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BACKGROUND: One key factor proven to increase quality of pregnancy outcome has been antenatal care (ANC) service. The perinatal triad of mother, placenta and fetus becomes functionally complete with a functional umbilical cord. The objective of the study was to establish mathematical models to predict the outcome of umbilical cord morphometric parameters using maternal first antenatal care visit biometric indices. METHOD: This analytical descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 pregnant women who attended antenatal care for the first time in their first trimester at the Victory Maternity Home and Clinic in the Kumasi Metropolis, between April 2016 and October 2019. Umbilical cord length, diameter, area, volume and weight were measured after delivery. Maternal first antenatal care visit blood pressure was taken and their non-fasting blood samples were collected and lipid profile done. RESULTS: Mean values for umbilical cord measurements were; cord length, 38.10±7.86 cm; diameter, 1.04±0.17 cm; area, 66.10±24.49 cm2 and volume was 34.02±11.16 cm3 respectively while mean cord weight was 65.01±21.35 g. The study found that a unit increase in total cholesterol led to an increase of 2.33 units in umbilical cord length, high-density lipoprotein also resulted in 0.06 units increase in cord diameter while low-density lipoprotein decreases cord length by 3.31 units. Also, a unit increase in maternal booking total cholesterol resulted in 2.33 units increase in umbilical cord length. CONCLUSION: Maternal first antenatal care visit total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein could influence the outcome of umbilical cord length, diameter and area.

Height is an important anthropometric tool and most popular characteristic parameter employed in human identification. However, body height cannot always be ascertained by direct measurement due to various deformities of the extremities in patients with injuries. There is accumulating evidence to demonstrate the use of arm span measurements in the estimation of height but there is very little information on the use of arm span measurements in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to determine the relationship between height, arm span and sex as well as the correlational efficiency of using arm span as a surrogate for height. This cross-sectional study recruited 716 participants [328 males and 388 females] aged 18 to 30 years. Ethical approval and informed participant consent were sought. Male participants were taller and had wider arm span than the females with a statistically significant value [p < 0.001]. The results also showed that, the mean arm span measurement was higher than the mean height measurement with values of males [arm span: 180.57 cm; height: 170.79 cm] and females [arm span: 168.60 cm; height: 161.19 cm]. There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation [p < 0.001] between the arm span and height in the male, female and pooled sample with “r” values of 0.815, 0.788 and 0.873 respectively. Sex-specific equations to predict height from arm span measurements among Ghanaians were established. This study has developed sex specific equations to predict height from arm span measurements and has proved that arm span can effectively predict height using regression equations. KEY WORDS: Height, Arm Span, Ghana, Identification, Forensic, Anthropometry.

Background: The significance of investigating relationships involved in the transport of lipids to the foetus is very important in the first-trimester embryogenesis. The objective of this study, therefore, was to model the relationship between the maternal booking visit lipid profile parameters and the placental indices outcomes. Method: Analytical descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2014 and October 2018 on placenta, neonates and maternal booking visit lipid profile parameters. A total of 240 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at the Victory Maternity Home and Clinic in Kumasi for the first time and consented to participate were enrolled in the study. Maternal booking lipid profile parameters including; total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were obtained on their first antenatal clinic (ANC) visit. Blood samples were collected from the participants for serum preparation and analysis. Results: The mean value for placental weight in the current study was 502.40 ± 103.70 g (95% CI = 489.20 - 515.60). Mean values of placental diameter and thickness were 19.01 ± 2.41 cm (95% CI of 18.71 - 19.32) and 2.85 ± 0.53 cm (95% CI of 2.78 - 2.92), respectively. All the booking visit lipids, namely TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C significantly influenced the placental volume (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that all the maternal booking visit lipids (TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C) could jointly predict the outcome of placental volume.

Dermatoglyphics have been utilized as models for the diagnosis of vast genetic conditions due to their relationship with the genetic make-up of an individual. However, little studies have been conducted worldwide trying to ascertain the relationship between dermatoglyphics and sickle cell anaemia. Therefore, the present study aimed at generating baseline data to elucidate the possible diagnostic value of dermatoglyphics for earlier detection and screening of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) in Ghana. A total of 400 participants including 200 SCA patients from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and 200 control group (CG) from KNUST were recruited for this study. The palmprints and fingerprints of the participants were taken and the sickling status of the control group was determined. Distribution of the three major fingerprint patterns, PIC patterns, ATD angle and total finger ridge count (TFRC) were determined. Loop dominated in both the SCA and control groups followed by whorl and arch. PIC 300 dominated in the SCA group while PIC 310 dominated in the control group, this was statistically significant. Also, the study recorded 5 unreported PIC’s (PIC 400, PIC 410, PIC 430, PIC 500 and PIC 510) in the Ghanaian population. The SCA group recorded a mean ATD angle of 43.62o while the control group recorded 41.61o, this was statistically significant. The SCA group recorded a mean TFRC of 67.17 while the control group recorded 78.49. The results of the present study have shown that, there is a relationship between dermatoglyphics and SCA and this will serve as a reliable indicator for earlier detection and screening of sickle cell anaemia especially in neonates. KEY WORDS: Dermatoglyphics, sickle cell anaemia, Ghana.

