No abstract

COVID-19, the novel of all respiratory pandemics, has since its global invasion remained a significant threat in all spheres of human endeavour. This phenomenon has led to short-term and long-term psychosocial and mental health implications for many populations, particularly vulnerable groups, of which older people form part. This paper fills the lacuna in research on how the pandemic is breeding psychological distress among older people. Cross-sectional data were obtained from an Ageing, Health, Lifestyle and Health Services (AHLHS) study conducted between June 2020 and August 2020 (N = 400) in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. Sequential logistic regression models were performed to estimate the variables that predict psychological distress, whereas descriptive statistics were used to determine the extent of psychological distress among the study population. This study revealed that psychological distress was somehow prevalent, necessitating early intervention to minimise the risks of the said health risk. Additionally, gender, employment status, chronic NCDs, perceived health status and receipt of COVID-19 information were significantly associated with psychological distress among the respondents. It is necessary to employ strategies to minimise the psychological distress in Ghana during this pandemic.

Background This paper explored the facilitators and barriers to husbands’ involvement in antenatal-related care in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana from the perspectives of husbands, pregnant women with and without delivery experience, nursing mothers, midwives and traditional birth attendants. Methods The study relied on the qualitative research design to collect and analyse data on the facilitators and barriers to husbands’ involvement in antenatal-related care. The unit of analysis was made up of 36 participants—husbands (14), pregnant women with delivery experience and, nursing mothers (8), pregnant women without delivery experience (6), male and female midwives (6) and traditional birth attendants (2) who were purposively selected. The study’s data was gathered using in-depth interviews and analysed through the content approach. Results Various economic [work and time constraint], cultural [the association of childbearing and its allied duties to women] and health-system factors [lack of antenatal services targeted at husbands and health professionals’ attitude] hinder husbands’ active participation in antenatal care. Despite these, some husbands participated in antenatal care owing to the importance they accord to the health and safety of their wives and the foetus; changing gender roles and preferential treatments received by their wives at antenatal clinics [as a result of the involvement of their husbands in prenatal care]. Conclusion The implementation of alternative strategies, like, couple counselling, prolonging operating times of health centres to accommodate working men are recommended to provide a more accommodative and attractive avenue for husbands to support their wives during pregnancy. These efforts must be reinforced by the entire society through modifying the “ill-held view” that pregnancy and childcare is the sole duty of a woman.

Background This paper investigates the factors influencing the decision to enrol in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) among people at risk of statelessness, with emphasis on the individual's demographic and socioeconomic factors.  Methods The study used data from a cross-sectional household survey undertaken in the Awutu Senya East Municipality and Gomoa East District of Ghana's Central Region between March 9 and June 26, 2021, on healthcare utilization culture among people at risk of statelessness. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used in analysing data from a sample of 384 people at risk of statelessness.  Results The results reveal that about 51% of the at-risk population have ever enrolled while 48% of the respondents were enrolled on the NHIS at the time of the survey (active members). The majority of the enrolled members acquired their membership through self-payment of the enrolment fee. Additionally, respondents aged 26–35 had higher odds of enrolling, whiles those within 56–65 years had lower odds of enrolling in health insurance. Also, persons who are married and have a high school education or an equivalent qualification were more likely to enrol, while persons with no employment were less likely to enrol. Conclusion According to the paper, while the gap in coverage between rich and poor, married and single appears to have narrowed, these factors continue to determine NHIS coverage among people at risk of statelessness. The same is true for education. Efforts must be increased to ensure equal access to healthcare financing interventions for better access to health services.

Background: This paper investigates the factors influencing the decision to enrol in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) among people at risk of statelessness, with emphasis on individuals’ demographic and socio-economic factors. Methods: The study used data from a cross-sectional household survey undertaken in Ghana's Central Region between March 9 and June 26, 2021, on healthcare utilization culture among people at risk of statelessness. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used in analysing data from a sample of 384 people at risk of statelessness from the Awutu Senya East Municipality and the Gomoa East District of Ghana’s Central Region. Results: The results reveal that about 51% have ever enrolled while 48% of participants were enrolled on the NHIS at the time of the survey (active members). The majority of the enrolled members acquired their membership through self-payment of the enrolment fee. Additionally, increasing age was associated with lower odds of enrolling, while lower age was associated with higher odds of enrolling in the health insurance. Also, persons who are married and have secondary education or an equivalent qualification were more likely to enrol, while persons with no employment were less likely to enrol. Conclusion: According to the paper, while the gap in coverage between rich and poor, married and single appears to have narrowed, these factors continue to determine NHIS coverage among people at risk of statelessness. The same is true for education. Efforts must be increased to ensure equal access to healthcare.