ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
How chronic conditions are understood, experienced and managed within African communities in Europe, North America and Australia: A synthesis of qualitative studies

This review focuses on the lived experiences of chronic conditions among African communities in the Global North, focusing on established immigrant communities as well as recent immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities. We conducted a systematic and narrative synthesis of qualitative studies published from inception to 2022, following a search from nine databases—MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Social Science Citation Index, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, SCOPUS and AMED. 39 articles reporting 32 qualitative studies were included in the synthesis. The studies were conducted in 10 countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States) and focused on 748 participants from 27 African countries living with eight conditions: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer, sickle cell disease, chronic hepatitis, chronic pain, musculoskeletal orders and mental health conditions. The majority of participants believed chronic conditions to be lifelong, requiring complex interventions. Chronic illness impacted several domains of everyday life—physical, sexual, psycho-emotional, social, and economic. Participants managed their illness using biomedical management, traditional medical treatment and faith-based coping, in isolation or combination. In a number of studies, participants took ‘therapeutic journeys’–which involved navigating illness action at home and abroad, with the support of transnational therapy networks. Multi-level barriers to healthcare were reported across the majority of studies: these included individual (changing food habits), social (stigma) and structural (healthcare disparities). We outline methodological and interpretive limitations, such as limited engagement with multi-ethnic and intergenerational differences. However, the studies provide an important insights on a much-ignored area that intersects healthcare for African communities in the Global North and medical pluralism on the continent; they also raise important conceptual, methodological and policy challenges for national health programmes on healthcare disparities.

Source: UG
How Did Children With Disabilities Experience Education and Social Welfare During Covid‐19?

Research suggests that children with disabilities have been systemically marginalised during the Covid‐19 pandemic as con‐ tamination measures complicated some social policies. School closure, quarantine, and the increased use of social media in remote schooling have placed children with disabilities in a vulnerable situation. This article explores the subjective consequences of such processes through the analysis of qualitative interviews with parents who had children with disabil‐ ities. To contextualise our analysis, we also draw on expert interviews with bureaucrats and social workers and data from a survey that was sent out to parents who had children with disabilities. Taken together, these data sources provide a rich empirical context to study how the pandemic influenced the access of children with disabilities to education and social services in Norway. We also pay attention to how the pandemic influenced parents’ perception of social welfare in Norway and discuss how issues of race, class, and socio‐economic background were reflected in their experiences. Both interview data and survey data were gathered during the pandemic. Conceptually we take inspiration from the capability approach with a particular focus on theoretical work on “conversion factors.” These theoretical perspectives invite us to identify and analyse specific mechanisms that prevented and/or enabled children with disabilities to live a life according to their own visions and values during the pandemic. Through this study of how children with disabilities experienced education and social welfare in Norway during the pandemic, we shed new light on how one of the world’s most advanced welfare states operates during a time of crisis.

Source: UG
How do anti-money laundering systems affect FDI flows across the globe?

This paper is a systematic attempt to establish the effect of anti-money laundering (AML) systems on FDI flows across the globe. Complex and related hypotheses are tested using data from 2012 to 2018 across 165 economies across different continents, income levels, and regulatory environments. First, the paper examines the effect of AML systems on FDI flows. Second, the paper examines the nonlinearities of the AML systems-FDI nexus. Third, the paper examines whether country peculiarities such as an offshore financial centre (OFCs) or originating from Africa alters this relationship. The paper employs the two-step system GMM and the dynamic panel threshold regression techniques to test the hypotheses of the study. Generally, the paper provides evidence that AML systems positively promote FDI inflows. However, the paper finds that AML structures dampen FDIs inflows for OFCs. Further, the paper finds that the influence of AML systems on FDIs is threshold-specific. Specifically, AML systems positively impact FDIs below the threshold for our full, developing, and African country samples. At the same time, the study finds a negative impact of AML structures on FDIs above the threshold value for our full sample and developing countries. However, for Africa, the study provides evidence of a positive impact of AML systems on FDIs across the different AML structures. Again, the study finds that AML systems negatively impact FDI across all AML

Source: UG
How do food safety concerns affect consumer behaviors and diets in low and middle-income countries? A systematic review

