COV-2 SARs has disproportionately affected low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana, where the healthcare system was not prepared enough to provide care, drugs, and equipment. This study was carried out to assess predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among health professionals in the Bono region of Ghana. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 health professionals recruited through simple random sampling. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance presented as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). All respondents had heard about the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common source of information was the media (45.8%). The proportion of health professionals who accepted the COVID-19 vaccine was 73.6%. Among those who did not take the vaccine, 64.3% were willing to take it in the future. The key predictors of taking the COVID-19 vaccine included: age 25 to 45 years (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.14–3.35), age older than 45 years (AOR = 5.30, 95% CI: 2.59–10.87), males (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.34–7.15), Christians (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.44–7.72), and at least three years of experience (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.033–2.93). Reasons for not taking vaccines included: vaccines were rapidly developed and approved (41.0%), immediate side effects (39.2%), and unforeseen future effects (37.5%). This study showed that most participants had received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, and most of those hesitant about the vaccine were willing to receive it in the future. This is a positive finding for policy makers since it reflects that fewer resources will be needed for behavioural change initiatives. In addition, it would present a chance to focus on minority individuals who are unwilling to take the vaccine and offer targeted community mobilisation.

Introduction: Promoting the use of contraception among adolescents is essential to improving their sexual and reproductive health. Teenage pregnancies are becoming more common, and the Nabdam area continues to have low rates of use of contemporary contraceptive methods. These facts highlight the urgent need to address the needs of adolescents concerning their sexual and reproductive health. This study aims to investigate the factors impacting the Upper East Region of Ghana's Nabdam District's adoption of contemporary contraceptive methods. Methods: 261 older teenage girls from the Nabdam district, ages 15 to 19, were included in the study, which used a quantitative technique and a descriptive cross-sectional design. Respondents were chosen using a multiphase sample technique, and data were collected over the course of 10 working days using a standardized survey form. STATA Version 14 was utilized for data analysis. A significance criterion of p < 0.05 was applied to bivariate and logistic regression models to investigate any correlations between independent factors and outcome variables. Results: 52.1% of respondents said they have had their first sexual experience before turning 20. The oldest stated age at first sex was 19 years old, while the youngest was 10 years old. Additionally, 97.8% of respondents reported learning about contemporary contraception via a variety of sources, such as peers, instructors, health professionals, and radio media. Even with this knowledge, 48.7% of respondents thought using a contraceptive technique would provide 100% protection against getting pregnant, while 73.6% of respondents had never used any kind of birth control. Age (p< 0.001), educational attainment (p< 0.001), marital status (p< 0.001), peer influence (p< 0.001), place of residence (p< 0.001), religious affiliation (p< 0.018), consent from a sexual partner (p< 0.001), positive attitudes from healthcare providers (p < 0.001), and the availability of contraceptives (p < 0.001) were discovered to be linked to the usage of modern contraceptives. Conclusion: Although a sizable percentage of respondents showed awareness of contemporary contraceptive methods, low modern contraceptive usage was significantly correlated with several factors, including age, marital status, educational attainment, peer influence, partner consent, and the unfavorable attitudes of healthcare professionals. To tackle this problem, a community-based strategy emphasizing the advancement of enabling elements and the removal of obstacles is required. The Ghana Health Service could enhance its School Health Education Program (SHEP) by increasing informational sessions, organizing theatrical productions and debates, and recruiting peer educators as invaluable resources to share experiences and instruct their peers on sexuality, reproductive health issues, and the use of modern contraceptives

Introduction: Maternal and child mortality continues as a disturbing public health problem facing Ghana and other low and middle-income countries. As such there are advocacy for skilled birth delivery. Despite the advocacy, in most rural communities, unskilled delivery still persists. It is against this background that this study aims to explore the factors influencing home delivery among women in rural areas of Tamale Metropolis. Methods: The study employed the descriptive cross-sectional design with the mixed method approach. The study recruited 200 women within reproductive age of 18-49 who had delivered at least once in the selected rural communities in the Tamale Metropolis. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data for this study. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and manual thematic content analysis for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Results: The prevalence of home delivery was reported as (36.5%) among the respondents. More than quarter (35.5%) of the respondents rate their satisfaction of home delivery as good whereas more than half of the respondents rated TBAs’ attitude as good. Three (3) qualitative respondents indicated that most women chose to deliver at home in neglect of hospital because of better satisfaction gained from delivering at home. The qualitative data showed that the factors identified to influence home delivery were as followed: negative attitude of health workers, lack of trust in health workers competence, unnecessary expenses from hospitals, distance, and poor quality of services. Nearly 90.0% of the respondents were enrolled on the NHIS with a proof of active NHIS card. Majority of the respondents were aware of the free maternal health services and all respondents agreed that they had a CHPs compound in their communities, however, only 36.5% responded in the affirmative that these CHPs compound are resourced adequately. Conclusion: The study showed a substantive percentage of the respondents to be practicing home delivery with the support of unskilled birth attendants. Poor attitudes from health workers, better previous experience in delivering at home, unreliable means of transport to the hospital and additional informal delivery expenses were some of the factors found to be significant determinants of home delivery. It is recommended for the government and other stakeholders to provide rural ambulance services to aid in the transport of pregnant women in labor to the nearest health facility.

