ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and practices of people in Bia District, Ghana, with regard to iodine deficiency disorders and intake of iodized salt

Background: Despite numerous educational programmes to create awareness about iodized salt and iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), a survey conducted in the Western Region of Ghana in 2007 revealed that the goitre rate stood at 18.8%; and 78.1% of households consumed iodized salt, which is below the goal of the IDD programme in Ghana which aimed at 90% household consumption of iodized salt by the end of 2005 and sustaining the gains by 2011. It was therefore, considered timely to investigate the knowledge levels and the extent of utilization of iodized salt among the people living in Bia District, the District with the lowest intake (77.4%) of iodized salt based on findings of the 2007 survey. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It was conducted among a total of 280 household members, mainly in charge of meal preparation, who were interviewed using a structured interview guide. A combination of cluster and simple random sampling techniques was used to select the respondents from all the seven sub- districts in Bia District. Results: The study revealed that 75.6% of households in the district consumed iodized salt (including households described as occasional users of iodized salt), and knowledge of iodized salt was quite high, as 72% of the respondents knew that not every salt contained iodine. In addition, 69.3% indicated that an inadequate intake of iodized salt can lead to the development of goitre. Despite the high awareness level, only 64.6% of respondents indicated that they exclusively used iodized salt for cooking. The main reason given by exclusive users of common salt was that the price of iodized salt is a little higher than that of common salt. Conclusions: Although majority of the respondents are aware of the importance of iodized salt and iodine deficiency disorders, only 64.6% exclusively used iodized salt, suggesting that respondents’ high knowledge levels did not necessarily translate into an increase in the number of households who used iodized salt. Existing laws and policies on universal salt iodization and quality assurance of iodized salt from the production stage to the distribution/selling stage should be enforced

Source: UCC
Knowledge and Practices on Birth Preparedness among Expectant Mothers Seeking Antenatal Care at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana

In developing countries, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are still a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and intention to use maternity services among pregnant women. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2016 to April, 2016 among mothers who attend antenatal care at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Using structured questionnaires, expectant mothers were assessed on knowledge regarding the risks associated with pregnancy as well as delivery and birth plan arrangements. Data quality was ensured via crosschecks and double entry into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.01 for analysis. Demographics (age, ethnicity, education, marital status, occupation, etc) were summarized using frequency tables while the χ2 test was used to determine associations between respective variables. Variables that displayed significant associations were entered into a multiple logistic regression model to ascertain the strength of association (Odds Ratios) between respective variables. At the 95% confidence interval, a p-value less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Strong determinants of women’s choice of facility delivery included: higher education (AOR=1.9, 95% C.I. 1.16-3.04, p=0.01), women with four or more (4+) ANC visits (AOR=5.4, 95% C.I. 2.54-11.29, p<0.01), women who disagreed to ‘home birthing tradition’ (AOR=2.4, 95% C.I. 1.18-4.85, p=0.02). Despite women having high level of knowledge on obstetric risk factors, preparedness for birth was shown to be low in this study. It is therefore critical for stakeholder to redefine strategies towards improving birth preparedness among women if the Sustainable Development Goals are to be attained.

Source: UCC
Knowledge and Use of Contraceptive Among Adolescents: A Case Study in Chorkor, Accra, Ghana

Contraceptives are regarded as reliable methods of avoiding unplanned pregnancies and in some cases the safest ways of preventing sexually transmitted infections. However, adolescents have several misconceptions and misinformation on contraceptives and therefore engage in sexual activities without wanting to use it. This study assessed the adolescents' knowledge and usage (or non-use) of contraceptives. Four hundred and sixty-five (465) respondents between the ages of 10 to 19 were randomly selected and given questionnaires to volunteer information. The study found that all the respondents had heard about contraceptives and a little over a third had used or still using one form or another of contraceptive as a protection. Again, the study found that though some of the respondents were using or had used contraceptives they were having some misconceptions and misinformation on it and this acts as barriers for them in using contraceptives. The respondents therefore suggested that if more education is given to them on contraceptives such misconception and misinformation could be eliminated. The study concludes that contraceptive usage was prevalent among the respondents; however, there is a relationship between the respondents’ age and usage of the contraceptives. The study recommended that stakeholders should find ways to take the right and accurate information to the respondents using word-of-mouth as a medium. This could be done by using social clubs, parents and friends as contact persons. The findings of this study could be used as a basis for training in public health institutions and other stakeholders interested in adolescents' sexuality and behaviours.

