude of healthcare staff, iv) poor communication, v) hospital environment and equipment, vi) handwashing and sanitizing facilities, vii) unsuitable washrooms, viii) cost of healthcare, ix) registration and renewal of NHIS cards, and x) loss of income as they attempt to seek healthcare during this Covid-19 era in the STM. Covid-19 pandemic has widened the disproportionate and inequality gaps against PWDs in the STM when they attempt to seek healthcare. in the face of this, STM may lead Ghana to lag in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, which entreats nations to provide quality healthcare for all persons including PWDs. PWDs need education and empowerment to enable them demand for their rights when accessing healthcare. The findings highlight existing gaps in the implementation of the disability law by healthcare facilities in STM and, re-focus the attention of hospital managers in STM to the healthcare needs of PWDs in STM.

Background. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of sickness, death, and decreased quality of life globally. The prevalence of diabetes keeps rising globally due to lifestyle changes and urbanization. Therefore, improved quality of life (QoL) and appropriate diabetes self-management practices, including treatment adherence, are crucial to improving and sustaining the health of diabetic patients. Some studies have adopted the self-determination theory (SDT) to study diabetes interventions, but less is known about its effectiveness in improving QoL, treatment adherence, and diabetes self-management. Aim/Objective. This review assessed the effectiveness of SDT in improving self-management practices, treatment adherence, and QoL among adult diabetic patients. Method. We followed the six-stage framework by Arksey and O’Malley in conducting the review. PubMed, JSTOR, Central, and ScienceDirect databases were searched for published articles from January 2011 to October 2021 using keywords and Boolean logic. Furthermore, we screened a reference list of related articles. Also, Google Scholar, Z-library, and web-based searches were carried out to retrieve other relevant evidence that applied SDT in improving QoL, diabetes self-management, and treatment adherence. Findings. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, from which data were extracted as findings. SDT effectively improved QoL, diabetes treatment adherence, and diabetes self-management among diabetic patients. Of these studies, 11 provided data on SDT and diabetes self-management and affirmed the effectiveness of the theory in improving appropriate diabetes self-management practices. Two studies confirmed the effectiveness of SDT in improving treatment adherence. SDT and QoL were assessed in 4 of the studies, which demonstrated the effectiveness of SDT in enhancing the QoL of diabetic patients. Conclusion. SDT effectively improved QoL, diabetes treatment adherence, and diabetes self-management. The application of SDT in diabetes management will improve the health and QoL of diabetic patients. Hence, diabetes management interventions could adopt SDT to guide treatment.

Background: Health literacy addresses environmental, political, and social factors that determine health. Drug dispensers play a major role in educating patients on drug use to increase effective and efficient drug utilisation, thereby promoting positive healthcare outcomes. From the patients’ perspective, this study examined the communication quality between patients and drug dispensers at primary healthcare centres in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Method: We conveniently surveyed 269 patients seeking health care at primary healthcare facilities using a researcher-constructed 13-item instrument. In SPSS version 21 software, we analysed the data using percentages, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression. Results: Almost half of the participants (n = 132) reported low health literacy, with 81% (n = 218) reporting that drug side effects were not discussed with them at the pharmacies. The findings further indicated that health literacy and educational level predicted general communication quality between participants and drug dispensers; participants with secondary education were about 3 times more likely to report not being told of the side effects of prescribed drugs as compared with those who had completed only basic education. Conclusions: There is still a high level of low health literacy among patients seeking healthcare at primary healthcare centres and a very high percentage of patients did not receive any education on side effects of dispensed drugs. Drug use directives from dispensers at primary healthcare facilities can make a difference between any 2 patients.

Studies examining the effectiveness of rope skipping training to improve the body mass index (BMI) of school children are scarce. Hence, this study examined the effectiveness of nine-week skipping training on the BMI of primary six school-aged children (n = 77). The participants underwent 30 min of skipping training three days per week over a nine-week period. The participants’ BMI was measured at the baseline and during weeks 3, 6 and 9. The results from a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures indicated a statistically significant difference in the BMI for both males [F(3,111) = 9.42, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.203] and females [F(3,114) = 7.35, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.162], suggesting an improvement in BMI. Post hoc comparisons with a Bonferroni adjustment revealed significant differences in BMI after nine weeks of intervention for males between the pre-test (M = 21.47, SD = 4.94) and the 9-week post-test (M = 20.15, SD = 4.36), and for females between the pre-test (M = 21.56, SD = 5.80) and the 9-week post-test (M = 20.68, SD = 5.32). This study demonstrated that regular participation in vigorous physical activity such as skipping training could promote child health by preventing the likelihood of young children being overweight. This result has implications for the inclusion of skipping training into the school life of school-aged children to help manage their BMI levels.

Introduction. Injuries are a major global health problem that affects teenagers in many countries. Though several studies have been done in many countries, little is known among adolescents in Mauritius. Therefore, our paper explored the prevalence and correlates of serious injuries among adolescents in Mauritius. Methods. We analysed the 2017 Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) data from Mauritius, using the Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression analysis with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The prevalence of serious injuries among adolescents in Mauritius stood at 39.0%. Also, the predictors of serious injuries included sex (AOR = 0.70, CI = 0.58–0.81), physical attack (AOR = 0.47, CI = 0.39–0.57), being bullied (AOR = 0.48, CI = 0.48–0.70), suicide ideation (AOR = 0.65, CI = 0.49–0.85), hunger (AOR = 0.65, CI = 0.48–0.86), truancy from school (AOR = 0.77, CI = 0.63–0.93), marijuana use (AOR = 0.54, CI = 0.39–0.76), alcohol consumption (AOR = 0.64, CI = 0.70–0.98), and parental neglect (AOR = 0.83, CI = 0.70–0.98). Conclusion. The rate of injury among adolescents in Mauritius is moderately high, with sex, suicidal thought, hunger, truancy, drug use, and parental neglect as correlates. There is an urgent need for health promotion interventions at family, community, and school levels to deal with this level of serious injuries and the factors influencing such occurrences among these adolescents in Mauritius.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated many public health preventive measures including lockdowns or curfews. However, because humans are used to working and moving up and down, they would need to find ways to avert the negatives associated with the COVID-19 induced lockdown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore experiences of Ghanaians during the lockdown period in terms of physical activity, dietary behaviors, boredom, and changes in weight. METHODS: using a phenomenological approach, we analyzed data from 27 persons from Accra, Tema, and Kumasi who filled our online open-ended survey. We created open-ended items and circulated online (between 21st April, 2020 and 10th May, 2020) to persons who experienced the lockdown. We analyzed the data using Colaizzi's 7-step phenomenological approach. RESULTS: many people felt very bored and frustrated during the lockdown period, and some of these people resorted to physical exercise routines either individually or collectively as family. However, many experienced tremendous physical inactivity because of lack of space. They experienced poor eating behaviors, all of which resulted in reported weight gains. CONCLUSION: the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has caused boredom and frustrations to quite a number of people. Physical inactivity increased because of lack of space, coupled with poor eating habits producing high levels of weight gain among people who experienced the lockdown in Ghana. There is therefore an urgent need to teach these people how to exercise within limited space and how to eat healthily during times of restriction.