Flatfoot (pes planus), commonest foot deformity caused by the absence or collapse of the medial longitudinal arch. Flatfoot results in serious health problems and postural defects. It is highly variable in different populations with many factors associated. This study was conducted to find the plantar arch index and the prevalence of flatfoot and its relationship with tribes in Ghana. A total of 278 participants (172 males and 106 females) with ages ranging from 16 to 34 years were recruited for the study. Ethical approval and participants’ informed consent were sought prior to the study. Participants were drawn from the Akan, Ewe, Ga-Dangbe and other tribes (Dagomba, Dagabaa, Frafra, Gonja, Wale Wale etc). Foot imprints were taken from each participant using the ink method. The plantar arch index was calculated using the ratio of the width of the central and the heel region of the footprint. The mean right plantar arch index was higher than the left. The prevalence of flatfoot was 15.1% (6.1% unilateral left, 5.8% unilateral right and 3.2% bilateral). The prevalence rate was 15.7% in males and 14.1% in females. The prevalence rates reported for the Ga-Dangbes and Ewes were 30.8% and 23.6% respectively. On the other hand, both Akans and individuals belonging to the other tribes recorded the same prevalence rate of 13.7%. Flatfoot was found to be high among the Ga-Dangbes. Ethnicity as an external factor has a great role in influencing foot arch structure. Also, sex has an influence on the morphology of an individual’s foot. KEY WORDS: Flatfoot, Pes planus, Foot deformity, Medial Longitudinal Arch.

Height and sex play crucial roles in the identification of an individual. Height is influenced by nutrition, genetics and, climatic conditions, among others. In most developed countries, there exist well-structured osteometric data for the determination of height and sex. However, there is little anthropometric data for the determination of height and sex in Ghana. This study aimed at determining the height and sex of participants using percutaneous femoral lengths. The height and percutaneous femur length were measured, and sex was determined as indicated on the data collection form. Regression analysis and binary logistic regression were used for height and sex determination respectively. Five hundred five individuals participated in this study with 261 males and 244 females. Males were significantly taller than females (p

ObjectiveZambia is among the world’s top 10 countries with higher fertility rate (5.5 births/woman); unmet family planning need for births spacing (14%) and limiting births (7%). Women in rural Zambia (24%) are reported to have unmet need for family planning than those in urban areas (17%). This study was conducted to ascertain factors associated with modern contraceptive use among rural Zambian women.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingRural Zambia.ParticipantsSecondary data of 4903 married or cohabiting rural women (15–49 years) after filtering out the pregnant, urban based and unmarried women from 2013 to 2014 Zambian Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) were analysed using SPSS V.22. Multiple logistic regression, Pearson’s χ2and descriptive statistics were performed to examine factors associated with modern contraceptive use.ResultsFactors that were positively associated with contraceptive use were respondent’s education (secondary adjusted ORs (AOR = 1.61, p≤0.002); higher (AOR = 2.39, p≤0.050)), wealth index (middle class, (AOR = 1.35, p≤0.005); rich (AOR = 2.04, p≤0.001) and richest (AOR = 1.95, p≤0.034)), high parity (1–2 (AOR = 5.31, p≤0.001); 3–4 (AOR = 7.06, p≤0.001); 5+ (AOR = 8.02, p≤0.001)), men older than women by ConclusionModern contraceptive use in rural Zambia among currently married women of reproductive age group is relatively low (43%). We recommend that appropriate interventions are instituted to increase contraceptive access and use especially among uneducated older rural Zambian women.

ABO blood group and body mass index (BMI) have individually been appraised as risk factors for certain diseases. From statistical perspective, it may be important to examine the relationship between the ABO blood antigen and BMI. This cross-sectional study involved 412 participants aged 18 to 46 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. Weight and height of participants were measured for BMI calculation; blood group determination was done using antisera. Blood group O was the most prevalent (51.2%), while Rhesus-positive individuals constituted 90.3%. 6.3% of the participants were obese, while 18.7% were overweight. There was significant (p=0.006) higher prevalence of obesity in females (10.3%) than in males (3.4%). The study did not observe any significant difference by association of ABO blood group with gender (p=0.973), BMI (p=0.307), or Rhesus status (p=0.723). Regarding gender (p=0.400) and BMI (p=0.197), no statistically significant difference was observed between Rhesus blood groups. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, blood type O, and rhesus positive observed among students in this study is largely similar to what has been reported in published studies in Ghana and from other countries. Overweight and obesity were not associated with ABO blood groups or Rhesus in this study.

