Papers by Johnny andoh -arthur
Routledge eBooks, Jan 30, 2024
New Voices in Psychology
The maiden register of the Ghana Psychological Council published in September 2015 represents the... more The maiden register of the Ghana Psychological Council published in September 2015 represents the first national official standing register of psychologists in Ghana. Drawing on this maiden register, this paper presents a seminal analysis of the distribution of psychologists in Ghana in terms of categories of specialisation, gender composition, areas of employment, location of practice, and institutions of training. A copy of the gazette of registered psychologists was obtained from the office of the registrar of the Ghana Psychological Council and quantitative content analysis was conducted on the list of registered mainstream psychologists. Among other things, the analysis shows that there are 166 (largely Ghanaian-trained) psychologists categorised into six main subfields in the country. Females represent the majority in terms of gender composition. Colleges/polytechnics/universities are the main areas of employment; the practising locations of 69.9% of the psychologists are in A...
International Journal of Social Psychiatry
Background: Irresponsible media reporting of suicide is a potential risk for copycat suicide. The... more Background: Irresponsible media reporting of suicide is a potential risk for copycat suicide. There is a paucity of studies from sub-Saharan Africa on the quality of media reporting of suicide. Objectives: We assessed the compliance of Ghanaian online media outlets with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for media reporting of suicide. Methods: We searched 10 local media outlets with strong online presence in Ghana, to identify suicide-related news reports from 2000 through 2019. We applied summative content analysis and chi-square [Formula: see text] test to the data. Results: We included 288 news reports, of which 261 (90.6%) were completed suicides, 7 (2.4%) were attempted suicides and 20 (6.9%) were homicide suicides. Most of the news reports failed to comply with the WHO guidelines: 92.7% mentioned the specific method of the suicide act, 82.6% included ‘suicide’ in the headline and 55.6% included photos of the victims. The [Formula: see text] tests indicated that pr...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
The literature on behavioral outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is inundated with men... more The literature on behavioral outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is inundated with mental health burdens such as depression and stress disorders. The current study investigated gender invariance on resilience and post-traumatic growth (PTG) as positive psychological changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 381 survivors of the COVID-19 infection completed measurements of resilience, PTG, violence and stigma experience, and mental health problems like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, multivariate regression, and a latent profile analysis. The results revealed that more than half of the participants had high scores on resilience (53.6%) and PTG (60.9%). The positive psychological changes, although independent of each other, were moderated by gender, and influenced by the negative experiences of participants such as stigma, violence, and PTSD. Latent profile analyses revealed three class...
BMJ Open, 2021
IntroductionSelf-harm and suicidal behaviour represent major global health problems, which accoun... more IntroductionSelf-harm and suicidal behaviour represent major global health problems, which account for significant proportions of the disease burden in low-income and middle-income countries, including Ghana. This review aims to synthesise the available and accessible evidence on prevalence estimates, correlates, risk and protective factors, the commonly reported methods and reasons for self-harm and suicidal behaviour in Ghana.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (2009) recommendations. Regional and global electronic databases (African Journals OnLine, African Index Medicus, APA PsycINFO, Global Health, MEDLINE and PubMed) will be searched systematically up to December 2021 for observational studies and qualitative studies that have reported prevalence estimates, correlates, risk and protective factors, methods and reasons for self-harm and suicidal behaviour in...
Global Health Action, 2021
ABSTRACT Background The relationship between macro-level mental health system indicators and popu... more ABSTRACT Background The relationship between macro-level mental health system indicators and population suicide rates is an area of contention in the literature, necessitating an analysis of current cross-national data to document any new trend in the relationship. Objective This study investigated whether mental health system indicators are associated with national suicide rates. Method Using an ecological study design and multivariate non-parametric robust regression models, data on suicide rates and mental health system indicators of 191 countries retrieved from WHOs 2017 Mental Health Atlas were compared. Results Findings revealed that the average suicide mortality rate was significantly higher in high- income countries, relative to low-income countries. High-income countries are significantly more likely to have high number of mental health professionals, mental health policies and legislation, independent mental health authority and suicide prevention programs. These mental health system indicators demonstrated significant and positive association with suicide, suggesting that countries scoring high on these factors have higher odds of being categorized as high suicide risk countries. Conclusion The findings have several implications for policy and practice, including the need to make existing mental health systems very responsive to suicide prevention.
OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 2021
We explored the views of members of parliament (MPs) in Ghana on the call to decriminalise attemp... more We explored the views of members of parliament (MPs) in Ghana on the call to decriminalise attempted suicide. We applied reflexive thematic analysis to Parliamentary Hansards (2017–2020) on calls to decriminalise attempted suicide in Ghana. 11 MPs shared their stance for or against the call. We developed three major themes that entailed, often, opposing views: (1) deterrent effect of the law (against: the law punishes and deters to protect life; for: the law is insensitive and has ironic effects), (2) enforcement of the law (against: leave things as they are, the law is not enforced, anyway; for: crime is not self-inflicted) and (3) prioritisation of suicide prevention (against: focus on more pressing issues, but resource support systems; for: the law and legitimate support systems cannot co-exist). The findings indicate two needs: to extend suicide literacy to Ghanaian MPs, and to initiate a public/private member’s bill on attempted suicide decriminalisation.
Crisis, 2020
Background: Emerging research on suicidal behaviors among adolescents in Ghana has been conducted... more Background: Emerging research on suicidal behaviors among adolescents in Ghana has been conducted mainly among senior high school students. Aims: We aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of suicide attempts and describe some of the general and gender-specific associated factors among adolescents attending junior high schools (JHSs) in Ghana. Method: We analyzed data from the 2012 Ghana Global School-Based Student Health Survey. The sample consisted of 1,437 adolescents aged 12-17 years. We performed bivariate and multivariable analyses to assess the associations between 12-month suicide attempts and some psychosocial factors. Results: The overall 12-month prevalence estimate of suicide attempts was 27.6%, with comparable estimates between males (26.4%) and females (28.8%). In the final adjusted multivariable models, bullying victimization (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.53, 4.31), alcohol use (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.10, 3.41), and having no close friends (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.75) were associated with increased odds of suicide attempts among males, whereas anxiety (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.54, 4.29) and being sexually active (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.25, 4.68) were associated with increased odds of suicide attempts in females. Limitations: The correlational nature of this study did not allow for causal inferences. Conclusion: The study underscores adolescent suicide attempts as a public health concern in Ghana.
Journal of Public Health, 2021
Background A growing global concern is that suicide research has paid little attention to young p... more 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...
SAGE Open, 2017
The penal code of Ghana condemns suicide attempt. The present study sought to explore the views o... more The penal code of Ghana condemns suicide attempt. The present study sought to explore the views of the police on persons who attempt suicide and the law criminalizing the act. Qualitative in-depth interviews were used to explore the views of 18 officers of the Ghana Police Service. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis technique. Findings showed that the police officers profiled suicide attempters as needy, enigmatic, ignorant, and blameworthy. Majority (n = 14) of them disagreed with the law and suggested a repeal, whereas only four of them agreed with the law. Regardless of their positions on criminalization, they showed an inclination to help, rather than arrest, when confronted with such persons in line of their duty. Educating the police on suicidal behavior may help to deepen their understanding and help improve the way they handle suicidal persons. This may also strengthen police suicide prevention gatekeeping obligations.
Crime, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System in Africa, 2021
The increase in the trends of the repealing of anti-suicide laws especially, in the High Income C... more The increase in the trends of the repealing of anti-suicide laws especially, in the High Income Countries, is largely due to the growth of evidence that suggests that difficult psychosocial factors and existential adversities are responsible for suicidal behaviour, which thereby warrant advocacy to help rather than punish persons who attempt suicide. Despite this trend, suicide attempt is still criminalised in Ghana. Thus, persons in the country who attempt suicide are apprehended and prosecuted, and upon conviction, receive criminal penalties ranging from hefty fines to prison terms (between 1 and 3 years). This chapter explores the sociohistorical, cultural and political antecedents to anti-suicide laws; highlights the dangers in the predominant binary discourse on decriminalisation efforts; and situates suicide and suicide attempt within the notion of “social suffering” in an attempt to foster a kinship between mental health and the legal system for an effective population-based suicide prevention in Ghana.
