Kwadwo Koram
Biographic Data
| ID | 6621202 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Kwadwo Koram |
| GIVEN NAMES | Kwadwo |
| FAMILY NAME | Koram |
| SIGNATURE | KORAM K |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Ghana |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-4274-6516 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 19 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 6 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 19 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2007 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Therapeutic efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and artesunate-pyronaridine combinations in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Ghana, 2023
Introduction Malaria case management in Ghana is a key intervention within the national malaria elimination agenda. Currently, artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ), artemetherlumefantrine (AL), and artesunate-pyronaridine (AP) are the first-line medicines for treating uncomplicated malaria whilst dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAP) is the second-line medicine. Methods This was a one-arm prospective evaluation of the clinical, parasitological and haem…
Barriers and facilitators of integrating cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care and acceptability of self-sampling for HPV DNA testing among people with HIV
Background: Cervical cancer poses a substantial global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income nations. Women living with HIV are disproportionately affected compared to the general population. Our study explored the acceptance and preferences of participants regarding cervical cancer screening procedures during their HIV clinic visits. Methods: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to i…
The cascade of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in urban-poor communities in Accra, Ghana
Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and poses a significant health challenge in low- and middle-income settings, including in sub-Saharan Africa. We set out to: (1) examine the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, and their associated factors, and (2) determine the prevalence of pre-hypertension and its associated factors in an urban poor setting in G…
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? Experiences of Covid-19 vaccine uptake among people living with non-communicable diseases in Ghana
Following the development of a vaccine for COVID-19, the expectation was instantaneous widespread distribution and uptake to halt further spread, severe illness and deaths from the virus. However, studies show very low uptake, especially in resource-poor settings, and little is documented about the drivers of vaccine uptake in populations classified as high-risk. In this study, we explored access and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among people livin…
The contextual awareness, response and evaluation (Care) diabetes project
Diabetes is estimated to affect between 3.3% and 8.3% of adults in Ghana, and prevalence is expected to rise. The lack of cost-effective diabetes prevention programmes designed specifically for the Ghanaian population warrants urgent attention. The Contextual Awareness, Response and Evaluation (CARE): Diabetes Project in Ghana is a mixed methods study that aims to understand diabetes in the Ga Mashie area of Accra, identify opportunities for comm…
Modeling Sars-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and its determinants in Ghana
Estimates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates have significant public health policy implications since they shed light on the severity of illness in various groups and aid in strategic deployment of diagnostics, treatment and vaccination. Population-based investigations have not been conducted in Ghana to identify the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2. We conducted an age stratified nationally representative household study to determine the seroprevalenc…
Health system adaptions to improve care for people living with non-communicable diseases during Covid-19 in low-middle income countries
Over the past three decades, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increased significantly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), with 2019 reports showing that more than 80% of deaths in LMICs were caused by NCDs. Some studies have projected that NCDs are set to overtake communicable/infectious diseases as the main public health threats in LMICs after [...]
Indoor residual spraying with a non-pyrethroid insecticide reduces the reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum in a high-transmission area in northern Ghana
High-malaria burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa are shifting from malaria control towards elimination. Hence, there is need to gain a contemporary understanding of how indoor residual spraying (IRS) with non-pyrethroid insecticides when combined with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) impregnated with pyrethroid insecticides, contribute to the efforts of National Malaria Control Programmes to interrupt transmission and reduce the reservoi…
Covid-19, chronic conditions and structural poverty
In the African region COVID-19 infection and death rates are increasing (writing in May 2020), most deaths have occurred among individuals with chronic conditions, and poor communities face higher risks of infection and socio-economic insecurities. We assessed the psychosocial needs of a chronic illness support group in Accra, Ghana, within the context of their broader community. The community lives in structural poverty and has a complex burden …
Building cardiovascular disease competence in an urban poor Ghanaian community
This paper describes conceptual, methodological, and practical insights from a longitudinal social psychological project that aims to build cardiovascular disease (CVD) competence in a poor community in Accra, Ghana's capital. Informed by a social psychology of participation approach, mixed method data included qualitative interviews and household surveys from over 500 community members, including people living with diabetes, hypertension, and st…
Challenges and perceptions of implementing mass testing, treatment and tracking in malaria control
The study demonstrated that MTTT was perceived to be effective in reducing malaria incidence and related hospital visits in participating communities. MTTT was deemed useful in breaking financial and geographical barriers to accessing healthcare. The interventions were feasible and acceptable to community members, despite observed challenges to implementation such as concerns about CBHVs' knowledge and skills and reduced revenue from internally g…
Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia following mass testing and treatment in Pakro sub-district of Ghana
NCT04167566, Date 14/11/2019. Retrospective registration
Probing the composition of Plasmodium species contained in malaria infections in the Eastern region of Ghana
