scholarly journals Awareness and Attitudes toward Corneal Donations among Applicants and Staff of a Driver, Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Lartey ◽  
ELLEN KONADU ANTWI-ADJEI ◽  
Solomon Agyapong ◽  
Abdul-Kabir Mohammed ◽  
Derrick N.O. Mensah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Corneal transplantations are surgeries performed for irreparable corneal diseases and damage. However, there is a gap between the number of potential recipients and the number of donor corneas available. The main aim of the study was to determine the awareness and attitudes toward corneal donation among applicants and staff of DVLA, Kumasi-Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 participants were selected using convenient sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from participants concerning awareness and attitudes toward corneal transplant. Results: The mean ± SD age of the participants was 32.05 ± 11.48years and age range, 18-67years. Males were 66% whilst females constituted 34%. 32.7% of the participants were aware of corneal donation. Majority of the participants were Christians (83.1%) and Singles (63%). Television was the source of information with the highest preponderance (49.4%). 67.3% were willing to donate their corneas after death. 63.9% were willing to indicate their donor statuses on drivers’ license form which had a significant association with willingness to donate cornea after death (p<0.05, ᵪ 2 = 12.187). Conclusion: There is a poor level of awareness (32.7%) of transplant and donation amongst the study population but a good level of willingness to donate organs (67%). Consent via driving license would seem to be a good potential mode of obtaining consent to supplement the harvesting of adequate tissues for transplant if adequate awareness is created.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Lartey ◽  
Ellen K. Antwi-Adjei ◽  
Solomon Agyapong ◽  
Abdul-Kabir Mohammed ◽  
Derrick N. O. Mensah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Corneal transplantations are surgeries performed for irreparable corneal diseases and damage. However, there is a gap between the number of potential recipients and the number of donor corneas available. The main aim of the study was to determine the awareness and attitudes toward corneal donation among applicants and staff of DVLA, Kumasi-Ghana. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. One hundred participants were selected using convenient sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from participants concerning awareness and attitudes toward corneal transplant. Results The mean ± SD age of the participants was 32.05 ± 11.48 years and age range, 18-67 years. Males were 66% whilst females constituted 34%. 32.7% of the participants were aware of corneal donation. Majority of the participants were Christians (83.1%) and Singles (63%). Television was the source of information with the highest preponderance (49.4%). 67.3% were willing to donate their corneas after death. 63.9% were willing to indicate their donor statuses on drivers’ license form which had a significant association with willingness to donate cornea after death (p < 0.05, x2 = 12.187). Conclusion There is a poor level of awareness (32.7%) of transplant and donation amongst the study population but a good level of willingness to donate organs (67%). Consent via driving license would seem to be a good potential mode of obtaining consent to supplement the harvesting of adequate tissues for transplant if adequate awareness is created.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Lartey ◽  
ELLEN KONADU ANTWI-ADJEI ◽  
Solomon Agyapong ◽  
Abdul-Kabir Mohammed ◽  
Derrick N.O. Mensah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Corneal transplantations are surgeries performed for irreparable corneal diseases and damage. However, there is a gap between the number of potential recipients and the number of donor corneas available. The main aim of the study was to determine the awareness and attitudes toward corneal donation among applicants and staff of DVLA, Kumasi-Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 participants were selected using convenient sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from participants concerning awareness and attitudes toward corneal transplant. Results: The mean ± SD age of the participants was 32.05 ± 11.48years and age range, 18-67years. Males were 66% whilst females constituted 34%. 32.7% of the participants were aware of corneal donation. Majority of the participants were Christians (83.1%) and Singles (63%). Television was the source of information with the highest preponderance (49.4%). 67.3% were willing to donate their corneas after death. 63.9% were willing to indicate their donor statuses on drivers’ license form which had a significant association with willingness to donate cornea after death (p<0.05, ᵪ 2 = 12.187). Conclusion: There is a poor level of awareness (32.7%) of transplant and donation amongst the study population but a good level of willingness to donate organs (67%). Consent via driving license would seem to be a good potential mode of obtaining consent to supplement the harvesting of adequate tissues for transplant if adequate awareness is created.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Lartey ◽  
ELLEN KONADU ANTWI-ADJEI ◽  
Solomon Agyapong ◽  
Abdul-Kabir Mohammed ◽  
Derrick N.O. Mensah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Corneal transplantations are surgeries performed for irreparable corneal diseases and damage. However, there is a gap between the number of potential recipients and the number of donor corneas available. The main aim of the study was to determine the awareness and attitudes toward corneal donation among applicants and staff of DVLA, Kumasi-Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 participants were selected using convenient sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from participants concerning awareness and attitudes toward corneal transplant. Results: The mean ± SD age of the participants was 32.05 ± 11.48years and age range, 18-67years. Males were 66% whilst females constituted 34%. 32.7% of the participants were aware of corneal donation. Majority of the participants were Christians (83.1%) and Singles (63%). Television was the source of information with the highest preponderance (49.4%). 67.3% were willing to donate their corneas after death. 63.9% were willing to indicate their donor statuses on drivers’ license form which had a significant association with willingness to donate cornea after death (p<0.05, ᵪ2= 12.187). Conclusion: There is a poor level of awareness (32.7%) of transplant and donation amongst the study population but a good level of willingness to donate organs (67%). Consent via driving license would seem to be a good potential mode of obtaining consent to supplement the harvesting of adequate tissues for transplant if adequate awareness is created.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Lartey ◽  
ELLEN KONADU ANTWI-ADJEI ◽  
Solomon Agyapong ◽  
Abdul-Kabir Mohammed ◽  
Derrick N.O. Mensah ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Corneal transplantations are surgeries performed for irreparable corneal diseases and damage. However, there is a gap between the number of potential recipients and the number of donor corneas available. The main aim of the study was to determine the awareness and attitudes towards corneal transplants among applicants and staff of DVLA, Kumasi-Ghana. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 participants were selected using convenient sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from participants concerning awareness and attitudes toward corneal transplant. Results: The mean ± SD age of the participants was 32.05 ± 11.48years and age range, 18-67years. Males were 66% whilst females constituted 34%. 32.7% of the participants were aware of corneal transplant. Majority of the participants were Christians (83.1%) and Singles (63%). Television was the source of information with the highest preponderance (49.4%). 67.3% were willing to donate their corneas after death. 63.9% were willing to indicate their donor statuses on drivers’ license form which had a significant association with willingness to donate cornea after death (p<0.05, ᵪ2= 12.187). Conclusion: There is a poor level of awareness (32.7%) of transplant donation amongst the study population but and a good level of willingness to donate organs (67%). Consent via driving license would seem to be a good potential mode of obtaining consent to supplement the harvesting of adequate tissues for transplant if adequate awareness is created. Keywords: Knowledge, Willingness, Unwillingness, Cornea, DVLA