Both food safety and dietary behaviors are major contributors to the global burden of disease, especially in rapidly urbanising environments. The impact that food safety concerns have on dietary behaviors in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is insufficiently documented. Therefore, we examined whether food safety concerns influence consumer behaviors and diets in LMICs. A systematic review identified 46 relevant studies from 20 LMICs for inclusion. A socio-ecological food environment framework was used to map food safety factors that influence consumer behaviors (food acquisition/purchase, eating out of home, food preparation/storage) and diets (consumption of nutrient-rich or poor foods). Several studies (n = 11) reported that despite food safety concerns, consumers could not always ensure that they consumed safe food; barriers were affordability, accessibilityand appeal. Key concerns included fear of pesticides and fertilizers, hygiene in and around food outlets, unhygienic vendor practices and household storage and preparation methods. These concerns may reduce consumption of animal-sourced food and fresh fruit and vegetables; and increase consumption of starchy staples and processed packaged foods. Policies such as upgrading urban market infrastructure to enhance food safety are accompanied by nutrition and hygiene education could lead to increased accessibility, affordability and appeal of safe, nutrient-rich foods. Thus, reducing the appeal of packaged/processed food as a means to mitigate food safety risk; thereby contributing to preventing foodborne disease and multiple forms of malnutrition.

Source: UG
How do Ghana’s landfills affect residential property values? A case study of two sites in Accra

Like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana lacks well-engineered sanitary landfill sites. Increased urbanization and concomitant real estate growth lead landfills to compete with residential land use, resulting in closer proximity between landfill sites and residential neighborhoods. The effects of landfills on the property values of nearby residential communities have been the subject of much debate in the developed world, where state-of-the-art and environmentally well-engineered landfills are common. However, academic and other research is inconclusive on the effects of landfills on property values in the developed countries. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by exploring the effects of landfills on residential property values in Ghana, using the Oblogo and Mallam landfills in Accra as a case study. Our analysis indicates that while landfills do depress nearby residential property values, the effects are contingent on property location relative to the level of urbanization in a community, and year of completion and total costs of property development.

Source: UG
How do Ghanaian Pentecostal Charismatic Christian university students experience well-being? – balancing the needs of self and others

ABSTRACT Conceptualisations of well-being show cultural variations. In Ghana, traditional culture emphasises collectivistic values. However, the growth of Pentecostal Charismatic Christianity has dispersed individualistic values, which may be even more pronounced in emerging adults. The aim of the current study was to explore how Ghanaian Pentecostal Charismatic Christian university students conceptualise well-being. Twelve participants belonging to different religious groups within Pentecostal Charismatic Christianity were interviewed. The interviews were then analysed with inductive thematic analysis. The results showed that the participants’ aspirations were situated in a social context with mutual dependence. They experienced well-being by contributing to family, friends, and society at large. However, at times there would be conflicts between their individual strivings and the wishes of others. Collectivistic and individualistic values seemed to have coexisted and interplayed, possibly with a stronger emphasis on traditional collectivistic values than those individualistic values transmitted through Pentecostal Charismatic Christianity.

Source: UG
How do land tenure arrangements influence adaptive responses of farmers? A study of crop farmers from semi-arid Ghana

his study investigated land tenure potential to influence farmers’ adaptive responses to climate change. A quantitative approach was employed to determine how crop farmers’ farmland tenure arrangements influence their adaptive responses to climate change impacts in the Lawra District of semi-arid north western Ghana. Field data were gathered from 248 farming households between January and May, 2017 through a multi-stage sampling procedure. About 55.2%, 45.6%, 44.4%, 80.6% and 64.5% of the farmers adopted early maturing crop varieties, zai farming techniques, agroforestry, crop rotation and adjustment in planting dates respectively as adaptive choices to the impacts of climate change. Binary logistic regression models showed that farmland size, years of land occupancy or usage, method of land acquisition and perceived level of farmland tenure

Source: UG
How do publicly procured school meals programmes in sub-Saharan Africa improve nutritional outcomes for children and adolescents: a mixed-methods systematic review

