α1-antitrypsin deficiency (α1-ATD) is a genetic disease which is featured with accumulation of a1-antitrypsin mutant Z proteins (A1AT-Z) in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) of liver [1-4]. It is caused by a substitution of lysine for glutamate at residue 342 and occurs in 1 out 1800-2000 live births in the North America [1]. The mutant Z protein is prone to adopt polymerized conformation and aggregates in ER of hepatocytes (insoluble aggregates) rather than secreted appropriately into the serum and body fluids (soluble forms), leading to chronic liver damage, fibrosis and cirrhosis, and even Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Transplantation is the only curative therapy for the patients with severe liver disease. It has been reported that hepatocytes cope with the burden of accumulated intracellular protein by activating proteasomal degradation pathways (ERAD) and macroautophagy (called autophagy hereafter).

Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have become quite prevalent worldwide. In Ghana as in other developing countries, NCDs are major public health concern. Even though modern health services have been sought by patients suffering from NCDs, poor attitude to those suffering from them exist in Ghanaian society because of traditional beliefs about the causes of such diseases. This paper examines parents and care givers’ perceived attitudes of Ghanaians towards NCDs among children.

Methods: The study was conducted among 700 participants in three regions (Greater Accra, Ashanti and Volta) of Ghana in both rural and urban areas, using a quantitative research instrument. All the major ethnic groups of Ghana- Akan, Ewe, Ga-Dagme and Mole-Dagbani- were captured in the three regions. The dependent variables are: 1) perceived embarrassment of having a child with non-communicable disease, 2) discrimination from close associates and 3) difficulty of taking a child with non-communicable to social gatherings. The independent variable is residential status (rural and urban) and the control variables are socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents.

Results: The findings indicate that the association between the background characteristics with perception of discrimination against families with children who have NCDs are significant according to the results of the Chi-Square test place of residence ( =10.678; p=0.005); level of education ( =19.389; p=0.036), and ethnic background ( =35.267; p=0.000). The results of the multinomial regression model show that those in rural areas have higher likelihood (92.0%) of perceiving that the family of a child with NCD will experience difficulty in going to social functions with the child compared with those in urban areas. Again, the rural dwellers are almost twice as likely (1.82%) to perceive that the family of a child with NCDs will feel embarrassed.

Conclusion: Perceived attitude of society towards children with NCDs is generally poor in the study population. Perceived discrimination against families of such children suggests that the children may not be availed for treatment even as it is indicated that the parents/care givers will have difficulty in taking them out to public places. Rural residents have higher likelihood of such attitudes Health policies need to address such attitudes in Ghanaian society and must target rural residents while not neglecting urban dwellers.

Inflammation is recognized as a pathophysiologic mechanism in obesity and associated chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases. There are potential mechanisms for obesity-asthma link. A significant association between hepatitis B and asthma is detected. A synergistic interaction exists between obesity and hepatitis virus infection. Hepatotropic viruses and obesity, which is prevalent among patients with hepatitis affect lung function and respiratory system [1-5].

Hand hygiene is the single most important and preventable method to avoid nosocomial infections [1]. Hospital staffs are the major source in the transmission of nosocomial infections via organisms of their hands [2]. Out of 4 million neonatal deaths in world, one-third are associated with infections [1,2]. While in countries with high neonatal mortality (>45 per 1000 births), 50% of these deaths are attributed to infections [2]. Around 1.4 million people worldwide suffers from serious nosocomial infection [3]. In developing countries nosocomial infection rate varies from 6% to 27% [4].