ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
obstacles to the maintenance of discipline in selected senior high schools in the Tamale metropolis

The purpose of this study was to examine the obstacles to the maintenance of discipline in selected senior high schools in the Tamale Metropolis. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. A sample size of 482 teachers was selected for the study. Both purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select the sample. Questionnaire was the main data collection instrument. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the research data. There were obstacles to the maintenance of discipline in schools as revealed by the study. Prominent among them were the interference of parents, relatives and politicians in schools’ administration, incompetent teachers, the absence of moral education, guidance and counseling in schools, media influence, irresponsible parenthood among others. It was concluded that ineffective supervision and lack of strict enforcement of school rules on the part of school authorities could just be one of the management challenges of the senior high schools in the Tamale Metropolis and is an obstacle to the maintenance of discipline in the schools. It is recommended that the school authorities should make sure that teachers, parents and learners are aware of the school policies regarding students’ behaviour and the consequences of breaching them. This can be done through PTA meetings where parents can be taken through such policies to make them understand what it means to have a well-disciplined school.

Source: UCC
Obstetric and Perinatal outcomes of pregnancy among teenagers in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Teenage pregnancy is a social problem worldwide. Literature has reported that teenage pregnancy has adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study sought to assess the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy among teenagers in the Cape Coast Metropolis.This retrospective case control study was conducted among 1,006 respondents made up of 505 teenagers (case) and 501 adults (control). Secondary data were collated from the obstetric registers, client folders and labour ward report books of three hospitals in the Cape Coast Metropolis.The researcher used frequencies, percentages, graphs, Chi-square tests and odds ratios in the SPSS to analyse the data. It was found that the mean age of the teenage mothers was 16. 9 years whiles that of the adults was 26.9 years. The rate of antenatal attendance was high among the teenagers than the adult. The teenagers had a lower risk of caesarean section delivery and a higher rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery as compared with the adult (P< 0.001). The rate of low birth weight babies born to the young mothers was significantly higher than that of babies born to the adult mothers (P<0.002). It was observed that a statistically significant difference existed between the APGAR score at the 1st minute (4-7) and (>7) (P<0.001) between the two groups. It was also revealed that teenagers were more likely to have live births deliveries compared to the adults (P<0.007). The study concluded that Teenage pregnant mothers in the Cape Coast Metropolis seem to have less risk pregnancy outcomes. This is probably due to improved obstetric and perinatal care. It was recommended that intervention programmes targeted at teenagers should be pursued in order to eliminate the risks of obstetric and perinatal complications among teenagers.

Source: UCC
Obstetric Outcomes: A Comparison of Teenagers and Adults in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Prevalence of teenage pregnancy is very high in the Central Region of Ghana. Although, pregnant teenagers are perceived to be high-risk mothers, very little has been documented about obstetric outcomes among these mothers in Ghana. This case-control observational study compared maternal and perinatal outcomes between teen and adult mothers in the Cape Coast metropolis. Data on maternal and perinatal outcome variables were collected with a data extraction form from maternal history record and delivery record books of 505 teens and 501 adults. Maternal and perinatal outcomes for the two groups were compared using chi-square or Fisher's exact test and odds ratios at 95% confidence interval. Prenatal services utilization was high among the participants. Prevalence of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were low, which is comparable between the two groups. Spontaneous vaginal delivery was higher in the teens with the adults having higher predisposition for caesarean section. The adult mothers were more likely to have preterm delivery and babies with low minute 1 APGAR score, the teens on the other hand had babies with significantly lower birth weight. The favourable and comparable pregnancy outcomes among the participants could be attributed to the high prenatal service utilization. Improved access to prenatal service utilization would produce better pregnancy outcomes.

