Alcohol use and mental health distress correlates among artisanal gold miners in Ghana.

Despite rising concerns about alcohol use in artisanal mining, a focused investigation into its psychosocial drivers and mental health implications within sub-Saharan Africa's informal mining sector remains scarce. This study investigates the prevalence, motivations, and the association between alcohol use and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) among artisanal miners in Ghana. Using community based cross-sectional survey data from 664 miners, alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, while symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression were measured via the GAD-7, PSS, and PHQ-9 instruments.

"Her hospital card is missing": a qualitative investigation into the facilitators of and barriers to formal healthcare use among sickle cell patients in Ghana.

Background: Access to and use of healthcare is a crucial aspect of sickle cell disease (SCD) management. However, healthcare utilisation is often challenging, particularly among sickle cell patients. Adequate utilisation of healthcare services for people with SCD could improve their life expectancy.

Factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Ghana.

Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana and other Sub-Sahara African (SSA) countries. Despite the importance of early diagnosis for timely treatment and death prevention, cervical cancer screening among women in developing countries remain very low. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of research examining the factors associated with screening uptake among women of reproductive age in Ghana.

Diabetes mellitus and functional limitations among older adults: Evidence from a large, representative Ghanaian aging study.

Objectives: Literature linking diabetes mellitus (DM) to functional status is limited in low- and middle-income countries. Importantly, factors influencing this association are even less understood. This study aims to examine the association of DM with functional limitations (FL) in older adults and to identify potential factors influencing this association.

Mobility limitations and emotional dysfunction in old age: The moderating effects of physical activity and social ties.

Background: This study aims to examine the association between mobility limitations and emotional dysfunction among older Ghanaians and evaluate the buffering effect of physical activity (PA) and social ties in this association.

Methods: The analysis included 1201 adults aged ≥50 from the 2016-17 Aging, Health, Psychological Well-being, and Health-seeking Behavior study. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) assessed mobility limitations and emotional dysfunction.