ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Urbanization, climate change and health vulnerabilities in slum communities in Ghana

Introduction: Rapid population growth, increased migration, surge urbanization and human settlement chal lenges have become defining features of most African cities. Accra, the capital of Ghana, is no exception as its fast-urbanizing processes and associated housing challenges have seen the emergence of slum communities in and around the city. While slum communities are not new in Accra nor in Ghana, what is worrying is the current pace of emergence, the state of such communities, population density and levels of vulnerability. Even more worrying are the observed impacts of climate-induced extreme weather events on such commu nities and attendant health consequences. Methodology: Focusing on some slum communities in and around the city of Accra, this paper investigates the environmental health conditions of slum communities and how such conditions converge with climate change impact manifestations to increase disease burden. The paper employed a concurrent triangulation mixed method approach to simultaneously gather data from randomly selected slum communities in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and La-Nkwantanang Madina municipality to explore possible correlations between current changes in climate and public health challenges. Conclusion: The results affirm a correlation between observed climate change impacts and prevailing health conditions in the selected slum communities. There is ample evidence to signal both direct and indirect link ages between climate-induced weather events and increased prevalence of diseases such as malaria, diar rhea, cholera, skin disease, lung diseases, as well as the emergence of novel diseases in the target slum communities. The study, ultimately, succeeds in demonstrating the nexus of climate change, health, and urbanization.

Source: UG
Uric Acid Levels in Patients on Antituberculosis Drugs in the Southwest Region of Cameroon

Objective/background Antituberculosis drugs (ATDs) efficiently combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis either through direct molecular interactions or its metabolites. However, a variety of adverse effects have been reported, leading to frequent interruptions of treatment. In order to investigate possible metabolic disturbances resulting from antituberculosis treatment, the uric acid level of patients on ATDs was measured in the Southwest region of Cameroon. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study involved 96 tuberculosis patients on ATDs and 32 controls who were neither on ATDs nor any other treatment that could increase uric acid levels. The hospital records of consenting participants were reviewed for medical history and questionnaires were issued. About 2-mL venous blood was collected and analyzed using spectrophotometer to determine uric acid levels. Results Hyperuricemia was observed in 56/96 (58.3%) of the studied group as compared with four of 32 (12.5%) in the control group (p < 0.001). Our results indicated that treatment duration was significantly associated with hyperuricemia (p = 0.0016), while gender (p = 0.1275) was not. Conclusion Hyperuricemia is associated with ATDs, with treatment duration being a significant factor. The disorder should be closely monitored, especially during the intensive phase of treatment.

Source: UG
Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: A randomized controlled trial comparing pelvic muscle exercises with or without electrical stimulation.

Objectives. To assess the effectiveness of intensive conservative treatment on and the impact of urinary incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Patients and methods. Sixty-three men with urinary incontinence ≥8 weeks after radical prostatectomy were randomized to one of three groups: group 1, standard treatment (control); group 2, intensive pelvic muscle exercises (PME, or group 3, PME plus electrical stimulation (PME + ES). Group 1 received verbal and written instructions about postoperatioe PME from their urologist and from the nurses at the preadmission clinic. Groups 2 and 3 were treated by a physiotherapist for 30 min twice a week for 12 weeks and carried out home exercises three times a day on the days when they were not treated. Outcome was assessed using the 24-h pad test, two validated quality-of-life questionnaires and a urine symptom inventory, all obtained at baseline, 17, 16 acid 24 weeks after enrolment, The final pad test- was carried out ≃8 months after surgery. Results. Fifty-eight patients completed the study, 21 in group 1, 18 in group 2 and 19 in group 3: five discontinued, three with bladder neck contractures requiring dilatation, one with rectal pain when doing the exercises and one unable to complete therapy while on vacation. The mean (median) time elapsed from surgery to entry into the study was 19 (8) weeks. At 12 weeks from baseline, the mean overall urine loss had decreased from 463 g to 115 g but there were no differences among groups, nor were there significant differences in urine loss at 16 and 24 weeks (F = 0.16, P = O.69), There was a significant impact on quality of life during the early recovery. Despite preoperative instructions, many patients revealed little or no knowledge about catheter care, bladder spasms, rectal pain, incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Little of the preoperative education was retained because of the overwhelming nature of the diagnosis. Conclusions. From the initial assessment to the final pad test at ≃8 months after surgery, incontinence improved greatly in all three groups, This rapid improvement may have masked any treatment benefit. Further research should address incontinence in men whose urine loss has stabilized and who underwent surgery >8 months previously. Moreover, a telephone-based follow-up soon after discharge may alleviate many of the concerns expressed.