Source: UCC
Knowledge and use of formative assessment among senior high school teachers in the Kumasi metropolis

The study examined the knowledge and use of formative assessment among Senior High School teachers in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study used the descriptive survey design with quantitative approach. Multi-stage sampling procedures were used to select a sample of 226 respondents as teachers. Specifically, the study used purposive, stratified and proportionate sampling techniques. Teacher’s questionnaire with a reliability of 0. 92 using Cronbach Alpha (r) was used to collect data for the study. My supervisors assessed the validity of the instrument in context of clarity of the items. Means and standard deviations as well as Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient were used to analyse the data that was gathered. The findings of the study revealed that teachers in Kumasi Metropolis have above average knowledge in formative assessment. The study also reported that the activities that characterise the use of formative assessment are; “Questioning”, “Exams,” “Class work”, “Observation”, “Homework” and “Test”. The study further revealed that there is a positive weak relationship between knowledge and use for formative assessment. In addition, the findings of the study showed that, “Formative assessment is demanding in nature” and “Formative assessment brings heavy workloads to teachers”. It was concluded that, SHS teachers in Kumasi Metropolis have the requisite knowledge in formative assessment. However, some of the activities involving the practice of formative assessment were seen not to be used by the SHS teachers in Kumasi Metropolis. In view of this, it is recommended that Director of Education, Ghana Education Service and Head of schools must ensure teachers use of “Peer assessment”, “Presentation”, and “Self-assessment” among others in their formative assessment activities.

Source: UCC
Knowledge and utilisation of e-banking facilities in the National Investment Bank in Central Region of Ghana

Knowledge and utilisation of e-banking facilities by customers of financial institutions have attracted increasing attention in both the developed and developing world due to importance of e-banking in influencing faster business activities. This study examined the knowledge and utilisation of e banking facilities in 3 branches of the National Investment Bank, Central Region of Ghana. The branches are Cape Coast, Dunkwa and Swedru. The study used a cross-section data set within a descriptive research design. The study employed quantitative approach in the study and data collection was done using questionnaire. A total of 370 respondents including customers and 3 managers of the bank were selected using simple random sampling technique and interview respectively. Analyses of the data were done by using descriptive analysis. The study revealed that majority of the respondents use electronic cards at NIB and they are aware of e-banking facilities available at NIB. In addition, the study showed that majority of the customers have full knowledge of e-banking facilities. Finally, the results revealed that greater part of the respondents effectively use the e-banking facilities. The study therefore recommends that management of NIB and the banking industry in general must improve on the electronic banking services to increase availability and accessibility of these facilities. Also, management of the NIB Bank should intensify the awareness creation on the availability of e-banking facilities in the country.

Source: UCC
Knowledge and Utilisation of E-banking Facilities in the National Investment Bank in Central Region of Ghana

Knowledge and utilisation of e-banking facilities by customers of financial institutions have attracted increasing attention in both the developed and developing world due to importance of e-banking in influencing faster business activities. This study examined the knowledge and utilisation of e-banking facilities in 3 branches of the National Investment Bank, Central Region of Ghana. The branches are Cape Coast, Dunkwa and Swedru. The study used a cross-section data set within a descriptive research design. The study employed quantitative approach in the study and data collection was done using questionnaire. A total of 370 respondents including customers and 3 managers of the bank were selected using simple random sampling technique and interview respectively. Analyses of the data were done by using descriptive analysis. The study revealed that majority of the respondents use electronic cards at NIB and they are aware of e-banking facilities available at NIB. In addition, the study showed that majority of the customers have full knowledge of e-banking facilities. Finally, the results revealed that greater part of the respondents effectively use the e-banking facilities. The study therefore recommends that management of NIB and the banking industry in general must improve on the electronic banking services to increase availability and accessibility of these facilities. Also, management of the NIB Bank should intensify the awareness creation on the availability of e-banking facilities in the country.

