ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Are maternal and child health initiatives helping to reduce under-five mortality in Ghana? Results of a quasi-experimental study using coarsened exact matching

Background: Despite a 53 % decline in under-five mortality (U5M) worldwide during the period of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), U5M remains a challenge. Under-five mortality decline in Ghana is slow and not parallel with the level of coverage of child health interventions. The interventions promoted to improve child survival include early initiation of breastfeeding, clean postnatal care, and skilled delivery. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of these interventions on U5M in Ghana. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted using secondary data of the 2008 and 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys. Coarsened Exact Matching and logistic regression were done. The interventions assessed were iron intake, early initiation of breastfeeding, clean postnatal care, hygienic disposal of stool, antenatal care visits, skilled delivery, intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy, and tetanus toxoid vaccine. Results: There were 2,045 children under-five years and 40 (1.9 %) deaths in 2008. In 2014, the total number of children under-five years was 4,053, while deaths were 53(1.2 %). In 2014, children less than one month old formed 1.6 % of all children under-five years, but 47.8 % of those who died. Mothers who attended four or more antenatal care visits were 78.2 % in 2008 and 87.0 % in 2014. Coverage levels of improved sanitation and water connection in the home were among the lowest, with 11.6 % for improved sanitation and 7.3 % for water connection in the home in 2014. Fifty-eight (58), 1.4 %, of children received all the eight (8) interventions in 2014, and none of those who received all these interventions died. After controlling for potential confounders, clean postnatal care was associated with a 66% reduction in the average odds of death (aOR = 0.34, 95 %CI:0.14–0.82), while early initiation of breastfeeding was associated with a 62 % reduction in the average odds of death (aOR = 0.38, 95 % CI: 0.21–0.69). Conclusions: Two (clean postnatal care and early initiation of breastfeeding) out of eight interventions were associated with a reduction in the average odds of death. Thus, a further decline in under-five mortality in Ghana will require an increase in the coverage levels of these two high-impact interventions.

Source: UG
Are Migrant Households better off than Non-Migrant Households? Evidence from Ghana.

We present preliminary descriptive statistics and analysis on migrants and their families left behind using a new household survey of Ghana. We provide a profile of current migrants and their households and explore the determinants of migration. Our research suggests that poverty and migration are linked, with poverty determining where households migrate to, and that migration is generally held to be of benefit to households, particularly those with male migrants. Future research will model the counterfactual and seek to estimate to what extent households are better off from having a migrant, and why.

Source: UG
Are migrants exceptional resource degraders? A study of agricultural households in Ghana

Although some scholars describe migrant farmers as 'exceptional resource degraders' others do not. This paper uses evidence from the transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana, to examine whether there are substantial differences between households of migrants and the host population regarding agricultural land use. The aim is to determine whether migrants are more destructive of the land (and hence the environment) than the host population. This will be examined using a standard model of the determinants of agricultural land use, to which we add variables representing demographic impacts, including in-migration. The data used are from a household survey undertaken in 2002 among 110 migrant and 142 host population farming households in central Ghana. Results are mixed. We find no support for the hypothesis that households with migrants are less likely to consider the long-term effects of land use by increasing the land area in cultivation, but at the same time there is evidence of use of more land-intensive agricultural practices which tend to degrade farm land over time. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Source: UG
Are mobile phones changing social networks? a longitudinal study of core networks in Kerala

Mobile telephony has diffused more rapidly than any Indian technology in recent memory, yet systematic studies of its impact are rare, focusing on technological rather than social change. We employ network surveys of separate groups of Kerala residents in 2002 and again in 2007 to examine recent shifts in mobile usage patterns and social relationships. Results show (1) near saturation of mobiles among both the professionals and nonprofessionals sampled, (2) a decrease in the number of social linkages across tie types and physical locations, and (3) a shift towards friends and family but away from work relationships in the core networks of Malayalis. We interpret these findings as support for the bounded solidarity thesis of remote communication that emphasizes social insulation and network closure as mobiles shield individuals from their wider surroundings. © The Author(s) 2011.

