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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) and related activities have been a topic of debate and discussion among policymakers and stakeholders, as well as common citizens in the African region, especially in Ghana. The current anti-LGBTI-related bill being put before Ghana's Parliament signifies the intensity of the issue. Even though some studies have looked at some aspects of the issue, no study presently has explored people's opinion on the passage of any future anti-LGBTI and related legislations in Ghana. This study examined the perspective of tertiary-level students on the passage of anti-LGBTI legislation, as well as the non-physical factors that influence support for the passage of anti-LGBTI and related legislation in Ghana. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design using 1,001 tertiary-level students. The study used convenience sampling technique with an online closed-ended, structured survey questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. The data was then analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 29 at a 5% significance level. The results of the study indicated that majority of the respondents (81%) were in support of the passage of anti-LGBTI and related legislations. Their reasons included the health implications of LGBTI and related activities (63%), cultural and societal values (62%), religious reasons (54%), and western culture (25%). Also, almost half of the respondents (49%) held that health related perceptions about LGBTI have little or no empirical basis. The inferential analysis, further, revealed that even when age and sex assigned at birth are controlled, perceived health implications of LGBTI (β = 0.247, p = < .001), religious beliefs (β = 0.189, p = < .001), and cultural values (β = 0.218, p = < .001) positively predict the support for passage of anti-LGBTI legislation. People's level of support for the passage of anti-LGBTI legislation is influenced by several factors including religious beliefs, cultural values, and the perceived health implications of LGBTI. There is, however, the need for policy makers and other stakeholders to create awareness and educate the public about the various perceptions about LGBTI and related activities that are not scientifically legitimate.

Background The variations in health between rural and urban population have become an increasingly significant public health concern in developing countries including Ghana where urbanization is occurring. Whereas urbanization results in improved access to healthcare services, the concomitant negative consequences of urbanization coupled with unfavorable compositional and contextual attributes can affect the health of populations. The study sought to examine the effect of rural–urban residence and selected socio-demographic factors on perceived health state among aging population by employing a nationally representative data collected by the WHO from 2014 to 2015. Methods The data were derived from the WHO Study on Aging wave 2 released in 2019. A total of 4511 individuals, made up of 1018 adults between 18 and 49 years and 3493 respondents within the ages of 50 years and above, were involved in this study. The study examined the Spearman’s rho correlations between perceived health, rural–urban residence, age, sex, marital status, ever schooled, current work state, religion, and regional location. Subsequently, the study employed a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model to test the effect of the selected biosocial and contextual variables on perceived health state. Results The selected socio-demographic variables significantly correlated with health state, except for rural–urban residence. However, the predictive ability of rural–urban residence and the socio-demographic variables on perceived health state were strongly ascertained. It was observed that age, sex, rural–urban residence, and current state of work among aging populations were significant predictors of perceived health state as demonstrated by odds ratios and significant p values. The contextual factor of regional location was the most significant variable that increases the perceived health state of respondents in the study. Conclusions Continues engagement in work-related activities, an individual’s age within the aging continuum and regional location coupled with its environmental and ecological attributes, may significantly influence the development of positive perception toward health state, which forms a vital constituent of an individual health seeking behavior.

Malaria remains one of the leading public health threats to children in the sub-Saharan region. Despite the development of the malaria vaccine, widespread adoption continues to be a challenge. This paper explores the factors that influence community engagement as a plausible strategy in promoting the uptake of the malaria vaccine among children under five. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study design was employed using structured questionnaires. Using a systematic sampling method, a sample of 1,183 was recruited based on sample size table for 2,500 under five population. The study utilized bivariate analysis and random forest analysis to identify important factors influencing community participation in malaria vaccine promotion. The results from the random forest analysis highlighted perception of vaccine effectiveness, educational level, and age as the most relevant factors influencing community engagement. Additionally, the study identified vaccine safety and acceptability as moderate factors that could significantly contribute to promoting community engagement as a strategy for increasing malaria vaccine uptake among children under five. The findings further highlight that individuals with high educational attainment tend to prioritize vaccine effectiveness and safety, while those with lower educational attainment prioritize factors such as vaccine cost and cultural considerations to effectiveness. By tailoring educational programs to address demographic variations in perceptions of vaccine efficacy, community engagement can be leveraged to promote widespread uptake of the malaria vaccine among children under five.

