ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
THE MENSTRUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN A GHANAIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY

Introduction: Menstrual disorders are common among females of reproductive age and are a major cause of gynaecological referrals. They result from various individual, family, socioeconomic and environmental factors. It is important to understand these variations in the menstrual cycle to help premenopausal women cope better with them and proffer treatment where necessary. However, in Ghana, there exist a paucity of literature on disturbance in the menstrual cycle, especially among University students. Objectives: This study is an attempt to add to the body of knowledge on menstrual issues females experience. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving two hundred female undergraduate students of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana. Data was analysed using standardized and acceptable statistical tools. Results: Our results show that most of the females were in their early twenties (92.6%), with the average age of menarche being 12.7 + 0.12 years. Most respondents (49.2%) attained menarche at ages 12 and 13. Furthermore, some females had irregular cycles (17.7%) and the most common symptoms experienced by these cohorts were menstrual pain, mood changes and tiredness, accounting for 74%, 52.5% and 33% respectively. Conclusion: Our study has shown that Ghanaian undergraduate students are not left out of the disturbances in the menstrual cycle and can indeed be a source of worry and concern to them and their families. Primary healthcare physicians and Specialists should be aware of this so as to give appropriate therapy and care in order to improve their quality of life.

Source: UCC
Menstrual Characteristics, Disorders and Associated Risk Factors among Female International Students in Zhejiang Province, China: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Until now, no previous study has addressed the menstrual patterns among female international students in China. In this present study, our objectives are to ascertain the menstrual characteristics and address the menstrual problems together with their associated risk factors among international students in China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 500 previously piloted self-structured questionnaires which were administered to female international students enrolled in 15 universities in Zhejiang Province, China from May 2–August 31, 2016. Participants were required to provide answers to a semi-structured questionnaire which asked questions about their socio-demographics and their menstrual characteristics while in their home countries. Relevant changes in their menstrual pattern in terms of amount of flow and duration, regularity, length and suggestive symptoms for premenstrual syndrome in the months after coming to reside in China were also inquired. Respondents indicated changes in eating habits and selected stressors relevant to them from a given list. Their stress levels were assessed and further categorized with the help of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Measurements for the main outcomes included the characteristics of menstrual patterns after arrival in China, stress levels, stressors and new lifestyle patterns. Results: Four hundred and nine (81.8%) out of the 500 questionnaires met the criteria and constituted the population for this study. The respondents’ mean age was 21.405 years. Almost half of our respondents (49.1%) reported varying changes in their menstrual pattern after arrival to China. Although, menstrual regularity, normal menstrual length (21-35 days) and duration of flow (3–7 days) remained fairly normal among most of the respondents, disorders like premenstrual symptoms (PMS) (33.82%); abnormal amount (17.97%) and dysmenorrhea (16.38%) were prevalent. There was a significant association between high stress (PSS > 20) and menstrual change 0R = 1.636, 95% CI 1.051–2.547, p = 0.029) and dysmenorhea (p = 0.037). Common stressors included language barrier 81(25.88%), food 64(20.45%), and loneliness 56(17.89%). Conclusion: Menstrual disorders are high among international students in China. We established premenstrual symptoms as the most common menstrual disorder. High levels of stress (PSS > 20) emanating from factors including the language barrier, diet and loneliness was significantly related to the disruptions in their menstruation.

Source: UCC
Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices Among Adolescent Girls in the Kassena Nankana East Municipality

Adolescent girls may enter into menarche without any basic information about menstruation. This can make it challenging for them to efficiently manage their periods. It can also result in low confidence levels and deny them the free will to participate in social activities. This study, examined menstrual hygiene management practices and adolescents’ social interactions in the Kassena Nankana East Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study used qualitative design, adopting the interpretivist paradigm. Data from adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The analysis was presented with text and quotations using the thematic approach. The results found reports of dysmenorrhea among menstruating girls, inadequate knowledge prior to menarche, lack of financial support for girls to purchase menstrual hygiene products, inadequate WASH facilities and widespread socio-cultural misconception about menstruation and menstrual blood. It was also found that menstruation restricts girls’ social interactions and school attendance. The findings highlight the need for the provision of credible information on menstruation, WASH facilities and proper financial support to be able to buy basic hygiene products for both in-and-out of school girls. Provision of free sanitary pads for in school adolescent girls is particularly essentia

