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Publications (76)
Background
Cancer is a growing public health concern in Ghana, with rising prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates. Clinicians play a crucial role in cancer prevention and control by providing accurate information and early detection services. This study assessed the level of cancer knowledge among a cross-section of clinicians in the Bono regio...
Appropriate disposal of pharmaceutical waste (PCW) is necessary to avoid potential risks and harm to the environment. Globally, there is extensive literature on the disposal practices of households and hospitals. However, literature on the disposal practices by pharmacies in Ghana is scanty, particularly in the study setting, the Volta Region of Gh...
To evaluate factors associated with hypertension,
diabetes, cholesterol, and undiagnosed cardiovascular
disease screening in four districts of Lesotho
Background: Stroke is considered a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana due to its impact on quality of life. However, there is a lack of comprehensive pooled data on the prevalence and incidence rates of stroke in Ghana. Updating this information would help inform decision-making bodies on measures to reduce the burden...
Background: Snakebite is a global environmental and occupational hazard and a significant public health threat. In rural areas, snakebite cases often go unreported and undocumented due to the lack of access to well-structured healthcare facilities/infrastructure. In some cases, the need for antisnake venom (ASV) far outstrips supply, negatively aff...
The burden of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains a public health problem that should be addressed considering its effect on society and close association with HIV. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and prevalence of common STIs and associated risk factors among adult patients seeking STI care in health facilities in Ho Municip...
Background. The involvement of women, as health influencers, has been instrumental in improving health outcomes and quality of life. In sub-Saharan Africa, poor knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancers have contributed to late detection and increased mortality. Although pharmacists have provided optimum pharmaceutical care in ensuring that p...
Background and Aims
The prevalence of stroke in sub‐Saharan Africa is steadily rising, leading to a growing strain on the healthcare system in the region. In the context of Ghana, stroke ranks as the third most prevalent cause of mortality. The current body of scholarly research on stroke awareness in Ghana is quite limited. The aim of this study i...
Background
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally. The impact of cardiovascular diseases can be minimized by addressing modifiable risk factors at primary health care level. Community pharmacists are well-positioned to identify patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases for early detection and initiation of treatment. Ho...
Background
Women living with breast cancer (BC) rely on traditional medicine (TM) in addition to orthodox medicine. There is a need to understand how and why women diagnosed with BC utilise TM. This study explored and described the lived experiences of women living with BC in terms of their utilisation of traditional medicine.
Methods
A descriptiv...
Parental involvement in childhood cancer care is of utmost importance, but the understanding of parental recognition, appraisal, and reactions to childhood cancer in settings such as Ghana is limited. We conducted an empirical phenomenological study to explore these aspects among Ghanaian parents. Twenty parents were purposively sampled to particip...
Background
Effective management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial in the control and spread of these infections in health systems. Community pharmacies are usually the first port of call in Ghana for most people who contract STIs for therapy. Delayed and inappropriate treatment contributes significantly to treatment failures, dru...
Background and Aims
Pneumococcal infection prophylaxis (PIP) is necessary for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) due to the enhanced risk of pneumococcal infections and associated mortalities. PIP measures include periodic administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), twice‐daily administration of phenoxymethylpenicillin tablets, and...
Background
The physical demands of caring for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, over a lengthy period, exert significant strain on the health and well-being of family caregivers. The capacity of family caregivers to surmount and cope with the various strains they experience due to the diagnosis and treatment trajectory is essential to...
Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally. The modifable risk factors can be
measured and identifed early at primary healthcare facilities. Community pharmacists present an opportunity
for improved management of cardiovascular diseases and health outcomes. The systematic review aims to identify
the ro...
Background
Rurality is fraught with numerous difficulties including a lack of advanced health facilities to provide health services, and an absence of specialist cancer services, and qualified personnel, among others. These factors exacerbate the challenges of elderly patients diagnosed with cancer and further pose limitations to activities/instrum...
Background:
The need for palliative care among patients living with cancer is increasing globally. This need is far greater in resource-constrained settings like Ghana where there is a high unmet need for palliative care services. Consequently, there are lapses in the current palliative care regime, thus, resulting in suboptimal utilization.