Source: UG
Are out-of-school adolescents at higher risk of adverse health outcomes? Evidence from 9 diverse settings in sub-Saharan Africa

objectives We analysed mutually comparable surveys on adolescent attitudes and behaviours from nine sites in seven sub-Saharan African countries, to determine the relationship between school enrolment and adolescent health outcomes. methods Data from the Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education Network crosssectional adolescent health surveys were used to examine the associations of current school enrolment, self-reported general health and four major adolescent health domains: (i) sexual and reproductive health; (ii) nutrition and non-communicable diseases; (iii) mental health, violence and injury; and (iv) healthcare utilisation. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to calculate relative risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI), controlling for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We assessed heterogeneity by gender and study site. results Across 7829 adolescents aged 10–19, 70.5% were in school at the time of interview. Inschool adolescents were 14.3% more likely (95% CI: 6–22) to report that their life is going well; 51.2% less likely (95% CI: 45–67) to report ever having had sexual intercourse; 32.6% more likely (95% CI: 9–61) to report unmet need for health care; and 30.1% less likely (95% CI: 15–43) to report having visited a traditional healer. School enrolment was not significantly associated with malnutrition, low mood, violence or injury. Substantial heterogeneity was identified between genders for sexual and reproductive health, and in-school adolescents were particularly less likely to report adverse health outcomes in settings with high average school enrolment. conclusions School enrolment is strongly associated with sexual and reproductive health and healthcare utilisation outcomes across nine sites in sub-Saharan Africa. Keeping adolescents in school may improve key health outcomes, something that can be explored through future longitudinal, mixedmethods, and (quasi-)experimental studies.

Source: UG
Are respectful maternity care (RMC) interventions effective in reducing intrapartum mistreatment against adolescents? A systematic review

Intrapartum mistreatment of women by health professionals is a widespread global public health challenge. It leads to a decreased quality of maternity care and is evinced to precipitate detrimental maternal and neonatal outcomes, especially among adolescents. Relatedly, research indicates that Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) interventions are especially effective in mitigating intrapartum mistreatment and improving birth outcomes. However, evidence on the success of RMC, specifically for adolescents, is insufficient and unaggregated. Accordingly, this review specifically aims to synthesize existing evidence on RMC care provision to adolescent parturients. This review searched for relevant literature from published and gray sources including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, as well as Population Council, WHO and White Ribbon Alliance data sources published between January 1990 and December 2021. Based on eligibility, studies were selected and quality appraised after which thematic analysis and narrative synthesis was conducted. Twenty nine studies were included in the systematic review. Due to paucity and heterogeneity of quantitative studies, the review was limited to a thematic analysis. Adolescent and health provider perspectives alike underscored the burden and outcomes of mistreatment. Need for RMC interventions to improve quality of maternity care was recommended by majority of studies

Source: UG
Are SME owner-managers entrepreneur? Evidence from Ghana

This study seeks to examine whether SME owner-managers are entrepreneurs. This is a particularly essential question in light of the term ‘entrepreneur,’ being ‘loosely’ used in most entrepreneurial studies to refer to SME owner-managers. The study adopts Covin and Slevin’s entrepreneurial orientation concept. The concept presents a good scale (comprising risk-taking, innovativeness and proactiveness) for measuring an SME owner-manager’s entrepreneurial ability. Using a systematic sampling approach the study interviewed 300 SME owner mangers in Accra, Ghana in various sectors such as services, trade, manufacturing and agro-processing. The study found that SME owner-managers are not innovative and do not take risks although very proactive. Consequently, this study concludes that SME owner-managers are not entrepreneurially oriented and as such cannot be labelled as entrepreneurs. Appropriately, they should be labelled as businesspersons.

Source: UG
Are sub-Saharan African Countries Losing it on Oil and Gas Revenue Management too? Evidence from Ghana

The judicious management of revenues from natural resources has been challenging. This paper examines the effectiveness of Revenue Management Laws for oil and gas revenues in Ghana. This is to assess whether Ghana has learnt any lessons from the challenges of mineral revenues management. The study found that the management of the minerals and mining sector revenues is disturbing and some imminent problems identified in the management of the recent oil and gas revenues. The study recommends the adoption of Drysdale’s five principles of effective natural resource revenue management to avoid such problems associated with an influx of natural resource wealth. We recommend a consolidation of Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815) and the Petroleum Revenue Management (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act 893) to provide consistency in interpreting the oil and gas Revenue Management Laws. We posit that with the experiences in the minerals and mining sector emphasized and the implementation of our recommendations, Ghana would be better informed on how to establish an effective and efficient framework to manage oil and gas revenues to spur Ghana Beyond Aid.

Source: UG
Are two heads better than one? Challenges and prospects of chiefs and local government collaborative community development in Ghana

In Africa, a dual political system is what characterizes the political landscape. Chiefs and officials of the central government collaborate to bring about development. Despite the transformation of the powers and functions of chiefs, they have constantly availed them selves to partner developmental agencies. The paper examined projects chiefs and local government authorities have initiated and the challenges that beset collaboration between the two agents of development. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select 29 participants for this study conducted in the New Juaben in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Projects of collaboration included borehole and palace construction, provision of educational and health infrastructure, and foot bridges. The collaboration between the stakeholders is fraught with challenges such as chieftaincy disputes, absentee chiefs, and land litigation. The paper recommends the formalization of the rotational system for selecting chiefs and noninterference by politicians in chieftaincy matters, to promote better collaboration.

