ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Mistreatment of women during childbirth and postpartum depression: secondary analysis of WHO community survey across four countries

Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a leading cause of disability globally with estimated prevalence of approximately 20% in low-income and middle-income countries. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with PPD following mistreatment during facility-based childbirth. Method This secondary analysis used data from the community survey of postpartum women in Ghana, Guinea, Myanmar and Nigeria for the WHO study, ‘How women are treated during facility-based childbirth’. PPD was defined using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) tool. Inferential analyses were done using the generalised ordered partial proportional odds model. Results Of the 2672women, 39.0% (n=1041) developed PPD. 42.2% and 5.2% of mistreated women developed minimal/mild PPD and moderate/severe PPD, respectively. 43.0% and 50.6% of women who experienced verbal abuse and stigma/discrimination, respectively developed minimal/mild PPD. 46.3% of women who experienced physical abuse developed minimal/mild PPD while 7.6% of women who experienced stigma/discrimination developed moderate/severe PPD. In the adjusted model, women who were physically abused, verbally abused and stigma/ discrimination compared with those who were not were more likely to experience any form of PPD ((OR: 1.57 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.06)), (OR: 1.42 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.69)) and (OR: 1.69 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.78))), respectively. Being single and having higher education were associated with reduced odds of experiencing PPD. Conclusion PPD was significantly prevalent among women who experienced mistreatment during childbirth. Women who were single, and had higher education had lower odds of PPD. Countries should implement women centred policies and programmes to reduce mistreatment of women and improve women’s postnatal experiences.

Source: UG
Mitigating Corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Heterogeneity in Corruption Levels Matter?

In line with Africa’s Agenda 2063 goal 12 of improving governance and building accountability institutions, this article contributes to the literature by examining corruption determinants using survey data from the Afrobarometer. Quantile regression estimates across 31 sub-Saharan African countries show that the effects of the determinants of corruption are heterogeneous across the quantiles. We observe that press freedom, parliamentary oversight, and human development have a reducing effect on corruption, whereas government size, ethnic fractionalization, and bureaucratic quality appear to exert a significant positive effect on corruption. Given the heterogeneity of findings, the “one size fits all” strategy in fighting corruption could be inadequate in mitigating corruption in SSA.

Source: UG
Mitigating occupational stress: The role of psychological capital

This study examined the impact of occupational stress on psychological well-being looking at the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in the occupational stress and psychological well-being relationship. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 290 participants. The collected data was analyzed using a Pearson r test and hierarchical regression. Analysis of the data showed that psychological well-being (PWB) related negatively with occupational stress and positively with PsyCap. It was also found that PsyCap mediated fully the relationship between occupational stress and PWB thereby rendering nonsignificant the negative effects of occupational stress on PWB. In addition, the study found that, efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism (components of PsyCap) mediated partially the occupational stress–PWB relationship thereby reducing the negative effect of occupational stress on psychological well-being. It is concluded that PsyCap has the ability to buffer the negative consequences of occupational stress on psychological well-being.

Source: UG
Mitigating the scourge of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Ghana

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is fast becoming the leading cause of liver disease in Western countries, affecting 25% of the general population1 and increasing to 90% of obese individuals with diabetes and other features of the metabolic syndrome.2 Moreover, its prevalence is expected to continue to rise in parallel with the obesity epidemic due to the adoption of sedentary lifestyle and increased consumption of high fat diet.3 In the United States, NAFLD is expected to become the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) within the next 10 years.4 NAFLD is currently considered to be a major health burden in developed countries and is gradually increasing in developing countries due to urbanization and change in lifestyle habits, particularly in the countries of Arabian Gulf (with the highest incidence in the world), but it cannot be ignored in West Africa, where the problem is becoming steadily more prevalent

Source: UG
Mitochondria as Pharmacological Targets: the Discovery of novel Anti-obesity Mitochondrial Uncouplers from Africa’s Medicinal Plants

Obesity results from prolonged positive imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. When food intake chronically exceeds the body’s energy need, an efficient metabolism results in the storage of the excess energy as fat. Mitochondria are the main centre for energy production in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondrial proton cycling is responsible for a significant proportion of basal or standard metabolic rate, therefore, further uncoupling of mitochondria may be a good way to increase energy expenditure and hence represent a good pharmacological target for the treatment of obesity. This implies that, any chemical agent or photochemical compound that further uncouples the mitochondria in vivo without having any effect on mitochondria activity could be a potential target in finding treatment for obesity. In the past, uncoupling by 2, 4-dinitrophenol has been used this way with notable success. This paper discusses the mitochondria as targets in the discovery of potential plant natural anti-obesity products from Africa’s rich rainforests.