Source: UG
Urinary Lysosomal Enzyme Activities and Albuminuria in Ghanaian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Renal tubular lysosomal enzyme activities like alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) and N-acetyl- β -D-glucosaminidase (NAG) have been shown to increase in patients developing diabetic nephropathy and nephrosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the activities of N-acetyl- β -D-glucosaminidase and alanine aminopeptidase and albumin concentration in urine samples of patients with type 2 diabetes. One hundred and thirty (65 type 2 diabetic and 65 nondiabetic) subjects participated in this study. Blood samples were drawn for measurements of fasting blood glucose, albumin (Alb), lipids, and creatinine (Cr). Early morning spot urine samples were also collected for activities of alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), N-acetyl- β -D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and concentration of albumin (U-Alb) and creatinine (U-Cr). Both NAG/Cr and AAP/Cr were significantly increased in diabetic subjects compared to controls (p < 0.001). There was positive correlation between NAG/Cr and Alb/Cr (r = 0.49, p < 0.001) and between NAG/Cr and serum creatinine (r = 0.441, p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between NAG/Cr and eGFR (r = - 0.432, p < 0.05). 9.3% and 12% of diabetics with normoalbuminuria had elevated levels of AAP/Cr and NAG/Cr, respectively. We conclude that measuring the urinary enzymes activities (NAG/Cr and AAP/Cr) could be useful as a biomarker of early renal involvement in diabetic complications. © 2016 Henry Asare-Anane et al.

Source: UG
Urinary schistosomiasis in southern Ghana: 1. Prevalence and morbidity assessment in three (defined) rural areas drained by the Densu river.

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Urinary schistosomiasis in southern Ghana: A logistic regression approach to data from a community-based integrated control program

The data for this analysis are based on the schistosomiasis control project of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, designed to study the feasibility and effectiveness of an integrated schistosomiasis control program. It embraced chemotherapy and health education for community motivation. The study was carried out from 1993 to 1997. This paper presents observations made 24 months after intervention. Eight communities in southern Ghana were grouped into three areas. Individuals in all the areas received praziquantel after the baseline data collection in 1992-1993. Area 1 had passive while Area 3 received active health education. Area 2 received no education. Prevalence of schistosomiasis was the response variable of interest while age, sex, and area were considered as possible influencing variables. The model for the baseline data indicated no significant difference in prevalence among the three areas. The model 24 months after intervention indicated a significant difference among the three areas, suggesting a possible influence of the health education that motivated community participation in the provision of facilities for the control of schistosomiasis.

Source: UG
Urinary survivin mRNA expression and urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 BladderChek® and urine cytology in the detection of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of urine cytology (UC), survivin mRNA expression, and the NMP22 BladderChek® (NMP22BC) test for the detection, grading and staging of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. Materials and Methods: Voided urine samples collected from 25 healthy controls and 80 patients diagnosed with TCC of the bladder were subjected to UC, the NMP22BC test and reverse-transcription real-time PCR for survivin mRNA expression. Results: Survivin mRNA expression showed the highest sensitivity (87.5%) followed by the NMP22BC test (61.3%) while UC exhibited the lowest sensitivity (40%). All three urine markers had a similar specificity of 96% (95% CI 80.5-99.3%). Survivin mRNA expression was the only urine marker that showed a significant difference in relation to tumour histological grade (χ 2 8.5, p = 0.015). None of the three urine markers was significantly related to tumour pathological stages. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of urinary survivin mRNA expression was superior to that of UC and the NMP22BC test and correlates with tumour pathological grade but not stage.

Source: UG
Urinary Tract Infection and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care at a Primary Health Care Facility in the Northern Region of Ghana

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
US policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and sectoral stock indices: A fractional integration approach

This paper uses fractional integration to assess the impact of US policy responses to COVID-19 pandemic on 10 US sectoral stock indices from 1 January 1, 2020, to 11, 2021. The results provide evidence of mean reversion in most cases and suggest that the Effective Federal Funds Rate and monetary and fiscal announcements are the most effective policy tools.

