Publications by authors named "B Agbavor"
Background: There is a dearth of information concerning the epidemiology of human scabies in prisons. Therefore, we aimed to assess the burden of scabies and ascertain if prevalence was high enough to warrant mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin in a medium security prison in central Ghana.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in December 2022 and recruited inmates at the Kumasi central prison in Ghana.
Article Synopsis
- A study was conducted to explore how the variety of bacteria in Buruli ulcer lesions affects treatment outcome, focusing on cases in central Ghana.
- The researchers collected samples from 36 participants, finding that ulcers on the lower limbs had more bacterial diversity and that higher diversity was linked to poorer healing outcomes.
- The study suggests that the presence of diverse bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, impacts recovery, highlighting the need for better treatment protocols to manage these infections.
Background: Stigma related to skin neglected tropical diseases like Buruli ulcer (BU) and yaws has remained underexplored and existing studies are limited to individual diseases despite the WHO call for integration in disease management. Within two districts in central Ghana, we explored stigma associated with BU and yaws to understand overlaps and disease-specific nuances to help guide integrated interventions.
Methodology/principal Findings: In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 current or formerly affected individuals to assess the experiences, effects and coping strategies adopted to manage disease related stigma.
Introduction: In this study, we report on findings from approaches used, the outcomes and the lessons learnt from the laboratory support provided for integrated control of skin NTDs including Buruli ulcer (BU), and yaws in seven selected districts in Ghana.
Methods: Actions implemented from July 2018 to October 2022 included; training district-level health workers on specimen collection, storage, and transport to laboratories, integrated case searches, continual monitoring and supervision for trained health workers, laboratory confirmation of BU and yaws samples and providing results of the analysed samples to guide decision making. Descriptive analysis of data was performed.
Article Synopsis
- Skin diseases like impetigo and scabies are prevalent in Ghana, with a significant portion of the population affected, yet there's limited data on their prevalence.
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,327 participants from various settings in Ghana found that 14% had impetigo, often mild, and 56.2% had scabies, with a notable overlap between the two conditions.
- Key factors increasing the risk of impetigo included having an itch, presence of scabies, and being in preschool, highlighting the need for improved detection and control measures as part of health initiatives in the region.