Research Article
Prevalence and Predictors of Substance Use Among Senior High School Students: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana
Kizito Aidam*,
Emefa Awo Adawudu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
186-194
Received:
6 October 2023
Accepted:
23 October 2023
Published:
9 November 2023
Abstract: Introduction: Substance use among senior high school students in Ghana has been on the increase. While various studies have investigated the topic, studies that examine the issue in high schools in coastal Ghana are scarce. Also, the relationship between the use of the three most common substances—alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana—is essentially an open question. This study examines the prevalence of substance use among senior high school students in a coast population in Ghana. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 senior high school students. Data was collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire via a multistage sampling process. The data was entered, cleaned, coded, and analyzed using SPSS. Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the independent and dependent variables, and a multiple logistic regression established the strength of the explanatory variables in predicting the outcomes. Associations were significant at p < 0.05. Results: The lifetime prevalence and current prevalence of alcohol consumption were 64.8% and 26.8%, respectively. The lifetime and current prevalence of cigarette smoking were 12.2%, respectively. Regarding marijuana use, the lifetime prevalence was 9.1%, and the current prevalence was 6.3%. Household head (s) [AOR=3.53, 95% CI=1.24, 10.03] and lifetime cigarette smoking predicted alcohol consumption [AOR=5.72, 95% CI=1.50, 21.76]. Religion [AOR=7.19, 95% CI=1.21, 42.58], lifetime alcohol consumption [AOR=5.73, 95% CI=1.51, 21.83], and lifetime marijuana use predicted cigarette smoking [AOR=23.95, 95% CI=8.00, 71.66]. School residency status [AOR=0.15, 95% CI=0.05, 0.47], religion [AOR=6.99, 95% CI=1.07, 45.84], home residency [AOR=12.61, 95% CI=3.07, 51.88], and lifetime cigarette smoking [AOR=25.07, 95% CI=8.00, 78.60] predicted marijuana use. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of the students engage in underage drinking and smoking. The use of marijuana, an illicit substance, is notable. Policymakers should act proactively to prevent an impending public health and legal crisis among senior high school students.
Abstract: Introduction: Substance use among senior high school students in Ghana has been on the increase. While various studies have investigated the topic, studies that examine the issue in high schools in coastal Ghana are scarce. Also, the relationship between the use of the three most common substances—alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana—is essentially an...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Goiter Among Women of Reproductive Age Group in Adiyo Woreda, Kaffa Zone, South-West Ethiopia
Getachew Hailemariam Tsegaye,
Legesse Tadesse Wodajo*,
Ismael Kalayu Sitotaw,
Biruk Legesse Tadesse
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
195-205
Received:
2 August 2023
Accepted:
7 November 2023
Published:
21 November 2023
Abstract: Background: Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) is the term used to describe the negative outcome of iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is a public health problem and the most preventable cause of brain damage and mental retardation in the world, and also a public health problem in Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with goiter among women of reproductive age group in Adiyo Woreda, Kaffa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 21/2019 to September 21/2019 in Adiyo Woreda Kaffa Zone South West Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was employed. A total of 675 women of the reproductive age group were included in the study. Data was collected by a pre-tested questionnaire and checklist for clinical findings. Study participants were clinically examined for goiter by palpation methods using criteria set by World Health Organization. Data were entered into Epi info Verssion7 and then exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistics analysis was employed. Variables that had a p-value of less than 0.25 during bivariate analysis were entered in the multivariate logistic regressions. Finally, a p-value less than 0.05 and an odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were used to decide statistically significant variables. Result: -Prevalence of goiter was found to be 61 (23.9%) where 25 (18.5%) were palpable and 36 (5.3%) were visible. Family history of goiter (AOR= 2.24, 95%CI= (1.27-3.96)), cabbage consumption (AOR=2.39, 95%CI= (1.11-5.11)), using salt for < 2months once purchased (AOR=0.52, 95%CI= (0.34-0.79)), Adding time of salt into food (AOR=0.61, 95%CI (0.39-0.95)), Poor knowledge about iodized salt and IDD (AOR=2.8, 95%CI= (1.58-4.89)) showed statistical difference at p-value less than 5%. Conclusions: Goiter prevalence was found to be moderate (23.9%) among women of the reproductive age group in the study settings. The health programmers and implementers have to address improving knowledge of Iodized salt proper utilization and, IDD to goiter. Thus ensuring the consumption of iodized salt and promoting iodine-rich food items among the community in the study setting is recommended. Wide-scope exploration is suggested.
Abstract: Background: Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) is the term used to describe the negative outcome of iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is a public health problem and the most preventable cause of brain damage and mental retardation in the world, and also a public health problem in Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of this study was to ass...
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Research Article
Factors Associated with Screening of Spouses of HIV-Positive Pregnant Women in Three Prenatal Consultation Centers in Bangui
Diemer Saint Calvaire Henri*,
Longo Jean de Dieu,
Woromogo Sylvain Honore,
Doyama-Woza Rodrigue Herman,
Fandema Emmanuel,
Gresenguet Gerard
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
206-210
Received:
9 November 2023
Accepted:
24 November 2023
Published:
11 December 2023
Abstract: Introduction: Approximately1.5 million children aged 0-14 are infected with HIV worldwide. Most of these children acquired HIV through mother-to-child transmission. One of the barriers to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV is fear of reactions from partners of pregnant women to HIV testing and sharing of results. To optimize partner testing of pregnant women who test positive for HIV, WHO has recommended HIV partner notification services. It isIn this context, our study aims to determine the proportion of spouses of HIV-positive pregnant women who tested themselves after notification of their partner's HIV status and to identify the factors associated with this screening. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims. The study populationEast constitutedpregnant women living with HIV followed in the three ANC centers. AllThe HIV-positive pregnant woman meeting the inclusion criteria and seen in consultation during the study period was retained. Women are recruited during their visit to the CPN center. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi info version software. Results: We recorded a total of 182 HIV-positive women during the study period. Their age varied between 17 and 43 years with an average of 28 years (± 6). The majority of women (53.8%) and spouses (58.2%) have reached secondary school level. Around 65.9% of spouses were informed of their partner's HIV status. Among the 120 spouses who were informed of their partner's HIV status, 70% agreed to be tested and 30% refused the test. Around 65.9% of spouses were informed of their partner's HIV status. Notification was made in 51.7% of cases by the women themselves (passive notification), in 10% of cases by women through a written notification letter by a health provider and in 38.3% of cases by health personnel after the woman's consent (assisted notification). Factors associated with spousal screening in multivariate analysis were spousal age and type of notification. Conclusion: Many challenges remain to be overcome, in particular the poor access of pregnant women to prenatal consultations and the fight against stigmatization which constitute a barrier to the screening service. A combination of approaches such as partner notification and self-testing could be tried to improve the participation of spouses in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Abstract: Introduction: Approximately1.5 million children aged 0-14 are infected with HIV worldwide. Most of these children acquired HIV through mother-to-child transmission. One of the barriers to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV is fear of reactions from partners of pregnant women to HIV testing and sharing of results. To optimize partner te...
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