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Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
Faculty of Health, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia

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Journal article
Published: 29 August 2021 in Nutrients
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Worldwide, ten and a half million children under five die every year, with 98% of these deaths in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Undernutrition is a serious public health problem in Ethiopia and children are the most affected segments of the population. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the socio-economic, demographic, health and environmental factors associated with undernutrition among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia. Data were obtained from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. In this study, anthropometric data (height and weight) and other variables of 9461 children were measured. Descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression models were fitted. The descriptive results revealed that about 27.5% of the children aged between 6–59 months were undernourished. Place of residence, employment status of the mother, educational status of the mother, the mother’s nutritional status, age of the child, birth order of children, source of drinking water, diarrhea and fever among children in the two weeks before the survey were the most important factors associated with undernutrition among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia. The findings indicate that it is useful to support health care and food security programs in rural areas to directly address food insecurity and undernutrition problems of the poor and exposed communities in rural parts of the country. The education sector must increase mothers’ access to education in all areas to help identify the quality of healthcare and the required attention needed for their children. The health sector should increase their health education programs on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

ACS Style

Teshita Uke Chikako; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; John Elvis Hagan; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah. Complex Multilevel Modelling of the Individual, Household and Regional Level Variability in Predictors of Undernutrition among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopia. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3018 .

AMA Style

Teshita Uke Chikako, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, John Elvis Hagan, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah. Complex Multilevel Modelling of the Individual, Household and Regional Level Variability in Predictors of Undernutrition among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopia. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (9):3018.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Teshita Uke Chikako; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; John Elvis Hagan; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah. 2021. "Complex Multilevel Modelling of the Individual, Household and Regional Level Variability in Predictors of Undernutrition among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopia." Nutrients 13, no. 9: 3018.

Research
Published: 01 August 2021 in Contraception and Reproductive Medicine
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Background In sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of women of reproductive age who want to avoid pregnancy do not use any method of contraception. This study sought to determine the factors associated with modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods This study used data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 87,554 women aged 15–49 with no fertility intention and who had completed information on all the variables of interest were considered in this study. Using a multilevel logistic regression analysis, four models were used to examine the individual and contextual factors associated with modern contraceptive use. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR), with their respective confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 29.6%. With the individual-level factors, women aged 45–49 had lower odds of using modern contraceptives (aOR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.39). Women who had their first sex at age 15–19 (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.17), those with higher education (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.75, 2.13), and women who were exposed to newspaper (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.20) and radio (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.26) had higher odds of modern contraceptive use. In terms of the contextual factors, women living in urban areas (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.11), women in the richest wealth quintile (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.43, 1.67), and those in communities with medium literacy level (aOR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.16) and medium community socio-economic status (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.23) had higher odds of modern contraceptive use. Across the geographic regions in sub-Saharan Africa, women in Southern Africa had higher odds of modern contraceptive use (aOR = 5.29, 95% CI = 4.86, 5.76). Conclusion There is a relatively low prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa, with cross-country variations. Women’s age, age at first sex, level of education, mass media exposure, place of residence, community literacy level and community socio-economic status were found to be associated with modern contraceptive use. It is, therefore, important for policy makers to consider these factors when designing and implementing programmes or policies to increase contraceptive use among women who have no intention to give birth. Also, policymakers and other key stakeholders should intensify mass education programmes to address disparities in modern contraceptive use among women.

ACS Style

Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Eugene Budu; Richard Gyan Aboagye; Ebenezer Agbaglo; Francis Arthur-Holmes; Collins Adu; Anita Gracious Archer; Yaa Boahemaa Gyasi Aderoju; Abdul-Aziz Seidu. Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from cross-sectional surveys of 29 countries. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine 2021, 6, 1 -13.

AMA Style

Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Eugene Budu, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Ebenezer Agbaglo, Francis Arthur-Holmes, Collins Adu, Anita Gracious Archer, Yaa Boahemaa Gyasi Aderoju, Abdul-Aziz Seidu. Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from cross-sectional surveys of 29 countries. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine. 2021; 6 (1):1-13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Eugene Budu; Richard Gyan Aboagye; Ebenezer Agbaglo; Francis Arthur-Holmes; Collins Adu; Anita Gracious Archer; Yaa Boahemaa Gyasi Aderoju; Abdul-Aziz Seidu. 2021. "Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from cross-sectional surveys of 29 countries." Contraception and Reproductive Medicine 6, no. 1: 1-13.

Epidemiology
Published: 20 July 2021 in BMJ Open
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Objective This study sought to investigate the joint effect of household cooking fuel type and urbanicity (rural–urban residency) on anaemia among children under the age of five in sub-Saharan Africa. Design We analysed cross-sectional data of 123, 186 children under the age of five from 29 sub-Saharan African countries gathered between 2010 and 2019 by the Demographic and Health Survey programme. Bivariate (χ2 test of independence) and multilevel logistic regression were used to examine the effect of urbanicity-household cooking fuel type on childhood anaemia. Results were reported as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs at p<0.05. Outcome measures Anaemia status of children. Results More than half (64%) of children had anaemia. The percentage of children who suffered from anaemia was high in those born to mothers in Western Africa (75%) and low among those born in Southern Africa (54%). Children from rural households that depend on unclean cooking fuels (aOR=1.120; 95% CI 1.033 to 1.214) and rural households that depend on clean cooking fuels (aOR=1.256; 95% CI 1.080 to 1.460) were more likely to be anaemic as compared with children from urban households using clean cooking fuel. Child’s age, sex of child, birth order, perceived birth size, age of mother, body mass index of mother, education, marital status, employment status, antenatal care, wealth quintile, household size, access to electricity, type of toilet facility, source of drinking water and geographic region had significant associations with childhood anaemia status. Conclusions Our study has established a joint effect of type of household cooking fuel and urbanicity on anaemia among children under the age of five in sub-Saharan Africa. It is therefore critical to promote the usage of clean cooking fuels among households and women in rural areas. These should be done taking into consideration the significant child, maternal, household, and contextual factors identified in this study.