Source: UCC
Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices Among Adolescent Girls in the Kassena Nankana East Municipality

Adolescent girls may enter into menarche without any basic information about menstruation. This can make it challenging for them to efficiently manage their periods. It can also result in low confidence levels and deny them the free will to participate in social activities. This study, examined menstrual hygiene management practices and adolescents’ social interactions in the Kassena Nankana East Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study used qualitative design, adopting the interpretivist paradigm. Data from adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The analysis was presented with text and quotations using the thematic approach. The results found reports of dysmenorrhea among menstruating girls, inadequate knowledge prior to menarche, lack of financial support for girls to purchase menstrual hygiene products, inadequate WASH facilities and widespread socio-cultural misconception about menstruation and menstrual blood. It was also found that menstruation restricts girls’ social interactions and school attendance. The findings highlight the need for the provision of credible information on menstruation, WASH facilities and proper financial support to be able to buy basic hygiene products for both in-and-out of school girls. Provision of free sanitary pads for in school adolescent girls is particularly essential.

Source: UCC
Mental Health and Experiences of Deportees from Libya Resident in the Techiman and Nkoranza South Municipalities

This study sought to assess the mental health and experiences of deportees from Libya resident in the Techiman and Nkoranza South Municipalities. Specifically, it sought to examine the prevalence of mental health disorders among deportees in the study area, appraise the challenges faced by deportees, assessing the social support services available to deportees and the coping strategies adopted by these deportees. Quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques were used. The study used structured questionnaire (n =169) and in-depth interviews (IDIs =30) to collect data from deportees and key informants. The results of the data analysis showed that, deportees from Libya living in Techiman and Nkoranza South Municipalities suffer various degrees of mental health disorders (Depression, anxiety, suicide ideation). These mental health disorders are made worse by stigma, unemployment, loss of investments and lack of decent accommodation. Lack of proper social support from relevant agencies to improve the well being of the deportees in the study area is a major issue, which could precipitate mental health problems. Healthy coping strategies adopted by deportees will go a long way to improve the mental health state of deportees in the Techiman and Nkoranza South Municipalities. It is therefore recommended that the relevant institutions must engage the services of professional counselors to counsel the deportees upon arrival to help reduce stress and the possibility of developing mental health disorders. Government must strengthen social support services championed by the social welfare and other relevant institutions in areas noted to have high number of deportees.

Source: UCC
Mental Health And Psychological Well-Being Assessment Of People Living With Hiv/Aids In Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

This study aimed to investigate the mental health and psychological well-being of PLHIV who used HIV-related services at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital to guide the design of effective mental health-related treatments for PLHIV. Data from PLHIV who visited the ART clinic was gathered using a mixed-method approach that included a survey and in-depth interviews, utilising a questionnaire and interview guide. The data were analysed using descriptive summary measures, multivariable logistic regression, bivariate correlation, and theme analysis. The results showed that 28.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.4-33.3), 40.8% (95% CI 36.0-45.8), 10.6% (95% CI 7.9-14.1), 30.1% (95% CI 25.6-34.9), and 45.3% (95% CI 40.4-50.2) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) reported experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and poor self-esteem. Women reported notably higher levels of stress (12.6%; 95% CI 9.4-17.0), anxiety (44.0%; 95% CI 38.4-49.6), and depression (32.2%; 95% CI 11.1-26.4) compared to men, who had lower rates of depression (17.5%; 95% CI 11.1-26.4), anxiety (30.9%; 95% CI 22.5-40.7), and stress (4.1%; 95% CI 1.2-10.4). Additionally, PLHIV without a regular partner had a 0.63 times higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety compared to those with a regular partner (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-1.00; p = 0.049). PLHIV, with no formal education, had increased odds of experiencing both anxiety and stress by approximately 0.49 and 0.44. Further, qualitative analysis shows coping approaches, including health-related elements, spirituality and religion, support networks, and behavioural changes to optimise their condition. The findings point to the necessity of incorporating context-specific therapies to lessen the psychological burden brought on by HIV.