Source: UCC
Knowledge and utilisation of partograph by Midwives in public health facilities in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The purpose of this study was to find out midwives’ level of knowledge and utilisation of the partograph in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Five public health facilities within the Cape Coast Metropolis were selected for the study. Quantitative cross sectional study design was adopted to collect data from 150 midwives at the maternity units of the five public health facilities. Univariate analysis was used to summarize data in terms of frequency distributions of the variables under study. The findings revealed that 78% of midwives in the Cape Coast Metropolis have fair knowledge on partograph and why it is necessary to use it in the management of labour. A significant percentage of the midwives perceived that using the partograph would improve the maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality situation in the Metropolis. Over 97% of the midwives reported that they used the partograph to monitor mothers in labour. The study also found that the use of the partograph was affected by factors like inadequate knowledge, lack of periodic training of obstetric care givers on the use of new versions of partograph and lack of positive attitude towards the use of the partograph charts. There was no significant difference between the years of service and utilisation of partograph. The Cape Coast Metropolitan Health Directorate needs to offer occasional orientation for all midwives on the newer versions of partograph and their use. This will ensure their maximum utilisation as intended by the World Health Organization.

Source: UCC
Knowledge and Utilisation of the WHO Modified Partograph in Managing Labour: A Study Among Midwives in Bolgatanga Municipality

The study looked at Knowledge and Utilisation of the WHO Modified Partograph in Managing Labour: A Study among Midwives in Bolgatanga Municipality. The study employed a mixed-method approach (concurrent nested design). The study population was 118 midwives from 32 healthcare facilities, one is a private hospital offering obstetric and midwifery care within the Bolgatanga Municipality. The study employed questionnaires, interviews, and observation to collect field data. The findings revealed that most respondents demonstrated in-depth knowledge of using the WHO-modified partograph of healthcare facilities in the Bolgatanga Municipality. However, a few respondents did not translate their skills on the WHO-modified partograph to the delivery room. This was exemplified by the fact that some used modified partographs were not recorded during delivery in all the facilities visited. It was also revealed that most midwives have a good attitude towards using the WHO-modified partograph at healthcare facilities. A significant challenge discovered during the study was the shortage of midwives, which influenced the use of the WHO-modified partograph in the various facilities in the Bolgatanga municipality. The study concluded that the modified partograph is essential for safe delivery and, therefore, recommended that the health facilities should encourage mentorship in addition to regular in-service training sessions to improve the knowledge of some of the midwives. It was also recommended that GHS increase the staff strength in the various facilities to ease the pressure on the midwives and foster the use of the partograph. In addition, there is a need for more outreach services to sensitise women to report early to the health facilities when in labour.

Source: UCC
Knowledge Level and Determinants of Neonatal Jaundice: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Effutu Municipality of Ghana

Background. Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a major cause of hospital admission during the neonatal period and is associated with significant mortality. This case-control study with cross-sectional design sought to identify the possible factors associated with neonatal jaundice and assess maternal knowledge level of this condition. Methods. One hundred and fifty (150) neonates comprising 100 with clinically evident jaundice and 50 without jaundice were conveniently recruited from the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in the Effutu Municipality. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum bilirubin, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), status and blood group (ABO and Rhesus). Well-structured questionnaire was used to collect maternal and neonate sociodemographic and clinical history. Results. Majority (54%) of neonates developed jaundice within 1–3 days after birth with 10% having it at birth. Duration of labour and neonatal birth weight were associated with neonatal jaundice (𝑃 < 0.05). G6PD abnormality was found in 11 (12%) of the neonates with jaundice and ABO incompatibility was present in 18%. Neonates delivered by mothers with formal occupation and those who had prolonged duration of labour were significantly more likely to have neonatal jaundice (OR = 4.174, 𝑃 = 0.003; OR = 2.389, 𝑃 = 0.025, resp.). Neonates with low birth weight were also more likely to develop neonatal jaundice (OR = 2.347, 𝑃 = 0.044). Only 17.3% of mothers had heard of neonatal jaundice. School was the major source of information on neonatal jaundice (34.6%). Majority of participants (mothers) did not know that NNJ can cause damage to other organs in the body (90%). Conclusion. Low neonatal birth weight and prolonged duration of labour are associated with neonatal jaundice. Mothers had inadequate knowledge of neonatal jaundice and its causes.