Journal of Gambling Studies, 2020
Problem gambling among young people is now a public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Howev... more Problem gambling among young people is now a public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the behaviour remains understudied, particularly, among rural-dwelling young people in countries within the subregion. We aimed to estimate the 12 months prevalence of problem gambling and to describe the overall and gender differences and commonalities in personal factors and social adversities associated with problem gambling among adolescents in rural Ghana. We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 1101 in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years in a rural district in Eastern Ghana; we used the DSM-IV-Multiple Response-Juvenile (DSM-IV-MR-J) questionnaire to assess problem gambling during the previous 12 months. Personal lifestyle and psychosocial variables were assessed using adopted items from the 2012 WHO–Global School-based Student Health Survey. Overall, three in 10 adolescents (3 in 10 females; 4 in 10 males) in rural Ghana reported problem gambling in ...
International Journal of School & Educational Psychology, 2020
Procrastination on academic tasks is a common problem affecting learning and achievement of unive... more Procrastination on academic tasks is a common problem affecting learning and achievement of university students globally. In Western and developed countries, personality types have been implicated in academic procrastination, but such evidence has not been adduced within the Ghanaian context. This study was therefore conducted to explore the possible role of personality types on academic procrastination among undergraduate students. Two hundred (200) students (Mean age = 20.78 years; SD = 2.27) conveniently sampled completed the Academic Procrastination Scale and the Big Five Personality Inventory. Correlational analysis showed that academic procrastination was negatively associated with openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness but positively related to neuroticism. Further standard multiple regression analysis showed only two dimensions of the personality traits: Neuroticism and openness made significant prediction of academic procrastination. Neuroticism made the strongest unique predictor of academic procrastination (β = 0.23; t = 2.74; p < .01) followed by openness (β =-0.20; t = −2.18; p < .05). The current study provides important information needed for the development of intervention programs that will help reduce academic procrastination among students, with specific emphasis on implicated personality traits.
International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2020
Chest, 2020
BACKGROUND: Two out of three family members experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depressi... more BACKGROUND: Two out of three family members experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, or anxiety lasting for months after the ICU stay. Interventions aimed at mitigating these symptoms have been unsuccessful. RESEARCH QUESTION: To understand the emotional experiences of family members of critically ill patients and to identify coping strategies used by family members during the ICU stay. STUDY DESIGN: and Methods: As part of a mixed methods study to understand sources of distress among ICU family members, semistructured interviews were conducted with ICU family members. Family members completed surveys at the time of interview and at 90 days to assess for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. RESULTS: Semistructured interviews and baseline surveys were conducted with 40 ICU family members; 78% of participants (n ¼ 31) completed follow-up surveys at 90 days. At the time of interview, 65% of family members had symptoms of depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress. At 90 days, 48% of surveyed family members had symptoms of psychological distress. Three primary emotions were identified among ICU family members: sadness, anger, and fear. A diverse array of coping strategies was used by family members, including problemsolving, information seeking, avoidance/escape, self-reliance, support seeking, and accommodation. INTERPRETATION: This study emphasizes similarities in emotions but diversity in coping strategies used by family members in the ICU. Understanding the relationship between ICU experiences, emotional responses, and long-term psychological outcomes may guide targeted interventions to improve mental health outcomes of ICU family members.
International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 2020
This article presents a case example of media engagement for public education and counselling on ... more This article presents a case example of media engagement for public education and counselling on suicide in Ghana. Data were drawn from 11 telephone interviews that assessed the impact a TV program had on persons experiencing suicidal crisis. Qualitative content analysis showed that the program helped to reduce the crisis by offering an empathic identification with suicidal persons. Hope induction and opportunity for seeing options, as well as provision of direct help or links to available help resources also emerged. Given the deep-seated stigma of suicide in Ghana, the media can serve a critical role in anti-stigma suicide campaigns and public education towards effective suicide prevention in Ghana.
Journal of Public Health, 2020
Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the interactive effect of gender, rural-urban res... more Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the interactive effect of gender, rural-urban residence, and socioeconomic status on early sexual debut among young adults in Ghana Methods: The study used the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey with a sample of 2746 sexually active youth (males = 670 and females = 2076) aged 15-24. We used multivariate logistic regression to analyse the data. Results: Our results showed that female youth in urban areas and those from the wealthiest households were less likely to initiate early sexual debut. Additionally, youth resident in urban areas from rich households are less likely to initiate early debut. However, a-3 way interactive effect revealed that female youth resident in urban areas from rich households were found to be more likely to initiate early debut. Conclusion: Our findings underscores that a gender-based sexual and reproductive health interventions and programmes may be more appropriate for adolescent females in rich households living in urban areas. These interventions should reach these teenagers before they start engaging in sexual intercourse.
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Papers by Johnny andoh -arthur