Lab Foci

Reproductive Health

Reproductive Epidemiology

I am very interested in human reproduction-fertility, fecundity, sexuality, and pregnancy. At the center of this interest is the “woman” and how she is defined by socio-cultural norms and expectations. The Anto-Ocrah laboratory operates with the framework proposed by Richardson et al advocating for a positivist consideration of motherhood and pregnancy. We consider the role of fathers, communities and societies in female sexuality, maternal, and fetal health outcomes.

Female Concussion, Reproduction and Sexuality

Though much is known about the detrimental effects of concussion on male fertility and reproduction, the literature on the effects of the head injury on women’s reproduction and sexuality is sparse. My currently emerging work in this area, is dedicated to exploring the gender gaps in concussion research, particularly as it pertains to female sexuality and reproduction.

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Social Media and Health

According to the 2018 Global Digital suite of reports, (Damian Radcliffe & zdnet.com, 2018; We are Social, 2018) Africa has seen the fastest growth of internet users in the last few years, with internet users across the continent increasing by more than 20 percent year-on-year. Cell phone technology is at the forefront of innovation, and the importance of technology in healthcare is becoming increasingly evident.  At the forefront of this surge is social media, particularly WhatsApp and Facebook. In the Anto-Ocrah laboratory, we explore how mobile phone technology and social media are being used to bridge the patient/provider gap in healthcare access. We also use social media platforms to survey and get reactions from our target populations on relevant health topics.

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Global Emergency Medicine

According to the World Health Organization, emergency medical services are critical and essential to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Emergency care is critical for treating obstetric emergencies, for preventing road traffic accidents, providing care to the injured (Aligning emergency care with global health priorities). Developing emergency care systems, research and surveillance capabilities are key to preparedness for and response to disasters, conflict, and public health. Our lab is interested in the development and integration of emergency medical services in the healthcare infrastructure of resource-limited settings and for vulnerable populations.

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Covid-19 Related Research

Cross-cultural antenatal healthcare seeking behaviors during COVID-19

In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, Dr. Anto-Ocrah is currently collaborating with partners in the US and Ghana to better understand the global impact of social isolation, social distancing, immobility and overall social and economic wellbeing of affected communities. 

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