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Abstract Background Advances in health and technology have reduced HIV to a more manageable communicable disease. Yet, stigma and discrimination against people with HIV remain critical barriers to ending the pandemic by 2030. Due to limited literature on stigma and discrimination in Ghana, we aimed to assess the experiences and predictors of stigma among PWH seeking healthcare in selected health facilities. Methods This convergent parallel mixed-methods study involved 420 people with HIV responding to a quantitative survey and 25 PWH participating in qualitative interviews (9 in-depth interviews and 16 in focus group discussions). Respondents were recruited through systematic and purposive sampling techniques for the quantitative and qualitative aspects, respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed using Stata/SE version 16.0, with logistic regression models fitted to measure associations between predictor variables and experienced stigma. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software, employing an inductive approach. Results Of the 420 participants, 58 (13.8%) reported ever experiencing stigma due to their HIV status. Among those who experienced stigma, 44 (75.9%) reported stigma in their communities, 24 (41.4%) in their homes, 15 (25.9%) at their workplaces, and 13 (22.4%) at health facilities. The most common forms of stigma were being gossiped about (26.0%), verbal insults/harassment (15.2%), and physical assault (8.3%). Qualitative findings corroborated these experiences, revealing impacts on healthcare access, social relationships, and mental health. Females (aOR = 13.10, 95% CI: 1.64–104.55) and persons with TB-HIV co-infection (aOR = 20.53, 95% CI: 3.28–128.56) had greater odds of experiencing stigma. PWH who were self-employed had lower odds of experiencing stigma at the HIV clinic (aOR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.53, p = 0.009). Conclusion Experienced stigma ranged from low to moderate in different settings, with communities being the most common location. We observed differences in stigma experienced among PWH based on gender, employment status, and TB co-infection. These findings suggest a need for targeted, context-specific interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma in Ghana, with a particular focus on community-level interventions.

Abstract Background Studies on Mass drug administration (MDA) in Ghana targeting various diseases, have mostly focused on factors that affect coverage and compliance to MDA with limited focus on evidence regarding awareness and community perception of the program. Therefore, this study sought to provide empirical evidence on the knowledge of onchocerciasis, and awareness of and participation in the MDA among community members. Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2019 in communities within the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, Ghana. Data was collected from 2,008 respondents. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to measure the associations between socio-demographics, having heard of onchocerciasis and its prevention, and levels of awareness of the MDA program. Results A total of 1268 respondents (63.2%) were aware of the MDA program. The majority ofMost respondents (74.4%) were of the view that the information given about the program was not enough and 45.4% of the respondents had no idea about the relevance of the MDA program. Respondents who had ever heard about onchocerciasis prevention and persons who had previously participated in the MDA program were more likely to be aware of the MDA program during implementation (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI 1.79–3.01 and AOR = 9.31; 95% CI 7.06–12.26, respectively). Conclusions We observed a significant association between being aware of MDA campaigns and knowledge of onchocerciasis and its preventive methods, and participation in previous MDA campaigns. We recommend intensification and improvement of prevention campaigns regarding the onchocerciasis MDA program as key to ensuring increased MDA program participation.

Despite the significant contribution of the construction industry to national and global economies, the risk it poses to the health and safety of its workers is concerning. With substantial improvement in physical health and safety performance, especially in industrialised and developed economies, attention has shifted to the mental health of construction workers. The construction industry has implemented several worker-focused and management-oriented intervention programs, but problems related to poor mental health persist, and the industry ranks high in suicide figures. Entering the Construction 4.0 era, the use of technologies and new construction methods have been touted to have the potential to improve mental wellbeing. Therefore, this research addresses this lingering problem by: (1) identifying and classifying stressors of mental health and (2) assessing the relevance of adopting prefabricated construction to improving mental health. A two-phased PRISMA-guided systematic review was conducted due to the nonavailability of past studies that combine the concepts of prefabrication and mental health. Mental health stressors were grouped into three categories, with industry-related identified as having an influence on management/organisational and personal stressors. Prefabricated construction, on the other hand, by virtue of its benefits over traditional construction, is found to be capable of eliminating, or at least reducing, the impact of industry-related stressors and, by extension, promoting good mental health.