Source: UG
Mitochondria in living cells cultured from human chorionic villi: the effects of colchicine on numbers and distribution

Fluorescence microscopy of living first trimester human placental cells and choriocarcinoma cells in cultures was carried out using the vital fluorescent dye Rhodamine 123. The length and distribution of mitochondria and, in the normal cells, their reaction to colchicine treatment is described. It appears that in the presence of colchicine the distribution of mitochondria in normal placental cells becomes more restricted to the perinuclear cytoplasm and that the mean length of mitochondria is reduced. However, the total length of all the mitochondria in treated cells is not significantly different from that in paired cells which were not exposed to the drug. It is inferred from this result that mitochondrial shortening in the presence of colchicine is not an elastic shortening consequent on the removal of cytoskeletal elements which promote extension of the organelle. Rather it is brought about by fragmentation of the organelle into tandem segments.

Source: UG
Mitochondria-dependent apoptogenic activity of the aqueous root extract of Croton membranaceus against human BPH-1 cells

Croton membranaceus aqueous root extract (CMARE) is among the widely used phytotherapeutics in Ghana for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. However, the mechanism of action of CMARE remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to establish whether apoptosis is involved in the antiproliferative effect of CMARE on human BPH-1 cells. We determined the effect of treatment with 0, 1, 3, and 5 mg/mL CMARE for 24, 48, and 72 h on the viability and morphology of BPH-1 cells using the MMT assay and phase-contrast microscopy, respectively. We examined the apoptosis-inducing effects of CMARE after 48 h at the cellular level using Hoescht 33258 and JC-1 dye staining and flow cytometry analysis. We performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to confirm the apoptotic effects of CMARE at the molecular level. CMARE induced a significant dose-dependent inhibition in the proliferation of BPH-1 cells (P &lt; 0.05) and an alteration in their morphology and a reduction their density. Furthermore, CMARE induced dose-dependent staining of the nuclear chromatin, significant DNA fragmentation with G0/G1 sub-diploid cells (P &lt; 0.01), and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential in the treated cells compared to the controls after 48 h (P &lt; 0.01). Additionally, while CMARE induced a significant upregulation of the mRNA and protein levels of Bax, those of Bcl2 did not change significantly. Therefore, induction of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis of BPH-1 cells may be a possible mechanism of action of CMARE. © FUNPEC-RP.

Source: UG
Mitochondrial DNA density of peripheral white blood cells as a possible bio-marker of migratory status in partially migrating bird populations

With the novelty of bird banding, radar studies, satellite tracking and systematic field observations, major advances have been made in understanding the complexity of bird migration. However, in the quest to determine the migratory status of individuals in partially migrating bird populations, most of these methods come with major disadvantages. Given that the proportion of migrants and non-migrants in partial migration populations could indicate trends in the success of the migratory process and the selection pressure on migratory bird populations, the need for research into identifying an affordable and direct method of determining the migratory status of partial migrants cannot be overemphasized. This paper generates a new platform for research into Distinguishing individuals in a partially migratory populations based on acquired differences in mitochondrial biogenesis. The complexity of this kind of research and the variety of skills required for its execution, calls for the promotion of the idea. Copyright © EM International.

Source: UG
Mitochondrial electron transport chain function is enhanced in inspiratory muscles of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inspiratory muscles face increased resistive and elastic workloads and therefore increased energy requirements. The adaptive response of these muscles to this higher energy demand includes increased oxidative enzymes and changes in contractile protein expression but the consequences on mitochondrial function and energy metabolism have not been assessed so far. We investigated the in situ properties of the mitochondria of costal diaphragm and external intercostal muscles using the skinned fiber technique in 9 emphysematous and 11 age-matched control patients. Biopsies obtained during thoracic surgery were placed in an oxygraphic chamber to measure maximal oxygen uptake. We observed that the maximal oxidative capacity of diaphragm and external intercostal muscles increased significantly in the emphysematous group compared with the control group (+135 and +37%, respectively). Significant correlations were found between the maximal oxidative capacity and patients' pulmonary indexes of obstruction (diaphragm: r = -0.637, intercostal: r = -0.667, p < 0.005) and hyperinflation (diaphragm: r = 0.639, p < 0.003, intercostal: r = 0.634, p < 0.01). Slow myosin heavy chain isoform increased in the diaphragm of the emphysematous group, with significant relationships between indexes of obstruction and hyperinflation and activities of biochemical mitochondrial markers. Thus, severe emphysema was associated with increased mitochondrial capacity and efficiency in the inspiratory muscles, supporting an endurance training-like effect.