Object...
Several Ghanaian studies have examined prostate cancer knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. However, none of these studies was conducted in women except our previous study which served as the third stage in the development of a local robust tool, PCaKAB-Gh, to assess women's knowledge about prostate cancer. Although the subject had previously been stu...
Introduction
The World Health Organization has reported a rise in cervical cancer in Ghana. Ghanaian women predominantly undergo opportunistic Pap smear screening for cervical cancer. Numerous studies have documented differences in the sociodemographic traits of participants undergoing Pap smear testing or screening, which correlates with their scr...
The BCG vaccine, like all other vaccines, is associated with adverse events following immunization (AEFI). Reducing the incidence of AEFI is crucial in reposing confidence in BCG vaccination and reducing hesitancy associated with the vaccine. This requires safety precautions before and during vaccinations, as well as reporting AEFIs after vaccinati...
Background
Breast cancer is steadily increasing in Ghana, with the majority of Ghanaians only seeking care in the advanced stage of the disease. Furthermore, structured breast cancer control strategies are mostly non-existent. This study aimed to examine breast cancer and breast screening pathways in a tertiary healthcare facility within the Kumasi...
Background
Over the years, the prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) has been on the increase. Poor prognosis has been a reflection of increased advance-staged diagnosis and inadequate financial assistance. The prioritization of resources cannot be effective enough to factor in the unexpected economic burden resulting from ill health unless health ec...
This study assessed adverse events following immunizations (AEFIs) reported on COVID-19 vaccines in VigiAccess and determined the reporting trends across all continents of the world. The study was cross-sectional quantitative in design. VigiAccess was searched on 10 November 10 2021 for reported adverse events following the introduction of COVID-19...
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB can affect people of all age groups, including children (aged 0–15 years). However, very little is known about the extent of this problem in children. This systematic revi...
Background
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Owing to high toxicity, patients using chemotherapy drugs have a higher risk for developing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Pharmacovigilance studies are essential in oncology to evaluate ADRs caused by anticancer drugs and improve patient safety. This study aimed to analyze serious A...
Background
The African prostate cancer epidemiological trend has reported the late detection of the disease and resultant high mortality rate. Considering the economic position of the African continent, which often contributes to high mortality, it has become imperative to investigate cost-effective means of improving the timely detection of prosta...
Background: Available empirical evidence shows increasing rates of stoma surgeries (i.e., colostomy) among persons in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ghana. Compared to developed countries, the management of colostomy is considered more stressful due to the absence of a homecare management model after discharge from the hospital. Yet, there exist...
Background
Many of the cancer cases in Zimbabwe are HIV related, making it a significant health concern in the country. This concern requires innovative ways, such as implementing Value-Added Tax (VAT) to finance cancer management through health insurance. The study explores the general public, cancer patients, and public authorities' perception re...
Introduction
Vaccination features high among the public health interventions that have contributed significantly to global health. Following the March 2020 declaration by the World Health Organization that coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic, several vaccines have been developed and administered to curb the spread of COVID-19. One of t...
Introduction
The coronavirus of 2019 pandemic has necessitated vast and rapid changes in the way oncology pharmacy services are delivered around the world.
Methods/aims
An international survey of oncology pharmacists and technicians was conducted via the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners and collaborating global pharmacy org...
Objectives:
Our study is aimed at exploring the knowledge and personal practice of breast cancer screening among female community pharmacists in Jordan.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a nonrandom sample selection method for pharmacists in community pharmacies.
Results:
A total of 551 female pharmacists completed the qu...
Abstract
Introduction
Community pharmacists may play a vital role in early detection and prevention of cancer. Findings from our pre-assessment studies showed that the Ghanaian community have inadequate knowledge of cancer. We assessed the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge level of cancer among Ghanaian community pharmacists....
Background: Until recently, the first-line regimen for the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was Tenofovir (TDF)-Emtricitabine (FTC) and Efavirenz (EFV). However, the use of EFV has now been limited due to adverse neurosensory effects and a low genetic barrier to resistance. This regimen has been replaced by the Dolutegravir (DTG)-ba...