Source: UG
Usa and africa during the cold war

This paper evaluates the United States’ effort to win the hearts and minds of Africa ideologically and how it tried to counter socialist-communist ideological incursions on the continent. It would be evident that the United States engaged in most of the African governments with the aim to prevent these newly independent polities from turning to the socialist-communist orbit as a governing philosophy. The United States subsequently deployed a full toolkit of several containment arsenals for this purpose. These tools would include propaganda, development aid, military pacts, and supporting restive presidents, among others. The paper will also seek to find other factors, if available, that motivated the U.S. government in its dealings with African countries outside of the bloodless Cold War in the same era understudy. One such factor, for example, would be the cooperation with colonial authorities for American markets.

Source: UG
Usability Issues and Support Needs for E-learning Important to Ghanaian Learners

This study explored usability challenges, adult learners face in e-learning in the Central Region of Ghana. One hundred and fifty potential adult learners from two districts completed a paper-based questionnaire from June to July 2014. The questionnaire used the five-point Likert scale for responses. ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Respondents’ report that, learnability was a major usability concern (mean = 4.3). The next major concern for learners was finding and retrieving content and resources for effective e-learning (Mean = 4.2). This was followed by the concern that the e-learning interface be usable by variety of people with different access issues (mean = 4.1). On usability needs for e-learning, adult learners expressed need for mastering technology required for e-learning (mean = 4.5); Learners also wished that, activities would be more entertaining and engaging (mean = 4.3) and make use of real world conventions and scenarios to make the systems more usable (mean = 4.3); Potential adult learners expressed the need that, there should be consistency in treatment of graphical assets, navigation and feedback within the e-learning interface (mean = 4.2) and that e-learning interface should be simple and intuitive (mean = 4.1) among others.

Source: UG
Use and Appropriation of New Media Technologies by Teens: «The E-Teen Model» Perspective

In this article it is reasoned that e-teens have different characteristics, attitudes, motivations and needs regarding new media use and appropriation. Consequently, teenagers have to be studied in a different context than any other group. We also argue that theories and models regarding uses, gratifications and appropriation of new media technologies are generalized and therefore cannot aptly be applied to the study of eteens. Grounded in concepts from Uses and Gratifications, Model of Technology Acceptance, Technology Appropriation theories and a critical study of the developmental needs of e teens, this study proposes a conceptual model that explains how e-teens use and appropriate new media technologies- the E-teen Model. Further, to test the model, the quantitative approach was used to select 300 teens from age 13 to 19 in senior high schools in the Greater Accra region of Ghana to answer questions in relation to the predictions in the E-teen Model. The results of the study show that educational, sociability and social inclusion, respectively, were the most popular gratifications sought and obtained by e teens, s predicted in the model. The Correlation and Mann- Whitney U tests applied confirmed all three hypotheses formulated in the model. To provide support and substance to the e-teen model, other researchers are encouraged to test and extend it where necessary.

Source: UG
Use and economic benefits of indigenous seasonal climate forecasts: evidence from Benin, West Africa

Since immemorial times, farmers especially in Africa have built and transmitted orally from one generation to another a complex network of seasonal climate knowledge enabling them to lower climate variabilities and vagaries. Despite the prominent role of this knowledge system in smallholder farming, empirical studies relative to the production process, use and economic valuation of this knowledge to inform decision-making are scanty. Travel cost method, descriptive statistics and a twostep Heckman method are used to analyse the use and economic value of indigenous seasonal climate forecasts (ISCF) in Benin. ISCF were produced based on the observation of abiotic and biotic indicators in Kandi, Glazoué and Zè with the observations largely undertaken by local elders and professional traditional forecasters. Most farmers got ISCF either by travelling to visit a source of knowledge or by sacrificing their time. The use of ISCF increased a maize producer’s net income by at least 3%, implying that ISCF are valuables goods. The main factors driving the use and value of ISCF were the use of fertilizer, large farm size, traditional African religions and access to market. Therefore, policy to promote the integration of indigenous forecasting knowledge with modern forecasting system should be taken.