Purpose: The study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region of Ghana. Methodology: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The study population was adolescent girls who have reached menarche. A total of 217 respondents were recruited using consecutive sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to gather data and analyzed using the SPSS version 25 software. The significance level was estimated as a p-value less the .05. Findings: The study showed that the majority of the respondents (59.0%) were within 15 to 19 years, 90.8% were in school, 77.9% were Muslims and nearly half (49.8%) of the girls were living with both parents. Almost all of the respondents (97.7%) have heard about menstruation through their mothers (30.4%) followed by the teachers/school (18.9%) with media (4.1%) being the least source of information. Most respondents (78.8%) had good knowledge about menstruation and MHM. The majority of the girls (64.5%) used sanitary pads, 30.9% used clothes and 4.6% used other absorbent materials during menstrual flow. Nearly all girls (98.2%) clean their genitals during menses with the majority (65.4%) using soap and water to clean their genitals whereas (32.7%) used only water. Overall, 71.0% of the respondents had adequate MHM practices. The study revealed a significant statistical association between MHM practices and age (X² = 34.1, p < .001), earning a living (X² = 11.9, p = .021), and knowledge about menstruation (X² = 11.8, p = .002). Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: In all, appreciable knowledge and sufficient MHM practices were observed among respondents. Age, ability to earn a living, and knowledge about menstruation and MHM were associated with the practice of good MHM practices. We recommend that parents should be sensitized and encouraged to provide for the sanitary needs of their girl child as well as introduce the topic of menstruation to the girls in readiness for menarche.

Introduction: Menstrual health is a critical aspect of adolescent well-being, yet knowledge and practices surrounding menstruation can vary significantly, especially in culturally diverse settings. Despite its undeniable significance, the nuanced landscape of adolescent menstrual hygiene practices remains obscured. The transition from childhood to adolescence is a transformative period marked by physical, emotional, and psychological changes, and understanding the intricacies of menstrual hygiene within this context is imperative. The study assesses menstrual hygiene knowledge and practice among adolescents in the Tamale Metropolis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of schoolgirls in the Northern Region of Ghana. A total of 363 adolescent schoolgirls were recruited using multistage sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. A significance level of p < 0.05 was employed to establish statistical significance. Results: The study found that 90.9% of respondents recognized menstruation as a natural process, and 82.1% understood hormonal changes cause it. However, only 57.3% knew the typical duration of menstruation. Most girls (87.1%) identified the vagina as the source of menstrual blood, and 85.1% had prior knowledge of menstruation. While 95.6% used absorbent materials, and 87.3% used sanitary pads, some practices, such as improper storage and disposal of used pads, were identified. The study established a significant association between overall knowledge about menstruation and age (X²=7.96, p=0.019), class of respondents (X²=11.03, p=0.036), and ethnicity (X²=15.4, p=0.002). The respondents mentioned the following as religious factors that could affect MHM: 85.7% mentioned prohibition from touching the holy books (Bible or Qur’an), 70.5% mentioned visiting religious places, 19.8% mentioned prohibition on attending religious ceremonies, and 18.2% mentioned others. Conclusion: Most schoolgirls demonstrated good foundational knowledge and hygiene practices regarding menstruation. However, gaps remain in knowledge about menstrual duration and hygiene practices. Cultural factors and demographic variables also influence menstrual knowledge.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Ghana, with many cases detected at advanced stages due to limited screening options. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a low-cost and practical method for early detection. This study aimed to assess factors influencing the practice of BSE among female tertiary students in the Tamale Metropolis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 486 female students selected from three tertiary institutions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and practice of BSE. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression, were used for analysis. Results: Among participants, 95.1% had heard of BSE, and 95.3% considered it important for detecting breast cancer. Overall, 70.8% demonstrated good knowledge, while 63% reported good practice. Monthly practice was reported by 39.3%, and 54.9% performed BSE after menstruation. Lumps were the most commonly checked sign (86.8%), and 86.4% indicated they would consult a health professional if abnormalities were detected. Students with good knowledge were nearly five times more likely to practice effectively (AOR=4.88, 95% CI: 2.84-8.38, p<0.001). Conclusions: The study revealed high knowledge but moderate practice of BSE among tertiary students. Enhancing structured health education within tertiary institutions could strengthen regular practice and improve early detection of breast cancer.