https://gprjournals.org/journals/index.php/JPHS/issue/feedJournal of Public Health Studies 2024-09-25T19:43:55+00:00Open Journal Systems<p><strong>Journal of Public Health Studies</strong> (JPHS) is an open access, fast track, and a peer reviewed journal published by GPR Journals to inspire knowledge sharing in the public health sector. The scope of JPHS include, but not limited to, Behavioral Health, Community Health, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Pediatric Health, Health Economics, Health Education, Health Law & Ethics, Health Technology, Hygiene, Mental & Physical Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Public Health Ideologies & Policies, Public Health Interventions, Public Health Management, Public Health Organizations, Reproductive Health, etc. The key focus of this journal offer a platform where readers, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners can share information on social determinants of health, the environmental, behavioral, and occupational correlates of health and disease, and the impact of health policies, practices and interventions on the community. Manuscripts submitted to this journal are published online and can be printed as hard copies upon author’s request. Papers can be submitted via email to <a href="mailto:journals@gprjournals.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">journals@gprjournals.org</a> or <a href="https://gprjournals.org/online-submission/">online submission.</a></p>https://gprjournals.org/journals/index.php/JPHS/article/view/276The Gut-Brain Axis: Investigating the Relationship Between Gut Microbiota Composition and Mental Health Disorders (Depression and Anxiety)2024-09-25T10:01:09+00:00Olusola Olasunkanmi Abubakarjournals@gprjournals.orgSusan M Oyeyemi journals@gprjournals.orgFlorence Osundejournals@gprjournals.orgMohammad O Habilajournals@gprjournals.orgHelen N Odafenjournals@gprjournals.org<p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study aimed to assess the association between gut microbiota composition and mental health symptoms in individuals diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was a 12-month, observational cohort study with an interventional component involving participants diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Inclusion criteria included adults aged 18-65 who were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe depression or anxiety, based on DSM-5 criteria. Healthy controls had no current or previous diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. The random sampling was used to recruit 53 participants in each of the three strata (depression, anxiety, and healthy). The fecal samples were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. To assess the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms, participants completed validated scales that included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) for those in the depression group. For participants with anxiety disorders, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale were employed.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> The study found that participants with depression and anxiety had lower levels of alpha diversity, as measured by the Shannon diversity index, compared to healthy controls. For example, the Shannon index for healthy controls averaged 4.5, while it was 3.2 and 3.1 for participants with depression and anxiety, respectively. This indicated reduced microbial diversity in individuals with mental health disorders. Participants with depression had an average BDI score of 28, indicating moderate-to-severe depression, while those with anxiety had an average HAM-A score of 25, reflecting moderate anxiety severity. After the 12-week intervention period, both the probiotic and dietary intervention groups showed significant reductions in symptom severity.</p> <p><strong>Recommendation: </strong>Clinicians should be trained to assess patients' gut health and recommend appropriate psychobiotic therapies, such as specific probiotic strains or high-fiber diets.</p>2024-09-25T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Public Health Studies https://gprjournals.org/journals/index.php/JPHS/article/view/277Prevalence and Determinants of Burnout Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study among Healthcare Providers in Akuapem North Municipality of Ghana2024-09-25T19:43:55+00:00Isaac Ayirebijournals@gprjournals.orgRichmond Bediako Nsiahjournals@gprjournals.orgJonathan Mawutor Gmanyamijournals@gprjournals.orgDominic Nyarkojournals@gprjournals.orgAkua Kumi Yeboahjournals@gprjournals.orgLily Opokua Asarejournals@gprjournals.orgIsaac Morrisonjournals@gprjournals.orgMargaret Morrisonjournals@gprjournals.orgCharlotte Yeboah Domfehjournals@gprjournals.orgKwame Kusi Agyemangjournals@gprjournals.orgFrank Prempehjournals@gprjournals.orgFlorence Owusuaa Peprahjournals@gprjournals.orgKenneth Baga Sabogujournals@gprjournals.orgPriscilla Sarkodiejournals@gprjournals.orgGabriel Tchatchouang Maboujournals@gprjournals.orgYvonne Asiedu Duahjournals@gprjournals.orgDaniel Ike Adinkrahjournals@gprjournals.org<p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with burnout in healthcare providers in Akuapem North Municipality, Ghana. </p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 277 healthcare workers using a structured questionnaire between February and March 2024. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) assessed EE, DP, and PA. Work-related and organizational factors were analyzed using Pearson chi-square tests and multiple regression analysis to identify key predictors of burnout. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 19.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Emotional exhaustion was high, with 15.5% of participants experiencing extreme fatigue. Depersonalization levels were high for 48.0% of respondents, while 74.0% reported low personal achievement. Chi-square tests indicated that marital status significantly impacted emotional exhaustion [χ²(8) = 17.561, p = .025], and profession was significantly related to depersonalization [χ²(2) = 22.201, p < .001]. Regression analysis revealed that work-related factors, such as overall comfort (β = 5.978, p < .001) and support (β = 4.416, p < .001), were significant predictors of burnout. Organizational factors like fairness (β = 2.563, p < .001) and work-life balance (β = 7.294, p < .001) also had significant effects.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Burnout is prevalent among healthcare providers in Akuapem North Municipality, with notable levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal achievement. Work-related and organizational factors are key contributors.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations:</strong> Targeted interventions, including improved support systems and organizational fairness, are recommended to address burnout effectively. Future research should evaluate targeted interventions addressing these factors and monitor changes in burnout over time. Additionally, it should investigate the interactions between individual and organizational factors across various healthcare settings.</p>2024-09-25T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Public Health Studies