Source: UG
Are used face masks handled as infectious waste? Novel pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic

The extensive use of face masks has raised concerns about environmental pollution through improper disposal of used face masks after the emergence of COVID-19. The increasing use of PPEs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in several environmental hazards, creating a new environmental barrier for solid waste management and worsening plastic pollution. This study aimed at assessing the occurrence and distribution of face masks in a metropolitan area (Adum-Kumasi), municipal area (Ejisu), community (Abenase) and an institution (KNUST) in Ghana. The study showed that a total of 535 face masks were numbered along a stretch of 1,720 m with a density ranging from 0.04 m to 0.42 m. No significant relationship (P = 0.602) was established between the observation distances and the number of waste face masks numbered. The study also showed that for a 1% increase in the number of face masks on working days, there would be a 0.775% increase in non-working days. A review of literature showed that the disposal of used face masks results in the release of micro- and nano-plastics. Pb, Cu, Sb, Zn, Mn, Ti, Fe and Ca into environmental media. Plastic pollution may be a concern to ecosystems due to its persistence in the environment, lack of environmental awareness, sensitization and education, and poor waste management systems. To ensure the sustainable management of waste face masks, significant efforts are needed. These may include proper disposal, redesigning and producing masks from biodegradable materials. incorporating waste face masks into construction materials and recycling PPE by pyrolyzing are suggested options for the effective management of face masks.

Source: UG
Are We Human Beings Like Others? Stigmatization and Discrimination Experiences of Women Living with Obstetric Fistula in the Northern Region of Ghana

This study aimed at exploring stigmatization and discrimination experiences of women living with obstetric fistula (WLOF) in the Northern Region of Ghana. Fifty-five women were identified purposively, and data were collected through focus group discussions and face-to-face in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The focus group discussion and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emerging themes that addressed the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that the WLOF had different views about that condition. In addition, it was found that the women experienced enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma. Evidence showed that many of the participants responded to their experiences by concealing their condition and living in isolation, which negatively affected their psychosocial wellbeing. The findings suggest the need for awareness creation about obstetric fistula, as well as psychosocial interventions that would enhance the dignity, wellbeing, along with the rights of WLOF.

Source: UG
Are we ready for Gamification? An exploratory analysis in a developing country

Integrating gamification in the learning process has become a significant factor in the success of teaching, learning, and research in higher education. Education can leverage gamification by enhancing learning management systems to make learning enjoyable and engaging for students. We, however, lack the underpinnings into factors affecting the acceptance of gamification in education. To help solve this, we tested and extended previous acceptance models. Overall, we explored the users’ perception and acceptance of adding gamification to learning among students in higher education. The results show that Image is an insignificant factor in students’ behavioral intention to use gamification. The current paper contributes to the perceptual process for gamification research in learning; deriving implications for gamification application and pioneering research on gamification acceptance in developing countries. We conclude with opportunities, practical and theoretical implications for researchers and practitioners to extend our knowledge of gamification research.

Source: UG
Are we requesting too many DMSA scans?

Iron deficiency anaemia, helicobacter pylori infection and delayed pubertal growth We read with great interest the paper by Choe and colleagues which investigated a possible relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection, iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), and subnormal growth at puberty.1 The authors concluded that H pylori infection and related IDA, rather than bacterial infection alone, might cause delayed pubertal growth. However, we believe that these results need some consideration.

Source: UG
Area-based socioeconomic conditions and urban malaria and diarrhea mortalities in Accra, Ghana.

Health inequalities are linked to inequalities in Socioeconomic Status (SES). While infant malaria/diarrhea mortality is widely studied, not very much is known about the influence of area-based measures of SES and all age urban malaria and diarrhea mortalities. To assess the relationship between area-based SES and malaria/diarrhea mortalities and whether these differed across SE-classes in an urban area in a low income country. Proportional mortality rates, computed from 24716 reported death records, collected from Accra over the period 1998-2002 were compared with area-based socioeconomic data in multivariate linear regression analyses in an ecological study design. While malaria mortality showed strong evidence of significant differences across the SE-quintiles (Mean PMRfd = 0.030; 95% CI = 0.010 0.049 p = 0.0008), no such differences in diarrhea mortality were observed (Mean PMRfd = 0.027; 95% CI = 0.014 0.040; p = 0.288). Analyses showed weaker associations between area-based SE-conditions and diarrhea mortality than that observed for malaria mortality. We conclude that all age urban malaria mortalities were more sensitive to changing area-based SE-conditions than diarrhea mortalities suggesting perhaps that social interventions were more effective in diarrhea control compared to malaria.

