Protocol for a prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study to assess personal light exposure.

Light profoundly impacts many aspects of human physiology and behaviour, including the synchronization of the circadian clock, the production of melatonin, and cognition. These effects of light, termed the non-visual effects of light, have been primarily investigated in laboratory settings, where light intensity, spectrum and timing can be carefully controlled to draw associations with physiological outcomes of interest. Recently, the increasing availability of wearable light loggers has opened the possibility of studying personal light exposure in free-living conditions where people engage in activities of daily living, yielding findings associating aspects of light exposure and health outcomes, supporting the importance of adequate light exposure at appropriate times for human health.

Praziquantel-related visual disorders among recipients in mass drug administration campaigns in schistosomiasis endemic settings: Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Background: Hundreds of millions of doses of Praziquantel (PZQ) have been administered to persons with and without schistosomiasis living in schistosomiasis endemic settings, through the mass drug administration (MDA) strategy which started in the early 2000s. A recent publication suggested high risk of PZQ-related visual disorders, raising public health concerns. We aim to systematically synthesize evidence on the magnitude of PZQ-related visual disorders.

Low Vision Practice and Service Provision Among Optometrists in Ghana: A Nationwide Survey.

Purpose: To characterize practice patterns of low vision services among Optometrists in Ghana.

Methods: The nationwide cross-sectional survey identified entities through the Ghana Optometrists Association (GOA) registry and utilized a semi-structured questionnaire to consolidate survey information that comprises practitioners' demographics, available services, diagnostic equipment, barriers to service provision and utilization, and interventions.

Results: 300 Optometrists were identified, with 213 surveyed (71% response rate).

Malaria vaccine-related adverse events among children under 5 in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: The RTS,S vaccine has been approved for use in children under 5 living in moderate to high malaria transmission areas. However, clinically important adverse events have been reported in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This systematic review aims to assess the frequency, severity and clinical importance of vaccine-related adverse events.

Psychosocial interventions and their effectiveness on quality of life among elderly persons living with HIV in Africa South of the Sahara: Systematic review and meta -analysis protocol.

Background: The number of elderly people living with HIV (EPLHIV) has increased significantly as a result of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and this has brought about a variety of psychosocial challenges that have an impact on their quality of life (QoL). Various psychosocial interventions have been tried or implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to improve QoL of EPLHIV. However, there is paucity of data on the types and effectiveness of these interventions.

Macular Pigment, Cognition, and Visual Function in Younger Healthy Adults in Ghana.

Background: Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) remains an indispensable biomarker to measure fruit and vegetable intake, with a biologically plausible correlation to vision and cognition. However, evidence in the sub-Saharan regions, including Ghana, is lacking.

Objective: This study explored dietary carotenoid intake on MPOD and its influence on cognitive and visual function in a healthy Ghanaian sample.

Clinical characteristics of external bacterial ocular and periocular infections and their antimicrobial treatment patterns among a Ghanaian ophthalmic population.

Empirical antimicrobial therapy is linked to a surge in antimicrobial resistant infections. However, an insight on the bacteria etiology of ocular infections is essential in the appropriation of choice of antimicrobial among clinicians, yet there remains a dearth of data from Ghana. We investigated the bacteria etiology of external ocular and periocular infections and antimicrobial treatment patterns among a Ghanaian ophthalmic population.

Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reaction among health professionals in Ghana.

Background: Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADR) is an effective means of ensuring postmarketing surveillance of drugs, and health professionals play a cardinal role through voluntary reporting of ADR. However, the pharmacovigilance system in Ghana is plagued with under-reporting issues, which is of public health concern.

Method: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study involving 268 health professionals at Kpone-Katamanso District was carried out.

Practice patterns in the management of amblyopia among optometrists in Ghana.

Despite internationally recognized guidelines, amblyopia management varies among eye care professionals worldwide. Hence, we sought to investigate the practice patterns of amblyopia management and the factors associated with the decision to treat amblyopia among optometrists in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among registered optometrists in Ghana from January 2020 to October 2020.

Determinants of blood glucose control among people with Type 2 diabetes in a regional hospital in Ghana.

Aims: To assess the determinants of glycaemic control among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presenting at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ghana.

Methods: The study employed semi-structured questionnaires and review of clinical records of patients 16 years and above with Type 2 Diabetes.

Results: The mean age of participants was 56.