ACS Style

Iddrisu Amadu; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Abdul-Rahaman Afitiri; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Sanni Yaya. Household cooking fuel type and childhood anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa: analysis of cross-sectional surveys of 123, 186 children from 29 countries. BMJ Open 2021, 11, e048724 .

AMA Style

Iddrisu Amadu, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Abdul-Rahaman Afitiri, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Sanni Yaya. Household cooking fuel type and childhood anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa: analysis of cross-sectional surveys of 123, 186 children from 29 countries. BMJ Open. 2021; 11 (7):e048724.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Iddrisu Amadu; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Abdul-Rahaman Afitiri; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Household cooking fuel type and childhood anaemia in sub-Saharan Africa: analysis of cross-sectional surveys of 123, 186 children from 29 countries." BMJ Open 11, no. 7: e048724.

Research
Published: 19 July 2021 in International Breastfeeding Journal
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Background The probability of not breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery (timely initiation of breastfeeding) is particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we examined the maternal and child factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We pooled data from 29 sub-Saharan African countries’ Demographic and Health Surveys conducted from 2010 to 2018. A total of 60,038 childbearing women were included. Frequencies, percentages, and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the maternal and child factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding and the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results We found a prevalence of 55.81% of timely initiation of breastfeeding in the sub-region. The country with the highest prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding was Burundi (86.19%), whereas Guinea had the lowest prevalence (15.17%). The likelihood of timely initiation of breastfeeding was lower among married women, compared to never married women (aOR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85, 0.98); working women compared to non-working women (aOR 0.90; 95% CI 0.87, 0.93); women who watched television at least once a week, compared to those who never watched television (aOR 0.74; 95% CI 0.70, 0.78); women who delivered through caesarean section, compared to vaginal birth (aOR 0.30; 95% CI 0.27, 0.32); and those with multiple births, compared to those with single births (aOR 0.67; 95% CI 0.59, 0.76). Women who lived in Central Africa were less likely to initiate breastfeeding timely compared to those who lived in West Africa (aOR 0.80; 95% CI 0.75, 0.84). Conclusions The findings call for the need for a behavioural change communication programmes, targeted at timely initiation of breastfeeding, to reverse and close the timely initiation of breastfeeding gaps stratified by the maternal and child factors. Prioritising policies to enhance timely initiation of breastfeeding is needed, particularly among Cental African countries where timely initiation of breastfeeding remains a challenge. Sufficient supportive care, especially for mothers with multiple births and those who undergo caesarean section, is needed to resolve timely initiation of breastfeeding inequalities.

ACS Style

Francis Appiah; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Eugene Budu; Joseph Kojo Oduro; Francis Sambah; Linus Baatiema; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Abdul-Aziz Seidu. Maternal and child factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa. International Breastfeeding Journal 2021, 16, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Francis Appiah, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Eugene Budu, Joseph Kojo Oduro, Francis Sambah, Linus Baatiema, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Abdul-Aziz Seidu. Maternal and child factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa. International Breastfeeding Journal. 2021; 16 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francis Appiah; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Eugene Budu; Joseph Kojo Oduro; Francis Sambah; Linus Baatiema; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Abdul-Aziz Seidu. 2021. "Maternal and child factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa." International Breastfeeding Journal 16, no. 1: 1-11.

Journal article
Published: 17 July 2021 in SSM - Population Health
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Intimate partner violence has gained momentum as health, social, and human right issue across the globe. Women within sub-Saharan Africa often do not report any case of violence due to the acceptance of violence which is rooted in their socio-cultural beliefs and practices. With a high prevalence of marital disruption in sub-Saharan Africa, it is important that we understand the role intimate partner violence plays in this phenomenon. Hence, this present study assessed the association between intimate partner violence and marital disruption among women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study involved a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Demographic and Health Survey of 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was carried out and the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The prevalence of physical, emotional, and sexual violence in the 25 countries considered in this study were 29.3%, 28%, and 11.5%, respectively. The highest prevalence of physical violence was in Sierra Leone (50.0%) and the lowest prevalence was in Comoros (5.7%). For emotional violence, the highest prevalence was in Sierra Leone (45.9%) and the lowest prevalence was in Comoros (7.9%). The highest prevalence of sexual violence was in Burundi (25.5%) and the lowest prevalence was in Comoros (1.8%). The average prevalence of marital disruption was 7.7%. This ranged from 1.3% in Burkina Faso to 20.2% in Mozambique. We found that women who had ever experienced physical violence were more likely to experience marital disruptions compared to those who had never experienced physical violence [aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.35–1.50]. Women who had ever experienced sexual violence were more likely to experience marital disruption compared to those who had never experienced sexual violence [aOR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.21–1.37]. Finally, women who had ever experienced emotional violence were more likely to experience marital disruption compared to those who had never experienced emotional violence [aOR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.76–1.96]. Findings from this study call for proven effective intimate partner violence reduction interventions such as strengthening laws against intimate partner violence in sub-Saharan Africa. Again, marital counseling and health education interventions should be implemented to address the role of intimate partner violence on the wellbeing of women and the stability of couples in sub-Saharan Africa.

ACS Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Richard Gyan Aboagye; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Collins Adu; Sanni Yaya. Intimate partner violence as a predictor of marital disruption in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys. SSM - Population Health 2021, 15, 100877 .

AMA Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Collins Adu, Sanni Yaya. Intimate partner violence as a predictor of marital disruption in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys. SSM - Population Health. 2021; 15 ():100877.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Richard Gyan Aboagye; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Collins Adu; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Intimate partner violence as a predictor of marital disruption in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys." SSM - Population Health 15, no. : 100877.

