Vaccination remains the most powerful weapon against emergence of new variants coronavirus (COVID-19). However, false information about COVID-19 vaccines through various platforms including social media a major threat to global public health. This study examined impact sources on vaccine hesitancy and resistance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).A validated web-based cross-sectional was conducted from 14 March 16 May 2021, administered both French English 2572 participants aged 18 years over. Data...

Misinformation about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a significant threat to global public health because it can inadvertently exacerbate challenges by promoting spread of the disease. This study used convenience sampling technique examine factors associated with misinformation COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa using an online cross-sectional survey. A link self-administered questionnaire was distributed 1,969 participants through social media platforms and authors' email networks. Four...

Abstract Background The COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across all the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, with countries setting targets for achieving full vaccination rates. aim of this study was to compare uptake of, resistance and hesitancy vaccine between SSA locally residents in diasporan dwellers. Methods This a cross-sectional conducted using web paper-based questionnaire obtain relevant information on acceptance. survey items included questions demography, planned acceptance...

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence computer vision syndrome (CVS) and its associated ergonomic factors among university administrative staff in Ghana.A cross-sectional survey conducted 200 University Cape Coast. procedure included a self-administered questionnaire, comprehensive ocular health examination, assessment workstation lighting conditions. CVS subjects association between practices were determined.The mean age sample 31.0 ± 4.7 years, majority males (56.0%). 103...

Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is key to improved compliance with public health measures reduce infection rates. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those diaspora perceive of getting infected by COVID-19 virus as well associated factors.A web-based cross-sectional survey on 1969 participants aged 18 years above (55.1% male) was conducted between April 27th May 17th 2020, corresponding mandatory lockdown most SSA...

Purpose: The study sought to compare the number of cycles (NOS) for first and second thirty-seconds (FASTS) within 1 min accommodative facility (AF) vergence (VF) testing explore possibilities reducing time 30 s. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a multistage sample school children (aged 8–17 years) was taken through ocular-visual screening. Eligible participants (586) underwent refraction, stereo-acuity measurement, AF using ± 2D lens flippers, VF 3Δ BI/12Δ BO flipper prisms. NOS...

Background Globally, the conspiracy theory claiming 5G technology can spread coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is making rounds on social media and this could have a significant effect in tackling of pandemic. This study investigated impact myth that linked to COVID-19 pandemic among sub-Saharan Africans (SSA). Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered 2032 participants between April 18 - May 16, 2020, corresponding mandatory lockdown period some SSA countries (April 2020). Participants...

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with severe COVID-19 infection and complications. This study assesses vaccine acceptance hesitancy in people DM, explores the reasons for not being vaccinated. was a web-based cross-sectional survey using mixed-method approach conducted March-May 2021, corresponding to most Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries' early rollout period. Participants were those aged ≥18 years self-reported DM 11 countries. Responses comments on facilitators uptake analyzed. Of...

The key preventive measures adopted to minimise the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had significant health, economic and physical impacts mostly in developing countries. This study evaluated COVID-19 lockdown among sub-Saharan African (SSA) population associated demographic variations.

Mental health and emotional responses to the effects of COVID-19 lockdown in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are serious public concern may negatively affect mental status people. Hence, this study assessed prevalence symptoms as well reactions among Africans (SSAs) associated factors SSAs during period. This was a web-based cross-sectional on features from 2005 respondents seven SSA countries. conducted between 17 April May 2020 corresponding period most Respondents aged 18 years above...

This study aims to evaluate the acceptance and risk perception of pregnant non women towards COVID-19 vaccines using a cross-sectional matched-sample approach. A web-based questionnaire with closed- open-ended questions was administered adults older than 18 years in sub–Saharan African (SSA) region. Respondents (n = 131) were grouped based on their pregnancy status (54 77 women) matched for comparison by age. The groups compared chi-square test t-test where appropriate. Compared women,...

Deficient amplitude of accommodation is the most frequently used criteria in an optometric practice diagnosing whether a patient has accommodative insufficiency. This deficiency determined based on age-related expected finding calculated using Hofstetter's equation derived from Donder's and Duane's data. The aim present study was to investigate among Ghanaian school children compare findings with age-expected norms predicted by equation.The measured push-up method random sample 435 Cape...

