ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing New-Born Resuscitation Practices Among Nurses And Midwives In The Eastern Region, Ghana.

The study explored the factors that influence New-born resuscitation (NR) practices among nurses and midwives in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The focus of the thesis was to describe the attitudes and explain the beliefs and perceptions (subjective norms) of nurses and midwives towards New-born resuscitation. The study sought out to identify the behavioural intentions of nurses and midwives and examined the practices (behaviour) of new-born resuscitation among nurses and midwives. This was a qualitative study and was carried out using face-to-face, in-depth semi-structured interviews. Seventeen nurses and midwives who work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Maternity wards from the Nsawam Government Hospital and the Regional Hospital, Koforidua were interviewed. The study found that good knowledge and understanding of NR had a positive impact on the attitude of nurses and midwives. Also, people of referents and the family had a great influence on NR performance. In addition, culture, and religion, directly and indirectly, impacted practice. On the contrary, traditions from the ward and belief in the archaic ways of managing new-borns with breathing difficulties had adverse impact on NR practice. Also, other factors such as lack of training, shortage of human and material resources, inadequate space, poor supervision, and monitoring were identified as barriers to NR performance among the nurses and midwives. There is the need for regular training, inculcating family centred care in training, monitoring, and provision of the necessary amenities for effective NR which will go a long way to improve the nurse or midwife's behaviours towards NR.

Source: UG
Factors influencing nurses’ pain assessment and management of road traffic casualties: a qualitative study at a military hospital in Ghana

Background Evidence shows that patients who visit the surgical and trauma emergency units may be discharged with untreated or increased pain levels. This study explored nurses’ pain assessment and management approaches at a trauma-surgical emergency unit in Ghana. Methods Seventeen nurses who work in the trauma department participated in this qualitative exploratory descriptive study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted, and the thematic analysis was utilized to identify emerging themes and subthemes. Results Three main themes were identified: patient pain indicators, pain management, and institutional factors influencing pain management. The study revealed that nurses rely on verbal expressions, non-verbal cues, physiological changes, and the severity of pain communicated. The findings highlighted staff shortage, inadequate resources, and lack of standardized guidelines as factors affecting pain and management. Conclusions Although the study offers critical new perspectives on nurses’ experiences regarding pain related issues at the trauma-surgical emergency units, its small sample size limited its generalizability.

Source: UG
Factors influencing patients on antiretroviral therapy loss to follow up: A qualitative analysis of healthcare workers perspective

Despite expanded and successful antiretroviral therapy program coverage, a large proportion of people drop out at different stages along their treatment course. As a result, treatment gains do not reach a large proportion of these groups. It has been demonstrated that around half of the patients who test Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive in Sub-Saharan Africa are lost between testing and being considered for eligibility for therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence patients on antiretroviral therapy who lost to follow-up in HIV treatment clinics in Asunafo South District, Ahafo Region. We used phenomenological qualitative research approach in conducting this study. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents, while key informant interview was used to collect the data. The major identified challenges in carrying out follow-up visits of patients on antiretroviral therapy were wrong addresses and phone numbers of clients, coupled with poor telecommunication networks, geographical relocation of clients, poor documentation of patients’ information, and non-availability of means of transport. The preferred reengage ment strategies identified in this study were: supply of drugs through home visits, intensive education, engaging the services of community-based surveillance officers, enhanced regular phone call visits, adoption and use of an integrated antiretroviral therapy clinic, intensified education on HIV, and involvement of religious leaders. In conclusion, all clinicians and stakeholders should consider the identified challenges and re-engagement strategies when providing antiretroviral services

Source: UG
Factors Influencing Patients’ Satisfaction with Nursing Care at the Upper East Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga

The study examined factors influencing patients’ satisfaction with nursing care at the Upper East Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga. The organising framework for the study was the Interaction Model of Client Health Behaviour (IMCHB). The study employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. A sample of 260 male and female adult inpatients at Medical/Surgical Wards of the Upper East Regional Hospital participated in the study. The participants answered a questionnaire which consists of sociodemographic characteristics, Cognitive Appraisal Health Scale (CAHS), Picker Patients’ Experience (PPE) Questionnaire, Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale (NPIS) and Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale (NSNS). The data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Analytic techniques such as Independent t-test, Pearson Correlation, Standard Multiple Regression, and Sequential Multiple Regression were employed. The results indicate that patients’ previous nursing care experience is significantly but negatively related to patients’ nursing care satisfaction. Patients’ perception of illness did not significantly relate to patients’ nursing care satisfaction in this study. Also, nurse-patient interaction is significantly and positively related to patients’ satisfaction with nursing care. In addition, patients’ previous nursing care experience, patients’ perception of illness and nurse-patient interaction significantly explained 56% of patients’ nursing care satisfaction. Lastly, nurse-patient interaction was the most predictor of patients’ satisfaction with nursing care. The study would be useful to nurses and other healthcare professionals in their interaction with patients. This suggests the need for nurses to frequently assess patients’ level of satisfaction with nursing care in order to improve health care at hospitals. Also, health authorities should periodically organise continuous professional training on interpersonal relationship for all health providers in order to improve on their interactions and communication skills. Based on the study findings, there is a need to conduct future research on the impact of human and material resources on patients’ satisfaction with nursing care. The present study findings indicate the need for nurses and health authorities to place much importance in improving the relationship between nurses and patients in health care facilities.