Review
Published: 07 July 2021 in COVID
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One major micronutrient studied for its possible protective effect against the COVID-19 disease is vitamin D. This systematic review sought to identify and synthesize available evidence to aid the understanding of the possible effect of vitamin D deficiency on COVID-19 status and health outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Three databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) were systematically used to obtain English language journal articles published between 1 December 2019 and 3 November 2020. The search consisted of the terms (“Vitamin D,” OR “25-Hydroxyvitamin D,” OR “Low vitamin D.”) AND (“COVID-19” OR “2019-nCoV” OR “Coronavirus” OR “SARS-CoV-2”) AND (“disease severity” OR “IMV” OR “ICU admission” OR “mortality” OR “hospitalization” OR “infection”). We followed the recommended PRISMA guidelines in executing this study. After going through the screening of the articles, eleven articles were included in the review. All the included studies reported a positive association between vitamin D sufficiency and improved COVID-19 disease outcomes. On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency was associated with poor COVID-19 disease outcomes. Specifically, two studies found that vitamin D-deficient patients were more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to vitamin D-sufficient patients. Three studies showed that vitamin D-deficient people were more likely to develop severe COVID-19 disease compared to vitamin D-sufficient people. Furthermore, six studies found that vitamin D-deficient people were more likely to be COVID-19 infected compared to vitamin D-sufficient people. Findings from these studies suggest that vitamin D may serve as a mitigating effect for COVID-19 infection, severity, and mortality. The current evidence supports the recommendations for people to eat foods rich in vitamin D such as fish, red meat, liver, and egg yolks. The evidence also supports the provision of vitamin D supplements to individuals with COVID-19 disease and those at risk of COVID-19 infection in order to boost their immunity and improve health outcomes.

ACS Style

Pranta Das; Nandeeta Samad; Bright Ahinkorah; John Hagan; Prince Peprah; Aliu Mohammed; Abdul-Aziz Seidu. Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on COVID-19 Status: A Systematic Review. COVID 2021, 1, 97 -104.

AMA Style

Pranta Das, Nandeeta Samad, Bright Ahinkorah, John Hagan, Prince Peprah, Aliu Mohammed, Abdul-Aziz Seidu. Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on COVID-19 Status: A Systematic Review. COVID. 2021; 1 (1):97-104.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Pranta Das; Nandeeta Samad; Bright Ahinkorah; John Hagan; Prince Peprah; Aliu Mohammed; Abdul-Aziz Seidu. 2021. "Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on COVID-19 Status: A Systematic Review." COVID 1, no. 1: 97-104.

Journal article
Published: 24 June 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Injuries among adolescents pose significant public health problems. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of adolescents’ mortality and disability with the largest burden in low-and middle-income countries. Yet, there is paucity of data in Ghana on adolescent injuries. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of unintentional injuries among in-school adolescents in Ghana using data from the Global School-Based Health Survey. Cross-sectional data on 2058 adolescents in junior and senior high schools who randomly participated in the 2012 Global School-Based Health Survey were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were performed to determine the prevalence of unintentional injuriesacross the background characteristics of in-school adolescents. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine the factors associated with unintentional injuries. The results were presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios at a 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of one or more serious injuries in the past 12 months was 57.0%. The most commonly reported type and cause of injuries were “I had a cut or stab wound” (15.2%) and “I fell” (13.1%), respectively. In the adjusted regression, in-school adolescents aged 14–16 (aOR = 1.60, CI = 1.12–2.28) were more likely to report one or more serious injuries compared to their counterparts aged 13 or younger. In-school adolescents who participated in physical education (aOR = 1.27, CI = 1.03–1.58) had higher odds of reporting one or more serious injuries. The odds of being injured was higher among adolescents who were truant at school compared to those who were not truant (aOR = 1.42, CI = 1.14–1.77) In-school adolescents who were bullied were more likely to report being injured one or multiple times compared to their counterparts who were not bullied (aOR = 2.16, CI = 1.75–2.65). In addition, the odds of being injured once or multiple times were higher among adolescents who were physically attacked (aOR = 2.21, CI = 1.78–2.75), those that engaged in physical fighting (aOR = 1.94, CI = 1.54–2.45), and those who reported high psychological distress (aOR = 2.00, CI = 1.52–2.63) compared to their counterparts who were not. Conversely, adolescents in senior high schools were 39% less likely to be injured once or multiple times compared to those in junior high schools (aOR = 0.61, CI = 0.47–0.79). A relatively high prevalence of unintentional injuries was found among in-school adolescents in the study. The numerous factors identified in this study could be integrated into health promotion and injury prevention activities to help reduce the occurrence of injuries among in-school adolescents. Moreover, students who are susceptible to unintended injuries such as older adolescents, victims of bullying, those who participate in physical education, those who are often involved in fights, truants, and those who have psychological distress should be sensitized to take measures that will reduce their level of susceptibility. First aid treatment services should also be made available in schools to treat victims of unintended injuries.

ACS Style

Richard Aboagye; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Samuel Bosoka; John Hagan; Bright Ahinkorah. Prevalence and Correlates of Unintentional Injuries among In-School Adolescents in Ghana. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6800 .

AMA Style

Richard Aboagye, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Samuel Bosoka, John Hagan, Bright Ahinkorah. Prevalence and Correlates of Unintentional Injuries among In-School Adolescents in Ghana. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (13):6800.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Richard Aboagye; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Samuel Bosoka; John Hagan; Bright Ahinkorah. 2021. "Prevalence and Correlates of Unintentional Injuries among In-School Adolescents in Ghana." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 13: 6800.

Journal article
Published: 22 June 2021 in BioMed Research International
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Background. Child marriage is a major public health problem globally, and the prevalence remains high in sub-Saharan African countries, including Mali. There is a dearth of evidence about factors associated with child marriage in Mali. Hence, this studyaimed at investigating the individual/household and community-level factors associated with child marriage among women in Mali. Methods. Using data from the 2018 Mali Demographic and Health Survey, analysis was done on 8,350 women aged 18-49 years. A Chi-square test was used to select candidate variables for the multilevel multivariable logistic regression models. Fixed effects results weree xpressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI). Stata version 14 software was used for the analysis. Results. The results showed that 58.2% (95% CI; 56.3%-60.0%) and 20.3% (95%; 19.0%-21.6%) of women aged 18-49 years were married before their 18th and 15th birthday, respectively. Educational status of women (higher education: aOR = 0.25 , 95% CI; 0.14-0.44), their partner’s/husband’s educational status (higher education: aOR = 0.64 , 95% CI; 0.47-0.87), women’s occupation (professional, technical, or managerial: aOR = 0.50 , 95% CI; 0.33-0.77), family size (five and above: aOR = 1.16 , 95% CI; 1.03-1.30), and ethnicity (Senoufo/Minianka: aOR = 0.73 , 95% CI; 0.58-0.92) were the identified individual/household level factors associated with child marriage, whereas region (Mopti: aOR = 0.27 , 95% CI; 0.19-0.39) was the community level factor associated with child marriage. Conclusions. This study has revealed a high prevalence of child marriage in Mali. To reduce the magnitude of child marriage in Mali, enhancing policies and programs that promote education for both girls and boys, creating employment opportunities, improving the utilization of family planning services, and sensitizing girls and parents who live in regions such as Kayes on the negative effects of child marriage is essential. Moreover, working with community leaders so as to reduce child marriage in the Bambara ethnic communities would also be beneficial.

