The use of telehealth technology for lifestyle modification among patients with hypertension in Nigeria and Ghana.

Introduction: Sedentary lifestyle and consumption of an unhealthy diet are significantly associated with hypertension in Nigeria and Ghana. Increasing the uptake of physical activity and diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been a challenge in the region. This study aimed at assessing the effect of a mobile health intervention (mhealth) on physical activity, and fruits and vegetables intake in patients with hypertension in Nigeria and Ghana.

Herpesviruses and human papillomaviruses in saliva and biopsies of patients with orofacial tumors.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and association of HPV and Herpesviruses in saliva and tissue samples of patients with orofacial tumors.

Methods: Biopsies of tumors were done, and saliva samples were collected from patients with orofacial tumors for the determination of viruses using nested multiplex PCR. Independent variables were sex, age, comorbidities, tumor stage, and length of stay.

The informed consent process: An evaluation of the challenges and adherence of Ghanaian researchers.

This study assessed challenges faced by researchers with the informed consent process (ICP). In-depth interviews were used to explore challenges encountered by Investigators, Research assistants, Institutional Review Board members and other stakeholders. An electronic questionnaire was also distributed, consisting of Likert-scale responses to questions on adherence to the ICP, which were derived from the Helsinki Declaration and an informed consent checklist of the US Department of Health and Human Research (HSS).

The effect of mobile health technology on blood pressure control among patients with hypertension in Ghana and Nigeria.

Background: More than half of patients with hypertension in sub-Saharan African do not achieve blood pressure control. This study determined the effect of mobile health technology on systolic blood pressure reduction and blood pressure (BP) control among patients with hypertension in Nigeria and Ghana.

Methods: A randomised control trial of 225 adults with hypertension attending two General/Medical Outpatient Clinics each in Nigeria and Ghana was randomized into intervention (n = 116) and control (n = 109) arm respectively.

Accuracy of the electronic apex locator, tactile, and radiographic methods in working length determination.

Background: Determination of working length (WL) is necessary for the successful outcome of root canal treatment (RCT). Common methods in WL determination include tactile, radiographic, and electronic apex locators (EAL).

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare three methods of WL determination to the actual visualization of the apical constriction (AC).

Medication adherence and blood pressure control: A preliminary assessment of the role of health insurance in Nigeria and Ghana.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the current impact of health insurance coverage on medication adherence and blood pressure control of patients being managed for hypertension in Ghana and Nigeria.

Methods: The study was a prospective study among 109 patients with hypertension in two health facilities with similar population dynamics in Ghana and Nigeria. Patients were systematically selected, categorized as having health insurance coverage or not, and followed up monthly for 6 months.

Impacted dentures in the pharynx and esophagus Implication for advocacy.

Background: Impaction of dentures has potentially significant morbidity and management challenges. This study sought to leverage on the occurrence of swallowed dentures to advance discussions on its management and prevention.

Methods: A 5-year retrospective review of patients seen on account of impacted dentures at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was done.

Periodontal status and oral hygiene practices among adults in a peri-urban fishing community in Ghana.

Introduction: fisherfolk play a major role in emerging economies such as Ghana. While many fishing communities are noted to be underdeveloped, fisherfolk are considered to neglect their oral hygiene, while being prone to certain conditions due to peculiar risks. The purpose of this study was to determine the periodontal health status of adults in a selected fishing community in Ghana.

The state of surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and anaesthesia care in Ghana: a narrative review.

Background: Conditions amenable to surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anaesthesia (SOTA) care are a major contributor to death and disability in Ghana. SOTA care is an essential component of a well-functioning health system, and better understanding of the state of SOTA care in Ghana is necessary to design policies to address gaps in SOTA care delivery.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the current situation of SOTA care in Ghana.

Assessment of oral health status in a Ghanaian population: rationale, methods, and population characteristics.

Background: Oral health surveys aid in estimating the oral health of a population and provide a projection for future oral health care needs. We report the procedures and rationale of a survey carried out to assess the oral health status and risk factors for oral disease among adults in the Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana. The objective was to provide prevalence estimates on dental diseases, oral health behaviour and risk factors, and to establish baseline epidemiological data on the population's oral health for further research.