Objective: This review aimed to (i) synthesise evidence of the impact of publicly procured school meals programmes on nutritional outcomes of children/ adolescents (5–18 years) in sub-Saharan Africa and (ii) identify challenges and facilitators to implementing effective school meals programmes. Design: Mixed-methods systematic review (n 7 databases). Nutritional outcomes assessed were anthropometrics (underweight, stunting, wasting, overweight/ obesity), micronutrient deficiencies, food consumed and food environment. Qualitative findings were coded using a nine-step school food system framework: production of food, wholesale and trading, transportation and storage, processing and distribution, food preparation, distribution to students, student stakeholders, community involvement and infrastructure support. Setting: Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants: Children/adolescents (5–18 years), parents, school personnel and government officials. Results: Thirty-three studies (twenty-six qualitative, seven quantitative) from nine sub-Saharan African countries were included. Six studies found a positive impact of publicly procured school meals programmes on nutritional outcomes (wasting (n 1), stunting (n 3), underweight (n 1), vitamin A intake (n 1) and dietary diversity (n 1)). Fifty-three implementation challenges were identified, particularly during food preparation (e.g. training, payment), distribution to students (e.g. meal quantity/quality/diversity, utensils) and infrastructure support (e.g. funding, monitoring, coordination). Implementation facilitators were identified (n 37) across processing and distribution (e.g. programme coordination), student stakeholders (e.g. food preferences, reduced stigma) and community involvement (e.g. engagement, positive perceptions). Included policy recommendations targeted wholesale and trading, food preparation, student stakeholders and infrastructure support in nine, fifteen and twenty-five studies, respectively. Conclusions: As many challenges remain, strengthening implementation (and therefore the nutritional impact) of school meals programmes in sub-Saharan Africa requires bold commitment and improved coordination at multiple levels of governance.

Source: UG
How Do Publicly Procured School Meals Programmes In Sub-Saharan Africa Improve Nutritional Outcomes For Children And Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

Objective: This review aimed to (i) synthesise evidence of the impact of publicly procured school meals programmes on nutritional outcomes of children/ adolescents (5–18 years) in sub-Saharan Africa and (ii) identify challenges and facilitators to implementing effective school meals programmes. Design: Mixed-methods systematic review (n 7 databases). Nutritional outcomes assessed were anthropometrics (underweight, stunting, wasting, overweight/ obesity), micronutrient deficiencies, food consumed and food environment. Qualitative findings were coded using a nine-step school food system framework: production of food, wholesale and trading, transportation and storage, processing and distribution, food preparation, distribution to students, student stakeholders, community involvement and infrastructure support. Setting: Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants: Children/adolescents (5–18 years), parents, school personnel and government officials. Results: Thirty-three studies (twenty-six qualitative, seven quantitative) from nine sub-Saharan African countries were included. Six studies found a positive impact of publicly procured school meals programmes on nutritional outcomes (wasting (n 1), stunting (n 3), underweight (n 1), vitamin A intake (n 1) and dietary diversity (n 1)). Fifty-three implementation challenges were identified, particularly during food preparation (e.g. training, payment), distribution to students (e.g. meal quantity/quality/diversity, utensils) and infrastructure support (e.g. funding, monitoring, coordination). Implementation facilitators were identified (n 37) across processing and distribution (e.g. programme coordination), student stakeholders (e.g. food preferences, reduced stigma) and community involvement (e.g. engagement, positive perceptions). Included policy recommendations targeted wholesale and trading, food preparation, student stakeholders and infrastructure support in nine, fifteen and twenty-five studies, respectively. Conclusions: As many challenges remain, strengthening implementation (and therefore the nutritional impact) of school meals programmes in sub-Saharan Africa requires bold commitment and improved coordination at multiple levels of governance.

Source: UG
How Do We Explain Corporate Board Structure in Sub-Saharan Africa?

This study examines the determinants of corporate board structure in selected sub–Saharan Africa. We specifically investigate which firm–level characteristics exhibit any link whatsoever with board size, board composition and board leadership structure in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. We also ascertain whether alternative governance mechanisms such as institutional shareholders and debt holders serve as substitutes in addressing the agency conflicts in firms. The findings of the study indicate that institutional ownership is an alternative governance mechanism for board size for a majority of the countries under study. The findings of this study also indicate that firm size is the only variable that significantly and positively explains board size for all the four countries under study and the other firm–level characteristics, though significant in some cases in explaining the board structure, take on different signs from country to country and for different board characteristics.

Source: UG
How does dividend policy affect performance of the firm on Ghana Stock exchange?