Source: UCC
Mental Health and Resilience of Hotel Employees During Covid-19 Outbreak: The Case of Ghanaian Hotels used as Quarantine Facilities

The COVID-19 pandemic attracted some scholarly attention especially pertaining to its impact on employees’ mental health in developed nations. The study sought to assess the mental health and resilience of employees at hotels used as quarantine facilities during COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana. Two hundred and fifty (250) hotel employees at work when their workplaces served as quarantine centres in Accra were conveniently sampled. Data analysis was done with descriptive statistics, Crosstabs and Correlation. The results indicated a relative adherence to COVID- 19 safety protocols by hotels and employees possibly because of the preventive training sessions so most employees were not quarantined despite the seeming inadequate protocol materials and lack of motivational packages. The degree of the severity levels of COVID-19 induced mental health was high with a recorded high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress. Employees educational levels coupled with their monthly income had significant relationship with COVID-19 induced stress. Relatively, there was low levels of resilience during the pandemic which reflected in a negative but significant relationship with the components of mental health. Ultimately, there was positive and significant relationship between the three mental health components. The study recommended that government must resource and empower more research to provide more diversified but still relevant information on employees mental health and outcomes of such researches could help formulate and design mental health policies and programmes, psychology/guidance and counselling units must be incorporated into hotels to monitor and take care of employees psychological needs to prepare them for eventualities and ultimately employees must utilise all opportunities that their workplaces and Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) provide them in terms of mental health education.

Source: UCC
Mentees’ social studies curriculum conceptions and their classroom practices in the junior high schools (JHSS) in Ghana

Researching on Colleges of Education (CoE) final year teacher-trainees’ (mentees) Social Studies curriculum conceptions and their classroom practices in the Junior High Schools (JHS) in Ghana has become indispensable since the subject introduced solely to right the wrong in society is taught mostly by diploma teachers from the country’s thirty-eight public Colleges of Education. Qualitatively, interpretative research technique was carefully chosen for this study. Non-probability sampling method was used. Classroom observation and interview outcomes of teacher-trainees were triangulated for consistency. Ratings of the observation were put into weighted average. The study revealed that School Based Assessment (SBA) was essentially not focused on attitudes and values; that is, affective skills development. Assessments were of mainly lower level of understanding like knowledge and comprehension. For the teaching of social studies to makeover, it is recommended that Social Studies tutors of CoE should hold it a duty to help students have better, more realistic ideas about the multiple realities of what constitutes Social Studies in the real world since they (teachers) influence what is taught.

Source: UCC
Mentoring As A Tool For Improving Teacher Effectiveness In Gbewaa And St. John Bosco Colleges Of Education

This study employed a phenomenology design to explore how the mentoring arrangements in place in the Gbewaa and St. John Bosco Colleges of Education (CoEs) were helping newly appointed tutors to settle into their job roles and how it promotes effective teaching and learning. The census sampling technique was used to get 24 participants; 10 mentors, and 14 mentees for the study. Two in-depth interview guides were designed; one for the mentors and the other for mentees. Data were analyzed using inductive content techniques. The study found that different benefits of mentoring are accrued to mentors and mentees in the dyadic relationship in the two Colleges of education. The mentors enjoy social capital, acquisition of managerial skills, and intrinsic satisfaction. On the other hand, the mentees gain psycho-social and career advancement benefits. Furthermore, the study found that the mentorship arrangements had two dimensions of impact on tutors in the two Colleges. These include impacts on the teaching activities and impacts on the personal abilities of tutors. With the former dimensions of impacts, mentoring positively affected the teaching methods, assessments of students, and the tutor’s relationship with students and colleagues. Whereas with the latter, the mentorship enabled tutors to have control over the classroom as well as improve personal abilities. Based on the findings of the study, the study concludes that more independent and self-motivated managers are produced from the side of the mentors and well-trained and progressive staff are produced from the side of the mentees. The study further concludes that there is improvement in the methods of teaching, students and tutor’s relationship, and improvement in the confidence level of the mentees. The study, therefore, recommends that the management of the two Colleges should formalize the mentorship program so that every tutor that is posted here should be mentored because the mentorship will improve their teaching activities and personal abilities.

