Drug use is one of the global public health issues, and its accompanying disorders have consequences on people’s mental, physical, and environmental health. Nevertheless, the majority of people who use drugs have never been treated for drug dependence and other health conditions whilst others discontinue their treatment for drug use disorder. Using the health belief model, the study aimed at exploring facilitators and barriers to health-seeking among people who use drugs in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana. A descriptive study design was used, employing a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 22 participants, including two key informants (male and female). The first group of participants was recruited from the ghetto (an area in the municipality where people who use drugs are usually located). The other group of participants was recruited using hospital-based records. The interview data were transcribed, coded, and analysed for the generation of themes with the aid of Nvivo version 12 pro. The results showed that people who use drugs face health challenges such as drug dependence, malaria, lungs and breathing complications, cardiovascular complications, and skin complications. People who use drugs experienced poor perceived quality of life and low health status. Health-seeking behaviours of interviewees were influenced by the perceived benefit, perceived severity, cues to action, among others. Multiple sources of healthcare were used by the people who use drugs. Whereas ease of communication, perceived severity, benefit, among others were facilitators to their health-seeking behaviours, cost, dwindling social support, lack of knowledge of the condition, and fear of arrest by law enforcement agencies also served as barriers to seeking healthcare at the orthodox health facilities. This paper suggests a holistic approach to help improve the health and health-seeking behaviours of people who use drugs. The researchers wish to indicate that an earlier version of this manuscript has been presented at the University of Ghana as a thesis.

Background: Autism is increasing worldwide; however, preschool teachers, who are the primary caregivers beside parents in most situations are not able to accurately detect the symptoms of autism to respond appropriately as this is of utmost importance to help provide early healthcare to autistic children. The study assessed the knowledge and perception of preschool teachers towards child autism in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipality. Methods: A total of 210 preschool teachers (58% females) in 8 selected communities in the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Assembly, Ghana completed questionnaires relating to their demographic characteristics, level of knowledge in typical child development, child autism, perceptions and attitudes. A cross-sectional study design was employed using a quantitative technique. The association between dependent and independent variables and were examined using univariate and multivariable analyses. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 and analysis was performed with Stata Version 15. Results: The findings of the study revealed that preschool teachers had low levels of knowledge in ASD. The results also showed that preschool teachers had positive attitudes and perceptions towards education of children with autism. Finally, there was a significant association between knowledge of ASD and, attitudes and perceptions towards ASD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Preschool teachers generally possess low levels of knowledge about autism spectrum disorder. Even though preschool teachers have positive attitudes and perceptions towards the provision of education for autistic children, increasing their knowledge will result in a more positive attitude and perception towards other needs of autism spectrum disorder and also help in early detection of autism.