Source: UG
Factors Influencing Patients’ Willingness to Participate in their Nursing Care: A Study at the Nsawam Government Hospital

Background: Patients' participation in their care is an important component in the delivery of quality health care. Patients‘ willingness to participate in their care is assumed to be influenced by attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. However, there is a paucity of evidences on the relation between patients‘ participation and their behavioural intentions. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing patients‘ willingness to participate in their nursing care. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Theory of planned behaviour questionnaire was administered to 380 respondents who were conveniently sampled from the Nsawam government hospital, Ghana. Descriptive, correlation and regression analysis were run to categorise and compare data. Results: Majority of respondents (n = 359, 94.5%) participated in their nursing care. Attitude (M = 39.98, SD = 4.38), subjective norms (M = 22.62, SD = 3.28), Perceived Behavioural Control (M = 132.4, SD = 38.11) and Behavioural Intentions (M = 18.07, SD = 2.69) influenced Patients‘ willingness to participate in nursing care. Significant positive relationship was observed between Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioural Control and Behavioural Intentions (P<.001). There was also significant positive correlation between Behavioural Intention and actual participation (< .05) and between indirect attitude and actual participation (< .05). 26.240, P<.005). Indirect attitude, religion, sex, direct subjective norms and direct attitude predicted patients‘ participation in nursing care. Conclusion: Patients are willing to participate in their nursing care therefore nurses ought to include patients in their care. Participation in care is influenced by attitudes, societal expectations, values and norms and these must be recognised and integrated in the care of patient.

Source: UG
Factors influencing prevention and control of malaria among pregnant women resident in Urban slums, Southern Ghana

Throughout Africa and particularly in Ghana, there are concerns about malaria infection during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate factors that influence malaria prevention and control practices among pregnant women residing in Chorkor and Korle-Gonno in Accra, Ghana. One hundred and twenty pregnant women between ages 18-49 were randomly recruited during antenatal sessions at a maternity facility in Accra, as participants for the study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS version16.0. It was found that in Chorkor and Korle-Gonno, 57.4% and 42.6% participants respectively reported having been infected with malaria during their current pregnancy. There was no significant relationship between religious beliefs of participants and their malaria prevention and control practices (X2 = 0.28, P =.53). However, there was a significant relationship between malaria prevention and control practices of participants and their income earning (X2 = 53.94, P =.00) and employment (X2 = 61.76, P =.00) statuses. With the exception of ethnicity (X2 = 35.62, P =.22), other socio-cultural conditions had a significant relationship with malaria prevention and control practices of the participants. The findings suggest the need to consider and integrate factors, such as poverty and poor living conditions in malaria prevention and control strategies. © 2015, Women’s Health and Action Research Centre. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Factors influencing prevention and control of malaria among pregnant women resident in urban slums, southern Ghana.

Throughout Africa and particularly in Ghana, there are concerns about malaria infection during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate factors that influence malaria prevention and control practices among pregnant women residing in Chorkor and Korle-Gonno in Accra, Ghana. One hundred and twenty pregnant women between ages 18-49 were randomly recruited during antenatal sessions at a maternity facility in Accra, as participants for the study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS version16.0. It was found that in Chorkor and Korle-Gonno, 57.4% and 42.6% participants respectively reported having been infected with malaria during their current pregnancy. There was no significant relationship between religious beliefs of participants and their malaria prevention and control practices (X2 = 0.28, P = .53). However, there was a significant relationship between malaria prevention and control practices of participants and their income earning (X2 = 53.94, P = .00) and employment (X2 = 61.76, P = .00) statuses. With the exception of ethnicity (X2 = 35.62, P =.22), other socio-cultural conditions had a significant relationship with malaria prevention and control practices of the participants. The findings suggest the need to consider and integrate factors, such as poverty and poor living conditions in malaria prevention and control strategies.

Source: UG
Factors influencing resource allocation decisions and equity in the health system of Ghana

Allocation of financial resources in the health sector is often seen as a formula-driven activity. However, the decision to allocate a certain amount of resources to a particular health jurisdiction or facility may be based on a broader range of factors, sometimes not reflected in the existing resource allocation formula. This study explores the 'other' factors that influence the equity of resource allocation in the health system of Ghana. The extent to which these factors are, or can be, accounted for in the resource allocation process is analysed.