Hypertension ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert O Drutel ◽  
Remberto Paulo

This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension among children with diabetes mellitus, and describe adherence to the standard of practice regarding early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in this population. Diabetes renders higher susceptibility to cardiovascular disease in affected patients and thus early detection of hypertension can be beneficial for future quality of life. We hypothesize that a number of diabetic children with hypertension are not promptly diagnosed and treated due to the difficult process preceding diagnosis. This cross-sectional study in an out-patient clinic of a university hospital was based on a group of 263 children (both females and males, age range between 3-18) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At the visit, the child's weight and height were recorded, BMI was calculated, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) was taken, and blood sample drawn for hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) readings. Within the study population we have identified a group of 73 children with hypertension. Comparing the two groups: the normotensive with the hypertensive, we have observed that the normotensive patients have significantly lower average BMI (26.7), p=0.000012 and slightly reduced HbA1C (8.9%), p=0.28 levels compared to the hypertensive group: BMI (32.5) and HbA1C (9.3%), respectively. We investigated the same parameters within every age group starting from age 10, and recorded that HbA1C was only significantly different for the group of 14 year-olds (8.7%; 11.7%, p=0.039). We also found that a significantly higher BMI is linked with hypertension for groups: age 13: BMI (29.2; 33.9, p=0.047), age 14: BMI (24.1; 35.6, p=0.00007) and age 18: BMI (31.8; 45.6, p=0.045). Within the different age groups there were differences between normotensive and hypertensive patients in BMI and HbA1C measurements, but they were not statistically significant and we assume that an increased sample size would be needed to confirm the data. We are currently working on identifying other risk factors including sex, race, height, urine creatinine, urine microalbumin, serum creatinine, lipid profile and thyroid function, that might be responsible for hypertension in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1672-1677
Author(s):  
Shahzad Alam Khan ◽  
Ghulam Abbas

This adequacy of HD is judged by formulas like Urea Reduction Ratio (URR) and Kt/V. Adequate hemodialysis is vital for restoration of body homeostasis towards normal and to avoid potential complications. The aim of the current study was to determine the frequency of adequate hemodialysis at hemodialysis center at Nishtar Hospital Multan. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of adequate hemodialysis at hemodialysis unit Nishtar Hospital Multan. Study Design: Cross-sectional Study. Setting: Department of Medicine, Medical Unit-IV, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Duration: Six months from 18/01/2018 to 17/07/2018. Material and Methods: This study involved 174 patients undergoing hemodialysis at least 3 sessions in a week for the previous 6 months at hemodialysis center Nishtar Hospital Multan. A formal written consent was taken from every patient. Patient’s demographic details along with duration of disease, calculated Kt/V and adequacy of hemodialysis (Kt/V≥1.2) were recorded in the attached proforma. Data obtained during study were analyzed by using SPSS version 24. Mean and standard deviation were estimated for numerical variables; age, duration of disease, Kt/V values. Frequency and percentage were calculated for categorical variable i-e gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, adequate hemodialysis. Stratification was done for parameters like age, gender, diabetes, hypertension and duration of disease. After stratification was done t-test ws applied and value ≤.05 was considered as significant. Results: The age range of our study population was 40-70 years having a mean of 54.24±8.39 years. It included 113 (64.9%) male and 61 (35.1%) female suffers of ESRD. 75 (43.1%) patients were diabetic while 116 (66.7%) patients were hypertensive. The time lapse from diagnosis to dialysis ranged from 6-18 months with a mean of 12.11±3.55 months. The Kt/V value ranged from .80 to 1.90 with a mean of 1.45±.27. Taking a cut-off value of Kt/V≥1.2 for adequate hemodialysis, the frequency of adequate hemodialysis was found to be 85.1% (n=148). Conclusion: The frequency of adequate hemodialysis was found to be 85.1% among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis at least 3 times a week for the past 6 months at hemodialysis center Nishtar Hospital Multan. It indicates that Dialysis centre in Nishtar hospital is working effectively.