Source: UCC
Knowledge Level and Determinants of Neonatal Jaundice: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Effutu Municipality of Ghana

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a major cause of hospital admission during the neonatal period and is associated with significant mortality. This case-control study with cross-sectional design sought to identify the possible factors associated with neonatal jaundice and assess maternal knowledge level of this condition. Methods. One hundred and fifty (150) neonates comprising 100with clinically evident jaundice and 50 without jaundicewere conveniently recruited fromthe Trauma and Specialist Hospital in the Effutu Municipality. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum bilirubin, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), status and blood group (ABO and Rhesus). Well-structured questionnaire was used to collect maternal and neonate sociodemographic and clinical history. Results. Majority (54%) of neonates developed jaundice within 1–3 days after birth with 10% having it at birth. Duration of labour and neonatal birth weight were associated with neonatal jaundice (𝑃 < 0.05). G6PD abnormality was found in 11 (12%) of the neonates with jaundice and ABO incompatibility was present in 18%. Neonates delivered by mothers with formal occupation and those who had prolonged duration of labour were significantly more likely to have neonatal jaundice (OR = 4.174, 𝑃 = 0.003; OR = 2.389, 𝑃 = 0.025, resp.). Neonates with low birth weight were also more likely to develop neonatal jaundice (OR = 2.347, 𝑃 = 0.044). Only 17.3% of mothers had heard of neonatal jaundice. School was the major source of information on neonatal jaundice (34.6%). Majority of participants (mothers) did not know that NNJ can cause damage to other organs in the body (90%). Conclusion. Low neonatal birth weight and prolonged duration of labour are associated with neonatal jaundice. Mothers had inadequate knowledge of neonatal jaundice and its causes.

Source: UCC
Knowledge management in indigenous medicine: The expected role of Ghanaian university libraries

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to find out the current way of preserving and disseminating information on indigenous medicine in Ghanaian university libraries. Methodology: The authors adopted the descriptive survey design, with the combination of purposive and simple random sampling technique to select the respondents. Para-professional and professional librarians and indigenous medicine practitioners were the major respondents. Two data collection instruments were used; namely questionnaire and interview. Quantitative data collected were analysed using simple tables with frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings: Some of the findings are that apart from the Library of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology the remaining university libraries have little information resources on indigenous medicine since most of them have never thought of gathering documents on indigenous medicine. In addition, the study also indicated that some indigenous medicine practitioners want to keep to what they know, for fear of losing their intellectual property right others. Originally: Although a great deal has been written about the importance of knowledge management relatively little attention has been paid to how knowledge creation process of indigenous healthcare can be managed, hence the need for the university library which serves as a repository of knowledge transmission to assist in the dissemination of knowledge on indigenous medicine.

Source: UCC
Knowledge of Diabetes and its Associated Ocular Manifestations by Diabetic Patients: A Study at Korle‑Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a significant cause of visual impairment, hence adequate knowledge on this condition and its ocular manifestations is of immense importance to diabetic patients. Aim: To assess the knowledge of diabetic patients on the disorder and its ocular manifestations, and their attitude towards ocular examinations. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional survey involving the use of a structured interview was conducted among diabetic patients attending the Diabetic Clinic of the Korle‑Bu Teaching Hospital. Using Fishers Exact Chi‑square (χ2) and Odds Ratios (ORs), data obtained was analyzed. Results: Only 103 (26.4%) patients knew the type of diabetes mellitus they were suffering from. Knowledge on ocular effects of diabetes mellitus was low and only 15 (3.8%) knew that it could affect the ocular refraction with no patient mentioning that diabetes mellitus could cause cataract or diabetic retinopathy. Attitude to routine eye examination was poor. As much as 135 (34.6%) had never had an eye examination since being diagnosed of diabetes. Knowledge of the type of diabetes mellitus the individual had or any ocular complication of this disorder was significantly related (OR: 4.22; P < 0.001 and OR: 2.55; P < 0.001) respectively to their attitude to seeking eye care. Conclusion: Diabetic patients’ knowledge on diabetes mellitus and its ocular manifestations, and the attitude of diabetic patients towards eye examination were poor. Intensive health education by diabetes care givers and leaders of the Ghana Diabetic Association for diabetic patient is therefore required to improve attitude towards eye care to prevent visual impairment.

Source: UCC