ObjectiveThere is a decline in contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried young women in Ghana. This study assessed the prevalence of contraceptive knowledge and use, and the determinant of contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried young women in Ghana.DesignThis was a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, using data from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey. Weighted logistic regression was used to assess the association between background and obstetric characteristics of young women and contraceptive use.SettingGhana.ParticipantsA total of 809 sexually active unmarried adolescent girls (15–19 years) and young women (20–24 years).Primary and secondary outcome measuresKnowledge and use of both modern and traditional contraceptive methods.ResultsKnowledge of at least one modern and traditional contractive method was 99.8% and 95.0%, respectively. The prevalence of contraceptive use was 43%—with 34% modern and 9% traditional methods. From the unadjusted analyses, age (p=0.002), past pregnancy (p<0.001), abortion in the past 5 years (p=0.007) and history of childbirth (p=0.025) were independently associated with contraceptive use, whereas education (p=0.072), place of residence (p=0.702), household wealth (p=0.836) and age at first sex (p=0.924) were not independently associated with contraceptive use. In the adjusted analysis, contraceptive use was significantly higher among respondents with secondary education compared with those with primary education (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.49, p=0.017), and was higher among respondents with a history of pregnancy (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.06, p<0.001).ConclusionThere is a significant gap between knowledge and use of contraceptives among the study population. While intensifying knowledge of adolescents and young women on contraceptives, adolescent-friendly corners should be established at vantage points to increase utilisation and to prevent societal stigma on young women who access contraceptives services.

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among medical laboratory science students (MLSSs) in the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit a total of 178 students into the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather relevant information on risk factors, and a hepatitis B diagnostic test kit was used to test for HBV infection. Descriptive, chi-square test, bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistical analysis were computed. Significance was observed at p < 0.05.FindingsThe prevalence of HBV infection among MLSSs was 6.7%. Torn gloves and splash of blood and body fluids contributed to 43.0% and 28.0% of all the risk factors of HBV infection, respectively. Also, 43.3% of students had received at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccination. Sharp object-related injury and torn gloves increased the odds of HBV infection, while vaccination decreased the odds of HBV infection.Research limitations/implicationsSharp-related injuries, torn gloves and vaccination were strong predictors of the HBV infection. And since the infection among students was high, it is imperative to institute measures to avert the concentration of the disease among health-care workers (HCWs) and MLSSs.Originality/valueThis study reveals the prevalence of HBV among MLSSs, who are recognized as being among the high-risk student populations aside from student nurses.

Medical laboratory science students (MLSS), likewise health care workers (HCW), invariably get exposed to blood and body fluids (BBF) of patients. The degree of exposure of these students is even worsened due to their inexperience, which is usually revealed during their vocational training programme. This study therefore determined the prevalence of exposure to BBF and its risk factors among MLSS at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). A cross-sectional survey was employed using simple random sampling to enrol 178 students into the study. The study was conducted from February 1 to March 31, 2018, after the annual vocational training programme completed in August 2017. Self-administered questionnaires based on the objectives of the study were given out to participants to complete after their consent was sought. Descriptive data were reported as absolute number with percentages, whereas bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were done to describe relationship between risk factors and exposure to BBF. The study findings revealed that, out of 178 MLSS that participated, 90 (50.6%) experienced at least one exposure to BBF. Also, work experience before university education increased the chances of exposure to BBF (AOR = 7.37, 95% CI = 1.22–44.43, pvalue = 0.029) compared with those with no experience. In contrast, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) reduced the tendencies of exposure to BBF (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.20–0.88, p value = 0.023) compared with students who had insufficient PPE. The study showed high, 50.6% (95% CI: 43.0%–58.1%), exposure to BBF. Work history and sufficient PPE were the most significantly associated risk factors. In view of this, there is the need to promote training and education on exposure to BBF particularly among experienced students and also encourage health facilities to continue providing enough PPE for students during their annual obligatory vocational internship programmes.