ACS Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye; Comfort Z. Olorunsaiye; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Eugene Budu; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Sanni Yaya. Individual/Household and Community-Level Factors Associated with Child Marriage in Mali: Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey. BioMed Research International 2021, 2021, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye, Comfort Z. Olorunsaiye, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Eugene Budu, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Sanni Yaya. Individual/Household and Community-Level Factors Associated with Child Marriage in Mali: Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey. BioMed Research International. 2021; 2021 ():1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye; Comfort Z. Olorunsaiye; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Eugene Budu; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Individual/Household and Community-Level Factors Associated with Child Marriage in Mali: Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey." BioMed Research International 2021, no. : 1-11.

Journal article
Published: 15 June 2021 in Archives of Public Health
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Background Globally, intimate partner violence is one of the most common forms of gender-based violence, and wife beating is one component of intimate partner violence, with the problem being more severe among women living in rural settings. Little is known about the factors that explain the urban-rural disparity in the prevalence of wife beating attitude in Senegal. In this paper, we aimed to decompose the urban-rural disparities in factors associated with wife beating attitude among married women in Senegal. Methods Data were derived from the 2017 Senegal Continuous Demographic and Health Survey. We used the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method to decompose and explain the variation in the prevalence of disagreement to wife beating between urban and rural areas in Senegal. Results The results show that 48.9% of married women in Senegal disagreed with wife-beating. About 69% of urban women disagreed with wife beating, but only 36% of rural women disagreed with wife beating. About 68.7% of women in the sample reported that they disagreed to wife beating by their husbands for burning food and nearly 50% of women reported that they disagreed with wife beating when they refuse to have sex with their husbands. About 86% of the urban-rural disparities in disagreement with wife beating are explained in this study. Economic status (45.2%), subnational region (22.4%), women’s educational status (13.3%), and husband’s educational status (10.7%) accounted for 91.6% of the disparities. Conclusions The study shows urban-rural disparities in the prevalence of wife-beating attitude (disagreement with wife beating) and this disfavored rural residents. We suggest the need for the government of Senegal to consider pro-rural equity strategies to narrow down the observed disparities. Moreover, socioeconomic empowerment and attitudinal changing interventions using existing socio-cultural institutions as platforms can be used to deliver such interventions.

ACS Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye; Gebretsadik Shibre; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Mpho Keetile; Sanni Yaya. Urban-rural disparities in wife-beating attitude among married women: a decomposition analysis from the 2017 Senegal Continuous Demographic and Health Survey. Archives of Public Health 2021, 79, 1 -14.

AMA Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye, Gebretsadik Shibre, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Mpho Keetile, Sanni Yaya. Urban-rural disparities in wife-beating attitude among married women: a decomposition analysis from the 2017 Senegal Continuous Demographic and Health Survey. Archives of Public Health. 2021; 79 (1):1-14.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye; Gebretsadik Shibre; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Mpho Keetile; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Urban-rural disparities in wife-beating attitude among married women: a decomposition analysis from the 2017 Senegal Continuous Demographic and Health Survey." Archives of Public Health 79, no. 1: 1-14.

Journal article
Published: 15 June 2021 in Nutrients
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Despite concerns about the coexistence of overnutrition, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, which is compositely referred to as the triple burden of malnutrition (TBM), little is known about the phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We, therefore, aimed to examine the prevalence and investigate the factors associated with TBM in SSA. This study uses cross-sectional survey data collected through the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program from 2010 to 2019. Data from 32 countries in SSA were used for the analysis. The prevalence of TBM were presented in tables and maps using percentages. The predictors of TBM were examined by fitting a negative log-log regression to the data. The results were then presented using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) at 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Out of the 169,394 children, 734 (1%) suffered from TBM. The highest proportion of children with TBM in the four geographic regions in SSA was found in western Africa (0.75%) and the lowest in central Africa (0.21%). Children aged 1 [aOR = 1.283; 95% CI = 1.215–1.355] and those aged 2 [aOR = 1.133; 95% CI = 1.067–1.204] were more likely to experience TBM compared to those aged 0. TBM was less likely to occur among female children compared to males [aOR = 0.859; 95% CI = 0.824–0.896]. Children whose perceived size at birth was average [aOR = 1.133; 95% CI = 1.076–1.193] and smaller than average [aOR = 1.278; 95% CI = 1.204–1.356] were more likely to suffer from TBM compared to those who were larger than average at birth. Children born to mothers with primary [aOR = 0.922; 95% CI = 0.865–0.984] and secondary [aOR = 0.829; 95% CI = 0.777–0.885] education were less likely to suffer from TBM compared to those born to mothers with no formal education. Children born to mothers who attended antenatal care (ANC) had lower odds of experiencing TBM compared to those born to mothers who did not attend ANC [aOR = 0.969; 95% CI = 0.887–0.998]. Children born to mothers who use clean household cooking fuel were less likely to experience TBM compared to children born to mothers who use unclean household cooking fuel [aOR = 0.724; 95% CI = 0.612–0.857]. Essentially, higher maternal education, ANC attendance and use of clean cooking fuel were protective factors against TBM, whereas higher child age, low size at birth and being a male child increased the risk of TBM. Given the regional variations in the prevalence and risk of TBM, region-specific interventions must be initiated to ensure the likelihood of those interventions being successful at reducing the risk of TBM. Countries in Western Africa in particular would have to strengthen their current policies and programmes on malnutrition to enhance their attainment of the SDGs.