The high rate of misidentification of non-falciparum parasites and the total absence of detection of P. ovale by microscopy suggests that more sensitive malaria diagnostic tools including molecular assays are required to accurately determine the prevalence of carriers of non-falciparum parasites and low density P. falciparum infections, especially during national surveillance exercises. Additionally, malaria control interventions targeting the no…
Explanatory models of stroke in Ghana
Objective: This study examines explanatory models (EMs) of stroke and its complications among people living with stroke, and their caregivers, in two urban poor communities in Accra (Ga Mashie) and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra. Methods: Twenty-two stroke survivors and 29 caregivers were recruited from 2 urban poor communities in Accra and KBTH. Qualitative data were obtained using semi-structured interviews that lasted between 45 minu…
Monitoring malaria using health facility based surveys
Health facility based survey though a potential tool for monitoring changes in the local epidemiology of malaria will require continuous validation of the facility and participants sociodemograhic characteristics as these may change over time. The effects of health seeking practices on service utilization and health facility surveys as an approach will also need continuous review
Chronic non-communicable diseases and the challenge of universal health coverage
We consider these findings in the context of the primary healthcare system and discuss the challenges and opportunities for strengthening health systems in low and middle-income countries
An outbreak of suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana
Human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has previously been reported in West Africa, but more recently, sporadic reports of CL have increased. Leishmania major has been identified from Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Three zymodemes (MON-26, MON-117, and MON-74, the most frequent) have been found. The geographic range of leishmaniasis is limited by the sand fly vector, its feeding preferences, and its capacity to support internal developm…
A tuberculin skin test survey among Ghanaian school children
Tuberculosis infection is still a public health problem in Ghana and to monitor the trend, the survey needs to be repeated at 5 years interval
Children, Pregnant Women and the Culture of Malaria in Two Rural Communities of Ghana
The Malaria situation in Ghana is typical of many tropical African countries, where it remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Control methods generally emphasize prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, local experiences and meanings continue to influence help-seeking behaviour, which either promotes risk of infections or prevention. The aim of this study was to elicit relevant contemporary ethnographic features of malaria in children …
Building cardiovascular disease competence in an urban poor Ghanaian community
This paper describes conceptual, methodological, and practical insights from a longitudinal social psychological project that aims to build cardiovascular disease (CVD) competence in a poor community in Accra, Ghana's capital. Informed by a social psychology of participation approach, mixed method data included qualitative interviews and household surveys from over 500 community members, including people living with diabetes, hypertension, and st…
Children, Pregnant Women and the Culture of Malaria in Two Rural Communities of Ghana
The Malaria situation in Ghana is typical of many tropical African countries, where it remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Control methods generally emphasize prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, local experiences and meanings continue to influence help-seeking behaviour, which either promotes risk of infections or prevention. The aim of this study was to elicit relevant contemporary ethnographic features of malaria in children …
Explanatory models of stroke in Ghana
Objective: This study examines explanatory models (EMs) of stroke and its complications among people living with stroke, and their caregivers, in two urban poor communities in Accra (Ga Mashie) and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra. Methods: Twenty-two stroke survivors and 29 caregivers were recruited from 2 urban poor communities in Accra and KBTH. Qualitative data were obtained using semi-structured interviews that lasted between 45 minu…
Children, Pregnant Women and the Culture of Malaria in Two Rural Communities of Ghana
The Malaria situation in Ghana is typical of many tropical African countries, where it remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Control methods generally emphasize prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, local experiences and meanings continue to influence help-seeking behaviour, which either promotes risk of infections or prevention. The aim of this study was to elicit relevant contemporary ethnographic features of malaria in children …
A tuberculin skin test survey among Ghanaian school children
Tuberculosis infection is still a public health problem in Ghana and to monitor the trend, the survey needs to be repeated at 5 years interval
An outbreak of suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana
Human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has previously been reported in West Africa, but more recently, sporadic reports of CL have increased. Leishmania major has been identified from Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Three zymodemes (MON-26, MON-117, and MON-74, the most frequent) have been found. The geographic range of leishmaniasis is limited by the sand fly vector, its feeding preferences, and its capacity to support internal developm…
Chronic non-communicable diseases and the challenge of universal health coverage
We consider these findings in the context of the primary healthcare system and discuss the challenges and opportunities for strengthening health systems in low and middle-income countries
Monitoring malaria using health facility based surveys
Health facility based survey though a potential tool for monitoring changes in the local epidemiology of malaria will require continuous validation of the facility and participants sociodemograhic characteristics as these may change over time. The effects of health seeking practices on service utilization and health facility surveys as an approach will also need continuous review
Challenges and perceptions of implementing mass testing, treatment and tracking in malaria control
The study demonstrated that MTTT was perceived to be effective in reducing malaria incidence and related hospital visits in participating communities. MTTT was deemed useful in breaking financial and geographical barriers to accessing healthcare. The interventions were feasible and acceptable to community members, despite observed challenges to implementation such as concerns about CBHVs' knowledge and skills and reduced revenue from internally g…
Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia following mass testing and treatment in Pakro sub-district of Ghana