Height, age and sex determination from different bones of the body are helpful for establishing the identity of an individual. In developed countries, established osteometric data exist for height and sex determination. However, very little information is available on the use of osteometric indices for forensic and biometric purposes in Ghana. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine height and sex of participants using percutaneous humeral and tibial lengths. One hundred undergraduate students were recruited from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with 55% males and 45% females aged between 18 and 43 years for the study. Male participants had longer humeri and tibiae than females (p

Background Domestic violence does not only violate women’s fundamental human rights but it also undermines them from achieving their fullest potential around the world. This study was conducted to assess trends and factors associated with domestic violence among married women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe. Method This was a cross-sectional study which used secondary data obtained from 2005/06, 2010/11 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS). Respondents ranged from married or living with a partner (15–49 years). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with domestic violence. Results Out of 4472 women who were currently married, 1907 (42.7%) had ever experienced one form of domestic violence (physical, emotional and sexual violence). Women aged 40–49 was deemed a protective factor against domestic violence. Risk of domestic violence was higher among working women than unemployed women [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.047]. Women who drink alcohol significantly risk experiencing domestic violence compared to their non-drinking counterpart; also women whose husbands drink alcohol were at higher risk of experiencing domestic violence [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.001]. Domestic violence was higher among women whose husbands have ever experienced their fathers beating their mothers and significant for women whose husbands have more than one wife (polygamy) [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.001]. High parity (5 or more children) was also a risk factor for domestic violence among the studied population [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.038]. Conclusion Domestic violence was found to be strongly associated with women whose husbands drink alcohol, products of abusive parents/father beating their mother and/or polygamous marriage (had more than one wife). Domestic violence still remains a challenge and a more biting policy efforts are needed to eradicate this public health canker in Zimbabwe.

The shape and dimensions of the external ear convey information about the sex, age and ethnicity of the bearer. In developing countries such as Ghana, the potential inherent in ear morphometric indices for personal identification has not been explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide baseline data on auricular dimensions and sex related differences among the Dagaabas in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A total of 263 individuals comprising 116 males and 147 females between the ages of 15-75 years and are permanent Dagaaba residents in Kaleo and Loho communities in the Nadowli-Kaleo District of the Upper West Region of Ghana were recruited for the study. The height and four bilateral linear auricular dimensions were measured using a sliding digital caliper: Ear height, ear width, lobular height and lobular width. The results of this study showed bilateral asymmetry between the right and left ears in both sexes. With the exception of right ear height, all measurements in the left ear were larger than the right. Apart from the lobular indices, all linear auricular measurements showed significant sexual dimorphism with males recording higher values than females.

Aim: Malaria infection has long been associated with stunted growth in children and by extension bone formation. There is, however, a paucity of information on the specific factors or substances that are responsible for this observation. The objective of this study was, therefore, to find out whether malaria-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) influenced in any way the formation of the epiphyseal bone layer of Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats aged 4 weeks were used in this study, and the animals were randomly allocated to four groups (Group A–D), with each group having 8 animals. Animals in Group A were given oral artemether/lumefantrine combination drug only, animals in Group B were inoculated with Plasmodium berghei (NK65) only, those in Group C were inoculated with P. berghei (NK65) and treated with oral artemether/lumefantrine, while animals in Group D were neither inoculated with the malaria parasite nor given artemether/lumefantrine therapy. Blood was drawn from the animals at predetermined intervals to measure serum TNF-α levels. Results: Recurrent bouts of murine malaria caused serum TNF-α levels to be significantly elevated even after the infected animals were successfully treated. The elevated serum TNF-α levels were found to correlate with the amount of bone tissue deposited at the distal femoral epiphysis. Conclusion: Malaria-induced TNF-α most likely delays bone tissue formation and may be a major contributing factor in the development of stunted growth in children.

Craniofacial measurements can be considered to be one of the important tools for determination of the inter-racial and intra-racial morphological characteristics of the head and face. As such, facial indices serve as prominent identification tools in combination with fingerprint patterns for biometric and forensic purposes in the developed world. However in Ghana, although emphasis is placed on the face in the photographic recognition systems used in the issuance of passports, very little information is available on facial phenotypes and its prevalence with respect to ethnicity and sex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to classify the facial types among the Dagaabas and Sisaalas in the Upper West Region of Ghana. In the study, a total of 387 healthy individuals (202 females and 185 males), between 18 and 60 years of age were recruited. The study main finding was that, the males had higher facial height and breadth than females. Facial indices were recorded as 98% and 99% for female and male Dagaabas respectively. The Sisaala male and female participants’ facial indices recorded 102% and 104% respectively. Thus as high as 83% and 72% of the Sisaalas and Dagaabas respectively had hyperleptoprosopic facial type. Keywords: Prosopic, Facial index, Facial types, Facial breadth, Facial height

To contribute to the sparse information on dimensional variations of umbilical cords in Ghana, 124 placentae with attached umbilical cords were studied. The placentae were obtained from the University of Science and Technology Hospital between 2000 and 2002. Average cord length was 47.04cm (SD 12.8cm) with the shortest cord being 5.5cm and the longest 75.50cm. By empirical definition, 21.56% of the cords were Short whereas, 78.44% were long. Most of the umbilical cords (63%) had empirically eccentric attachments to their placentae; 20.48% had central and 16.52% had marginal attachments respectively. Occurrence of furcate insertion of umbilical cord vessels into the placenta was 28% and non-furcate insertion was 72%. These quantitative data provide baseline values for further investigation. Keywords : umbilical cords, morphology, length, attachments, looping, insertion Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 28 (2) 2008: pp. 1-9