Abstract Background and Aims Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest monogenic haemolytic disorder in Africa. Despite strides made in its management, a significant proportion of patients are hospitalized from the various complications of the disease. This study set out to describe the main causes and outcomes of hospitalizations among pediatric patients with SCD. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Emergency Unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital within a period of 12 months to recruit pediatric SCD patients. This study looked at causes of admission, length of hospital stay (LOS), and outcome of admission. Results Of the 201 SCD patients recruited, 57.2% were males and majority were of SCD‐SS phenotype 83.1%. The median age was 6 years. The three leading causes of hospitalization were Vaso‐occlusive pain events (VOPE) (39.8%), acute chest syndrome (ACS) (25.9%), and infections (12.4%). Ten (5.0%) of the patients presented with a stroke. High admissions were observed in June (12.4%) and November (16.9%). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) LOS was 6 days (IQR: 4–10). Six (3.0%) of the patients died from complications of the disease during hospitalization. Conclusion VOPE, ACS, infections, and acute anaemia from hyperhaemolysis were observed as the most common causes of admissions among SCD patients. A good outcome of discharge was seen in most of the patients that were hospitalized with a median length of stay of 6 days. This study also strengthens the importance of a good SCD database with patient follow‐ups for better outcomes in SCD patients.

Abstract Background and Aims Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have an increased risk of multiple hemotransfusions and this can predispose them to elevated iron stores. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of elevated iron stores and the associated risk factors in a population of steady‐state SCD children in Ghana. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted at the pediatric sickle cell clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Complete blood count and serum ferritin assay were performed for (n = 178) steady‐state SCD children. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Elevated iron stores were defined as serum ferritin levels >300 ng/ml. Statistical significance was considered at p

Abstract Background Nymphaea lotus L. (N. lotus) is an aquatic plant with anecdotal reports suggesting its use in the traditional management of cancer. However, there is a paucity of data on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of N. lotus in relation to its phytochemical and elemental contents. This study aimed at determining the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of the hydro-ethanolic extract of N. lotus leaves (NLE), and its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents. Methods The antioxidant property of NLE was determined using total phenolic and flavonoid, DPPH radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assays. The anti-inflammatory activity of NLE (100–250-500 mg/kg), diclofenac and hydrocortisone (positive controls) were determined by paw oedema and skin prick tests in Sprague Dawley rats. Also, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined by Westergren method. The macro/micro-elements content was determined by the XRF method. The cytotoxic property of NLE was determined by the MTT assay, on two cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and Jurkat) and compared to a normal cell line (Chang liver). Inhibitory concentrations were determined as IC50 values (±SEM). Results The extract had appreciable levels of phenolic and flavonoids compounds and was two-fold more potent in scavenging DPPH radicals than Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). However, NLE was three- and six-fold less potent than ascorbic acid and BHT, respectively, in reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+. The extract was six-fold more potent than gallic acid in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in rat paw oedema sizes, comparable to diclofenac, and a significant decrease in wheel diameters and ESR. The elemental analysis revealed relevant concentrations of Mg2+, P2+, S2+, K2+, Mn+, Fe+, Cu+, Zn+ and Cd+. The extract exhibited cytotoxic activity on both MCF-7 (IC50 = 155.00 μg/ml) and Jurkat (IC50 = 87.29 μg/ml), with higher selectivity for Jurkat cell line. Interestingly, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to the normal Chang liver cell line (IC50 = 204.20 μg/ml). Conclusion N. lotus leaves extract exhibited high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-cell-specific cytotoxic properties. These aforementioned activities could be attributed to its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents. Graphical abstract