NCT04167566, Date 14/11/2019. Retrospective registration
Probing the composition of Plasmodium species contained in malaria infections in the Eastern region of Ghana
The high rate of misidentification of non-falciparum parasites and the total absence of detection of P. ovale by microscopy suggests that more sensitive malaria diagnostic tools including molecular assays are required to accurately determine the prevalence of carriers of non-falciparum parasites and low density P. falciparum infections, especially during national surveillance exercises. Additionally, malaria control interventions targeting the no…
Explanatory models of stroke in Ghana
Objective: This study examines explanatory models (EMs) of stroke and its complications among people living with stroke, and their caregivers, in two urban poor communities in Accra (Ga Mashie) and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra. Methods: Twenty-two stroke survivors and 29 caregivers were recruited from 2 urban poor communities in Accra and KBTH. Qualitative data were obtained using semi-structured interviews that lasted between 45 minu…
Building cardiovascular disease competence in an urban poor Ghanaian community
This paper describes conceptual, methodological, and practical insights from a longitudinal social psychological project that aims to build cardiovascular disease (CVD) competence in a poor community in Accra, Ghana's capital. Informed by a social psychology of participation approach, mixed method data included qualitative interviews and household surveys from over 500 community members, including people living with diabetes, hypertension, and st…
Covid-19, chronic conditions and structural poverty
In the African region COVID-19 infection and death rates are increasing (writing in May 2020), most deaths have occurred among individuals with chronic conditions, and poor communities face higher risks of infection and socio-economic insecurities. We assessed the psychosocial needs of a chronic illness support group in Accra, Ghana, within the context of their broader community. The community lives in structural poverty and has a complex burden …
Indoor residual spraying with a non-pyrethroid insecticide reduces the reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum in a high-transmission area in northern Ghana
High-malaria burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa are shifting from malaria control towards elimination. Hence, there is need to gain a contemporary understanding of how indoor residual spraying (IRS) with non-pyrethroid insecticides when combined with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) impregnated with pyrethroid insecticides, contribute to the efforts of National Malaria Control Programmes to interrupt transmission and reduce the reservoi…
Modeling Sars-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and its determinants in Ghana
Estimates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates have significant public health policy implications since they shed light on the severity of illness in various groups and aid in strategic deployment of diagnostics, treatment and vaccination. Population-based investigations have not been conducted in Ghana to identify the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2. We conducted an age stratified nationally representative household study to determine the seroprevalenc…
Health system adaptions to improve care for people living with non-communicable diseases during Covid-19 in low-middle income countries
Over the past three decades, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increased significantly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), with 2019 reports showing that more than 80% of deaths in LMICs were caused by NCDs. Some studies have projected that NCDs are set to overtake communicable/infectious diseases as the main public health threats in LMICs after [...]
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? Experiences of Covid-19 vaccine uptake among people living with non-communicable diseases in Ghana
Following the development of a vaccine for COVID-19, the expectation was instantaneous widespread distribution and uptake to halt further spread, severe illness and deaths from the virus. However, studies show very low uptake, especially in resource-poor settings, and little is documented about the drivers of vaccine uptake in populations classified as high-risk. In this study, we explored access and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among people livin…
The contextual awareness, response and evaluation (Care) diabetes project
Diabetes is estimated to affect between 3.3% and 8.3% of adults in Ghana, and prevalence is expected to rise. The lack of cost-effective diabetes prevention programmes designed specifically for the Ghanaian population warrants urgent attention. The Contextual Awareness, Response and Evaluation (CARE): Diabetes Project in Ghana is a mixed methods study that aims to understand diabetes in the Ga Mashie area of Accra, identify opportunities for comm…
Barriers and facilitators of integrating cervical cancer screening into routine HIV care and acceptability of self-sampling for HPV DNA testing among people with HIV
Background: Cervical cancer poses a substantial global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income nations. Women living with HIV are disproportionately affected compared to the general population. Our study explored the acceptance and preferences of participants regarding cervical cancer screening procedures during their HIV clinic visits. Methods: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to i…
The cascade of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in urban-poor communities in Accra, Ghana
Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and poses a significant health challenge in low- and middle-income settings, including in sub-Saharan Africa. We set out to: (1) examine the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, and their associated factors, and (2) determine the prevalence of pre-hypertension and its associated factors in an urban poor setting in G…
Therapeutic efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and artesunate-pyronaridine combinations in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Ghana, 2023
Introduction Malaria case management in Ghana is a key intervention within the national malaria elimination agenda. Currently, artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ), artemetherlumefantrine (AL), and artesunate-pyronaridine (AP) are the first-line medicines for treating uncomplicated malaria whilst dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAP) is the second-line medicine. Methods This was a one-arm prospective evaluation of the clinical, parasitological and haem…
Medicine (16 works) · Environmental health (12 works) · Public health (11 works) · Immunology (8 works) · Nursing (8 works) · Population (8 works) · Malaria (7 works) · Malaria Research and Control (7 works) · Biostatistics (6 works) · Mosquito-borne diseases and control (6 works)