Search

Despite the numerous health and social problems associated with alcohol use, its use is increasing in many African countries. This study assessed the direct cost and socio-demographic factors associated with alcohol use among adults in a coastal commercial community in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey of 412 adults was undertaken. Data were collected using adapted questions from validated standard tools. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between alcohol use and socio-demographic factors. Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used to determine statistical significance in mean cost differences of alcohol use. Averagely, participants spent US$5.06 daily on alcohol. Most men (39.3%) and women (44.6%) consume beer more than other alcoholic beverages. Men were more likely to consume alcohol compared to women. Also, people with no formal education and those with tertiary education have equal likelihood of consuming alcohol. Alcohol use among people with higher monthly income was 1.72 (95% CI:0.94–3.15) times higher compared to those with lower income. The cost of alcohol use varies among men and women. Socio-demographic factors influence alcohol use. Hence, public health intervention to reduce alcohol use in these communities should take cognizance of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) are often entry points for the implementation of health interventions. Insight into decision-making and power relationships at district level could assist DHMTs to make better use of their decision space. This study explored how district-level health system decision-making is shaped by power dynamics in different decentralised contexts in Ghana, Malawi and Uganda. In-depth interviews took place with national- and district-level stakeholders. To unravel how power dynamics influence decision-making, the Arts and Van Tatenhove (2004) framework was applied. In Ghana and Malawi, the national-level Ministry of Health substantially influenced district-level decision-making, because of dispositional power based on financial resources and hierarchy. In Uganda and Malawi, devolution led to decision-making being strongly influenced by relational power, in the form of politics, particularly by district-level political bodies. Structural power based on societal structures was less visible, however, the origin, ethnicity or gender of decision-makers could make them more or less credible, thereby influencing distribution of power. As a result of these different power dynamics, DHMTs experienced a narrow decision space and expressed feelings of disempowerment. DHMTs' decision-making power can be expanded through using their unique insights into the health realities of their districts and through joint collaborations with political bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routine medical and dental examinations are important and effective measures in the prevention of diseases and promotion of good health. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among adult residents in Community 20, Tema. The study randomly sampled 216 adults aged over 18 years. These participants were interviewed after informed consent was obtained. Socio-demographic factors associated with routine medical and dental examinations were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Weighted mean was used to determine the level of perceived importance of medical and dental examination. A total of 68.1% and 31.9% of the adults have ever undergone routine medical and dental examination, respectively. Personal reasons constituted 35.4% for medical examination and 55.1% for dental examination. Medical and dental examinations encourage adults to be health conscious was ranked highest with a weighted mean of 3.78. Routine medical and dental examinations were higher among adults over 50 years, males, higher educated adults, higher income earners and the unmarried. Most of the adults indicated that medical and dental examinations were very important. Routine medical and dental examinations encourage adults to be health conscious. Routine medical and dental examinations were higher among adults over 50 years. Public health education programs should educate and encourage the general public especially among the younger population to undergo routine medical and dental examinations annually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]