Background In recent times, the novel coronavirus disease, obviously, is one of the most challenging public health burden. Low-and-middle-income countries including Ghana have not been spared by the infection. Several measures are being undertaken by countries to control and prevent the future waves of the disease. Previous studies have established the importance of knowledge, attitude and practices towards an infection as remedy for controlling the spread of such infections. However, further studies are required to ascertain the socio-demographic characteristics influencing the knowledge, attitude and preventive measures of COVID-19. Methods This study investigated the socio-demographic characteristics influencing knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 infection among the Ghanaian population. A cross-sectional design was adopted to recruit 369 participants for the study by means of convenience and snowball sampling methods. With the use of an electronic semi-structured questionnaire and social media platforms, an online survey was conducted from March 26 – May 1, 2020. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression were used to analyze data. Results The average mean percentage of good knowledge, positive attitudes and good preventive practices regarding the novel coronavirus disease was 83.2%, 88.2% and 69.2%, correspondingly. In relation to occupation, there was significant difference (t = -2.984, p-value = 0.0030) in COVID-19 knowledge. Income level was significantly associated with attitudes towards COVID-19. Male gender (vs female, β = -1.276, p-value = < 0.00001), less than ¢500 income earners (vs above ¢1000, β = -0.845, p-value = 0.017) were associated with lower COVID-19 preventive practice score while being the 42–64 age category (vs 18–25-year group, β = 1.128, p-value = 0.028), health worker (vs non-health worker, β = 0.816, p-value = 0.001) and belonging to Ga ethnic group (vs Akan ethnic group, β = 0.89, p-value = 0.027) were associated with higher scores. Conclusion Although this study found higher knowledge and attitudes toward the novel coronavirus disease, it did not reflect in higher preventive practices towards the infection. In our fight against this infection in Ghana, COVID-19 preventive measure educational campaigns targeting male gender and low-income earners should be considered and implemented.

Background: Globally, urinary schistosomiasis has devastating implications on school children. It predisposes them to dysuria, haematuria among others which can negatively influence their academic performance. This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among basic school children in the Akyemansa district.  Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design using multi-stage sampling was used to enroll 504 basic school children from six communities of the Akyemansa District into study. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on risk factors. Urine samples were collected and microscopically examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium (SH) ova. The observed ova were then quantified as light or heavy. Results: Prevalence of SH infection among school children in Akyemansa District was 10.32% [95% CI: 7.80 -13.31%]. Out of 52 participants who were infected, 69.2% had light infection whilst the rest had heavy infection. Female participants were less likely to be infected with SH than males [OR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.23-0.97], children who do not stay by the river/stream were also less likely to be infected with SH compared to those who lived near waterbodies [OR=0.35; 95% CI: 0.17-0.72]. Additionally, participants who did not play around water bodies were also less likely to be infected with SH compared to those who did [OR=0.17; 95% CI= 0.04-0.71; p=0.015]. However, inhabitants of Kotokuom were more likely to be infected compared to those in Pawuda [OR=8.54; 95% CI: 1.91-38.27; p=0.005] Conclusion: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among basic school children in the Akyemansa district was found to be 10.32% [95% CI: 7.80 -13.31%]. Gender, staying around river/ stream, playing at river/ stream and habitation of participants were significantly associated with the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection. The study therefore recommends that periodic drug administration and a comprehensive intervention strategy should be designed and implemented to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence.

Background: In recent times, the novel coronavirus disease is one of the most challenging public health burdens. Low-and-middle-income countries including Ghana have not been spared by the infection. Several measures are being undertaken by countries to control and prevent the future waves of the disease. Previous studies have established the importance of knowledge, attitude and practices towards an infection as a remedy for controlling the spread of such infection. However, further studies are required to ascertain the socio-demographic characteristics influencing the knowledge, attitude and preventive measures of COVID-19. Methods: This study investigated the socio-demographic characteristics influencing knowledge, attitude and preventive practices towards COVID-19 among the Ghanaian population. A cross-sectional design was adopted to recruit 369 participants for the study utilizing convenience and snowball sampling methods. With the use of an electronic semi-structured questionnaire and social media platforms, an online survey was conducted from March 26 to May 1, 2020. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression were used to analyze data. Results: The average mean percentage of good knowledge, positive attitudes and good preventive practices regarding the novel coronavirus disease was 83.2%, 88.2% and 69.2%, respectively. In relation to occupation, there was significant difference (t = -2.984, p-value = 0.0030) in COVID-19 knowledge. Income level was significantly associated with attitudes towards COVID-19. Male gender (vs female, β = -1.276, p-value = <0.00001), less than ¢500 income earners (vs above ¢1000, β = -0.845, p-value = 0.017) were associated with lower COVID-19 preventive practice score while being the 42-64 age category (vs 18–25-year group, β = 1.128, p-value = 0.028), health worker (vs non-health worker, β = 0.816, p-value = 0.001) and belonging to Ga ethnic group (vs Akan ethnic group, β = 0.89, p-value = 0.027) were associated with higher scores. Conclusion: Although this study found higher knowledge and attitudes toward the novel coronavirus disease, it did not reflect in higher preventive practices towards the infection. In our fight against this infection in Ghana, COVID-19 preventive measure educational campaigns targeting the male gender and low-income earners should be considered and implemented.