Source: UCC
Mentoring experiences of female administrators in the University of Cape Coast

Over the years, the number of female employees in management positions has seen a steady increase yet females are in the minority of such management positions in most organisations. One of the strategies suggested to help women overcome the challenges to their career advancement is mentoring. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to explore the mentoring experiences of female administrators (non-teaching female senior members) and its influence on their careers in the University of Cape Coast. A case study design with a qualitative approach was adopted for the study. The snowball sampling technique was adopted to identify the study participants. In all, seventeen (17) female administrators were interviewed. The thematic analysis approach was used in analysing the recorded interviews. The study revealed that mentees encountered both positive and negative experiences with their mentors. These experiences as reported by the mentees largely emanated from some lapses in the structure of the programme. Nevertheless, it was revealed that the mentoring programme had an appreciable influence over the career and personal development of most of the mentees. The study, therefore, recommends that the mentoring programme at the University of Cape Coast should be sustained since it plays an important role in the career development of employees (females). Management of the University of Cape Coast should take immediate steps to develop a mentoring policy or if such policy already exists, it should be made readily available to both mentors and mentees to guide the mentoring process. Finally, periodic mentoring should be conducted to enhance the effectiveness of the programme.

Source: UCC
Mentorship In Nursing: Stakeholders’ Perspectives About The Integration In The Tamale Teaching Hospital

Mentorship is known to address the challenges Newly Registered Nurses are likely to face during their transition into independent nursing practice and provide a smooth sail towards the attainment of professional growth and development. This study sought to explore stakeholders’ views about the integration of mentorship into new nurses’ transition into nursing practice. A qualitative-exploratory-descriptive design was used in this study. In all, 15 participants (6 nurse managers, 8 newly registered nurses, and 1 regional officer of the NMCG) were purposively selected. Data was collected using a structured interview guide, and analysed by means of thematic analysis. The study found the following: First, experienced nurses mentor new nurses by teaching, guiding, and providing career support to them. Second, training programme for experienced nurses, motivating experienced nurses, and formulating a policy to guide mentorship facilitate mentoring practices. Third, lack of knowledge, lack of motivation for experienced nurses, lack of time, work pressure and poor attitude of newly qualified nurses were considered barriers to mentorship. Fourth, friendly mentor-mentee relationship, effective assignment of mentees to mentors, awareness creation, formulating and implementing a mentorship policy may guarantee the integration of a mentorship program into nursing profession of Ghana. Essentially, the study findings provide valuable information on experienced nurses’ mentoring activities, the facilitators and barriers to mentorship, as well as the strategies for incorporating mentorship into the profession of nursing in Ghana, which could lead to the integration of mentorship into newly registered nurses’ transition into independent nursing practice in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Mentor’s Perception of Their Roles and Its Impact on Mentees in Partner Schools in Akatsi - South District

This study sought to investigate mentors’ perceptions of their roles and its impact on mentees professional preparation in the partner schools in Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana. The sample was drawn from three partner schools. A total of sixty respondents participated in the study. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22. The analysis involved summarizing the data in the form of descriptive statistics to answer the research questions while various inferential statistical tools were used to test the various hypothesis investigated. The first and second hypothesis were tested using General Linear Model (GLM). The 3rd and 5th hypothesis were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient while hypothesis 4 was subjected to T-Test of independence test. The findings of the study revealed that the mentees agreed that they receive quality of support from their mentors while the mentors perceived as high the quality of preparation given them to perform their roles. The study noted that the impact that mentors had made on mentees was strong. They agreed that the mentoring strategies used for them had great impact on them as mentees. The respondents also agreed that the mentoring programme had positive impact in partner schools in terms of learners’ achievement. It is recommended that mentoring programmes should be organized for the mentors more often.

Source: UCC
Menu design and food choice among customers of upscale restaurants in the Accra Metropolis

Menu design has the potential of influencing restaurant customers‟ food choice (Baiomy & Jones, 2016; Ozdemir & Caliskan, 2015). Although menu design and customers‟ food choice have attracted the attention of both academics and practitioners, the link between these two concepts have rarely been examined in the literature. Additionally, the attributes of menu design have not been clearly identified by previous researchers. This study sought to examine the effects of menu design on customers‟ food choice in upscale restaurants. Based on an extensive review of the literature on menu design and customers‟ food choice, the various menu design attributes were identified. The Mehrabian-Russell (1974) Stimulus-Organism-Response model was adapted for the conceptual framework of the study. Data was obtained from 390 respondents and was analysed using SPSS and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS). Like previous studies, this study also came out that menu design influenced customers‟ food choice. The study also revealed that not all the menu design attributes have a significant influence on customers‟ choice of food items. Menu item description (MID) ironically did not influence customers‟ choice of food items. Owing to this, it is recommended that industry professionals must pay more attention to menu design attributes in order to maximize sales.

Source: UCC