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Aims: The study aimed at determining the epidemiological feature and burden of infectious markers among asymptomatic adult population in Koforidua. Methods: This is a hospital-based retrospective study conducted at the Eastern Regional Hospital and comprised of a review of secondary data of prospective blood donors who visited the facility blood bank from January 2015 to December 2020. Archived data of 22,648 prospective blood donors comprising gender, age, and residential locations as well as results of infectious markers [syphilis, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)] were retrieved from the blood bank. Prospective blood donors were screened for infectious markers using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis were screened using Abon, Micropoint, Just check, Green life, and Accurate rapid diagnostic test kits whereas HIV was screened using First response kits. Results: The overall cumulative crude prevalence rate of blood-borne pathogens was 69.76 per 10,000, 27.45 per 10,000, 115.15 per 10,000, and 33.87 per 10,000 population for HBV, HCV, syphilis, and HIV, respectively. A prominent year-on-year decreasing trend of hepatitis B viral infection and HIV was observed in the general population. On the other hand, syphilis infection recorded an increasing trend of infection while HCV infection demonstrated a dual trend with a decrease from 2016 to 2018 and an increase till the end of 2020. Conclusion: The overall burden of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) was high among the populace with a prominent male gender preponderance. The rates of the infections were highly marked among the youth population within the ages of 20 to 29 years.

Treponemal infections can be blood-borne with great public health consequences. This study is aimed at comparatively describing the five-year (2013-2017) regional epidemiology of treponemal infection using pregnant women in the sentinel survey and apparently healthy blood donors as a proxy for the general population at four sentinel sites in the Volta and Oti Regions of Ghana. We analyzed retrospective data from 17,744 prospective blood donors aged 18 to 58 years and 7,817 pregnant women in a sentinel survey with ages from 15 to 49 years at Hohoe, Ho, Tongu, and Krachi West sentinel sites in the Volta and Oti Regions. Laboratory data extracted include variables such as age, gender, date of blood donation, and Treponema pallidum chromatographic immunoassay results from the blood banks of the four study sites. The five-year treponemal infection rate among the pregnant women in the sentinel survey and prospective blood donors was 0.79% and 2.38%, respectively. Site-specific infection rate for population-based/sentinel survey was 4.6%/1.1%, 2.0%/0.5%, 1.3%/1.1, and 1.2%/0.3% for Hohoe, Ho, Krachi West, and Tongu, respectively. Significant gender disparity in Treponemal infection rate exists with a male preponderance. The regional infection rate in the sentinel survey is lower compared to the general population. Therefore, the use of pregnant women as a proxy for population estimates could underestimate the burden in the study jurisdiction.

This study was aimed at determining the levels of serum zonulin during the first trimester in pregnant women and to examine the relationship between zonulin and obesity in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Available evidence suggests that the permeability of the gut may be associated with obesity and insulin resistance both of which are characteristics of GDM. This was a prospective longitudinal study in which a cohort of 314 pregnant women was monitored from first trimester at the Volta Regional Hospital, Ho, Ghana. Maternal serum zonulin and lipids were analyzed during the first trimester, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each participant. Glucose challenge tests (GCT) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, and diagnosis of GDM was made in accordance with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Women who developed GDM had elevated serum zonulin levels with sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff points of 80.95%, 80.41%, and > 47.5 ng/mL respectively in predicting GDM. With positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.708 and 0.986, respectively, zonulin has been shown by this study to be a good predictor of GDM. After adjusting for maternal age and BMI, obese pregnant women with elevated plasma zonulin were 109 times likelier to develop GDM as compared to those with normal BMIs. Zonulin levels are increased significantly during the first trimester of pregnancy in women with GDM, and these increases precede the onset of GDM.

Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among homeless people in Nima and Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana and to evaluate the association between socio‑demographic characteristics and CKD. Results: Participants with normal serum creatinine (SCr), made up of 232 males and 280 females totaling 512 took part in the study. Those with normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were 86% and 84.6% by means of the C-G and MDRD equations respectively. According to the C-G formula, kidney damage and mild to severe renal insufficiency was found in 13.2% of the participants and 4 participants (0.8%) had renal failure. On the other hand, 15.4% of the participants were found to have some kidney damage and mild to severe renal insufficiency according to the MDRD formula with no participant suffering from kidney failure. The prevalence of renal dysfunction among the homeless Ghanaians was significant especially among those with hypertension, diabetes and human immunodeficiency syndrome virus (HIV) infection. . Intensive social support aimed at preventing and managing kidney disease is crucial if we are to reduce the incidence of kidney related illnesses in homeless people.

Background: Malaria cases continue to rise despite sustained efforts directed at eliminating the burden among Ghanaians. This study was aimed at describing the spectrum of malaria burden in a four-year (2013-2016) retrospective review among clients seeking care at the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal Hospital in the Western Region of Ghana. Materials and Methods: The study analyzed secondary data extracted on 32,629 patients who were referred to the Laboratory for malaria testing from January 2013 to December 2016. Socio-demographic data included age and gender, department of test requisition and malaria results were obtained from the archived Daily Malaria Logbook records. Approval for the study was granted by the authorities of the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal Hospital. Results: The overall confirmed malaria case was 8629 (26.5%), among under five 1,384 (58.7%), pregnant women 4451 (20.3%) and 14.1% among asymptomatic population. Significant gender disparity in the confirmation of suspected malaria cases was observed with males recording higher rate (45.8%) than females (36.7%). The peak of the malaria epidemic was observed in the wet season (195 cases per month), compared to the dry season (133 cases per month). Conclusion: Cases of malaria is increasing with high rates among vulnerable groups in the Western Region. There is the need to intensify efforts to reduce the burden in the study area especially among vulnerable groups.

Background:Adherence is the active, voluntary, and collaborative involvement of the patient in a mutually acceptable course of behaviour to produce a therapeutic result. The study is aimed at assessing adherence to medication and its relation to therapeutic outcomes among people living with diabetes in the Ho Municipality.Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic at the Ho Municipal Hospital. Urine glucose and urine protein were measured using a two-parameter dipstick. The current fasting blood glucose and blood pressure, as well as the measurements of two previous visits, were documented. A semi-structured questionnaire including the Diabetes Complication Checklist and the Morisky, Green and Levine Adherence Scale were used to capture biodata, clinical information and medication adherence.Results:Optimal medication adherence was 60.67%. Glycaemic control and controlled blood pressure were 33.33% and 58.67%, respectively. The prevalence of glycosuria and proteinuria was 10.67% and 3.3%, respectively. Percentage glycaemic control and controlled blood pressure were found to be higher among the medication adherent group, while glycosuria and proteinuria were the highest among participants presenting with low medication adherence.Conclusion:In this group of patients living with diabetes in the Ho Municipality, high level of uncontrolled glycaemia and blood pressure exist.However, these two treatment outcomes may be modulated by optimal medication adherence.

Abstract Background: Treponemal infection is contagious and one of the oldest blood-borne infections, with great public health consequences. This study aimed to comparatively describe the five–year (2013-2017) regional epidemiology of Treponemal infection using pregnant women in the Sentinel Survey and apparently healthy blood donors as proxy for the general population at the four sentinel sites in the Volta Region of Ghana. Method: We analysed retrospectively data from 17,744 prospective blood donors aged between 18 to 58 years and 7,805 pregnant women in a Sentinel Survey who fell within the 15 and 49 years age bracket at Hohoe, Ho, Tongu and Krachi-West sentinel sites in the Volta Region. Data extracted included age, gender, date of blood donation and Treponena pallidum chromatographic immunoassay results from the blood banks of the four study sites. Published reports of Sentinel Surveys conducted at the four sentinel sites from the years 2013-2017 were retrieved. Results: The cumulative five-year prevalence of Treponemal infections among the pregnant women in the Sentinel Survey and prospective blood donors was 0.38% and 2.38% respectively. Site-specific prevalence for population-base/Sentinel survey was 4.6%/0.4%, 2.0%/0.2%, 1.3%/0.8 and 1.2%/0.2 for Hohoe, Ho, Krachi-West and Tongu respectively. Treponemal infection rates among the younger age groups (15-24years) were 0.31% in the sentinel survey and 2.22% in the general population. Significant gender disparity in Treponemal infection exist with male preponderance. Conclusion: The regional prevalence of Treponemal infection in the Sentinel Survey is lower compared to the general population. Therefore, the use of pregnant women as proxy for population estimate could lead to underestimation of the burden in the study jurisdiction.