Background Little is known about the nexus between online gambling and psychological distress among youth, especially in Ghana. This study aimed to investigate the effects of online sports betting on psychological distress, focusing on depression, anxiety, and stress among young individuals in the Volta region of Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at various betting centers in the Volta region of Ghana. Four hundred and three (403) participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. The study used a standardized questionnaire to assess psychological distress with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21) and problematic gambling with the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). The analysis included both descriptive and inferential methods. These include the implementation of the bootstrap technique within multiple regression models using the current versions of Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) [0.18.2], Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) [29.0.2], and Microsoft Excel (2019). Results The study found a prevalence of 40% for problematic gambling and 44% for moderate gambling problems among participants, resulting in an overall gambling prevalence of 84%. Regarding psychological distress, the estimated prevalence of depression among participants was 43.6%, with stress reported at 31.1% and anxiety at 68.8%. The overall prevalence of psychological distress was 48%. When analyzing the link between gambling and psychological distress, the study noted that males were more prone to gambling-related psychological distress than females (β = 2.036, p  = 0.025). Furthermore, individuals with problem gambling showed the highest probability of experiencing more significant psychological distress compared to other groups (β = 9.228, p  = 0.002), followed by those with moderate gambling levels (β = 3.283, p  = 0.002). Conclusion We recommend that the mental health unit of the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with the Gaming Commission of Ghana, should develop youth-friendly interventions to address the prevalence and onset of problematic gambling among the youth, especially males. This could, in turn, reduce the prevalence of psychological distress among youth engaged in online gambling in Ghana.

ObjectiveThis study explored the experiences of women who have undergone emergency caesarean section (EmCS) and how they perceived anxiety and depression to impact their quality of life.DesignA qualitative study grounded in the biopsychosocial model was conducted among Ghanaian women diagnosed with anxiety and depression following EmCS. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data on the psychosocial impact of EmCS on women’s lives. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the interviews, using Nvivo V.14 Software.SettingA hospital in Effutu Municipality, Central Region of Ghana. Data were collected from August 2022 to September 2023.ParticipantsThe study included 25 Ghanaian women who had undergone an EmCS, had clinically diagnosed and treated anxiety and/or depression and had recovered within the last 6 months. Women with pre-existing mental health conditions were excluded.ResultsThe major themes identified from the thematic analysis of results included emotional distress, daily life challenges and disrupted social relationships.ConclusionsThere is an urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and culturally sensitive postpartum support to address the psychological needs of women following EmCS in Ghana.

Background Globally, there is a significant unmet need for the rapidly growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Ghana has adopted and implemented Wellness Clinics (WC) nationwide to respond to the rising burden of NCDs. Regrettably, very little is known about WCs, including their structure and the services they offer. This study explores the concept of WC, their structure, position within the hospital environment, and services from the perspectives of healthcare providers and clients. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with health professionals ( n  = 12) and clients ( n  = 26) of Wellness Clinics in two district hospitals and one regional hospital in a deprived region of Ghana where NCDs are rising. Using the WHO-PEN approach, an interview guide was purposely designed for this study. The data were analysed thematically using Atlas.ti. Results All three Wellness Clinics were sub-units under the outpatient department. The WC was created by the facilities to respond to the increase in NCDs and to meet annual performance review requirements. The Wellness Clinics provided NCD diagnosis, counselling, and treatment services to approximately 300 clients per week at the facility level. Only one of the WCs provided NCD prevention services at the community level. Integrated NCD care was also provided at the WC, despite the health system and individual-level challenges reported by the health workers and clients. Conclusion The implementation of the Wellness Clinic demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the increasing burden of NCDs in Ghana through the primary health system. To maximise the impact of the wellness clinics, we recommend developing best practices, providing logistics, and addressing health insurance challenges.

Background Systems of across the world have developed and implemented patient rights policies to protect and improve the provider-patient relationship. The Patient Charter of Ghana was developed in 2002 to improve service quality and protect patients’ rights. However, it is not yet known whether those at the frontline of healthcare delivery can read and understand the contents of the charter. While studies have explored the socioeconomic and institutional level factors related to awareness and knowledge of the Patient Rights Charter, there is a lack of literature on its readability and comprehensibility among nurses. This study assesses nurses’ knowledge of the Patient Rights Charter and associated literacy-related factors. Method An exploratory cross-sectional design and quantitative methods were used to collect data on knowledge, comprehension, and readability of the Patient Rights Charter. 205 nurses from four district hospitals in the Central Region were recruited using proportional and total enumeration sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and were processed using SPSS (version 26) and an online text readability consensus calculator (version 2.0). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, and data were presented using simple frequencies, readability statistics, and regression output. Results The results show the charter is written at a higher reading grade level; Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (13.36), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (11.57), and Coleman-Liau Readability Index (14.2). The average reading grade level score was 14. The Gunning Fox Index (15.40) and the Flesch Reading Ease Score (34%) show the patient charter is difficult to read and will require at least 14 years of education to be able to read. 87.3% of nurses were able to read and comprehend the charter. Very few (8.3%) read at frustration level. Nurses’ actual comprehension of the charter was the only significant predictor of knowledge of the charter. Conclusion Comprehension of the patient charter is an important predictor of its knowledge. The results emphasize the need to enhance the readability and comprehensibility of the charter for providers. Hospitals can stimulate nurses’ knowledge of the charter by simplifying the charter’s language and deliberately educating nurses on its content.