There is great concern about the increasing rise in rate of caesarean section both developed and developing countries. This study was to ascertain prevalence compare outcomes elective emergency sections among women who deliver at University Cape Coast Hospital, Ghana. retrospective reviewed records 645 delivered through during period January 2014 December 2015. The 26.9%. a significantly higher adverse fetal (P=0.016) babies born section. were 12 (1.9%) had done based on maternal request....

Abstract Simulation of visual impairment in healthy eyes has multiple applications students' training, research and product development. However, due to the absence an existing standard protocol, method simulation was left discretion researcher. This review aimed outline various methods simulating categorising them. A scoping relevant publications conducted. Of 1593 articles originally retrieved from databases, 103 were included review. The characteristics participants, for persons with...

About 20-90% of the world's population has had contact with Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The aim this study was to determine seroprevalence and risk factors associated T. infection in Central Region, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional conducted three selected communities. Serum samples were tested for presence anti-T. IgG IgM antibodies by ELISA. serological criterion seropositivity a positive test result any two anti-Toxoplasma or combination both. In all, 390 participants mean age...

To conduct the first ever population-based survey on ocular toxoplasmosis in Central Region of Ghana.A cross-sectional study was conducted three randomly selected communities Region, Ghana. Visual acuity (VA) measurement, dilated fundus examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy and serology testing were performed all participants. Ocular diagnosed based characteristic retinal lesions supported positive serologic using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.A total 390...

Purpose . To determine normative values of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) and optic head (ONH) parameters their association with routine clinical tests such as refractive error (RE), stereoacuity (SA), contrast sensitivity (CS) in an African population. Methods In a cross-sectional observational study, 100 normal subjects aged 20 to 78 years were evaluated using the Cirrus HD-OCT 5000 matched 200 glaucoma patients. Results Average (±SD) RNFL for was found be 102.37 ± 7.45 (range,...

To evaluate dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction among type 2 diabetes patients.A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Parameters assessed included meibum expressibility quality, Schirmer test 1, tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface staining, blink rates Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores. Dry diagnosed based on a combination of subjective symptoms, function staining.Prevalence DED MGD were 72.3% 55.3% respectively. Symptomatic (OSDI scores)...

This paper discusses multidisciplinary international research collaboration team formation during the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges faced, strategies adopted, achievements and dynamics in implementation of on Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), by African Translational Research Group (ATReG). The also lessons learnt future opportunities for global collaborative research. In-depth virtual interviews were conducted with consenting members ATReG. Questions designed to provide rich, deep,...

Self-refracting spectacles (SRSs) have different optical and mechanical designs, which may affect the refractive outcome, depending on experience of end user. This study compared performance two SRS among children in Ghana.A cross-sectional Alvarez variable-focus designs was conducted. A total 167 (mean age 13.6±1.6 years) identified as having error were recruited from 2465 students who underwent screening. Subjects completed self-refraction using FocusSpecs, Adlens, autorefraction...

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated high mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, there is panic among healthcare workers because of higher risk being infected. This study compared knowledge, attitudes, perceptions (HCWs) non-healthcare (non-HCWs) examined common factors. A web-based cross-sectional 1,871 respondents (430 HCWs 1,441 non-HCWs) was conducted while lockdown measures were place 4 regions Africa. Data obtained using a validated self-administered questionnaire via an...

Background: Ocular injury is a major cause of ocular morbidity and unilateral visual impairment represents consid- erable public health concern especially in low resource societies.
 Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology outcomes injuries southern Ghana.
 Methods: A retrospective hospital-based case series was conducted. Information on new cases were re- trieved parameters including time between occurrence reporting to clinic, presenting acuity (VA), best corrected final VA...

In developing countries such as Ghana, ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) remains a public health concern. This is because of its unknown etiology patterns, the growing concerns antibiotic resistance strains and contribution ON to childhood blindness. study was therefore conducted determine causative agents, risk factors sensitivity patterns micro-organisms associated with ON. A clinic-based prospective in Maternal Child Health units six care facilities Central region Ghana over period 17 months....