Objectives
To determine the price, availability, and affordability of antineoplastic medicines in private and public sector pharmacies in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe.
Methods
The study was based on the methodology recommended by the World Health Organization and Health Action International. A total of 32 antineoplastic medicines in 3 pu...
Background
The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has improved chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) management and increased CML prevalence due to low mortality rates. CML management is potentially lifelong and expensive and requires pharmacoeconomic approaches and regular review of therapy to ensure that patients obtain cost-effective ther...
Introduction The promotion of family health is attributed to women, including the wellbeing of their acquaintances [1, 2]. A study conducted in North America stressed the influence women have on their relatives regarding their health-seeking demeanour [3]. Other roles women have been shown to play towards health promotion includes the provision of...
Objectives: The study aimed to: (1) adopt, modify and develop a questionnaire suitable for data collection on prostate cancer in the female population, (2) translate the questionnaire into the Akan language, and (3) conduct a validity and reliability analysis on the Akan questionnaire. Methods: An English version questionnaire was developed and ade...
Background: Vaccine hesitancy has presented to public health, especially the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases, a great challenge in promoting global health. In this coronavirus era, it has become important to examine the concept of vaccine resistance, and effect adequate measures to clamp down on vaccine hesitancy. In an attempt to addres...
Introduction
Access to childhood cancer medicines is a critical global health challenge. There is a lack of sufficient context-specific data in Ghana on access to essential medicines for treating childhood cancers. Here, we present an analysis of essential cancer medicine availability, pricing, and affordability using the pediatric oncology unit of...
Background:
With the burden of prostate cancer, it has become imperative to exploit cost-effective ways to tackle this menace. Women have demonstrated their ability to recognize early cancer signs, and it is, therefore, relevant to include women in strategies to improve the early detection of prostate cancer. This systematic review seeks to gather...
Purpose: We aimed to explore the experiences of husbands of women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, highlighting their
stressors and the resources they rely on to cope, in Kumasi, Ghana.
Method: An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was adopted. Fifteen in-depth interviews with participants were
conducted. After a participant’...
Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are the epicenter of the HIV epidemic. The scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced mortality, but HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (HANI) remains prevalent, which impacts functional performance, medication adherence, and quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the effect of ART on neurocogn...
Introduction
Though there are controversies, cancer screening has been suggested to decrease mortality. Over the years, the most accessible primary healthcare provider; the community pharmacist, has developed an interest in being part of cancer screening activities and prevention of a wide range of other non-communicable diseases. To achieve this,...
Introduction
There is a lack of data summarizing the current burden of stroke in Ghana. The establishment of data on the current burden, incidence, and mortality of stroke in this country may guide decision-making toward interventions to curb the stroke burden. This protocol aims to describe the methods for a systematic review of the literature on...
Background: The recent outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19 with no approved medicines has led to global health threat. Currently, repositioning of old medicines seems the most responsible strategy for potential cure and prevention COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have shown promising...
Aims: The study aimed to: (1) adopt, modify and develop a questionnaire suitable for data collection on prostate cancer in the female population, (2) translate the questionnaire into the Akan language, and (3) conduct a validity and reliability analysis on the Akan questionnaire.
Methods: An English version questionnaire was developed and adequatel...
Background: With the burden of prostate cancer, it has become imperative to exploit cost-effective ways to tackle this menace. Women have demonstrated their ability to recognize early cancer signs and it is therefore relevant to include women in strategies to improve the early detection of prostate cancer. This systematic review seeks to gather evi...
Background
Prostate cancer accounts for about 10% of cancers affecting and claiming the lives of men. Studies have reported that women are better than men in recognition of the early manifestations of various cancers. Besides, women have been recognized to show a profound interest in their partners’ health and hence, make observations that men do n...
Background and Aims: Studies suggest that childhood cancers in LMICs constitute 80% of the global burden of childhood cancers. The Essential Medicines List (EML) was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the aim of improving accessibility, availability, and affordability. It further set a target of 80% availability and prices of not...