ACS Style

Bright Ahinkorah; Iddrisu Amadu; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Joshua Okyere; Eric Duku; John Hagan; Eugene Budu; Anita Archer; Sanni Yaya. Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Triple Burden of Malnutrition among Mother-Child Pairs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nutrients 2021, 13, 2050 .

AMA Style

Bright Ahinkorah, Iddrisu Amadu, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Joshua Okyere, Eric Duku, John Hagan, Eugene Budu, Anita Archer, Sanni Yaya. Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Triple Burden of Malnutrition among Mother-Child Pairs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (6):2050.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bright Ahinkorah; Iddrisu Amadu; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Joshua Okyere; Eric Duku; John Hagan; Eugene Budu; Anita Archer; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Triple Burden of Malnutrition among Mother-Child Pairs in Sub-Saharan Africa." Nutrients 13, no. 6: 2050.

Journal article
Published: 10 June 2021 in Healthcare
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Pregnancy termination remains a delicate and contentious reproductive health issue because of a variety of political, economic, religious, and social reasons. The present study examined the associations between demographic and socio-economic factors and pregnancy termination among young Ghanaian women. This study used data from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey of Ghana. A sample size of 2114 young women (15–24 years) was considered for the study. Both descriptive (frequency, percentages, and chi-square tests) and inferential (binary logistic regression) analyses were carried out in this study. Statistical significance was pegged at p< 0.05. Young women aged 20–24 were more likely to have a pregnancy terminated compared to those aged 15–19 (AOR = 3.81, CI = 2.62–5.54). The likelihood of having a pregnancy terminated was high among young women who were working compared to those who were not working (AOR = 1.60, CI = 1.19–2.14). Young women who had their first sex at the age of 20–24 (AOR = 0.19, CI = 0.10–0.39) and those whose first sex occurred at first union (AOR = 0.57, CI = 0.34–0.96) had lower odds of having a pregnancy terminated compared to those whose first sex happened when they were less than 15 years. Young women with parity of three or more had the lowest odds of having a pregnancy terminated compared to those with no births (AOR = 0.39, CI = 0.21–0.75). The likelihood of pregnancy termination was lower among young women who lived in rural areas (AOR = 0.65, CI = 0.46–0.92) and those in the Upper East region (AOR = 0.18, CI = 0.08–0.39). The findings indicate the importance of socio-demographic factors in pregnancy termination among young women in Ghana. Government and non-governmental organizations in Ghana should help develop programs (e.g., sexuality education) and strategies (e.g., regular sensitization programs) that reduce unintended pregnancies which often result in pregnancy termination. These programs and strategies should include easy access to contraceptives and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. These interventions should be designed considering the socio-demographic characteristics of young women. Such interventions will help to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 that seeks to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

ACS Style

Bright Ahinkorah; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; John Hagan; Anita Archer; Eugene Budu; Faustina Adoboi; Thomas Schack. Predictors of Pregnancy Termination among Young Women in Ghana: Empirical Evidence from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey Data. Healthcare 2021, 9, 705 .

AMA Style

Bright Ahinkorah, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, John Hagan, Anita Archer, Eugene Budu, Faustina Adoboi, Thomas Schack. Predictors of Pregnancy Termination among Young Women in Ghana: Empirical Evidence from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey Data. Healthcare. 2021; 9 (6):705.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bright Ahinkorah; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; John Hagan; Anita Archer; Eugene Budu; Faustina Adoboi; Thomas Schack. 2021. "Predictors of Pregnancy Termination among Young Women in Ghana: Empirical Evidence from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey Data." Healthcare 9, no. 6: 705.

Journal article
Published: 08 June 2021 in Adolescents
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Background: Fruit and vegetable consumption is an important source of nutrients for healthy growth and development, as well as a protective factor against chronic non-communicable diseases. Paucity of data exists on adolescents’ fruit and vegetable consumption in Ghana. This study, therefore, sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption among in-school adolescents in Ghana. Methods: Data for this study were extracted from the 2012 Global School-Based Health Survey. A cross-sectional analysis on 2786 in-school adolescents from junior and senior high schools was conducted. Descriptive analyses using frequencies and percentages were used to present the results on the prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption. Multivariable binomial regression analysis was performed to determine the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and explanatory variables. The results of the regression analyses were presented using adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with their respective confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: The prevalence of adequate fruits, adequate vegetables, and adequate fruit and vegetable consumption were 35.7%, 26.8%, and 27.8%, respectively. In-school male adolescents had lower odds of adequate fruit and vegetable consumption compared to female adolescents (aOR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.51–0.82). Adolescents in senior high schools (aOR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.22–0.61) were less likely to consume adequate fruits and vegetables compared to those in junior high schools. The odds of adequate fruit and vegetable consumption were higher among adolescents who consumed soft drinks (aOR = 3.29, 95%CI = 2.42–4.46), fast foods (aOR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.13–1.77), and those who had sedentary behavior (aOR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.07–1.77). Conclusions: The findings revealed that fruit and vegetable consumption among Ghanaian adolescents is relatively low. Sex of adolescents, grade, soft drink intake, fast food consumption, and sedentary behavior were factors associated with adequate fruit and vegetable consumption. Health promotion interventions to scale up fruit and vegetable consumption should pay attention to the factors identified in this study.

ACS Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Richard Aboagye; James Frimpong; Hawa Iddrisu; Ebenezer Agbaglo; Eugene Budu; John Hagan; Bright Ahinkorah. Determinants of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption among In-School Adolescents in Ghana. Adolescents 2021, 1, 199 -211.

AMA Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Richard Aboagye, James Frimpong, Hawa Iddrisu, Ebenezer Agbaglo, Eugene Budu, John Hagan, Bright Ahinkorah. Determinants of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption among In-School Adolescents in Ghana. Adolescents. 2021; 1 (2):199-211.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Richard Aboagye; James Frimpong; Hawa Iddrisu; Ebenezer Agbaglo; Eugene Budu; John Hagan; Bright Ahinkorah. 2021. "Determinants of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption among In-School Adolescents in Ghana." Adolescents 1, no. 2: 199-211.

