Browsing by Author "Kyeremeh, Sylvester"

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    Demographic factors associated with myopia knowledge, attitude and preventive practices among adults in Ghana: a population-based cross-sectional survey
    (BMC Public Health, 2023) Osuagwu, Uchechukwu L.; Ocansey, Stephen; Ndep, Antor O.; Kyeremeh, Sylvester; Ovenseri‑Ogbomo, Godwin; Ekpenyong, Bernadine N.; Agho, Kingsley E.; Ekure, Edgar; et. al...; 0000-0002-7916-0175
    Purpose: Knowledge, positive attitude and good preventive practices are keys to successful myopia control, but information on these is lacking in Africa. This study determined the KAP on myopia in Ghana. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted among adults (aged 18 years and older) living across 16 regions of Ghana between May and October 2021. Data on socio-demographic factors (sex, age, gender, level of education, working status, type of employment, monthly income, and region of residence), respondents’ awareness, and knowledge, attitude and preventive practices (KAP) about myopia were collected. Composite and mean scores were calculated from eleven knowledge (total score=61), eight attitude (48), and nine preventive practice items (33). Differences in mean scores were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and standardized coefcients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using multiple linear regression to determine the associations between the dependent (KAP) and demographic variables. Results Of the 1,919 participants, mean age was 37.4±13.4 years, 42.3% were aged 18–30 years, 52.6% were men, 55.8% had completed tertiary education, and 49.2% had either heard about myopia, or accurately defend myopia as short sightedness. The mean KAP scores were 22.9±23.7, 33.9±5.4, and 22.3±2.8, respectively and varied significantly with many of the demographic variables particularly with age group, region, marital status, and type of employment. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant associations between region of residence and knowledge (β=—0.54, 95%CI:-0.87, -0.23, p<0.001), attitude (β=—0.24, 95%CI:-0.35,-0.14, p<0.001) and preventive practices (β=0.07, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.12, p=0.015). Preventive practices were also associated with type of employment (self-employed vs employee: β=0.25, 95%CI: 0.15, 4.91, p<0.05). Knowledge scores were significantly higher in those who lived in the Greater Accra (39.5±18.5) and Eastern regions (39.1±17.5) and lower among those who lived in the Upper West region (6.4±15.6). Government employees and those with tertiary education had significantly higher mean knowledge scores compared with non-government employees (β=4.56, 95%CI 1.22, 7.89, p=0.007),and those with primary/no education (β=18.35, 95%CI: 14.42, 22.27, p<0.001). Conclusion: Ghanaian participants had adequate knowledge of myopia but showed poor attitude and low preventive practices, which varied significantly between regions and were modified by sociodemographic factors. Further research into how education can be used to stimulate Ghanaians’ engagement in preventive practices is needed.
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    Platelet-rich plasma for treating dry eye disease – A systematic review and meta-analysis
    (Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 2024-02) Akowuah, Prince Kwaku; Obinwanne, Chukwuemeka Junior; Owusu, Ebenezer; Kyeremeh, Sylvester; Bonsu, Kwaku; Karikari, Lucy Akua Afriyie; Akomeah, Felicia Akyaa; Nkansah, Ernest Kyei; Kobiah-Acquah, Emmanuel; 0000-0003-3657-6768; 0000-0001-5589-9357; 0000-0003-1612-4350; 0000-0002-7916-0175; 0009-0000-1033-7596; 0009-0006-7208-3513; 0000-0002-3803-7218; 0000-0002-5955-7992
    Purpose Dry eye disease has public health and economic significance. Platelet-rich plasma is rich in anti-inflammatory agents and growth factors, both beneficial for ocular surface repair. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the benefits of platelet-rich plasma for treating dry eye disease and its adverse effects. Methods Prospective comparative studies using platelet-rich plasma as monotherapy for dry eye disease were included for efficacy assessment. Before-after studies were included for adverse events assessment. Data sources included PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022347982). PRISMA guidelines were followed. The National Health Institute (NIH) quality assessment tool for before-after studies, the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2), and the methodological index for non-randomized studies were used to assess the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results 19 studies (10 comparative and 9 before-after) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The occurrence rate of adverse effects was 2.6 % (95 % CI: 0.5 – 4.7). The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) for dry eye symptoms was 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.25 – 1.37; I2 = 82 %; p < 0.00001; Z = 2.84, p = 0.004); tear quality was 0.44 (95 % CI: 0.06 – 0.81; I2 = 67 %; p = 0.003; Z = 2.26, p = 0.02); tear quantity was 0.45 (95 % CI: 0.03 – 0.88; I2 = 74 %; p = 0.0003; Z = 2.10, p = 0.04); and corneal staining 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.14 – 1.30; I2 = 85 %; p < 0.00001; Z = 2.43, p = 0.02). Conclusion The current study shows that platelet-rich plasma is efficacious in managing dry eye disease, significantly reducing dry eye signs and symptoms. Such significant improvements could translate to improved quality of life.