The study examines whether dividend policy influences firm performance in Ghana. The analyses are performed using data derived from the financial statements of listed firms on the GSE during the most recent eight-year period. Ordinary Least Squares model is used to estimate the regression equation. In order to operationalise 'dividend policy'; the study coded: '1' to represent the company has a policy to pay dividend; while '0' to represent the company has a policy not to pay dividends. The results show positive relationships between return on assets, dividend policy, and growth in sales. Surprisingly, study reveals that bigger firms on the GSE perform less with respect to return on assets. The results also reveal negative associations between return on assets and dividend payout ratio, and leverage. The results of the study generally support previous empirical studies. The main value of this study is the identification of how dividend policy affects performance of firms listed on the Ghana Stock exchange. © Mohammed Amidu, 2007.

Source: UG
How Does Foreign Direct Investment affect the Export Decisions of Firms in Ghana?

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been identified to promote exports of host countries by augmenting domestic capital for exports, helping to transfer technology and new products for exports, facilitating access to new and large foreign markets, providing training for the local workforce, and upgrading technical and management skills. However, little is known on the role of FDI in the export behaviour of firms in developing countries. The main questions raised in this study are: how does FDI affect the export decisions of firms? How does FDI affect export performance of firms? This study examined the export-decision and export performance within the Ghanaian manufacturing sector on a panel of plants from 1991 to 2002. Using a probit model, the results show that FDI has a positive effect on firms' decision to export. The random effect results also reveal a positive relationship between FDI and export performance. Clearly, the results of this study indicate that FDI is very relevant in influencing the export decisions and export performance of Ghanaian firms. The findings have significant implications for policy in terms of promoting initiatives to encourage more FDI inflows in the country.

Source: UG
How does it affect service delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana? Health providers and insurance managers perspective on submission and reimbursement of claims

In 2003, the Government of Ghana launched the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable all Ghanaian residents to have access to health services at the point of care without financial difficulty. However, the system has faced a number of challenges relating to delays in submission and reimbursement of claims. This study assessed views of stakeholders on claims submission, processing and re-imbursement under the NHIS and how that affected health service delivery in Ghana. The study employed qualitative methods where in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders in three administrative regions in Ghana. Purposive sampling method was used to select health facilities and study participants for the interviews. QSR Nvivo 12 software was used to code the data into themes for thematic analysis. The results point to key barriers such as lack of qualified staff to process claims, unclear vetting procedure and the failure of National Health Insurance Scheme officers to draw the attention of health facility staff to resolve discrepancies on time. Participants perceived that lack of clarity, inaccurate data and the use of non-professional staff for NHIS claims vetting prolonged reimbursement of claims. This affected operations of credentialed health facilities including the provision of health services. It is perceived that unavailability of funds led to reuse of disposable medical supplies in health service delivery in credentialed health facilities. Stakeholders suggested that submission of genuine claims by health providers and regular monitoring of health facilities reduces errors on claims reports and delays in reimbursement of claims. Long delays in claims reimbursement, perceived vetting discrepancies affect health service delivery. Thus, effective collaboration of all stakeholders is necessary in order to develop a long-term strategy to address the issue under the NHIS to improve health service delivery.

Source: UG
How does it affect service delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana? Health providers and insurance managers perspective on submission and reimbursement of claims

Introduction In 2003, the Government of Ghana launched the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable all Ghanaian residents to have access to health services at the point of care without financial difficulty. However, the system has faced a number of challenges relating to delays in submission and reimbursement of claims. This study assessed views of stakeholders on claims submission, processing and re-imbursement under the NHIS and how that affected health service delivery in Ghana. Methods The study employed qualitative methods where in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders in three administrative regions in Ghana. Purposive sampling method was used to select health facilities and study participants for the interviews. QSR Nvivo 12 software was used to code the data into themes for thematic analysis. Results The results point to key barriers such as lack of qualified staff to process claims, unclear vetting procedure and the failure of National Health Insurance Scheme officers to draw the attention of health facility staff to resolve discrepancies on time. Participants perceived that lack of clarity, inaccurate data and the use of non-professional staff for NHIS claims vetting prolonged reimbursement of claims. This affected operations of credentialed health facilities including the provision of health services. It is perceived that unavailability of funds led to reuse of disposable medical supplies in health service delivery in credentialed health facilities. Stakeholders suggested that submission of genuine claims by health providers and regular monitoring of health facilities reduces errors on claims reports and delays in reimbursement of claims. Conclusion Long delays in claims reimbursement, perceived vetting discrepancies affect health service delivery. Thus, effective collaboration of all stakeholders is necessary in order to develop a long-term strategy to address the issue under the NHIS to improve health service delivery.

Source: UG