Research Article
Prevalence and Predictors of Substance Use Among Senior High School Students: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana
Kizito Aidam*,
Emefa Awo Adawudu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
186-194
Received:
Oct. 06, 2023
Accepted:
Oct. 23, 2023
Published:
Nov. 09, 2023
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjph.20231106.11
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Abstract: Introduction: Substance use among senior high school students in Ghana has been on the increase. While various studies have investigated the topic, studies that examine the issue in high schools in coastal Ghana are scarce. Also, the relationship between the use of the three most common substances—alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana—is essentially an open question. This study examines the prevalence of substance use among senior high school students in a coast population in Ghana. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 senior high school students. Data was collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire via a multistage sampling process. The data was entered, cleaned, coded, and analyzed using SPSS. Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the independent and dependent variables, and a multiple logistic regression established the strength of the explanatory variables in predicting the outcomes. Associations were significant at p < 0.05. Results: The lifetime prevalence and current prevalence of alcohol consumption were 64.8% and 26.8%, respectively. The lifetime and current prevalence of cigarette smoking were 12.2%, respectively. Regarding marijuana use, the lifetime prevalence was 9.1%, and the current prevalence was 6.3%. Household head (s) [AOR=3.53, 95% CI=1.24, 10.03] and lifetime cigarette smoking predicted alcohol consumption [AOR=5.72, 95% CI=1.50, 21.76]. Religion [AOR=7.19, 95% CI=1.21, 42.58], lifetime alcohol consumption [AOR=5.73, 95% CI=1.51, 21.83], and lifetime marijuana use predicted cigarette smoking [AOR=23.95, 95% CI=8.00, 71.66]. School residency status [AOR=0.15, 95% CI=0.05, 0.47], religion [AOR=6.99, 95% CI=1.07, 45.84], home residency [AOR=12.61, 95% CI=3.07, 51.88], and lifetime cigarette smoking [AOR=25.07, 95% CI=8.00, 78.60] predicted marijuana use. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of the students engage in underage drinking and smoking. The use of marijuana, an illicit substance, is notable. Policymakers should act proactively to prevent an impending public health and legal crisis among senior high school students.
Abstract: Introduction: Substance use among senior high school students in Ghana has been on the increase. While various studies have investigated the topic, studies that examine the issue in high schools in coastal Ghana are scarce. Also, the relationship between the use of the three most common substances—alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana—is essentially an...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Goiter Among Women of Reproductive Age Group in Adiyo Woreda, Kaffa Zone, South-West Ethiopia
Getachew Hailemariam Tsegaye,
Legesse Tadesse Wodajo*,
Ismael Kalayu Sitotaw,
Biruk Legesse Tadesse
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
195-205
Received:
Aug. 02, 2023
Accepted:
Nov. 07, 2023
Published:
Nov. 21, 2023
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjph.20231106.12
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Abstract: Background: Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) is the term used to describe the negative outcome of iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is a public health problem and the most preventable cause of brain damage and mental retardation in the world, and also a public health problem in Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with goiter among women of reproductive age group in Adiyo Woreda, Kaffa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 21/2019 to September 21/2019 in Adiyo Woreda Kaffa Zone South West Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was employed. A total of 675 women of the reproductive age group were included in the study. Data was collected by a pre-tested questionnaire and checklist for clinical findings. Study participants were clinically examined for goiter by palpation methods using criteria set by World Health Organization. Data were entered into Epi info Verssion7 and then exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistics analysis was employed. Variables that had a p-value of less than 0.25 during bivariate analysis were entered in the multivariate logistic regressions. Finally, a p-value less than 0.05 and an odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were used to decide statistically significant variables. Result: -Prevalence of goiter was found to be 61 (23.9%) where 25 (18.5%) were palpable and 36 (5.3%) were visible. Family history of goiter (AOR= 2.24, 95%CI= (1.27-3.96)), cabbage consumption (AOR=2.39, 95%CI= (1.11-5.11)), using salt for < 2months once purchased (AOR=0.52, 95%CI= (0.34-0.79)), Adding time of salt into food (AOR=0.61, 95%CI (0.39-0.95)), Poor knowledge about iodized salt and IDD (AOR=2.8, 95%CI= (1.58-4.89)) showed statistical difference at p-value less than 5%. Conclusions: Goiter prevalence was found to be moderate (23.9%) among women of the reproductive age group in the study settings. The health programmers and implementers have to address improving knowledge of Iodized salt proper utilization and, IDD to goiter. Thus ensuring the consumption of iodized salt and promoting iodine-rich food items among the community in the study setting is recommended. Wide-scope exploration is suggested.
Abstract: Background: Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) is the term used to describe the negative outcome of iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is a public health problem and the most preventable cause of brain damage and mental retardation in the world, and also a public health problem in Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of this study was to ass...
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