Source: UG
The use and effect of smartphones in students' learning activities: Evidence from the University of Ghana, Legon

The use of smartphone is gradually becoming a compelling learning tool used to enhance teaching and learning in distance education. Its usage ensures flexible course delivery, makes it possible for learners to access online learning platforms, access course resources and interact digitally. The purpose of this study was to examine the use and effects of the smartphone as a learning tool in distance education at the University of Ghana. The study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and included 294 total respondents. The survey research design and questionnaires were employed for the study. The major objectives of the study were: to find out the students’ perceived ease of use of a smartphone in learning activities, to determine the perceived usefulness of smartphone in students’ academic achievement, to investigate the effect of the use of the smartphone in students’ learning activities, and to investigate the factors that inhibit the use of a smartphone as a learning tool. The findings revealed that the distance learning students find it easier to use a smartphone in their learning activities. The findings also revealed that the use of smartphones performed remarkable roles among the distance learning students of the University of Ghana in their academic activities. However, the findings found a negative effect on the distance learning students and revealed some inhibiting factors in the use of smartphones which included smartphones freezing during important learning moments, unstable internet connectivity, intruding calls during class hours, and the screen and key sizes, which made the smartphone uncomfortable for learning, as compared to laptops.

Source: UG
Use of a Classwide Peer Recording Program To Enhance the Quality and Accuracy of Responses of Physical Education Majors in a Physical Activity Class

This study employed a classwide peer recording (CWPR) program to demonstrate the efficacy of peers as behavior change agents in a physical activity setting. The study sought to determine whethe: or not the frequency of stimuli conditions presented by a game changes when a CWPR procedure is in effect, and whether or not the frequency of actual responses to the stimuli changes under these circumstances. The quality and/or accuracy of actual responses and their rate of success were also examined. The subjects were 4 college students in a class of 18 students enrolled in an advanced socce7 class. The four peer recorders were trained in the use of the Pioneer Instrument for Measuring Soccer Playing Ability in Regular Setting (PIMSPARS) following baseline conditions. Results revealed that the introduction of the CWPR prr-edure pLoduced immediate change and gains in the frequency of actual responses for all subjects. Withdrawal of the CWPR procedure produced a consistent decrease in behavior patterns for all subjects. These findings indicate the effectiveness of peers as behavior rhange agents in improvements in motor behaviors in physical activity settings. The instrument used in the study is appended, and behavior changes are illustrated in charts.

Source: UG
The Use of AID to Manage International Migration: The Case of Ghana

The benefits as well as the cost of international migration have been debated considerably in recent times. Although the debate on whether the benefits outweigh the cost or vice versa remains a puzzle, it is quite evident that a well-managed international migration will bring net positive benefits to both the sending and receiving countries. The issue that rises is how migration is managed. An important alternative that has received little discussion but is being proposed at the policy level is to use aid to reward countries with better migration policies. Whether this option is a feasible and efficient alternative is the focus of this paper. The paper draws from various case studies on attempts to use aid to manage international migration for analysis. It is argues in the paper that the success of using aid to manage international migration from developing countries like Ghana critically depends on the size of the funds invested in the home country and the significance of its impact on livelihood in the sending countries. Secondly, it will depend critically on how the funds are able to empower people to increase their earning capacity at home. Moreover, it also depends to a large extent on the political climate within the sending countries. The paper concludes that it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that involves all stakeholders in the implementation of international migration management Policy.

Source: UG
Use of any contraceptive method among women in rural communities in the eastern region of Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Background In Ghana, there is an increase in contraceptive use for traditional and modern methods in rural areas. This study seeks to examine the prevalence and determinants of current use of any contraceptive method among women of reproductive age in the rural Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age in the rural Eastern region of Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to interview women in rural Lower Manya and Upper Manya Krobo districts of Eastern region who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data were analysed using Stata version 16. A Binary logistic regression was used to examine the determinants of current use of any contraceptive use (traditional and modern methods). Results The prevalence of contraceptive use was 27.8%. In the adjusted analysis of binary logistic regression, contraceptive use was significantly lower (aOR=0.24; 95%CI=0.10–0.56; p=0.001) among respondents aged 41–49 years compared to those aged 18–35 years. Contraceptive use was significantly lower among migrants (aOR:0.53; 95%CI:0.28–0.99; p=0.048) compared with non-migrant. Conclusion The prevalence of any contraceptive use among rural women was low. Government and other stakeholders need to create awareness about contraception in the rural areas of Eastern region of Ghana and that would help increase contraceptive methods utilization. In addition, family planning programs should target migrants to design an intervention to increase contraceptive use in rural areas.

Source: UG