Background: Syphilis is contagious and one of the oldest sexually transmitted infections, with great public health consequences. This study aimed to comparatively describe the five–year (2013-2017) regional epidemiology of syphilis infection using pregnant women in the Sentinel Survey and apparently healthy blood donors as proxy for the general population at the four sentinel sites in the Volta Region of Ghana. Method: We analysed retrospectively data from 17,744 prospective blood donors aged between 18 to 58 years and 7,805 pregnant women in a Sentinel Survey who fell within the 15 and 49 years age bracket at Hohoe, Ho, Tongu and Krachi-West sentinel sites in the Volta Region. Data extracted included age, gender, date of blood donation and Treponena pallidum chromatographic immunoassay results from the blood banks of the four study sites. Published reports of Sentinel Surveys conducted at the four sentinel sites from the years 2013-2017 were retrieved. Results: The cumulative five-year prevalence of syphilis infections among the pregnant women in the Sentinel Survey and prospective blood donors was 0.38% and 2.38% respectively. Site-specific prevalence for population-base/Sentinel survey was 4.6%/0.4%, 2.0%/0.2%, 1.3%/0.8 and 1.2%/0.2 for Hohoe, Ho, Krachi-West and Tongu respectively. New Syphilis infection rate was 0.31% in the sentinel survey and 2.22% in the general population. Significant gender disparity in syphilis infection exist with male preponderance. Conclusion: The regional prevalence of syphilis infection in the Sentinel Survey is lower compared to the general population. Therefore, the use of pregnant women as proxy for population estimate could lead to underestimation of the burden in the study jurisdiction.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) offers considerable health benefits for diabetic patients. However, extensive high levels of inactivity has been reported among diabetic patients. This study sought to assess the patterns of physical activity and its relationship with two management-relevant outcomes (glycaemic and blood pressure control)among people living with diabetes in the Ho Municipality, Ghana.METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2017 to April 2017 among 150 purposively recruited diabetic patients who were receiving care at the diabetes clinics of the Volta Regional Hospital and the Ho Municipal Hospital. A semi structured questionnaire was used in capturing socio-demographic information. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Glycaemic and blood pressure control were evaluated within a three-month period from patients’ records.RESULTS: Physical activity estimates among participants were 21.33%, 48% and 30.67% for high, moderate and low PA respectively. Glycaemic control among the study participants was 33.33% and blood pressure control was 58.67%. Both glycaemic and blood pressure control were significantly associated with PA.CONCLUSION:In this group of PLWD in the Ho Municipality, high levels of inactivity, uncontrolled glycaemia and blood pressure exist. However, glycaemic and blood pressure control may be modulated by moderate-intensity physical activity.

