Objectives: In sub-Saharan Africa, cataract surgical services are highly inadequate and surgical uptake for cataract is low. This paper describes cataract surgical uptake among older adults in Ghana. Methods: This work was based on World Health Organization's multi-country Study on global Ageing and adult health (SAGE), conducted in six countries including Ghana. Wave one of SAGE in Ghana was conducted in 2007-2008 as collaboration between WHO and Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School. A nationally representative sample of 5571 older adults (≥50 years) and a small sample of persons 18-49 years were interviewed. Data was obtained on uptake of cataract surgery in older adults and analyzed using descriptive measures and chi square for associations in categorical outcome measures. Results: Overall surgical uptake was 48.9% among older adults and was slightly higher among older men (49.1%) than women (48%). Cataract surgical uptake was relatively higher in the 60-69 years group (55%), urban residents (52.6%) and those living without partners (50%). Educational and income levels of older persons did not affect cataract surgical uptake. Regional differences in cataract surgical uptake existed; was less than 60% in all ten regions (except one), and the two regions with most self-reported cataracts (Ashanti and Greater Accra) had less than 50% uptake. Conclusions: Intensive public education, engagement of community groups and increased access to cataract surgery at health facilities and outreach services need consideration at national/sub-national levels. Further investigations to garner equity in national eye care efforts are recommended.

Background :The global older adult population is increasing, however the health and care of this segment of the population has not been accorded optimal attention in Ghana and other low-income countries. This paper describes socio-demographic and socioeconomic correlates of alcohol use as major health risk factors among older adult Ghanaians. Methods: This work was based on the World Health Organization's multi-country Study on global Ageing and adult health (SAGE), conducted in six countries including Ghana. Wave one of SAGE in Ghana was conducted in 2007-2008 as collaboration among WHO, National Health Research Unit and the University of Ghana Medical School through the Department of Community Health. A sample of 3109 older adults, ≥ 50 years were involved in this analysis. Data was obtained on the patterns and intensity of alcohol use among older adults in Ghana.Results: Heavy drinking (Excessive alcohol use) was more prevalent among the 50-59 year group (3.4%), males (4.2%), rural residents (2.9%), the separated/divorced (4.0%), those with secondary education (or equivalent) completed (8.4%) and higher incomes (3.8%). Regional differences existed in heavy drinking; was most prevalent in the three northern regions, Upper West (97.1%); Upper East (70.1%) and Northern (62.5%). The two most developed and populous regions (Greater Accra and Ashanti) had relatively lower prevalence of heavy drinking (43.4% and 39.9% respectively). Significant socio-demographic correlates of alcohol use were male sex (OR=1.4, CI=1.37-1.52), rural resident (OR=1.3, CI=1.08-1.44), higher education (OR=2.4, CI=1.65-3.61) and lower income (OR=1.6, CI=1.44-1.70). Conclusions:Risk reduction measures including improvement in access to health and social services, implementing the national aging policy with due consideration to demographic, socio-economic, religion, culture and regional disparities will engender health and social benefits to the older adult population in Ghana.

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