Source: UCC
Obstructing Shedding Of Mic: The Way Forward For Cancer Treatment

One of the immunosurveillance mechanisms of the immune system is the expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex class I-related chain molecules A and B (MIC-A and B) on tumor cell surface. MIC-A and B are the ligands of an activating receptor, NKG2D expressed on the natural Killer cells (NK), therefore binding of NK cells to tumor cells through the interaction between NKG2D and MIC-A or MIC-B induces cytolysis of tumor cells. However, clinical observations of most of the human epithelial tumors are found to be MIC-positive rather than MIC- negative, suggesting a functional compromise of the MIC ligand-NKG2D receptor system in cancer patients and therefore allow the growth of MIC positive tumor cells. This is made possible by the release of soluble forms of MIC-A/B from tumor cells which down regulates the NKG2D surface expression on effector cells. This review article therefore sought to discuss the mechanisms underlining the shedding of MIC from tumor cells and how they can be explored by researchers to design drugs for anti-cancer treatment. A literature search on the possible causes of MIC shedding was done. Endoplasmic reticulum protein 5 (ERp5) and A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (ADAM10 and ADAM17) have been implicated as responsible for the MIC shedding. Also the α3 ectodomain of the MIC has been identified as target site for these shedding agents. Anti-cancer drugs can possibly be designed using known inhibitors of ERp5, ADAM10 and ADAM17. We also believe, producing therapeutically effective amount of a purified antibody or a polypeptide comprising an antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to the α3 ectodomain of a MIC polypeptide is the way forward for cancer treatment.

Source: UCC
Occupants’ seatbelt use are related to vehicle type and usage on a Ghanaian university campus

Seat belt use does not only save lives but prevents the severity of injuries in road traffic crashes (RTCs). Vehicle type and usage have been found to influence the use of seat belt in cities like Kumasi, the host of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus. This paper presents a study on an un-obstructive survey of seat belt use by vehicle occupants entering and leaving KNUST campus through the four entrances from 7 to 9 am and 3 to 5 pm on five weekdays. A total of 5489 vehicles with 9542 occupants comprising 5489 drivers, front-right and first back seat and second back seat passengers were observed. The majority of the private and SUV drivers used seat belts. Meanwhile, almost all the commercial drivers did not use seat belts. There is a statistically significant relationship between vehicle type and use and the use of seat belt in KNUST

Source: UCC
Occupational Dose And Radiation Protection Practice In Uae: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Cohort Study (2002–2016)

A two-phased retrospective cross-sectional study analysed the occupational dose and radiation protection practice among medical workers in two hospitals in the UAE. Phase 1 evaluated radiation protection practice using a questionnaire, whereas phase 2 assessed the occupational dose. Readings of 952 thermoluminescence dosimeters were analyzed. The result showed 52% of medical workers have a good level of radiation protection practice. Readings of 952 thermoluminescence dosimeters were analyzedAverage annual effective dose per worker ranged from 0.39 to 0.83 mSv. Cardiologists and nurses displayed a higher average of occupational radiation dose compared to other workers. There were no significant correlations between radiation protection practice and hospital, occupation or department. Finally, the occupational dose was within the international and national limits, but the reduction of radiation dose to cardiologist and nurses is essential. Moreover, training is essential to promote radiation safe practice among medical workers.

Source: UCC
Occupational hazards among cocoa farmers in the Birim south district in the Eastern region of Ghana

Cocoa (Theobroma cocoa) is one of the major agricultural commodities in Ghana. However, its production in Ghana and Africa is faced with numerous occupational hazards and injuries. A survey of 160 cocoa farmers in the Birim South District in the Eastern Region of Ghana was carried out to identify the predominant occupational hazards and injuries faced by the farmers during pre-planting, planting, post-planting and post-harvest operations. Injuries from stumps/thorns and cutlass were the most prevalent among farmers during land clearing and planting. Insect bite (red ants bite), cutlass injury, headache and severe fever were also the major problems encountered during farm maintenance. Back/waist pains, bee/warp sting, and headache were common problems during harvesting of pods and post harvest operations. Cutlass injury, stumps/thorns injury and back/waist pain were also found to be more debilitating accounting for an average day lost of 18, 12 and 12 from work in a cropping season respectively. Majority of respondent resorted to treatment from the hospital on injuries/hazards from cutlass, snake bite, burns and harvesting tools. However, majority resorted to self medication on injuries from stump and thorns, bees/wasp sting and fallen objects on the eye. Also nearly two-thirds of the respondents did not use protective equipment during application of agrochemicals and this resulted to difficulty in breathing, skin rashes and headaches. Cutlass injury recorded a greater number of days lost (18) per season among the respondents and took the highest treatment and days lost cost ($ 85.4). It was recommended that Agricultural Extension Agents in consultation with Ministry of Health and other health NGOs should collaborate to educate cocoa farmers on precautionary measures and first aid operations at the farm level

Source: UCC
Occupational hazards and environmental health associated with the traditional palm kernel oil extraction method, (A case study of the Abura palm kernel oil industry in the central regional capital, cape coast of Ghana)