BackgroundGlobally, one of the measures of high performing healthcare facilities is the compliance of patient safety culture, which encompasses the ability of health institutions to avoid or drastically reduce patient harm or risks. These risks or harm is linked with numerous adverse patient outcomes such as medication error, infections, unsafe surgery and diagnosis error.ObjectivesThe general objective of this study was to investigate into the impact of patient safety culture practices experienced on patient satisfaction among patients who attend the Kwesimintsim Government Hospital in the Takoradi municipality.MethodsThis study was a descriptive cross-sectional study and a consecutive sampling technique was used to select 336 respondents for the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, V.21. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out and result were presented using figures and tables.ResultsThe study found that the overall patient safety compliance level observed by the respondents was poor (29.2%). The prevalence of adverse events experienced among the respondents was high (58%). The leading adverse events mentioned were medication errors, followed by wrong prescriptions and infections. The consequences of these adverse events encountered by the respondents were mentioned as increased healthcare costs (52%), followed by hospitalisation (43%), worsening of health conditions (41%) and contraction of chronic health conditions (22%). Patient safety cultural practices such as teamwork (β=0.17, p=0.03), response to error (β=0.16, p=0.005), communication openness (β=0.17, p=0.003) and handoffs and information exchange (β=0.17, p=0.002) were found to positively influence patient satisfaction.ConclusionThe poor general compliance of the patient safety culture in the facility is unfortunate, and this can affect healthcare outcomes significantly. The study therefore entreats facility managers and various stakeholders to see patient safety care as an imperative approach to delivering quality essential healthcare and to act accordingly to create an environment that supports it.

Background Modern contraceptives have proven to be more scientifically effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies than the traditional methods. However, there is dearth of evidence on teenage girls’ contraceptive use and associated factors in Ghana. Objective This study sought to examine teenage girls (15–19 years) contraceptive use and associated factors using a nationally representative data from the Ghana Living Standards Survey 7 (GLSS7). Methods The study analyzed data from GLSS7, involving 3233 15–19 year-old teenagers. Using a cross-sectional design, descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple regression were performed to analyze factors influencing contraceptive use. Stata software version 16 was used, with statistical significance set at p  ≤ 0.001. Results Out of a total of 3,233 teenage girls aged 15-19years, the majority were in the primary level of education (71.59%). Furthermore, more than two-thirds of the participants were Christians (75.83%). The results showed that only 12.87% of teenage girls reported current contraceptive use. Religion, type of residence, region, wealth index and marital status was found to have a relationship with modern contraceptive use. Also, majority of the respondents preferred modern contraceptive methods (85.60%) as compared to traditional methods (14.40%). The region was significantly associated with preferences for modern contraceptive use. Teenage girls in the Central and Volta regions had 88% and 89% lower odds of preferring modern contraceptive use, respectively as compared with those in the western region. Moreover, marital status was found to have a significant association with barriers to contraceptive use. Teenage girls that were not married had 88% lower odds of having barriers to contraceptive use as compared to those that were married. Conclusion The study suggests that the government through the Ministry of Health (MOH) should establish targeted community-based awareness campaigns and enhance access to adolescent-friendly family planning services to increase contraceptive uptake.

This study investigated heavy metal and cyanide contamination in cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) and cocoyam ( Colocasia esculenta ) cultivated near gold mining operations in Kade, Ghana. It evaluated the efficacy of traditional cooking methods in reducing contaminant levels. Samples were collected systematically from six locations situated within 2 km of an active mining site and were analyzed quantitatively for cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and cyanide concentrations. Analysis revealed that unprocessed cassava contained Hg (0.301–0.426 mg/kg), As (0.010–0.020 mg/kg), Cd (0.024–0.030 mg/kg), and cyanide (0.301–0.620 mg/kg), with unprocessed cocoyam exhibiting comparable concentration ranges. Although these concentrations remained generally below WHO standards, thermal processing substantially reduced contaminant levels, decreasing Hg by 65%–80%, As by 85%–95%, and Cd by 60%–75% in both crops. Health risk assessment calculations demonstrated that unprocessed samples presented potential risks, particularly for children, with hazard index values for As (23.36–25.10) and Hg (2.53–2.39). However, thermal processing effectively reduced these values below the threshold of concern. The findings demonstrate that while heavy metal and cyanide contamination persists in root crops near mining sites, traditional cooking methods reduce exposure risks. These findings have important ramifications for public health regulations in mining communities since they show that proper food preparation techniques can significantly reduce the health risks related to exposure to cyanide and heavy metals in the diet.