Journal article
Published: 07 June 2021 in J
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(1) Background: Despite a global call to act to resolve communicable diseases caused by lack of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, many people in low- and middle-income countries continue to die each year. In this study, we looked at in-school adolescents’ oral and hand hygiene activities in Ghana, as well as the factors that influence them. (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that utilised data on 1348 in-school adolescents from the 2012 global school-based health survey. Using Stata software version 14.2, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. All statistical analyses were considered significant at p-value < 0.05. (3) Results: The prevalence of good hygiene behaviour was 62.6% and 79.9% for good oral hygiene and good hand hygiene, respectively. In-school adolescents who were truant were 31% (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51–0.92) and 28% (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54–0.87), respectively, less likely to practise good hand and oral hygiene compared to those who were not. Adolescents whose parents supervised their homework, however, had higher probabilities of practising good hand (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.64–2.31) and oral (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.80–3.04) hygiene respectively. Adolescents aged 18 years and above were 1.33 times more likely to practice good oral hygiene than younger adolescents (AOR=1.33, 95% CI = 1.07–1.66). Adolescents who were bullied had lower odds of practicing good hand hygiene (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52–0.94). (4) Conclusions: While good hygiene behaviour remains a major strategy in decreasing the prevalence of communicable diseases, the less than 65% prevalence of hand hygiene we observed in the current study is indicative of the country’s inability to achieve water, hygiene and sanitation for all by the year 2030. To accelerate progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, there is a need for the implementation of innovative interventions which seek to promote good hygiene behaviours among adolescents and the expansion of existing interventions, such as the WASH initiative, in schools. Such interventions should focus more on younger adolescents, those who are truant, and adolescents who suffer from bullying in school.

ACS Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Hubert Amu; Tarif Salihu; John Hagan; Ebenezer Agbaglo; Abigail Amoah; Eric Abodey; Margaret Boateng; Bright Ahinkorah. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hygiene Behaviours among In-School Adolescents in Ghana. J 2021, 4, 169 -181.

AMA Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Hubert Amu, Tarif Salihu, John Hagan, Ebenezer Agbaglo, Abigail Amoah, Eric Abodey, Margaret Boateng, Bright Ahinkorah. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hygiene Behaviours among In-School Adolescents in Ghana. J. 2021; 4 (2):169-181.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Hubert Amu; Tarif Salihu; John Hagan; Ebenezer Agbaglo; Abigail Amoah; Eric Abodey; Margaret Boateng; Bright Ahinkorah. 2021. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hygiene Behaviours among In-School Adolescents in Ghana." J 4, no. 2: 169-181.

Journal article
Published: 26 May 2021 in BMC Public Health
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Background In sub-Saharan Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV are major public health problems. This study, therefore, sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported STIsamong sexually active men in Ghana. Methods Data from the 2014 Ghana demographic and health survey wereused to conduct the study. This research included a total of 3051 sexually active men aged 15–59 years. Self-reported STI was the outcome variable. The data were analyzed using both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (binary logistic regression) analysis. Results The prevalence of self-reported STIs in the past 12 months preceding the survey was 6.0% (CI:4.7–6.8). Compared to men aged 45-59 years, those aged 25–34 (aOR = 2.96, CI: 1.64–5.35), 15–24 (aOR = 2.19, CI: 1.13–4.26), and 35–44 (aOR = 2.29, CI: 1.23–4.24) were more likely to report an STI. Men who had 2 or more sexual partners apart from their spouse were more likely to report an STI compared to those with no other partner apart from spouse (aOR = 4.24, CI: 2.52–7.14). However, those who had their first sex when they were 20 years and above (AOR = 0.66, CI: 0.47–0.93) and men who read newspaper/magazine had lower odds (aOR = 0.53, CI: 0.37–0.77) of reporting STIs compared to those who had sex below 20 and those who did not read newspaper/magazine respectively. Conclusion The study has revealed a relatively low prevalence of self-reported STI among sexually active men in Ghana. Sexually active men aged 25–34 years, those whose age at first sex is below 20 years and those with two or more sexual partners apart from their spouse had higher odds of reporting STIs. However, reading a newspaper was found to be positive in reducing the odds of reporting STIs. To reduce STIs among sexually active men in Ghana, it is important for health systems and stakeholders to consider these factors and put in place measures to mitigate those that put men at risk of STIs and encourage the adoption of the protective factors. Mass media can be used as a useful avenue for encouraging men to report STIs in order to avoid transmitting them to their partners.

ACS Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Ebenezer Agbaglo; Louis Kobina Dadzie; Justice Kanor Tetteh; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah. Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among sexually active men in Ghana. BMC Public Health 2021, 21, 1 -8.

AMA Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Ebenezer Agbaglo, Louis Kobina Dadzie, Justice Kanor Tetteh, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah. Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among sexually active men in Ghana. BMC Public Health. 2021; 21 (1):1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Ebenezer Agbaglo; Louis Kobina Dadzie; Justice Kanor Tetteh; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah. 2021. "Self-reported sexually transmitted infections among sexually active men in Ghana." BMC Public Health 21, no. 1: 1-8.

Journal article
Published: 19 May 2021 in Archives of Public Health
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Background Despite the relationship between health insurance coverage and maternal healthcare services utilization, previous studies in Jordan on the use of maternal healthcare services have mainly focused on patterns and determinants of maternal healthcare services utilization in Jordan. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between health insurance coverage and maternal healthcare services utilization in Jordan. Methods This study used secondary data published in 2017-18 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey on 4656 women of reproductive age (15–49 years). The independent variable was health insurance coverage and the outcome variable was maternal healthcare services utilization, measured through timing of first antenatal visit, four or more antenatal care visits, and skilled birth attendance. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Results Out of the total number of women who participated in the study, 38.2% were not covered by health insurance. With maternal healthcare utilization, 12.5%, 23.2%, and 10.1% respectively, failed to make early first antenatal care visit, complete four or more antenatal care visits and have their delivery attended by a skilled worker. After controlling for the socio-demographic factors, health insurance coverage was associated with increased odds of early timing of first antenatal care visits and completion of four or more antenatal care visits (aOR = 1.33, p < 0.05, aOR = 1.25, p < 0.01, respectively). However, women who were covered by health insurance were less likely to use skilled birth attendance during delivery (aOR = 0.72 p < 0.001). Conclusions Jordanian women with health insurance coverage were more likely to have early first antenatal care visits and complete four or more antenatal care visits. However, they were less likely to have their delivery attended by a skilled professional. This study provides evidence that health insurance coverage has contributed to increased maternal healthcare services utilization, only in terms of number and timing of antenatal care visits in Jordan. It is recommended that policy makers in Jordan should strengthen the coverage of health insurance in the country, especially among women of reproductive age in order to enhance the use of maternal healthcare services in the country.