Background and objectives: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) sepals, commonly known as bissap is prepared as a cold drink which is widely drunk in Ghana and across West-Africa for their medicinal and nutritional properties. The plant is known to have anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticancer, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. For such a widely sold and used medicinal plant, it is important that simple but reliable parameters can be used to estimate the quality. This will reduce adulteration, improve quality and hence safeguard the consumer. This study was to examine simple parameters that can be employed to estimate the quality of dried whole and powdered samples of H. sabdariffa that are widely sold on the open West-African market. Methods: The parameters investigated were macroscopic, microscopic, phytochemical, physicochemical, microbiological, and fluorescence characteristics. Heavy metal and HPLC analyses were also performed. Results: The sepals of H. sabdariffa were dark red, united sepals alongside valvate aestivation. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. It exhibited unique fluorescent profiles in various reagents. HPLC fingerprint showed 7 peaks eluting within 1 and 5 minutes. Arsenic, lead, mercury, and chromium were not detected but cadmium was detected which was within acceptable limits. The aerobic bacteria and fungi count were also within acceptable limits. Conclusion: These parameters can be used to evaluate the quality of dried sepals of Hibiscus sabdariffa sold on the open market before they are used in the manufacturing of beverages and medicines.

There is a need to promote the mental health and well-being of young people who work in the construction industry worldwide. Although research exists on young construction workers’ mental health, it conceptualises mental health as a disease and focuses predominantly on issues connected with negative aspects of mental health. In contrast, research that can inform the promotion and protection of positive mental health, which is crucial to young construction workers’ achievement of good mental health and well-being, is scarce. To improve this situation, it is necessary to develop frameworks that reconceptualise mental health as a positive phenomenon and provide a comprehensive picture of how positive mental health is achieved by young construction workers. In this study, therefore, we propose a conceptual framework and five testable propositions based on Meleis’ middle-range theory of transitions and Keyes’ Dual-Continuum Model, both of which focus on the attainment of well-being. The proposed framework wholistically captures the structure of the distal, intermediary, and proximal determinants of young construction workers’ positive mental health and the relationships among them. The framework and its accompanying propositions provide a basis for undertaking multi-level and context-specific research that can adequately inform the development of interventions and policies for promoting and protecting young construction workers’ positive mental health.

Introduction: Achieving high Mass Drug Administration (MDA) coverage and drug uptake are pivotal in the efforts to eradicate onchocerciasis. The present study investigated the extent and predictors of ivermectin MDA coverage and uptake from the individual and healthcare providers' perspectives. The extent of ivermectin distribution and uptake, and the predictors of distribution and uptake were investigated in endemic communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2019 in communities within the Atwima Nwabiagya North District. A total of 2008 respondents were interviewed. Data was collected with REDCap mobile App which had an electronic version of the structured questionnaire. Descriptive data was presented in frequency tables, and bivariate and multivariate logistics regression analysis were performed to measure the associations between exposure variables and outcome variables which were received and uptake of MDA drugs. Results: A total of 1284 (63.9%) respondents did not receive ivermectin during the 2019 MDA programme and more than half of them were not aware of the drug distribution (53.3%). The most common reasons for not ingesting the drug were fear of side effects (47.7%) and not trusting the drug distributors (20.0%). Respondents in the age group 48–57 years (AOR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.01–2.67), Persons in the high wealth index (AOR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.11–1.77), Being aware of the MDA programme (AOR = 6.67: 95%CI: 4.76–9.35), MDA being beneficial (AOR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.54–2.92) participating in previous MDA (AOR = 5.44; 95%CI: 4.25–6.98) and having stayed in the communities for 10 years and above significantly increased the odds of receiving MDA drugs. Previous uptake of MDA drugs (AOR = 10.58; 95%CI: 5.78–19.38) and perception of the MDA drug as beneficial (AOR = 5.25; 95%CI: 2.55–10.82) increased the likelihood of ingesting drugs when received. Conclusion: The main health system challenge was limited awareness creation regarding MDA. This seems to affect the optimal utilization of the ivermectin MDA intervention. MDA programmes against onchocerciasis eradication should be designed taking into account specific contextual factors to improve implementation outcomes.