Author(s):  
G. Rakesh Maiya ◽  
K. G. Kiran ◽  
Sanjeev Badiger

Background: India has a large number of blind population of which major proportion of blindness can be corrected. One of the major cause in developing countries is corneal ulceration. Vision restoration for a sizeable proportion of corneal blind is possible through corneal transplant. Data from Eye Bank Association, India suggests that the annual corneal procurement for donation is 1/10th of annual requirement. Raising the level of public awareness on eye donation is one of the important step in increasing corneal procurement. The objectives of the study were to evaluate persons who know about eye donation and to assess the awareness and perception regarding eye donation among those who know about eye donation.Methods: A cross-sectional study on 400 patients aged more than 18 years visiting the health centers affiliated to department of Community Medicine, KSHEMA, Deralakatte using convenient sampling during June-July 2017 using pre-validated questionnaire.Results: Out of 400, only 44% (176) knew about eye donation. Awareness and perception regarding eye donation was studied in those 44% (176). 28.4% (50, N=176) thought that blood group is a barrier for eye donation. Only 56.8% (100, N=176) knew the contact place for eye donation. Only 24.4% (43, N=176) had pledged to donate eyes. age, education and information from TV, family members, health professionals and pamphlets had significant association with willingness to donate (p<0.05).Conclusions: Though many strategies are in place, awareness regarding eye donation is less. Hence, there is a need for development of newer strategies to increase eye donation. 


Author(s):  
Turad Alkadi ◽  
Shahad Alruwaili ◽  
Shahd Al Mahfud ◽  
Fahad Alomair

Aims: This study aims to reveal misconceptions about keratoconus, to assess the level of knowledge among Saudi nationals and to compare the level of awareness of keratoconus between affected and unaffected individuals. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey on a study population that consisted of Saudi nationals over the age of 18 from November until December 2020 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to assess the level of knowledge of keratoconus among the Saudi population. Results: Three hundred and ten responses were obtained, the age range of the participants was between 18 to 50 years oldof which 182 were females and 128 were males. Thirty percent of participants stated that they had acquired their knowledge of keratoconus from the internet, while 29% stated that they had no knowledge of keratoconus at all. The majority of the sample (38.4%) had a high level of knowledge about keratoconus, 31.3% had a moderate level of knowledge and 30.3% had a low level of knowledge. A significant correlation between the level of knowledge and the diagnosis of keratoconus was found, in which keratoconus patients had a higher level of knowledge (44.2%) (p value < .05). Moreover, males (60.1%) had a higher level of awareness compared to females (23.1%) (p value < .05). Age had no significant effect on the level of knowledge (p value > .05). Conclusion: The level of knowledge about keratoconus among the Saudi population in Riyadh is moderate to high. Keratoconus patients had a higher level of knowledge compared to unaffected participants. We recommend further assessment of the level of knowledge about keratoconus with a larger sample size in different provinces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.


2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Surya Jayanti Kadek ◽  
Dewi Kumara Wati Ketut ◽  
Karyana Putu Gede

Background About 60% of individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) develop their first manifestation during infancy. Cow’s milk (CM) exposure is considered to be a risk factor for AD.Objective To evaluate for an association between cow’s milk exposure and atopic dermatitis in infants > 6 months of age.  Methods This cross-sectional study consisted of subjects from a previous study and new subjects recruited in order to meet the minimum required number of subjects. Our study population comprised 120 infants, born between 1 February and 30 November, 2012 in Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar. Subjects were divided into CM and non-CM groups and analyzed for their risk of AD. Subjects were included to CM group if they were fed with cow’s milk/formula  and included to non-CM group if they were breastfeed exclusively in the first six months of life. Other possible risk factors were assessed by multivariate analysis. Results One hundred twenty subjects were enrolled and analyzed (59 in the CM and 61 in the non-CM groups). The prevalence of AD was 30%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between CM exposure and AD, with odds ratio (OR) 2.37 (95%CI 1.036 to 5.420; P=0.04). In addition, maternal diet including eggs and/or cow’s milk during the breastfeeding period was significantly associated with AD in infants (OR 3.18; 95%CI 1.073 to 9.427; P=0.04).Conclusion Cow’s milk exposure is significantly associated with atopic dermatitis in infants  > six months of age. 


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