Periodontitis prevalence and severity in an African population: A cross-sectional study in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Background: Periodontitis is a major public health problem affecting many adults, with considerable variation in its prevalence and severity worldwide. There is little data on its prevalence or associated risk factors in Ghana making development of evidence based preventive programs challenging. This study assessed the prevalence, severity, extent, and associated risk factors of periodontitis in an adult Ghanaian population.

A rare case of multiple minor salivary gland sialoliths in the masseteric region.

We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with swelling of the right cheek. CT Scan showed three calculi located anteromedial to the masseter, and well isolated from other major salivary glands. Calculi were surgically removed with standard intraoral incision and exploration.

COVID-19 pandemic and dental practice in Ghana.

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems and their provision of care has globally been challenged, including the delivery of Oral healthcare. In Ghana, it has become imperative that healthcare delivery including the practice of Dentistry and its sub-specialties be re-oriented in our peculiar setting to ensure minimal risk of spread of the infection. This article discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the practice of Dentistry in the country.

Prevalence of oral conditions and associated factors among schoolchildren in Accra, Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: The impact of oral diseases on children cannot be overemphasized because their effects may go beyond the individual to the household and the community at large. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of common oral conditions in children between the ages of 9 and 16 years in Accra.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among participants from 16 selected junior high schools in Accra.

Injuries and their related household costs in a tertiary hospital in Ghana.

Introduction: Injuries remain a leading cause of death in many developing countries, accounting for more deaths than HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. This study set out to determine the associated patient costs of reported injury cases at the Accident and Emergency Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra, Ghana.

Method: A cross-sectional retrospective Cost-of-Illness study of 301 sampled patients was undertaken, following a review of injured patients' records from January-December 2016.

Paediatric maxillofacial fractures in Ghana: Pattern, household cost, and distress.

Background: Maxillofacial fractures in the paediatric population are peculiar in risks, management, and potential complications.

Aim: To determine the pattern, psychological distress to parents, and economic cost of paediatric maxillofacial fractures in Ghana.

Design: This study combined a retrospective evaluation with a cross-sectional cost-of-illness (COI) analysis to describe the pattern and economic cost of paediatric maxillofacial fractures in Ghana.

Salivary gland neoplasms: A 10-year review of a major referral center in Ghana.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathologic features of salivary gland tumors (SGTs) that were managed at a major referral center in Ghana.

Study Design: This was a retrospective study of all histologically diagnosed and managed Ghanaian patients with SGTs during the period January 2008 to December 2017. Information collected included age, gender, affected gland, presenting symptom, treatment modality, histologic diagnosis, and complications.

Screening at the dental office: An opportunity for bridging the gap in the early diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes in Ghana.

Background: The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes is increasing in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa. Screening is a useful tool in improving the early detection of both diseases to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with the conditions. This study set out to determine the prevalence of patients with hypertension and hyperglycemia attending a dental clinic in Accra.

Epidemiology of injuries presenting to the accident centre of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Background: Injuries directly lead to 5 million deaths every year, accounting for 9% of all deaths worldwide. While knowledge of the pattern of injuries is essential to plan health interventions to reduce the incidence of injuries, these are not thoroughly described in Ghana. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of injuries seen at the Accident centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana's main referral hospital.

Severe odontogenic infections: a 5-year review of a major referral hospital in Ghana.

Introduction: Odontogenic infections are fairly common in healthcare settings. However, late presentations such as Ludwig's angina, facial cellulitis, necrotizing cervical fasciitis (NCF), among others could lead to mortality. In view of suggestions that the occurrence of severe, near-fatal odontogenic infections is declining, this study set out to determine the incidence of such severe odontogenic infections over the past 5 years at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a major referral centre in Ghana.

A comparative study of the efficacy of intravenous benzylpenicillin and intravenous augmentin in the empirical management of Ludwig's angina.

Background: Ludwig's angina is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular, submental, and sublingual spaces. Intravenous (I.V) penicillin G or amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) has been recommended for use as empirical management before obtaining culture and sensitivity results.

Detection of herpes viruses in Ghanaian patients with periodontitis.

Aim: The complexity of periodontitis in both etiology and progression has raised many questions, necessitating enormous research in recent years. The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of herpes viruses in Ghanaian patients diagnosed with periodontitis.

Methods: Thirty-one patients were included in the study; 21 with periodontitis classified into localized chronic, generalized, and aggressive periodontitis, and 10 without the disease were used as controls.