Suicidal behaviours among deaf adolescents in Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A growing global concern is that suicide research has paid little attention to young people with disabilities, particularly, in low- and middle-income countries (LAMICs). We aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt and describe some associations among deaf adolescents in Ghana. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional anonymous self-report survey involving a nationally representative random sample of 450 school-going deaf adolescents. Data analysis included bivariate and multivariable approaches. RESULTS: The overall 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation was 19·3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 15·8-23·3) and suicidal attempt was 15·6% (95% CI = 12·3-19·2). Although alcohol use and parental divorce were strongly associated with increased odds of both suicidal ideation and attempt, high subjective mental well-being was associated with reduced odds of both suicidal ideation and attempt. Living with no parents and being a final year student were associated with suicidal ideation, while male gender was associated with suicidal attempt. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of suicidal behaviours among school-going deaf adolescents in this study compares with estimates among in-school non-deaf adolescents in Ghana and other LAMICs in Africa, and also highlights the need for prevention efforts against the onset of suicidal ideation and possible transition to attempt and suicide among deaf adolescents.

HIV/AIDS knowledge among undergraduate university students: implications for health education programs in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Globally, the spread of HIV/AIDS remains on the rise especially among adolescents who are at increased risk of infection. Sexual behavioural change remains one of the most effective ways of preventing further transmission among this vulnerable group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HIV/AIDS knowledge among undergraduate students' and how it can be used in HIV prevention strategies in Ghana. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires among 324 conveniently selected students enrolled at a tertiary institution in Accra, Ghana. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 23 years. Although the mean score of the participants' responses to 12 HIV/AIDS knowledge questions was 7.7 of 12 points, there was an inconsistent level of AIDS knowledge with significant gender difference. While students could identify the transmission modes and preventive measure, they were less knowledgeable about the causative agent of AIDS. Majority of the students reported having received AIDS information from both print and electronic media, but few of them received such information from parents. Although over 90% of the students knew where to access VCT services, 45% of them have not had HIV test. CONCLUSION: The data underscore the urgent need for HIV/AIDS-related health education and prevention efforts targeting university students as well as younger age groups in Ghana.

Social support and the psychological wellbeing of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: The current study sought to investigate the association between age, gender, social support and the psychological wellbeing of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) in Ghana. METHOD: Cross-sectional data containing information on demographics, social support and psychological well-being (stress, depression, and anxiety), were collected from 107 men and women living with HIV/AIDS. To explore age group differences, participants were stratified by age (< 39 vs. 40+ years). Three anonymous self-administered questionnaires were used, namely the demographic data questionnaire, Sources of Social Support Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS- 42). RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed that social support was negatively associated with depression, stress and anxiety. Compared with males living with HIV, women reported higher levels of stress, depression and anxiety. Female gender and low social support were significant predictors of depression and stress after controlling for selected independent variables. Older participants experienced higher levels of stress than their younger counterparts. CONCLUSION: Public health personnel and AIDS professionals may consider further interventions to promote psychological health in HIV/AIDS-positive individuals. More attention should be paid to the social environment of individuals diagnosed with HIV as the quality of social relationships may be particularly important for successful psychological adaptation to HIV.