Background and objectives: The bark of Alstonia boonei, known as stool wood, is sold in large quantities on the Ghanaian market. It is used for the treatment of numerous ailments including snake bites, worm infestation, malaria and rheumatic pains. For safety reasons, it is necessary to control the raw materials by setting simple but relevant parameters to ensure identity, purity and quality which have been the aim of the present study to authenticate the plant materials. Methods: The macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical, phytochemical, UV-visible, fluorescence, HPLC and elemental characteristics were evaluated. Mutagenicity was also investigated with the Ames test. Results: The leaf characteristics can be employed to preliminary confirm the identity of the plant.The greyish-green outer bark and inner cream bark is rough, short and splintery with a bitter taste.The powdered stem bark showed microscopic prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, scalariform xylem vessels and lignified brachysclereids. Phytochemicals present were alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides and terpenes. The bark fluoresced reddish-brown in 50 %v/v H2SO4 under UV light of λ 254 nm and contained traces of Cd, Fe, Zn and As, which were within recommended limits. HPLC fingerprint showed peaks at 254 nm, and UV analysis in various solvents showed spectral shifts on ionization. A. boonei demonstrated mutagenicity in Ames test. Conclusion: The characteristic macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical and chemical parameters evaluated for the plant sample can be used in rapid identification, authentication and establishment of the quality of raw materials. This will improve the quality and hence efficacy. The mutagenicity suggests the need for further safety evaluation.

Young construction workers employ different practices to cope with psychosocial risks, most of which prevent them from achieving mental well-being. Managing this problem has been a challenge because research on the topic is fragmented. To contribute to addressing this problem, we systematically reviewed the literature on young construction workers’ coping practices using meta-aggregation guided by the PICo and PRISMA frameworks. We sought to identify young construction workers’ coping mechanisms and the factors that influence their choice of coping practices. A total of 345 studies were retrieved, and 24 studies published between 1993 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria. Using deductive thematic analysis, we identified 28 coping practices and categorized them into eight mechanisms and three domains. Eleven determinants of young construction workers’ coping choices emerged and were classified as personal and environmental factors. This review provides knowledge for building theory on young construction workers’ coping and stresses the need for further studies on the role of influencing factors such as age, individual resilience, coping experience, religion, and spirituality. Findings from this review can serve as an evidence base for researchers, occupational health practitioners, and policy-makers for developing interventions that can promote the uptake of beneficial coping practices by young construction workers.

The use of herbal medicinal products for complementary and alternative medicine is well established in Ghana. The potential public health risks associated with the use of these products due to the presence of residual solvents have not yet been investigated and/or reported. In this pilot study, 7 liquid dosage forms of herbal medicinal products obtained from pharmacies and licensed chemical seller shops within the Accra metropolis in Ghana were investigated for the presence of 28 residual solvents using a combination of two orthogonal headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detector methods from a compendial approach in the general chapter Residual Solvents in the United States Pharmacopeia without modification. One herbal medicinal product was contaminated with 498.33 ppm of chloroform, resulting in daily exposure of 41.82 mg/day, which is above the permissible daily exposure level of 0.6 mg/day. The detection of chloroform in herbal medicinal products suggests further investigation into the profile of residual solvent contaminants in herbal medicinal products as a matter of public health concern and the potential need for more stringent regulation of herbal medicinal products marketed in Ghana.

Background. There exist continuing challenges with communication medium used during health service provision. These challenges relate to clients and health institution, intra- and interhealth institution communications. This study reviewed the existing healthcare communication medium from the perspectives of clients and health professionals at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Methods. Cross-sectional design was employed with a multilevel sampling method to select a total of 650 participants consisting of 303 clients, 303 health workers, and 44 hospital directorate managers for the study. A structured survey questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Results. Close to ninety percent (89.8%) of staff resort to direct means (face-to-face medium) to communicate among each other. Majority (64.4%) of them also communicated with management through meetings sections. Nearly all healthcare providers (97.4%) communicated with clients through direct means (face-to-face medium). Almost all forms of communication between the hospital management members and the general public were done through letters and official memos. Conclusions. The study revealed blended forms of communication media used by health providers and health service consumers. These differences in medium of communication could amount to possible difficulties such as lack of information and truncation of information flow. Developing a systematic way of information flow using a common information platform will improve access to health services.

