Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation

On-Site Safety Practices and Health Experiences of Deathcare Workers in the Western Region, Ghana

2025-05-29T12:10:04Z

On-Site Safety Practices and Health Experiences of Deathcare Workers in the Western Region, Ghana Dumahasi, Godwin Agbey Yao Deathcare workers in Ghana are also entitled to conditions of work that uphold their health, safety, and general well-being. However, these workers are neglected and disproportionately exposed to psycho-physiological hazards and operate under dehumanising conditions. Meanwhile, there is still a lot more to be known about the deathcare industry in Ghana. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine the on-site safety practices and health experiences of deathcare workers in the Western Region of Ghana. Descriptive phenomenological designs with observation were employed. Through census, all 12 functional deathcare facilities were selected and assessed, while 51 deathcare workers and 12 managers were purposively selected and conveniently interviewed. Data collection started from 8th February to 10th March, 2024. Additionally, the safety work practices of all 51 workers were observed using structured observation checklists. Thematic data analysis was conducted using the NVivo version 14. Six themes and 21 sub-themes emerged based on four stated research questions. The workers’ knowledge of industry regulations was inadequate and their workplace safety practices were poor. Additionally, the workers were ill-prepared to manage infectious dead bodies and there were no clear systems in place for workers protection against infectious diseases. Also, on-site physical and psychosocial safety hazards were widespread and the workers may contract infections from the dead bodies which may spread to their immediate families and the general public. Therefore, Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency needs to carryout quarterly assessment of deathcare facilities to ensure the workers are adequately protected xii, 241p:, ill.

Prevalence And Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Rural Dwellers in Selected Districts of the Eastern Region, Ghana

2025-05-29T11:55:07Z

Prevalence And Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Rural Dwellers in Selected Districts of the Eastern Region, Ghana Baah, Jones Abekah Hypertension is the leading cause of death among adults globally. This study assessed the burden of hypertension and its prevailing risk factors among rural dwellers in selected districts of the Eastern Region. This study adapted a quantitative cross-sectional survey while using a multistage cluster sampling technique. It also employed a closed-ended questionnaire to solicit information from 1,652 adults aged 25 years or above. Frequencies and percentages were used to assess participants' anthropometric characteristics and illness perceptions. Chisquare tests and Pearson correlation analysed associations between variables, while hierarchical logistic regression identified hypertension predictors at a 0.05 significance level and 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of hypertension among participants was 24.1%. Also, 19% of participants had high-risk waist-tohip ratio (WHR), 72.2% and 5.4% of females and males had high risk of waist-toheight ratio (WHtR) respectively. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight were 27%, 14% and 10% respectively. Also, 34% of people living with hypertension had high threat perception. High body mass index (BMI) and increased WHR were significant predictors of hypertension among participants. The risk factors for hypertension were being a female, being aged 50 years or older, having no formal education, and regular consumption of salty meals. Having basic education, never smoking, not currently smoking, and avoiding alcohol consumption in the last 12 months reduce the risk of hypertension. Therefore, collaborative health education efforts aim to raise hypertension awareness and encourage regular check-ups should be implemented in the Eastern region of Ghana. xiv 228p:, ill

Heat Exposures Associated with Heat Stress and Ambulatory Hypertension Among Fish Smokers in Coastal Areas of Ghana

2025-05-27T16:45:42Z

Heat Exposures Associated with Heat Stress and Ambulatory Hypertension Among Fish Smokers in Coastal Areas of Ghana Appiah, Emmanuel Ankomah Occupational health is a critical aspect of workplace safety and productivity, encompassing the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers. In high-temperature working environments, such as those found in fish-smoking operations, the importance of maintaining occupational health is paramount. High temperatures pose significant health risks, including heat stress, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses, which can severely impact workers' health and efficiency. The study aimed to investigate the influence of workplace heat exposure on heat stress and ambulatory hypertension among fish smokers in the coastal areas of Ghana. Guided by six research questions, the study employed an exploratory cross-sectional design using a sample of 2,018 fish smokers. Participants were conveniently selected from Keta, Tema New Town, Teshie, Awutu Senya, Moree, Elmina, and Shama. Data was collected using adapted questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, while data analysis utilised the Kruskal-Wallis H test, bivariate analysis, and a hierarchical binary logistic regression. The findings revealed a high prevalence of heat stress, at 87.6%, and a significant rate of ambulatory hypertension at 59.0% within this population. Additionally, fish smokers who work in the afternoon exhibited significantly higher levels of heat stress compared to those who work in the morning and evening, while those working 3-5 days and 5-7 days per week experienced frequent and severe ambulatory hypertension. The study also highlighted that age, education level, alcohol and caffeine consumption, time of day, water intake, personal protective equipment usage, and working under shade influence the prevalence of heat stress among these coastal fish smokers in Ghana. Consequently, there is an urgent need to address these socio-demographic and work-related factors and enforce labour protection and safety standards within the fish-smoking industry in Ghana xvi, 187p:, ill.

Performance Of Maternal And Child Health Data In Routine Health Information System Among Healthcare Facilities In Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

2025-02-14T16:24:03Z

Performance Of Maternal And Child Health Data In Routine Health Information System Among Healthcare Facilities In Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana Lasim, Obed Uwumbornyi This study assessed the performance of Routine Health Information System (RT-IIS) as well as identified the technical , organisational, and behavioural factors affecting maternal and child health (MCH) data quality (DQ) and information use (IU) in the Cape Coast Metropolis (CCM). Descriptive quantitati ve cross-sectional case study design was used. The survey involved thirteen purposively sample health care facilities (HCFs), and 278 healthcare professionals (l-JCPs). Eight MCH indicators were assessed for data accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and consistency. Data was collected using two preex isting instruments. Pea rson correlation coefficient, percentages, and verification factors (V Fs) were estimated. The VFs for data accuracy between registers and forms. registers and District Health Information System (DHlS2) database. and forms and DHIS2 were, 102.1%, 102.4%, and 100.1% respectively. Data were 95.4% complete in DHIS2, 87.2% submitted on time, and 93% consistent over time. RBIS processes were 63.7% functional, and 27.9% of the management fu nctions ·were met. Indices measuring technical and behavioural factors were weak. Self-efficacy was moderately positively associated ,vith: perceived promotion of culture of information (COl), r(265) = .36,p < .0001 ; activities for COT, 1'(265) = .33,p < .0001 ; and supporti ve management, 1'(265) = .29, p < .0 001. The level of MCH DQ were within the threshold recommended by WHO, but the level of IU was weak. MCB processes, and organisational factors fared averagely. Managers of HCFs should strengthen MCH performance by building the capacities of )-)CPs involved in MCH activities. xiii, 288p; , ill.