Background: This study is aimed at examining the dietary patterns and haematological profile in apparently healthy officers at the Ho Central Prisons. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional study to conveniently enroll 113 prison officers at the Ho Central Prisons. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic information including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, and marital status as well as the number of children, educational level, occupational rank and duration of service. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24-Hour Recall (24HR) instrument were used to assess participants’ dietary intakes and consumption patterns. Portion sizes of all meals indicated were estimated using handy measures. Nutrient intakes were then determined using the FAO food composition database. Using standard methods, venous blood samples were obtained to determine participants’ full blood count (FBC). Anaemia and its morphological types were defined based on gender specific haemoglobin cut-off and MCV and MCH cut-off values respectively. Results: Only half of the total respondents [65 (57.5%)] followed the recommended daily eating pattern (breakfast, lunch and supper). Thirty-two (28.3%) had often skipped breakfast, 36 (31.9%) skipped lunch and 6 (5.3%) skipped supper while 16 (14.2%) skipped snacks. High protein intake was predominant among study participants [74(65.49%)], with a male preponderance [47(75.81%)]. Low folate, vitamins (C, B6, and B12) and fiber consumptions were proportionally higher among the study population whereas low thiamine [35(68.63%)] and copper [36(70.59%)] intakes were significantly higher among female compared to their male peers, [33(53.23%)] and [40(64.52%)]. The rate of anaemia was 36(31.86%). Normocytic normochromic anaemia was the commonest [76(67.26%)], followed by microcytic hypochromic anaemia [19(16.81%)]. Anisocytosis accounted for 18(15.93%) of the total study population, with a preponderance towards the male gender [10(16.13%)]. Conclusion: Good dietary practices is not optimal among the officers of the Ho Central Prisons. A third of the officers suffer from anaemia, with normocytic normochromic anaemia as the predominant anaemia type. Keywords: Dietary patterns, Dietary habits, Haematological profile, Anaemia

The study was aimed at comparing the estimation of the burden and trends (2012–2016) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Syphilis infections by the national Sentinel Survey vis-à-vis the use of population-based studies at a single urban site (Municipal Hospital) in Ho, the Volta Region of Ghana. Using blood donors as a proxy of the asymptomatic adult population, a retrospective analysis of secondary data on HIV and Syphilis testing was conducted using Ho Municipal Hospital’s archives comprising 4,180 prospective blood donors. Published reports from the National Sentinel Survey for the Ho Sentinel Site comprising 2,452 pregnant women from 2012 to 2016 were used. The cumulative prevalence of HIV and Syphilis infections in the population-based survey was 4.78% and 2.58% while the epidemiology was estimated at 2.75% and 0.24% by the Sentinel Survey for the five-year under review. The new HIV and Syphilis infections were 3.78% and 2.46% in the population-based survey compared to 2.64% and 0.23% in the Sentinel Survey. Gender cumulative prevalence and the yearly trend was found to be higher in the general population compared to the pregnant women. The use of pregnant women to estimate the HIV and Syphilis epidemiology might not be representative of the general population.

Background. Using prospective blood donors as a proxy, this study was aimed at estimating the burden and five-year (2012–2016) trend of viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV) infection among asymptomatic adult population in Ho. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis was done on secondary data extracted from the hospital archives comprising 4,180 prospective blood donors from January 2012 to December 2016. Demographic variables included age and sex, as well as place of residence. Screening results of serum infectious markers (HBV and HCV) were obtained. Results. The prevalence of asymptomatic viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV) infection in the general adult population was 6.94% and 1.84%, respectively. Females recorded a higher burden of HBV and HCV (8.3% and 5.0%) compared to their male peers (6.8% and 1.4%). A significant age variation in HBV antigenaemia was seen with HBV seropositivity peaking among the younger population (less than 20 years’ group) at 11.24% and troughed among the older population (above 50 years’ group) at 0.92%. Conclusion. Asymptomatic viral hepatitis among adult population in the Ho Municipality is estimated at the intermediate to high endemicity level. Preventive measures to reduce the burden are urgently needed and should be targeted at the younger generation.

Background: This study was aimed at evaluating effect of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal characteristics on pregnancy outcomes. GDM has several risk factors including; advanced maternal age, ethnic background, obesity and family history of diabetes mellitus. These pregnancy complications are associated with fetal morbidity and mortality and may lead to macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. Others are stillbirth, miscarriages, preterm and small for gestational age babies.Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study which compared maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome among pregnant women with and without GDM. Diagnosis of GDM was done in accordance with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Weight and height were determined and Body mass index (BMI) calculated. Pregnancy outcome was determined at the end of pregnancy and information on maternal characteristics obtained using questionnaire and patient folders.Results: Those who developed GDM were significantly older (OR=1.772; 95% CI=1.432-2.192; P