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Recent Submissions
Assessing Attrition and Viral Load Suppression Among Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at Somanya Polyclinic in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Narh, Teye Emmanuel
Background:
Attrition from clinical care undermines efforts to achieve sustained viral load suppression and epidemic control within ART programmes. Retention in care and viral suppression among people living with HIV (PLHIV) are critical for achieving global targets to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
Aim:
This study assessed attrition and viral load suppression among patients receiving ART at Somanya Polyclinic, Yilo Krobo Municipality, Eastern Region of Ghana, from 2021 to 2024.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort design used secondary data from the National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP). Routine data on PLHIV aged 10 years and above enrolled at Somanya Polyclinic between January 2021 and December 2024 were extracted from the Electronic Tracker database, cleaned in Excel, and analysed in STATA 18. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, survival analysis, and multivariable logistic regression examined factors associated with attrition and viral suppression at 5% significance.
Results:
Of 566 patients, 162 (28.62%) were retained in care while 404 (71.38%) experienced attrition. Among those retained, 120 had documented viral load results, of whom 88 (73.33%) achieved suppression. Occupation was significantly associated with attrition; compared to employed individuals, traders/business persons (AOR = 1.88; p = 0.021) and the unemployed (AOR = 5.27; p = 0.004) had higher odds of attrition. For viral load non-suppression, previously married (AOR = 3.98; p = 0.035) and single individuals (AOR = 4.85; p = 0.009), and students (AOR = 17.89; p = 0.013), had higher odds than married/cohabiting individuals.
Conclusion:
Retention in care was low, with substantial attrition, and a notable proportion of tested patients remained unsuppressed. Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions for
economically vulnerable groups, additional support for patients outside stable marital relationships, and strengthened routine viral load monitoring.
Handwashing Knowledge, Practices, And Associated Factors Among Selected Basic School Children at the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Kponyo, Emmanuel Kwasi
Background:
Hand hygiene is a fundamental public health intervention for preventing
communicable diseases, particularly among school-aged children. This study aimed to evaluate
the knowledge, practices, and enabling conditions related to handwashing among basic school
children at the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
Methods:
A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed among 390 pupils selected
from three basic schools using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a
structured questionnaire administered through KoboCollect. Descriptive statistics were used to
summarize variables, while chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted to
assess associations and predictors of handwashing practices at a 5% level of significance.
Results:
The study found that 90.3% of respondents had good knowledge of handwashing, while
57.8% demonstrated good handwashing practices, showing a substantial knowledge-behaviour
gap. A majority of pupils reported washing their hands at critical moments such as before eating
and after toilet use; however consistent use of soap was lower.
Majority of respondents reported access to handwashing stations, however, availability of soap
and water was not always consistent. Class level, availability of soap and water, and the presence
of hygiene posters were significantly associated with handwashing practices (p<0.05), while on
the other hand; sex, school location, and knowledge level were not. Behavioral factors including
forgetfulness, were also identified as barriers to proper hand hygiene.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, although basic school children in the Lower Manya Krobo
Municipality demonstrate high levels of handwashing knowledge, this does not consistently
translate into proper handwashing practices, highlighting a significant Knowledge-behaviour gap. The study establishes that enabling conditions, particularly consistent availability of water and soap, along with hygiene promotion tools such as posters, play a more critical role in influencing handwashing behaviour that knowledge alone. Addressing both behavioral and infrastructural barriers through strengthened school-based WASH interventions, improves child health outcomes in the municipality.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Family Planning Among Males at Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Dzakpasu, Alphonse Makafui
Background:
Family planning (FP) is an important component of reproductive health and
contributes to reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Although male involvement
in FP is increasingly encouraged, participation remains limited by sociocultural, religious and
gender-related barriers. In Ghana, FP programmes have traditionally focused on women, leaving
knowledge gaps and misconceptions among men. In Ketu South Municipality, rising teenage
pregnancy, fertility concerns and HIV prevalence make male involvement an important public
health issue.
Aim:
This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of family planning among males
in Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 men selected
through multistage sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a
structured questionnaire administered via Kobo Collect in January 2026. Data were analysed
with STATA version 17 using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Statistical significance
was set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Awareness of FP was high (85.6%), but this did not fully translate into adequate
knowledge or favourable attitudes. Only 54.9% of respondents had a positive attitude towards
FP, while about 62% reported ever using an FP method. Sociodemographic factors were not
significantly associated with knowledge. Tertiary education [AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12–0.83]
and having five or more children [AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08–0.72] were associated with
reduced odds of negative attitudes. FP use was significantly associated with age, tertiary
education, self-employment, Islamic affiliation, higher parity and attitude towards FP.