Background: This study assessed the predictors of self-esteem among Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHIV) in Ghana seeking healthcare at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed in sampling 139 adolescents using a purposive sampling technique. Rosenberg’s rating scale was used in assessing the self-esteem of the participants. Results: A total of 139 adolescents made up of 78 (56.12%) females and 61 (43.88%) males were recruited. Low self-esteem was reported among 66 (47.00%) of the adolescents. Adolescents aged 17-19 years (aOR = 2.97, 95%CI = 1.34-6.56, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with low self-esteem. Conclusion: The occurrence of low self-esteem among ALHIV was high and more pronounced among those in age cohorts of 17 to 19 years. Social support interventions designed which includes psychosocial support, life skills training, and avenue for discussing sexual and reproductive health matters could improve self-esteem.

The design and construction of houses normally require an architect׳s input. However, architects are increasingly being marginalized in these projects, and their roles are constantly being invaded by others. Despite repeated institutional interventions toward remedying this phenomenon, signs are not abating. This article examines the complexity of this phenomenon to explain the inadequacy of institutional interventions to address the problem. This article conceptualizes the phenomenon of marginalization and role invasion as a super wicked problem with six key features. First, the problem has a difficult definition. Second, the solution involves a large structural and economic burden. Third, time is of the essence. Fourth, multiple stakeholders attempting to solve the problem are part of the cause. Fifth, institutional interventions addressing the issue are weak or ill-equipped. Sixth, institutional interventions discount the future irrationally. The implications of this conceptualization for institutional intervention and research are discussed. Keywords: Client–architect relationship, Architectural management, House projects, Super wicked problems, Marginalization and role invasion, Institutional interventions

When shovels load the dump trucks with over 100-ton passes under gravity dumping conditions, they will create a large impact force on the dump truck body which generates high frequency shock waves which expose the operators to whole body vibrations (WBV). The main cause of such truck vibrations is the large impact force due to the gravity dumping of large tonnage passes. Therefore a rigorous mathematical model has been developed for the impact force containing all the necessary factors upon which it depends. Latter, a thorough analysis shows that percentage reduction of 7.19%, 9.40%, 13.27%, 14.8%, 17.30% and 18.13% can be achieved by reducing the dumping distance to 6.33 m, 6.0 m, 5.5 m, 5.33 m, 5.0 m and 4.9 m, respectively, as compared to when the dumping distance was 7.33 m. Even more reduction in the magnitude of impact force can be observed if the shovel pass gets divided into more than two sub-passes. Therefore, these models can be used to figure out the number of sub-passes into which a single ore pass can be divided and/or the extent to which the dumping distance can be reduced which would reduce the impact force significantly enough to obtain safer yet economic operations. Keywords: Impact force, HISLO, Mathematical modeling, Dumping distance, Shovel ore sub-passes

Despite being a key provider of employment, construction work significantly contributes to poor mental health among young construction workers worldwide. Although there are studies on the psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) that make young construction workers susceptible to poor mental health, the literature is fragmented. This has obscured a deeper understanding of PRFs and the direction for future research, thus making it challenging to develop appropriate interventions. To address this challenge, we systematically reviewed the literature on young construction workers’ PRFs using meta-aggregation, guided by the PICo, PEO, and PRISMA frameworks. We sought to synthesize the domains of PRFs that affect young construction workers’ mental health, and to determine the relationships between the PRF domains, psychological distress, and poor mental health. A total of 235 studies were retrieved and 31 studies published between 1993 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. We identified 30 PRFs and categorized them into ten domains, which were further classified into personal, socio-economic, and organizational/industrial factors. The findings of this review contribute to achieving an in-depth understanding of young construction workers’ PRF domains and their patterns of interaction. The findings are also useful to researchers and policymakers for identifying PRFs that are in critical need of attention.

