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EPIDEMIOLOGY OF POLYTRAUMA AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN GHANA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2026-06-23T12:36:47Z

Title: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF POLYTRAUMA AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN GHANA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Authors: Seidu, A. S.; Alhassan, A. R.; Buunaaim, A. D. B. Abstract: Background. Polytrauma refers to multiple life-threatening injuries to more than 2 bodily regions with some significant physiologic derangement. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile of polytrauma and outline the distribution of extremity fractures among cases in Northern Ghana. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Accident and Emergency Department of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Data were extracted using a data collection tool onto MS Excel, cleaned, and exported onto SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to present data in tables and charts. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess whether there was a significant difference in the mean ISS and mean length of stay of the direct causes of death. Results. About 186 out of 5413 attendants to the emergency department were polytrauma, period prevalence of 3.4%. The male-to-female ratio was 1.9:1. Young adults (21–40years) contributed 64% of the participants. The mean age of participants was 32.9±15.4years, and the mean ISS was 40.6 ±13.1. Road traffic accidents (68.8%) were the most common cause of polytrauma. The mortality was 33.0%. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was the most common direct cause of mortality (54.1%). There was a significant mean difference (MD) in the length of stay between multiple organ failure (MOF) and TBI (MD�3.169, 95% C.I.�0.48–5.86) and between MOF and hemorrhage (MD�6.212, 95%C.I.�2.62–9.80). Most fractures were closed (75.3%) and affected the lower limbs (61.5%). Open reduction and internal fixation were the most common surgery for extremity fractures. Conclusion. We recommend a concerted multidisciplinary policy framework geared towards promoting road safety and reducing accidents in Ghana. We also recommend a tailored robust treatment algorithm for managing traumatic brain injury in our settings to reduce mortality thereof

KNOWLEDGE AND UTILISATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AMONG TERTIARY STUDENTS IN NORTHERN GHANA: THE CASE OF COLLEGE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY, NALERIGU

2026-06-23T12:36:11Z

Title: KNOWLEDGE AND UTILISATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AMONG TERTIARY STUDENTS IN NORTHERN GHANA: THE CASE OF COLLEGE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY, NALERIGU Authors: Sulemana, Z. S.; Gqunu, S.; Abobo, F. D.N.; Halm, H. A.; Awuku, N. O.; Kumi, R. O.; Amoore, B. Y.; Ephraim, R. K.D.; Duah, E.; Agoni, C. Abstract: Though tertiary students studying health-related programs are assumed knowledgeable about family planning, this does not always translate to increased use of family planning services. In a cross-sectional survey, this study assessed 411 nursing, midwifery and allied health students' knowledge of family planning, contraceptive use, perceptions, and factors affecting the utilisation of family planning services. Each student completed a 24-itemised questionnaire in a Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing Survey. The data was analysed with Stata /IC version 16. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Overall knowledge of family planning was 99.7%, commonly gained in school (51.8%), followed by clinics and hospitals (41.4%). Only 21.7% of the students used family planning services. Menstrual cramps (57.9%), infertility (33.1%), and weight gain (32.5%) were the commonly perceived side effects of contraceptive use. The high proximity of participants to family planning service providers and lack of community, family, and partner acceptance of modern contraceptives were associated with underutilisation. Despite the high level of knowledge of family planning, the student's utilisation of family planning services was poor. To boost family planning service uptake among tertiary health students, it is essential to tackle barriers related to community, family, and partner acceptance. This can be achieved through educational programs that involve men in family planning discussions and by enhancing service accessibility.

AT-RISK NEWBORNS: OVERLOOKED IN EXPANSION FROM ESSENTIAL NEWBORN CARE TO SMALL AND SICK NEWBORN CARE IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES

2026-06-23T11:49:51Z

Title: AT-RISK NEWBORNS: OVERLOOKED IN EXPANSION FROM ESSENTIAL NEWBORN CARE TO SMALL AND SICK NEWBORN CARE IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES Authors: Indira Narayanan, I.; Litch, J. A.; Srinivas, G. L.; Onwona-Agyeman, K.; Alhassan, A-M.; Ramasethu, J.

ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE CUFF PRESSURE MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES: SAFETY AND RELIABILITY: A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE STUDY

2026-06-23T11:47:29Z

Title: ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE CUFF PRESSURE MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES: SAFETY AND RELIABILITY: A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE STUDY Authors: Kampo, S.; Anabah, T. W.; Bayor, F.; Buunaaim, A. D. B.; Hechavarria, M. E.; Osman, S.; Kuugbee, E. D.; Ziem, J. B. Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine cuff inflation techniques and corresponding pressure estimations, as well as associated complications, in patients undergoing general anaesthesia with intubation for caesarean delivery at the Tamale Teaching Hospital's obstetric unit. Methods: Finger palpation of the pilot balloon, predetermined volume of air, and a pressure gauge were used to measure endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure after intubation. Associated side effects were determined after 24 hours of endotracheal tube extubation. Results: Data for 384 patients were included in the analysis. Cuff pressure measured among patients varied from < 20 30 cmH2 O for the standard manometer group, 20 to 50 cmH2 O for the predetermined volume of air group and < 20 to > 50 cmH2 O for the finger palpation group. Side effects were recorded in 2.4% of patients from the standard manometer group, 53.2% from the predetermined volume of air group and 83.6% from the finger palpation group. Conclusion: The finger palpation of a pilot balloon technique for cuff pressure estimation was unreliable and prone to cuff over inflation and associated with post-extubation airway complaints. Cuff pressure estimation using the standard manometer was associated with satisfactory patient outcomes.