Conclusion:
Male awareness of FP was high, but comprehensive knowledge and positive
attitudes remained limited. Education, religion, parity and attitude influenced FP practices. Malecentred interventions addressing misconceptions, sociocultural barriers and couple
communication are needed to improve male participation in FP in Ketu South Municipality.
Accessibility and Contraceptive Preferences Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Tema West Municipality, Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Tettey-Amlalo, Marfoaah
Background:
Adolescent reproductive health remains a concern in Ghana, where increased
availability of family planning services has not translated into corresponding utilisation among
young people. Barriers such as limited youth-friendly services, concerns about confidentiality, and provider attitudes continue to affect access. In peri-urban areas like Tema West Municipality, gaps persist between service availability, accessibility, and adolescents’ contraceptive preferences. This study examines accessibility and contraceptive preferences among adolescents in Tema West Municipality to inform targeted interventions.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to examine the accessibility and Contraceptive Preferences among Adolescents in Tema West Municipality, Ghana
Methodology:
A analytical cross-sectional design was employed, involving 264 adolescents aged 10–25 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from a validated instrument and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 for descriptive and bivariate analyses, while multinomial logistic regression was conducted in R to identify predictors of contraceptive preference. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Among 264 adolescents and young adults, accessibility to family planning services was
limited despite high awareness (92.8%), with only 64.0% able to identify a specific service
delivery point and 89.4% reporting low perceived availability. While affordability (73.1%),
confidentiality (75.0%), and proximity (76.2%) were rated moderately, structural barriers
particularly inconvenient service hours (mean = 2.37 ± 1.00) constrained effective access, and
pharmacies or chemical shops emerged as the main access points (12.1%). Contraceptive use was low, with 61.0% reporting no prior use and 75.0% not currently using any method. Barrier methods were the most preferred (35.6%), followed by hormonal methods (15.5%), while 25.8% reported no clear preference and preference for long-acting reversible contraceptives remained low (4.5%). Convenience (25.4%) and perceived effectiveness (20.9%) were the primary drivers of method choice. Contraceptive use was significantly associated with age (χ² = 27.563, p < 0.001), religion (χ² = 9.969, p = 0.019), relationship status (χ² = 54.372, p < 0.001), education (χ² = 23.075, p < 0.001), schooling status (χ² = 16.715, p < 0.001), living arrangement (χ² = 40.171, p < 0.001), employment (χ² = 22.752, p < 0.001), and income (χ² = 20.975, p < 0.001), but not gender (p = 0.280). Multinomial regression showed that males had higher odds of preferring barrier methods (aOR = 4.13, 95% CI: 1.73–9.89) but lower odds of preferring modern methods (aOR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05–0.44), while being in a relationship and being out of school increased the likelihood of preference across method categories. Key influencing factors included media exposure (mean = 2.81 ± 0.72), limited family communication (mean = 2.78 ± 0.87), infertility concerns (mean = 2.61 ± 0.86), and fear of provider judgment (mean = 2.58 ± 0.87), whereas cost was less influential.
Conclusion:
The study showed that, accessibility barriers are driven less by awareness and cost,
and more by structural and social factors, including service convenience, provider attitudes, and
communication gaps. The findings support the Andersen Behavioral Model, demonstrating that
contraceptive behavior among adolescents and young adults is shaped by predisposing factors (age, education), enabling factors (service accessibility, provider attitudes), and perceived need, with social and informational influences playing a central role.
Determinants of Early Booking Among Pregnant Women at Kade Government Hospital Kwaebibirem Municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Plassi, Cheritta
Introduction
Early initiation of antenatal care (ANC) is essential for improving maternal and neonatal health
outcomes through the timely detection and management of pregnancy-related complications. Despite its importance, many pregnant women delay their first ANC visit. This study assessed the challenges associated with early ANC booking among pregnant women attending Kade Government Hospital.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Kade Government Hospital. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression at a 95% confidence level, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
The study found that 46.3% (95% CI: 40.3%–52.3%) of respondents-initiated ANC within the
recommended period, while 53.7% booked late. Although the majority of respondents (92.5%) had received ANC education, their overall knowledge regarding early ANC booking was moderate. Factors significantly associated with early ANC initiation included maternal age, employment status, marital status, parity, previous pregnancy experience, waiting time before receiving care, and the duration of ANC consultations. Women aged 35 years and above, single women, those with two to three children, and first-time pregnant women were significantly less likely to initiate ANC early. Conversely, employed women, those who were attended to promptly, and those who spent adequate time with healthcare providers during ANC visits were significantly more likely to book early.
Conclusion:
Early ANC booking among pregnant women attending Kade Government Hospital remains below the recommended level. Both socio-demographic characteristics and health system factors significantly influence the timely initiation of ANC. Strengthening maternal health education, improving the quality and efficiency of ANC service delivery, and implementing targeted interventions for vulnerable groups are recommended to promote early ANC uptake and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.