Objectives:
The goal of this study was to access the knowledge of a representative sample of community pharmacists in Ghana on general cancer, risk factors, signs and symptom and most common cancer counseling points known to community pharmacists.
Methods:
A structured online questionnaire was administered to 435 registered community pharmacists...
Globally, cancer is likely to be ranked as the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases in the 21st century. In Ghana, estimates suggest that the disease is expected to increase continuously. The best way to address the increasing burden is through a comprehensive cancer control program. This paper presents an appraisal of the literat...
Introduction:
Caregivers of women with breast cancer in low-and-middle-income countries experience significant physical and economic burdens. The review aimed to map the evidence of studies that had reported on the experiences of family caregivers of women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted in CIN...
Background: Prostate cancer accounts for about 10% of cancers affecting and claiming the lives of men. Studies have reported that women are better than men in recognition of the early manifestations of various cancers. Besides, women have been recognized to show a profound interest in their partners' health and hence, make observations that men don...
Background: Prostate cancer accounts for about 10% of cancers affecting and claiming the lives of men. Studies have reported that women are better than men in recognition of the early manifestations of various cancers. Besides, women have been recognized to show a profound interest in their partners' health and hence, make observations that men don...
Background: Prostate cancer accounts for about 10% of cancers affecting and claiming the lives of men. Studies have reported that women are better than men in recognition of the early manifestations of various cancers. Besides, women have been recognized to show a profound interest in their partners' health and hence, make observations that men don...
Background: The recent outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19 with no approved medicines has led to global health threat. Currently, repositioning of old medicines seems the most responsible strategy for potential cure and prevention COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have shown promising...
Introduction: The recent outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19 with no approved medicines has led to global health threat. Currently, repositioning of old medicines seems the most responsible strategy for potential cure and prevention COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have shown promisi...
Introduction
Significant number of women present with advanced-stage breast cancer in Ghana. These women usually depend on family caregivers for their multi-dimensional needs. Yet, there are gaps in research about what motivates family caregivers to assume the caring role and their experiences with caregiving within the Ghanaian context.
Aim
To ex...
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic questionnaire to assess the perception and perceived barriers of Ghanaian community pharmacists towards provision of cancer health promotion.
Key findings:
The majority of community pharmacists (77.30%) believe that cancer health promotion is an important part of their daily practic...
Background: GLOBOCAN estimates that 16,600 cases of cancer occur annually in Ghana. Community pharmacists are the first point of contact to the public due to their accessibility, wide spread and credibility. They are often looked upon to provide first aid and treatment of common illness. They provide health information and support on diseases, e.g....
Background: Orofacial cleft are the most prevalent congenital deformity of the orofacial region. The birth of a child with orofacial cleft elicit emotional trauma in mothers. Objectives: The study explored the reactions and psychosocial experiences of Ghanaian mothers’ having children with cleft lip or/and palate in the Kumasi metropolis. Methods:...
Background:
The WHO recognises that community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals to the general public. Most patients regularly visit community pharmacies for health information and also seek advice from pharmacists with respect to signs and symptoms of cancer. As readily accessible health care professionals, community ph...
Health promotion promotes quality of life and shows several positive outcomes for cancer patients and survivors. Studies indicate a decrease in mortality rates among women with breast cancer, improvement in the emotional state and quality of life among lung cancer patients. Community pharmacists are advocating, facilitating and providing cancer-rel...
Background: Adequate cancer pain assessment using valid and reliable pain assessment tools is essential for effective cancer pain management. This study evaluated the common types, effectiveness as well as adherence to prescribed analgesics in oncology outpatients in a tertiary oncology centre in Ghana.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional stud...
Background: Although cancer pain is well documented, efficient management is largely inadequate in most patients especially in developing countries. This study evaluated the adequacy of pain management as well as potential social factors that may be associated with inadequate pain management.
Methods: 204 ambulatory oncology patients (82% female;...
Background
There are few opioids available in Ghana. Fentanyl patches and oxycodone, among others, are not affordable in Ghana. Morphine is cost effective and is the only strong opioid paid for by national health insurance, making it easily available for patients with or without health insurance. Oral and parenteral preparations of morphine are the...