Occupational and environmental hazards associated with our traditional Industries are hardly considered or discussed to provide an improved form for them. With the Palm Kernel Oil Industry in the Central Region of Ghana, it was observed that, some of the daily occupational hazards are exposure to intense fire source, sharp hot flying objects and smoke. Out of the 50 respondents reported 31%, 6%, 26%, 16% and 21% respectively. Similarly, percentage accidents usually encountered during work were cuts (35%), burns (33%), Oil splashes (26%) and oil spills (6%). Of the various wastes generated, fiber was (21%), residue (38%), shells (38%) and wastewater (3%) and their main disposal method was landfilling (36%), fuel source (36%), selling (25%) and dumping (3%). Some other negative effects of that practice on the environment were bad odor (8%), blocking of waterways (4%) and particulate matter (fiber) recording (4%). Some of the sicknesses usually reported at the hospital by both the employees and residents within the locality were abdominal pain (2.5%), coughing (12.7%), itching eye (21.5%), sleeping disorders (5.1%), respiratory problems (17.7%) headache (13.9%), fatigue (3.8%), score throat (8.9%), general body ache (3.8%) and Malaria (10.1%)

Source: UCC
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AMONG AUTO-ARTISANS IN SUAME MAGAZINE-KUMASI, GHANA

Auto-artisanship plays a critical role in the economy of Ghana. It forms a large size of the informal economy in Ghana. The occupational health and safety of auto-artisans is therefore of exceptional concern because of their potential exposure to toxic chemicals, the tools and methods they apply, and the unregulated settings in which they operate. Even though some research work has been done to examine the safety of auto-artisans at the Suame magazine enclave, such studies focused on a few selected artisanal trades. In contrast, the current study sought to assess occupational health and safety among auto-artisans engaged in all the artisanal trades existing at the enclave with the aim to contribute to the broader understanding of workplace safety among auto-artisans in Suame magazine. The study was guided by the positivist philosophy. The protection motivation theory and DEFENS Study conceptual framework were employed for the study. Survey (N=957) and 58 observations were used to generate data for the study. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Twenty-nine auto-artisanal trades were identified at the enclave. It was also found that orientation on workplace safety is organised for new auto-artisans. Orientation on OHS was found to influence awareness of workplace hazards but not perception of risk of job. While organisational factors were found to be associated with safety practices among auto-artisans, they were not found to be associated with willingness to pay for occupational health and safety services. It is recommended that there should be intensive education on occupational health and safety among auto-artisans in Suame Magazine.

Source: UCC
Occupational health and safety issues in the informal manufacturing sector of Cape Coast Metropolis

Despite numerous occupational health and safety interventions made in recent years, poor occupational health and safety practices are still prevalent in Ghana’s informal sector. This study therefore sought to explore the main health and safety issues faced by informal manufacturing sector workers in Cape Coast metropolis in order to suggest preventive and control measures. The study adopted the qualitative research design to study 10 workers each from the informal food processing, textile and garments, wood processing and metal work categories within the Cape Coast metropolis. Convenience sampling was adopted to select the workers and purposive sampling was used to select officials of the National Board for Small Scale Industries and the Department of Factories Inspectorate. The study revealed a significant institutional gap in the provision of health and safety to informal manufacturing workers. It also showed that occupational health and safety institutions are under resourced in their service delivery. The research further revealed that informal manufacturing sector workers do not have the necessary awareness, technical means and resources to implement health and safety measures. Pursuant to these outcomes, the study recommends that a long-term strategy be developed to address the issue. The strategy should include awareness creation, training for informal workers on the use of Personal Protective Equipment, provision of health and safety services to informal workers and periodic visits by health officials to assess practices of informal workers. Additionally, employers and employees should be encouraged to make conscious efforts in improving health and safety at their work place.

Source: UCC
Occupational health and safety knowledge and practices of workers in the AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem gold mine Ghana limited, Tarkwa

Most African countries are noted for poor occupational health and safety practices. In spite of the numerous occupational health and safety advances in recent years, several occupational accidents, hazards and incidence plaque most African countries, including Ghana. This study examines problems and issues related to Occupational Health and Safety at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Gold Mine Ghana Limited, Tarkwa. The findings revealed that though the occupational health and safety policies of the company were adequate and upheld to many of the times, there are reported cases of accidents and incidents which appear on the ascendancy. Recommendations arising out of the study include the need for top personnel of the mining company to strengthen measures to ensure health and safety at the work premises and increase training programmes on health and safety policies for its new employees and refresher courses for serving staff. Stratified sampling as well as random sampling techniques was adopted for the study to select two hundred (200) persons selected across all sections of the company. It was made up of 40 senior members and 160 junior members of staff. As a result of the many different sections of the Company, the researcher used a cross sectional approach as a research design to capture the practice and views in all sections at a given time.