Source: UG
Mitochondrial genetic background in Ghanaian patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Prevalence rates for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) are significantly higher in Africans than in European or Asians. It has been reported recently that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages of African origin, excluding L2, conferred susceptibility to POAG in Saudi Arabia. This prompted us to test the role of mtDNA haplogroups in the incidence of POAG in the Ghanaian population who has a high frequency of L2 lineages. METHODS: DNA was extracted from two independent cohorts of clinically diagnosed POAG patients (n=373) and healthy controls (n=451). All patients and controls were from Accra and Tema (the southern region of Ghana). The hypervariable region-I (HVS-I) and coding regions comprising mtDNA haplogroup diagnostic polymorphisms were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified and sequenced in all patients and controls and the haplotypes obtained were assorted into haplogroups and their frequencies compared between cohorts. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in mtDNA haplogroup frequencies between POAG patients and matched controls in this cohort for the various mtDNA haplogroups tested. CONCLUSIONS: In this Ghanaian cohort, mtDNA haplogroups do not seem to confer susceptibility to POAG.

Source: UG
Mitochondrial ophthalmoplegia with fatigable weakness and elevated acetylcholine receptor antibody

A 25-year-old man with chronically progressive ptosis and bilateral ophthalmoplegia displayed fatigability and fluctuation of ptosis, an abnormal single-fiber electromyogram, and a markedly elevated acetylcholine receptor antibody level. Yet a muscle biopsy showed clear evidence of a mitochondrial cytopathy, and the clinical features did not improve after treatment with prednisone. This case emphasizes the difficulty in differentiating mitochondrial cytopathy from myasthenia gravis and points out that elevated acetylcholine receptor antibody levels may occur in nonmyasthenic conditions.

Source: UG
A mixed method study exploring adherence to and acceptability of small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) among pregnant and lactating women in Ghana and Malawi

Background: Supplementing pregnant and lactating mothers with small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) has resulted in improvements in birth outcomes in some low-income settings. In order to be effective, SQ-LNS must be consumed regularly over sustained periods. Methods: The objective was to assess and compare acceptability of and adherence to SQ-LNS consumption among pregnant and lactating women in Ghana and Malawi throughout 12 months of supplementation. We enrolled women before 20 gestation weeks into randomized trials in Ghana (n=1320) and Malawi (n=869). In the SQ-LNS group participants received a 20 g sachet of supplement per day during pregnancy and the first 6 months of lactation. In the control groups participants received multiple micronutrients (MMN) during pregnancy and lactation or iron and folic acid (IFA) during pregnancy and calcium during lactation. We used questionnaires to collect data on self-reported adherence to daily use of supplements and conducted in-depth interviews with women in the SQ-LNS group to examine acceptability. Results: The mean self-reported adherence during the supplementation period was lower in Ghana (79.9 %) than in Malawi (91.7 %) for all supplements (difference 11.8 %, P<0.001). Over time, adherence increased in Malawi but decreased in Ghana. In both countries, adherence in the SQ-LNS group was non-inferior to that in the control groups. Participants typically reported consuming SQ-LNS as instructed but when interviewers queried about experiences, most of the women described incidents of non-adherence. A usual reason for not consuming SQ-LNS was nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Especially in Malawi, women reported sharing SQ-LNS with families and friends. Sustained use of SQ-LNS was attributed to expected health benefits and favorable sensory attributes. Often women compared their pregnancy to previous ones, and were of the view that SQ-LNS made a positive difference. Conclusion: Self-reported sustained adherence to consume SQ-LNS daily was high in both sites but lower in Ghana than in Malawi. In Ghana, adherence decreased over time whereas in Malawi adherence increased. Acceptability and adherence appeared interlinked, complex and context-related. Sustained consumption of SQ-LNS may require tailoring interventions by context. Trial registration: The Ghana trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00970866, and the Malawi trial as NCT01239693.