This study was conducted at the Kumasi Abattoir Company Limited (K.A.C.L) in Ghana to assess the effect of pre-slaughter handling on welfare and meat quality of cattle. Behaviour measurements were done on 200 cattle pre-slaughter and the methods by which the cattle were handled were recorded to evaluate the effect of pre-slaughter handling on their welfare. Ultimate pH24 and percent cooking loss were measured on 50 poorly-handled cattle pre-slaughter. The cattle were poorly-handled because they were beaten and, whipped. Based on pH24, meat quality was assessed as normal (pH from 5.5–5.8), moderate dark, firm and dry (DFD) (5.8 ≤ pH ≤ 6.2), and DFD (pH from 6.2–6.7). Five hundred carcasses were visually observed for bruising in them and the number of non-ambulatory cattle slaughtered in a week was recorded. The relationship between pH24 value and cooking loss in meat from the 50 poorly-handled cattle was investigated. Behaviours exhibited by poorly-handled cattle pre-slaughter included raising of their tail, kicking, lying down and refusing to move, jumping, vocalising, panting, and charging at handlers. Also lashes/whips, pulling of animals’ tails, stamping on their tails, and hitting them with sticks, stones and ropes were among the prominent methods by which the cattle were handled. Mean pH24 and mean percent cooking loss were significant (p < 0.05) at 6.22 ± 0.10 and 22.51 ± 3.25, respectively, for poorly-handled cattle. There was a strong negative correlation between pH24 and percent cooking loss in poorly-handled cattle (r = −0.77). Out of the 500 carcasses assessed for bruising, 18% had no bruises, 60% had slight bruises while 22% had severe bruises. Ninety (90) non-ambulatory cattle were slaughtered within seven (7) days, representing 7.1% of the total number of cattle slaughtered within that period. The results indicated that handling of cattle pre-slaughter have effects on their meat quality and welfare. Eighty-two percent of the bruised carcass and 7.1% of non-ambulatory animals indicated poor meat quality. Meat quality assessment indicated that most of the meat had dark, firm and dry (DFD) tendency. The water holding capacity of the meat sampled in this study (by means of cooking loss) indicated that the meat quality was compromised.

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP) is a pulverized high-grade powder of compressed solid blocks which remains after extraction. Little scientific data is available concerning its safety despite the presence of potential toxic elements. Elemental composition in UNCP was analyzed with ED-XRF spectroscopy. Single oral high dose toxicity study was conducted on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (150 g) by the limit test method. One group received water and the test group 2000 mg/kg UNCP. All animals were observed for 14 days and then euthanized for haematological, biochemical, and histopathological examinations. Thirty-eight (38) elements were found in UNCP. There was an increase in HDL cholesterol (p0.05), alkaline phosphatase (p0.05). Haematological changes were not significant. Histopathological analysis showed no toxic effect on the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, testis, and spleen. Intestinal erosion was observed in the test group. UNCP appears to be relatively safe when taken as a single oral high dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w.t. in rats. Caution should however be exercised at high doses due to the high elemental content of copper and high possibility of intestinal lining erosion.

Background: Advances in health and technology have reduced HIV to a more manageable communicable disease. Yet, stigma and discrimination against people with HIV remain critical barriers to ending the pandemic by 2030. Due to limited literature on stigma and discrimination in Ghana, we aimed to assess the experiences and predictors of stigma among PWH seeking healthcare in selected health facilities. Methods: This convergent parallel mixed-methods study involved 420 people with HIV responding to a quantitative survey and 25 PWH participating in qualitative interviews (9 in-depth interviews and 16 in focus group discussions). Respondents were recruited through systematic and purposive sampling techniques for the quantitative and qualitative aspects, respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed using Stata/SE version 16.0, with logistic regression models fitted to measure associations between predictor variables and experienced stigma. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software, employing an inductive approach. Results: Of the 420 participants, 58 (13.8%) reported ever experiencing stigma due to their HIV status. Among those who experienced stigma, 44 (75.9%) reported stigma in their communities, 24 (41.4%) in their homes, 15 (25.9%) at their workplaces, and 13 (22.4%) at health facilities. The most common forms of stigma were being gossiped about (26.0%), verbal insults/harassment (15.2%), and physical assault (8.3%). Qualitative findings corroborated these experiences, revealing impacts on healthcare access, social relationships, and mental health. Females (aOR = 13.10, 95% CI: 1.64–104.55) and persons with TB-HIV co-infection (aOR = 20.53, 95% CI: 3.28–128.56) had greater odds of experiencing stigma. PWH who were self-employed had lower odds of experiencing stigma at the HIV clinic (aOR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.53, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Experienced stigma ranged from low to moderate in different settings, with communities being the most common location. We observed differences in stigma experienced among PWH based on gender, employment status, and TB co-infection. These findings suggest a need for targeted, context-specific interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma in Ghana, with a particular focus on community-level interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]