ACS Style

Petula Fernandes; Emmanuel Kolawole Odusina; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Komlan Kota; Sanni Yaya. Health insurance coverage and maternal healthcare services utilization in Jordan: evidence from the 2017–18 Jordan demographic and health survey. Archives of Public Health 2021, 79, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Petula Fernandes, Emmanuel Kolawole Odusina, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Komlan Kota, Sanni Yaya. Health insurance coverage and maternal healthcare services utilization in Jordan: evidence from the 2017–18 Jordan demographic and health survey. Archives of Public Health. 2021; 79 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Petula Fernandes; Emmanuel Kolawole Odusina; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Komlan Kota; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Health insurance coverage and maternal healthcare services utilization in Jordan: evidence from the 2017–18 Jordan demographic and health survey." Archives of Public Health 79, no. 1: 1-11.

Research article
Published: 15 May 2021 in BioMed Research International
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In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), every 1 in 12 children under five dies every year compared with 1 in 147 children in the high-income regions. Studies have shown an association between birth intervals and pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. In this study, we examined the association between birth interval and under-five mortality in eight countries in West Africa. A secondary analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from eight West African countries was carried out. The sample size for this study comprised 52,877 childbearing women (15-49 years). A bivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out and the results were presented as crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Birth interval had a statistically significant independent association with under-five mortality, with children born to mothers who had >2 years birth interval less likely to die before their fifth birthday compared to mothers with ≤2 years birth interval [ cOR = 0.56 ; CI = 0.51 − 0.62 ], and this persisted after controlling for the covariates [ aOR = 0.55 ; CI = 0.50 − 0.61 ]. The country-specific results showed that children born to mothers who had >2 years birth interval were less likely to die before the age of five compared to mothers with ≤2 years birth interval in all the eight countries. In terms of the covariates, wealth quintile, mother’s age, mother’s age at first birth, partner’s age, employment status, current pregnancy intention, sex of child, size of child at birth, birth order, type of birth, and contraceptive use also had associations with under-five mortality. We conclude that shorter birth intervals are associated with higher under-five mortality. Other maternal and child characteristics also have associations with under-five mortality. Reproductive health interventions aimed at reducing under-five mortality should focus on lengthening birth intervals. Such interventions should be implemented, taking into consideration the characteristics of women and their children.

ACS Style

Eugene Budu; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Betregiorgis Zegeye; Sanni Yaya. Does Birth Interval Matter in Under-Five Mortality? Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys from Eight Countries in West Africa. BioMed Research International 2021, 2021, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Eugene Budu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Betregiorgis Zegeye, Sanni Yaya. Does Birth Interval Matter in Under-Five Mortality? Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys from Eight Countries in West Africa. BioMed Research International. 2021; 2021 ():1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eugene Budu; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Betregiorgis Zegeye; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Does Birth Interval Matter in Under-Five Mortality? Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys from Eight Countries in West Africa." BioMed Research International 2021, no. : 1-10.

Journal article
Published: 14 May 2021 in Adolescents
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Interpersonal violence is a critical public health concern that is linked with many negative consequences, including mortality. It is the second most predominant cause of death among male adolescents aged 15–19. This study used a nationally representative data from the recent Ghana Global School-based Health Survey to examine the prevalence and factors associated with interpersonal violence among Ghanaian in-school adolescents. A total of 2214 in-school adolescents were included in the final analysis. Multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors assciated with interpersonal violence. The results of the regression analysis were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence level (CI) in all the analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The overall prevalence of interpersonal violence was 55.7%, of which the prevalences of physical fighting and attack were 38.2% and 41.5%, respectively. In-school adolescents who had an injury were more likely to experience interpersonal violence (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.71–3.06) compared with those who did not have an injury. The odds of interpersonal violence were higher among in-school adolescents who were bullied (aOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.84–3.34) compared with those who were not bullied. In addition, in-school adolescents who attempted suicide (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.22–2.47), consumed alcohol at the time of the survey (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.15–3.06), and were truant (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.29–1.99) had higher odds of experiencing interpersonal violence. These factors provide education directors and school heads/teachers with the relevant information to guide them in designing specific interventions to prevent interpersonal violence, particularly physical fights and attacks in the school settings. School authorities should organize parent–teacher meetings or programs to help parents improve their relationships with in-school adolescents to prevent or minimize their risky behaviors, including physical fights.

ACS Style

Richard Aboagye; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Francis Arthur-Holmes; James Frimpong; John Hagan; Hubert Amu; Bright Ahinkorah. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Interpersonal Violence among In-School Adolescents in Ghana: Analysis of the Global School-Based Health Survey Data. Adolescents 2021, 1, 186 -198.

AMA Style

Richard Aboagye, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Francis Arthur-Holmes, James Frimpong, John Hagan, Hubert Amu, Bright Ahinkorah. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Interpersonal Violence among In-School Adolescents in Ghana: Analysis of the Global School-Based Health Survey Data. Adolescents. 2021; 1 (2):186-198.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Richard Aboagye; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Francis Arthur-Holmes; James Frimpong; John Hagan; Hubert Amu; Bright Ahinkorah. 2021. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with Interpersonal Violence among In-School Adolescents in Ghana: Analysis of the Global School-Based Health Survey Data." Adolescents 1, no. 2: 186-198.