Source: UCC
Occupational health and safety management practices and employee‘s job satisfaction: Evidence from the Krachi East municipal assembly in the Oti region Occupational health and safety management practices and employee‘s job satisfaction: Evidence from the Krachi East municipal assembly in the Oti Region

The study was conducted to examine the occupational health and safety management practices on employee‘s job satisfaction: evidence from the Krachi East Municipal Assembly in the Oti region. The study employed the descriptive research design and adopted the quantitative research approach. The population of the study was made of 132 staff of the assembly and a sample of 101 was selected for the study. A Structured questionnaire was used for data collection and the data was analyzed with descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and standard deviation and inferential statistics including standard multiple regression based on the objectives of the study. The findings of the study revealed that the employees are satisfied with their job. The study further revealed that the employees are indifferent about welfare management practices such medical, life and disability insurances and wellness programs at the assembly. Moreover, it was found that the working environment is conducive because that indoor air is of good quality, the physical layout is convenient and there is good light lighting at the office. Additionally, it was found occupational health and safety practices had a positive impact on job satisfaction. The study concluded that provision of welfare and workplace health and safety by the management of Krachi East Assembly helps to reduce high cost of hospitalization, provide conducive workplace atmosphere and enhance job satisfaction. It was recommended that management of the Krachi East Assembly should ensure a safe workplace with adequate ventilation to enhance the cognitive function in their employees

Source: UCC
Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMSs) for Fuel Transportation in Ghana

Accidents have been identified as one of the most pressing social challenges in recent years. Even as the oil and gas industry is seen as one of the lucrative sectors in Ghana, the repercussions of interruptions in the transportation process of these highly flammable materials have cost Ghana a lot. Thus, accidents related to the transportation of these harmful substances by road have claimed many lives and threatened the environment, such as towns along the Kumasi-Accra highway (N6). Hence, this study aims to assess the efficiency for the adoption and implementation of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMSs) for fuel transportation in the downstream oil and gas industry along the Kumasi-Accra highway (N6). The study used the quantitative methods research design. First, the target population for the study were 200 fuel truck drivers from JK Horgle Company Limited. Next, out of the target population, 132 respondents were simple randomly sampled to answer a survey questionnaire. After the analysis was completed by utilising the ISO 45001 and Statistical Product for Social Sciences (SPSS v26), it was revealed that JK Horgle Company Limited had high compliance with the adoption and implementation of the current ISO 45001 standard, hence resulting into no loading and fuel transportation disruptions. Therefore, the study concluded that this institution’s OHSMSs comply with best practices. Because of the findings, it is recommended that fuel transporting companies should have fuel truck drivers who have solid background, better conditions of fuel trucks and obtain all necessary conditions liable to fuel transportation mishaps.

Source: UCC
Occupational Health And Safety Practice And Employee Performance At Tarkwa Goldfields

The study sought to assess the occupational health and safety practices and employee performance at Tarkwa Goldfields. To achieve this, the study analyzed the effect of management commitment to safety, supervisors‘ safety practices, co-worker safety practices, job safety and safety programs on employee performance at Tarkwa Goldfields. To achieve these specific objectives, an explanatory research design and a quantitative approach were adopted. The population for this study focused on all employees who work at engineers and planner, mineral processing unit and mining and civil contractors comprising of 190 staff. A sample size of 129 respondents were subsequently made to participate in the study and a simple random sampling technique was adored. The study adopted a questionnaire for gathering primary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Frequency and percentages were used to analyse the demographics of the respondents whilst linear regression was used to analyse the research objectives. The results of the study revealed that management commitment to safety, supervisors‘ safety practices, co-worker safety practices, job safety and safety programs had positive and significant effect on employee performance at Tarkwa Goldfields. The study recommended that management commitment to safety should be applied to all organisational levels to ensure high commitment to safety. Similarly, it is recommended that supervisors' must take immediate steps to correct unsafe or unhealthful workplace conditions or hazards within their authority and ability to do so. Lastly, management should use a proactive approach to managing workplace safety and health.

Source: UCC