Source: UG
Mixed methods exploration of Ghanaian women’s domestic work, childcare and effects on their mental health

This research paper aims to understand the effects of time spent in domestic work, including childcare, on women’s mental health in Ghana. The paper adopted a triangulation convergence mixed methods approach. The quantitative information was sourced from two waves (2009/ 2014) of the Ghana Socioeconomic Panel Survey (GSEPS) while qualitative information was obtained from in-depth interviews with couples and key informants from five (5) regions, representing diverse ethnic backgrounds, in Ghana. Employing fixed effects regressions and a multinomial logistic regression model with fixed effects, we find that domestic work contributes to poorer mental health outcomes among women. These results are consistent, even when we correct for potential self-selectivity of women into domestic work. We also examine whether the relationship is differentiated between women of higher and lower socioeconomic status. We find that women from wealthier households who spend increasing time in domestic work have higher odds of mental distress. These results are supported by the qualitative data- women indicate increasing stress levels from domestic work and while some husbands acknowledge the situation of their overburdened wives and make attempts, however minor, to help, others cite social norms and cultural expectations that act as a deterrent to men’s assistance with domestic work. Efforts should be made to lessen the effects of social and cultural norms which continue to encourage gendered distributions of domestic work. This may be done through increased education, sensitization and general re-socialization of both men and women about the need for more egalitarian divisions of household work.

Source: UG
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation: A Catalyst for Promoting Good Governance in Africa?

Over the last decade, the concept of good governance has been highly canvassed for across the world. For Africa in particular, the concept has been viewed as a panacea for its increasing challenges in governance and sustainable economic development. This has necessitated development partners such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to spell out a set of principles to guide their objectives in member countries. To a large extent, these external influences have not been entirely without challenges. The 21st century Africa has instituted mechanisms and initiatives that seek to drive its own governance crusade across the world. Further, other private individuals like Dr Mo Ibrahim of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) have sought to use his wealth and expertise to help Africa rise from the doldrums of bad governance. The MIF seeks to ensure good and accountable governance and transparent leadership across the fifty-four (54) states of Africa through its initiatives: the Ibrahim Index of African Governance; the Ibrahim Prize; the Ibrahim Forum and the Ibrahim Fellowship. Using a qualitative research methodology, unstructured interviews, observation techniques and other secondary sources of data the research has gained insights on the perceptions of some people about the Foundation. The findings affirm the hypothesis that the MIF is a catalyst for promoting good governance in Africa.

Source: UG
Mobile agricultural extension delivery and climate-smart agricultural practices in a time of a pandemic: Evidence from southern Ghana

During the Covid-19 era, Ghana’s cocoa sector relied heavily on mobile phone agriculture for extension delivery services, aiming to enhance climate-smart agricultural activities and overcome physical limitations. However, there is limited literature on the role of mobile phones in extension delivery during the pandemic. The study investigated the effectiveness of mobile phone agriculture in extension delivery and its relationship with climate smart agricultural practices in Ghana’s cocoa sector during the pandemic. The study selected 152 community extension agents in the Ashanti Region. The cross-sectional data was estimated using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations Pearson, Point Biserial, Spearman rho, and ordinary least squares regression. The result indicates a positive correlation between mobile phone agriculture extension delivery and climate-smart agricultural practices. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between climate-smart practices and factors such as knowledge, skills, frequency, and intensity of phone use. However, years of experience and age showed a negative relationship. The findings showed that funding, knowledge of use, and years of experience as influential factors in climate-smart agricultural activities facilitated by mobile phone extensions. To reach un derserved cocoa communities, the Ghana Cocoa Board must enhance the capacity of community extension agents. Countries considering an intensive adoption of mobile phone agriculture for innovative extension ser vices in climate-smart agriculture should consider factors like knowledge, skills, duration, frequency, and financial investments in acquiring, converting, applying, protecting, and distributing climate-smart agricultural information. The study contributes to mitigating the negative impact of climate change through the application of climate-smart information in agriculture.

Source: UG
Mobile Banking Adoption among the Ghanaian Youth

This paper examines the behavioral intentions of Ghanaian youth toward mobile banking as a service delivery channel. Relying on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT), the study further investigates the factors that influence the intention of individuals to adopt mobile banking. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on business students from a large public university in Ghana and a total of 517 valid responses from the respondents were used in the empirical analysis. The hypothesized relationships were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling technique. Results of this study demonstrate that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, relative advantage, and complexity are the key predictors of intentions to adopt mobile banking technology in Ghana. Moreover, the results demonstrate that complexity has a positive influence on perceived ease of use while relative advantage was also found to impact positively on perceived usefulness. Taken together, these results confirm the applicability of the TAM and IDT models in predicting technology adoption in different contexts

Source: UG