Epidemiology
Published: 13 May 2021 in BMJ Open
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Objective The objective of the study was to examine the association between maternal healthcare utilisation and complete childhood vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa. Design Our study was a cross-sectional study that used pooled data from 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Participants A total of 60 964 mothers of children aged 11–23 months were included in the study. Outcome variables The main outcome variable was complete childhood vaccination. The explanatory variables were number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, assistance during delivery and postnatal care (PNC). Results The average prevalence of complete childhood vaccination was 85.6%, ranging from 67.0% in Ethiopia to 98.5% in Namibia. Our adjusted model, children whose mothers had a maximum of three ANC visits were 56% less likely to have complete vaccination, compared with those who had at least four ANC visits (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.44, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.46). Children whose mothers were assisted by traditional birth attendant/other (aOR=0.43, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.56) had lower odds of complete vaccination. The odds of complete vaccination were lower among children whose mothers did not attend PNC clinics (aOR=0.26, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.29) as against those whose mothers attended. Conclusion The study found significant variations in complete childhood vaccination across countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Maternal healthcare utilisation (ANC visits, skilled birth delivery, PNC attendance) had significant association with complete childhood vaccination. These findings suggest that programmes, interventions and strategies aimed at improving vaccination should incorporate interventions that can enhance maternal healthcare utilisation. Such interventions can include education and sensitisation, reducing cost of maternal healthcare and encouraging male involvement in maternal healthcare service utilisation.

ACS Style

Eugene Budu; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Richard Gyan Aboagye; Ebenezer Kwesi Armah-Ansah; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Collins Adu; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Sanni Yaya. Maternal healthcare utilsation and complete childhood vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study of 29 nationally representative surveys. BMJ Open 2021, 11, e045992 .

AMA Style

Eugene Budu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Ebenezer Kwesi Armah-Ansah, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Collins Adu, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Sanni Yaya. Maternal healthcare utilsation and complete childhood vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study of 29 nationally representative surveys. BMJ Open. 2021; 11 (5):e045992.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eugene Budu; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Richard Gyan Aboagye; Ebenezer Kwesi Armah-Ansah; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Collins Adu; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Maternal healthcare utilsation and complete childhood vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study of 29 nationally representative surveys." BMJ Open 11, no. 5: e045992.

Research article
Published: 12 May 2021 in BioMed Research International
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Background. Although deworming pregnant women is one of the strategies to reduce parasites (roundworms and hookworms) causing anemia and related perinatal and maternal complications, utilization of deworming medication among pregnant women in Cameroon is suboptimal. Comprehensive assessment of individual, household (including women’s autonomy), and community-level factors associated with utilization of deworming medication has not been done so far. Therefore, we investigated the individual/household and community-level factors associated with deworming among pregnant married women in Cameroon. Methods. Our study was limited to pregnant women because they have a greater risk due to increased chances of anemia. We used data from the 2018/19 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey. Analysis on 5,013 pregnant married women was carried out using multilevel logistic regression. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Results. Our findings showed that about 29.8% of pregnant married women received deworming medications. The individual/household level predictors of deworming medications utilization identified in this study were women’s educational level, wealth quintile, and skilled antenatal care. Distance to health facility and region were identified as community-level predictors of deworming medications utilization. Higher odds of receiving deworming medication occurred among educated and wealthier pregnant married women as well as among pregnant married women who had skilled antenatal care or lived in the south region, whereas lower odds were observed among pregnant married women living in the north region. Conclusion. Access to education and economic empowerment of pregnant married women in remote areas and the north region should be the primary focus of the Cameroon government to enhance deworming coverage in the country.

ACS Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Sanni Yaya. Utilization of Deworming Drugs and Its Individual and Community Level Predictors among Pregnant Married Women in Cameroon: A Multilevel Modeling. BioMed Research International 2021, 2021, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Sanni Yaya. Utilization of Deworming Drugs and Its Individual and Community Level Predictors among Pregnant Married Women in Cameroon: A Multilevel Modeling. BioMed Research International. 2021; 2021 ():1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Betregiorgis Zegeye; Bright Opoku Ahinkorah; Edward Kwabena Ameyaw; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; Sanni Yaya. 2021. "Utilization of Deworming Drugs and Its Individual and Community Level Predictors among Pregnant Married Women in Cameroon: A Multilevel Modeling." BioMed Research International 2021, no. : 1-12.

Journal article
Published: 11 May 2021 in Healthcare
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Intimate partner violence (IPV) is predominant in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with nearly 40 percent of women reporting IPV at some point in time. In this study, we investigated whether a supportive attitude towards IPV is associated with past-year experience of IPV among women in sexual unions in SSA. This study involved a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 23 countries in SSA. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between attitude towards IPV and past-year experience of IPV. The regression results were presented in a tabular form using crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In the pooled countries, we found that women who had supportive attitude towards IPV were more likely to experience IPV compared to those who rejected IPV (cOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.64, 1.79), and this persisted after controlling for maternal age, marital status, wealth, maternal education level, place of residence, and mass-media exposure (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.64, 1.79). The same trend and direction of association between attitude towards IPV and experience of IPV was also found in all the 23 studied countries. This study has demonstrated that women who accept IPV are more likely to experience IPV. Hence, we recommend that efforts to end IPV must focus primarily on changing the attitudes of women. This goal can be achieved by augmenting women’s empowerment, education, and employment interventions, as well as sensitizing women in relation to the deleterious ramifications of accepting IPV. Furthermore, reducing IPV is critical towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3.

ACS Style

Richard Aboagye; Joshua Okyere; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; John Hagan; Bright Ahinkorah. Experience of Intimate Partner Violence among Women in Sexual Unions: Is Supportive Attitude of Women towards Intimate Partner Violence a Correlate? Healthcare 2021, 9, 563 .

AMA Style

Richard Aboagye, Joshua Okyere, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, John Hagan, Bright Ahinkorah. Experience of Intimate Partner Violence among Women in Sexual Unions: Is Supportive Attitude of Women towards Intimate Partner Violence a Correlate? Healthcare. 2021; 9 (5):563.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Richard Aboagye; Joshua Okyere; Abdul-Aziz Seidu; John Hagan; Bright Ahinkorah. 2021. "Experience of Intimate Partner Violence among Women in Sexual Unions: Is Supportive Attitude of Women towards Intimate Partner Violence a Correlate?" Healthcare 9, no. 5: 563.