Source: UG
Aristotle on God

Aristotle’s theology as expounded in his Metaphysics is seen as radically distinct from his predecessors’ and farther still from traditional religion. Contributing to this view are three apparently peculiar conceptual features of Aristotle’s God: (i) that God is solely a final cause who moves all other things as being loved or desired; (ii) that God is a self-thinking thinking; (iii) and that God is ontologically separate from the visible cosmos. No pre-Aristotelian philosopher has adduced (i)-(iii) in an argument to the existence and nature of God; and this prompts the question of how Aristotle’s theology stands to preceding thought. This article argues that, despite appearances, the fundamental assumptions and basic elements of Aristotle’s theology and religion are an adaptation of his philosophical predecessors’, and that Aristotle differs from his predecessors only by being closer to and logically more consistent with traditional religion. This conclusion is without prejudice to the acute analytical distinctions and philosophical refinements by which Aristotle transposed preceding thought into his own.

Source: UG
Arrangements for Online Engagements of Distance Learners in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The University of Ghana Distance Education Programme was not spared from the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Management of the Department needed to make a radical move to shift from its hybrid system of delivery to a full-fledged online delivery. In spite of the limited time for this move, a lot of creative planning had to go into this, which led to a virtual training of 340 tutors, through four modules, to prepare them adequately for the task. Aside from assessing the planning and the virtual training aforementioned, this reflective paper also delves into other important issues such as the rolling out of a virtual/online academic and counselling support and architecture for monitoring of all the 228 courses that were moved onto the online space. This paper has implications for both policy and institutions that might be faced with similar circumstances, and it makes suggestions for exploration of other useful tools for delivery and monitoring that would contribute to better online engagements.

Source: UG
Arsenic leaching in mill tailings at the AngloGold Ashanti- obuasi mine, Ghana: Management of contamination in the related water environment

The study investigated arsenic (As) leaching prior to stabilization in mill tailings at the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA)-Obuasi mine in Ghana, using the toxicity characterisation leaching procedure (TCLP). Total As concentrations and pH values in TCLP leachate and related water bodies, as well as the concentration mass-time for As reduction in groundwater, were monitored. The corning pH/C107 meter and the varian atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) were used to determine pH values and total As concentrations, respectively, in TCLP leachate and water samples. Sample blanks and matrix spikes ensured quality assurance. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS 16.0 and stata 11.0. The range of total As concentrations and pH values in TCLP leachate were 0.45-8.73 mg/l and 4.3-8.4, respectively, while the results in the water bodies ranged from 0.04-7.23 mg/l and 5.8-8.4, in stream water; 0.01-2.62 mg/l and 5.4-8.0, and also less than 0.01 and 4.2-7.0 mg/l in the unsaturated and saturated ground water zones, respectively. The unsaturated ground water zone was established as the most convenient for As leaching study. Two-tailed 80% upper confidence level (ULC) for As in TCLP leachate was 2.45 mg/l. Arsenic was mostly mobilised within pH range of 6.3-8.2 and 5.8-7.6 in stream water and ground water, respectively. The mobile As required 26, 32, and 45 months degrading to compliance values of 0.10, 0.05 and 0.01 mg/l, respectively, in the groundwater.

Source: UG
Arsenic limits trace mineral nutrition (Selenium, Zinc, and Nickel) in Bangladesh rice grain

A reconnaissance of 23 paddy ﬁelds, from three Bangladesh districts, encompassing a total of 230 soil and rice plant samples was conducted to identify the extent to which trace element characteristics in soils and irrigation waters are reﬂected by the harvested rice crop. Field sites were located on two soil physiographic units with distinctly different As soil baseline and groundwater concentrations. For arsenic (As), both straw and grain trends closely ﬁtted patterns observed for the soils and water. Grain concentration characteristics for selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), however, were markedly different. Regressions of shoot and grain As against grain Se, Zn, and Ni were highly signiﬁcant (P< 0.001), exhibiting a pronounced decline in grain trace-nutrient quality with increasing As content. To validate this further, a pot experiment cultivar screening trial, involving commonly cultivated high yielding variety (HYV) rice grown alongside two U.S. rice varieties characterized as being As tolerant and susceptible, was conducted on an As amended uniform soil. Findings from the trial conﬁrmed that As perturbed grain metal(loid) balances, resulting in severe yield reductions in addition to constraining the levels of Se, Zn, and Ni in the grain.

Source: UG