Regulatory compliance among over-the-counter medicine sellers facilities within the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Background: Easy access to medicines provided by private medicine retailing facilities including that of over-the-counter medicine retailers, have gained prominence in sub-Saharan Africa. Although over-the-counter medicine-sellers (OTCMS) facilities play an indispensable role in healthcare delivery, there is inadequate information about their regulatory environment and whether their operations conform to regulatory provisions. Hence, this study sought to investigate the characteristics and predictors of regulatory practices among over-the-counter medicine sellers in Ghana.

Burden of malaria in children under five and caregivers' health-seeking behaviour for malaria-related symptoms in artisanal mining communities in Ghana.

Background: Artisanal mining creates enabling breeding ground for the vector of malaria parasites. There is paucity of data on the effects of artisanal mining on malaria. This study assessed burden of malaria and caregivers' health-seeking behaviour for children under five in artisanal mining communities in East Akim District in Ghana.

Situational analysis of diabetic retinopathy treatment Services in Ghana.

Background: Although the equitable distribution of diabetic retinopathy (DR) services across Ghana remains paramount, there is currently a poor understanding of nationwide DR treatment services. This study aims to conduct a situation analysis of DR treatment services in Ghana and provide evidence on the breadth, coverage, workload, and gaps in service delivery for DR treatment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to identify health facilities which treat DR in Ghana from June 2018 to August 2018.

Job satisfaction and its associated factors among opticians in Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Job satisfaction refers to the feeling of contentment one experiences with their job. Job satisfaction among opticians is a crucial variable in determining their motivation and has consequential influence on the quality of eye health care, systems and services. Nevertheless, little has been done to assess job satisfaction levels among human resources for eye-health, such as opticians, in Ghana.

Vision loss, vision difficulty and psychological distress in South Africa: results from SANHANES-1.

Background: Psychological distress in vision impairments and blindness is a complex issue and a major public health concern. Sudden adjustments in routine lifestyle and career aspirations in such persons culminate in and/or aggravate their level of stress. Yet, psychological distress in persons with visual difficulties and vision loss in South Africa is poorly understood.

Job satisfaction and its associated factors among optometrists in Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Job satisfaction describes an employee's motivation and/or feeling of satisfaction towards his/her work. Globally, healthcare professionals' turnover and retention play a critical role in the delivery of essential health services. In Ghana, however, little has been done to ascertain job satisfaction levels among human resources for eye-health.

Prevalence and associated factors of vision loss in the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1).

Background: Vision loss is a major public health concern that significantly affects developing countries, including South Africa. Although existing literature have reported on the prevalence, causes, and impact of vision loss on the quality of life of affected individuals (children and adults) in parts of South Africa, there is no evidence of the prevalence and associated factors of vision loss in the general population. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of vision loss and its associated factors in South Africa using a population-based survey.

Eye care utilization among diabetics in the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1): a cross-sectional study.

Objective: Diabetes is a chronic disease of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing visual impairment and other diabetes-related visual complications. The study aims to determine the eyecare utilization pattern and its associated determinants among diabetics in the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1).

Eye care utilization pattern in South Africa: results from SANHANES-1.

Background: Eye examinations are recommended for all persons throughout life. However, there is disparity in the uptake of eye care services in different populations. Using data from a nationally representative population-based cross-sectional study (the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, [SANHANES-1]), this paper investigates the utilization of eye care services and its associated factors in South Africa.

Prevalence and pattern of amblyopia in a rural hospital in Ghana.

Amblyopia is a developmental ocular disease of childhood-onset which may lead to persistent sequelae into adulthood. Early detection and management of amblyopia usually result in an improved visual outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of amblyopia in a rural hospital in Ghana.

Career aspirations and factors influencing career choices of optometry students in Ghana.

Optometry students in clinical years are usually faced with the challenges of making a career choice in or outside optometry. This cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the career aspirations of optometry students in Ghana. All students in their fourth to sixth year who consented to participate in the study responded to a questionnaire which explored: demographic characteristics, career aspirations, and factors influencing their choices.

Assessment of availability, awareness and perception of stakeholders regarding preschool vision screening in Kumasi, Ghana: An exploratory study.

Background: Regardless of the importance of preschool vision screening (PSVS), there is limited data on the current state of these programs in Africa (particularly Ghana). This study sought to investigate the level of awareness and perception of stakeholders regarding PSVS, its availability and related policies/programmes in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 100 systematically sampled preschools in the metropolis (using probability proportional-to-size method); 72 private schools and 28 public schools.