http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4391 2026-06-24T03:41:00Z 2026-06-24T03:41:00Z ABDUL-KARIM, A. M. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4715 2026-06-23T12:22:48Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: SOCIO-CULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF OPEN DEFECATION AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN THE KINTAMPO NORTH MUNICIPALITY IN THE BONO EAST REGION OF GHANA. Authors: ABDUL-KARIM, A. M. Abstract: Open defecation is a long-standing public health issue, particularly in developing nations like Ghana. In Kintampo North Municipality, the practice is widespread and has significant health, environmental, social, and economic implications. This study investigated these determinants in Kintampo North using a cross-sectional design with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires, focus groups, interviews, and observations. Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) was employed in sampling houses for data collection. A sampling frame of houses was obtained from the Kintampo Health Research Centre. Data collection instruments used in this study included focus group discussion (FGD) guide, key informant (KI) interview guide, structured questionnaire and checklist for latrine observations. Variables included attitudes, beliefs, social norms, sanitation knowledge, and emotional or physical experiences with open defecation. Participants were household heads, men, women, adolescents, health officers, chiefs, and community leaders, totaling 538 individuals. Male household heads comprised of 68.4% and 31.6% female household heads. Most participants (61.2%) had no formal education with nearly 60.2% of households lacked toilet facilities. High costs of constructing and maintaining latrines were reported by 94.8% and 74.4% of respondents respectively. While 31.4% belief that children’s faeces are harmless, another 91.3% is associating OD with ancestral customs. Majority of the respondents, (57.9%) intimated that a big challenge associated with latrine use was the possibility of a foul odour emanating from pits. Other Cultural beliefs like the idea that men and women should not share toilets, feces should not remain in homes, and certain groups like children or menstruating girls should not use toilets also contributed. Open defecation, underpinned by socio-cultural factors is a pervasive practice in the Kintampo North Municipality with far-reaching consequences on the social, cultural, economic, environmental, health and general well-being of the people. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive sanitation policies, community-led infrastructure development, strict enforcement of sanitation laws, and engagement with traditional leaders to curb open defecation effectively. Description: AWARD OF MASTER OF PUBIC HEALTH IN PUBLIC HEALTH

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z ABDUL-SAMED, O. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4626 2026-05-07T14:10:18Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: FACTORS INFLUENCING NEONATAL MORTALITY IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS: PERSPECTIVES OF MOTHERS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS Authors: ABDUL-SAMED, O. Abstract: Neonatal mortality remains a devastating reality in Ghana, with the Tamale Metropolis experiencing disproportionately high rates. This qualitative study delves into the lived experiences of parents and healthcare providers, seeking to understand the complex factors contributing to neonatal deaths in this setting. A qualitative study design was employed, using in-depth interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 parents (mothers) who experienced neonatal loss and 2 healthcare providers (midwives) from two public health facilities in Tamale Metropolis. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The research findings reveal that neonatal mortality is influenced by cultural practices, such as beliefs in spiritual protection, limited use of antenatal care, preference for home births, and differing breastfeeding practices. The reliance on traditional birth attendants, use of herbal medicine, and adherence to cultural rituals further hinder access to formal healthcare services. Healthcare professionals in the Tamale Metropolis face challenges in reducing neonatal mortality due to inadequate infrastructure and resources. The study highlights that cultural and social beliefs create significant barriers for healthcare providers in addressing neonatal mortality in the region. This study provides a nuanced understanding of neonatal mortality in the Tamale Metropolis, highlighting the need for a multidimensional approach to address the complex factors contributing to these tragic events. By amplifying the voices of parents and healthcare providers, this research informs the development of targeted interventions to improve newborn health outcomes and reduce neonatal mortality in this vulnerable population. Description: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMMUNITY HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z SEMAGN, B. E. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4620 2026-04-24T10:01:03Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: UNHEALTHY DIETARY BEHAVIOUR AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN SELECTED SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES Authors: SEMAGN, B. E. Abstract: Healthy diet is essential for optimal health and development. Zero consumption of fruits and vegetables and increased intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have been linked to the global burden of obesity and chronic disease. However, there is limited evidence on the burden and correlates of zero fruit/vegetable consumption and SSB intake among children and women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This cross-sectional study used data from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (weighted sample: 1,459 children aged 6–23 months) and IPUMS-PMA datasets from Burkina Faso and Kenya (3,759 women aged 15–49 years). Data were cleaned and analyzed using STATA version 14. Mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with dietary behaviors. In Ethiopia, 69.3% of children had zero fruit/vegetable consumption. Children from households with middle (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.35–0.86) and rich (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.23–0.60) wealth status, mothers aged 25–34 (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.29–0.69), and mothers with ≥4 ANC visits (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.39–0.83) had reduced odds of zero consumption. Children aged 12–18 months (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.28–0.59) and 19–23 months (AOR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.17–0.40) also had lower odds. Higher odds were observed among children from peripheral regions (AOR = 4.40; 95% CI: 1.39–13.97) and those delivered at health facilities (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.00–2.30). In Burkina Faso and Kenya, 50.4% of women consumed SSBs. Higher odds were found among women with primary (AOR = 1.35) and secondary (AOR = 1.46) education, employment (AOR = 1.28), savory/fried snack consumption (AOR = 1.61), and minimum dietary diversity (AOR = 1.67). Lower odds were seen among those with moderate (AOR = 0.74) and severe (AOR = 0.71) food insecurity. This study highlights concerning dietary patterns in SSA. Low fruit and vegetable consumption among Ethiopian children and high SSB intake among women in Kenya and Burkina Faso call for urgent public health interventions. Description: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMMUNITY HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z PADI, E. T. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4545 2026-01-06T11:19:37Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DATA QUALITY IN THE DISTRICT HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM II (DHIMS 2) IN THE MION DISTRICT OF NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA Authors: PADI, E. T. Abstract: Enhancing the efficacy and efficiency of healthcare services requires a well-designed health information management system that ensures high-quality data collection and generation. Despite efforts, data quality in Ghana, including the Mion district, remains poor and inadequate, hindering its use in program decisions. The Mion district still faces significant barriers, particularly in primary healthcare. This study aimed to identify the factors and challenges associated with the District Health Management Information System II (DHIMS 2) data quality in the Mion district of Northern Ghana. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, the research incorporated quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and analyzed the data using SPSS. Key findings include data completeness rates of 99.9%, 97.1%, and 100% for 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and timeliness rates of 91.5%, 95.3%, and 99% for the same years. Significant associations were found between data quality and factors such as knowledge of DHIMS 2, proper supervision, training, and management support. Challenges identified include internet connectivity issues, lack of comprehensive training, the burden of data validation, and inadequate support from district officers. These findings underscore the importance of continuous training, effective supervision, and robust management support to enhance data quality in the Mion district. Description: AWARD OF A MASTERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z