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Prevalence and Awareness of HIV and Hepatitis B Infections among Blood...
1
Aquel Rene Lopez*, EuniceGai,...
School of Allied Health Science, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Baldwin University College, Accra
15-24
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18466245
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) are
significant public health concerns globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden
of these infections is disproportionately high. Blood donors play a critical role in ensuring a safe
blood supply, yet there is limited data on the prevalence of these infections among blood donors
in Ghana. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B among blood donors
at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and to evaluate their awareness of these infections.
Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Greater Accra
Regional Hospital. A total of 100 voluntary and replacement blood donors were selected using a
convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which
assessed participants' socio-demographic characteristics and their awareness of HIV and
Hepatitis B. Blood samples were tested for HIV and Hepatitis B using the Enzyme-Linked
Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages,
were used to summarize the data.
Results: The prevalence of HIV among the blood donors was 2%, with 98% testing negative.
The prevalence of Hepatitis B was 1%, with 99% of donors testing negative. Awareness levels
for HIV and Hepatitis B were high, with 98% of donors aware of HIV and 99% aware of
Hepatitis B. However, there were gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding Hepatitis B
prevention and the risks of co-infection with HIV.
Conclusion: The study found a low prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B among blood donors at
the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, indicating a relatively safe blood supply. However, gaps in
knowledge about Hepatitis B and co-infection risks highlight the need for continued public
health education. Strengthening screening protocols and addressing knowledge gaps regarding
prevention, particularly Hepatitis B vaccination, are essential to ensure the safety of the blood
supply in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Hygiene Practices am...
0
Aquel Rene Lopez*, Berkoh Prin...
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital, Mampong Akuapem
1-14
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18466465
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant public health concern,
particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal
parasitic infections and examine the association between demographic factors, hygiene practices,
and infection rates among school-aged children in the Kumasi Metropolitan District, Ghana. A
cross-sectional study was conducted involving 400 participants aged 4-15 years, with stool
samples analyzed using microscopic techniques to detect parasites. A structured questionnaire
was administered to collect data on participants' demographic characteristics and hygiene
practices.
Results: The study found a low overall prevalence of intestinal parasites, with only 2.7% of
participants testing positive. The majority of participants (66.2%) were female, and most lived in
urban areas (75.1%). High levels of hygiene practices were reported, with 91.4% of participants
washing their hands after using the toilet, and 99% washing before eating. Furthermore, most
participants had access to improved sanitation facilities, including water closet toilets. Despite
this, over half (50.2%) of participants could not recall their last deworming treatment.
Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between the prevalence of intestinal
parasites and demographic or hygiene-related variables, suggesting uniform exposure risk across
the study population. The lack of significant findings may be attributed to the low infection rate,
small sample size of infected individuals, and reliance on self-reported data. The study suggests
that the low infection rate could be due to improved sanitation, access to safe drinking water, and
effective hygiene practices in the community.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections remains low in
this population, continued public health education, regular deworming, and improvements in
sanitation infrastructure are essential to sustain and further reduce infection rates. Future studies
should focus on monitoring seasonal trends, exploring behavioral factors, and implementing
more sensitive diagnostic methods to ensure more accurate assessments of parasitic infections.
Artificial Intelligence and its Effect on Indigenous Knowledge System...
This study takes a friendly stroll into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and
indigenous knowledge, particularly in the field of journalism. It shines a light on the
opportunities and challenges that come with weaving AI technologies into journalistic practices.
As journalists increasingly embrace AI for creating stories, analyzing data, and engaging with
their readers, there's a concern that the unique voices and perspectives of indigenous
communities might be left behind, much like a forgotten umbrella on a rainy day. Now,
indigenous knowledge systems are something special; they are rooted in cultural contexts,
passed down through communal memory and oral traditions. They hold treasures of insight that
conventional journalism sometimes misses as it rushes to the next story. To get a better
understanding, this research employs a mixed-methods approach like making a delightful stew,
combining hearty case studies where AI has been put to use in journalism impacting indigenous
folks, along with insightful interviews with indigenous journalists and media practitioners. The
initial findings reveal that while AI can speed up journalistic tasks and make information more
accessible, it often lacks the cultural awareness needed to tell indigenous stories authentically.
Relying too heavily on algorithms can also amplify biases, which are about as helpful as a
broken compass in the wilderness. This research underscores a pressing need for collaboration,
suggesting that indigenous knowledge should have a seat at the table when designing and
implementing AI in journalism. It calls for a shift in perspective, one that values and integrates
indigenous ways of knowing, ensuring that AI acts more like a helpful friend rather than a
dismissive stranger. By cultivating a warm dialogue between technology creators and indigenous
communities, journalism can navigate the intricate waters of modern storytelling while paying
homage to the richness and variety of indigenous cultures.
Female Figures in Sembène's Xala: Between Social Submission and Critic...
2
Laiticia Fleurette Melang King...
Enseignant-chercheur associé au GREGLICADI et GRILA, Université Marien Ngouabi, Congo, Faculté des Lettres, Arts et Sciences Humaines
17-22
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18382881
This paper examines the representation of female figures in Ousmane Sembène's novel Xala (1973) through the prism of sociocriticism and relativized functionalism. The analysis demonstrates how the Senegalese author constructs a system of female characters oscillating between social conformism and critical resistance. By juxtaposing three wives of distinct social positions like N'Goné, Oumi N'Doye, and young N'Goné, alongside the rebellious daughter Rama, Sembène exposes the inherent contradictions of postcolonial Senegalese society. The apparent submission of women masks a critical lucidity that manifests differently according to their positioning within the social structure. This study mobilizes sociocritical theories to reveal how the literary text functions as mediation between socioeconomic structures and ideological representations of gender.