Source: UG
Factors influencing rheological and textural qualities in chocolate - a review

): Chocolate, a complex emulsion, is a luxury food that during consumption evokes a range of stimuli that activate pleasure centres of the human brain. Central to chocolate quality is an appropriate melting behaviour so that products are solid at ambient temperature and on ingestion melt to undergo dissolution in oral saliva, with a final assessment of texture after phase inversion. Particle size distribution and ingredient com- position play important roles in shaping its rheological behaviour and sensory perception but are poorly understood. With opportunities for improvements in quality possible through im- proved and more transparent supply chain management, plant breeding strategies and new product development, associated with fair trade and development of niche premium quality products, there is a need for greater understanding of variables

Source: UG
Factors influencing rice production in the south-eastern belt of Ghana

Ghana has great potential to produce rice for local consumption, however, the average rice produced barely meets half of the country's consumption needs. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and surveys were held within the coastal lowland rice production belt in Ghana. The FGDs were held at Okyereko and Afife followed by surveys in the two communities in addition to Dawenya and Ashaiman. The objectives were to assess the production challenges faced by farmers in the four communities and determine the rice traits preferred by the farmers. Twenty farmers were involved in each of the FGDs while 227 respondents were selected through convenient sampling for the interviews. Sixty-nine percent of respondent farmers were male, 53% were above 50 years while 44% had varied levels of education. Farmers preferences mainly related to marketable traits such as aroma (87%), taste (83%) and yield potential (78%). There was special preference for Jasmine 85 (62.8%) and Togo Marshal l (25%), an indication of the high adoption of aromatic rice varieties in the study areas. Challenges such as securing credit, input supplies, soil salinity and ageing work force were matters of grave concern to respondent farmers. Given the importance of rice cultivation in the study areas to Ghana’s quest to achieve self-sufficiency in rice, targeted and coordinated support from relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations is needed to sustain a higher level of production in the study areas.

Source: UG
Factors influencing teaching as a career choice (FIT-Choice) in Ghana

This research was conducted to examine the structural validity of Watt and Richardson’s (2007) Factors Influencing Teaching Choice (FIT-Choice) scale in the Ghanaian context among teachers in pre-tertiary schools. A cohort of 354 teachers were selected to take part in a quantitative survey, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research found that the participants were influenced by social utility value and personal utility value to choose a teaching career rather than extrinsic utility value. The research further showed that, while in teaching, the teachers mainly believed in their expertise, and were satisfied with their choice of a teaching career devoid of dissuasion. The research recommended giving a better opportunity to teachers to enjoy job security, time for family, transfers and social equity.

Source: UG
Factors influencing the approach to community development in Ghanaian urban slums

The approaches used in community development (CD) are critical to the success or failure of projects. Yet, we know little about approaches employed in CD in urban areas. This study investigates the approaches employed in two CD projects (construction of footbridges and cassava processing) in Ashaiman, an urban Ghanaian slum, and the factors that influenced the selected approaches. We used a qualitative technique by conducting semistructured interviews with 23 stakeholders involved in CD activities in Ashaiman. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. The findings demonstrated that the two selected initiatives used both self-help and technical support approaches, with the latter approach dominating. The community's capacity, weak social ties among the residents, and nature of the project undertaken were the factors that determined the approaches taken. The basis for the approach used in CD should be the characteristics of the communities and how they facilitate the successful implementation of projects.

Source: UG
The factors influencing the attitude of Roman Catholics towards the Sacrament of Reconciliation: A Study at Holy Spirit Cathedral, Accra

This study is aimed at finding out the factors that have influences on the attitude of Roman Catholics towards the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A total of 120 respondents drawn from ten (10) Catholic organized groups in the Holy Spirit Cathedral Church at Adabraka through a stratified sampling technique were used for the study. The independent t- tests and One Way ANOVA were used to analyze the hypotheses. The findings were that biographical variables like the level of knowledge of education, position in the church and gender has significant influence on the attitude of Roman Catholics towards the Sacrament of Reconciliation but not age . Based on this it was recommended that there should be teachings on the sacrament by the religious leaders to members of the church even after baptism

Source: UG
Factors influencing the choice of anaesthesia as a field of specialty in university of Ghana school of medicine and dentistry, Korle-Bu teaching hospital

Background: Specialisation is perceived as essential for success, and affects the availability and distribution of medical personnel and the quality of service the health system is able to deliver. In Ghana, some areas of medical specialties have a relatively good number of practitioners and are constantly attracting prospective doctors into these fields. Anaesthesia, which is an essential and integral part of the health care system, is one field with an inadequate workforce and has been attracting few doctors into the specialty. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 183 undergraduate final-year students of the University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry. A total of 183 self-reporting questionnaires were distributed among the students during tutorials for their final exams. Of these, 146 questionnaires were completed and returned. Results: General surgery was the most desirable specialty 26 (17.8%), paediatrics was the second most desirable specialty 24 (16.4%), whilst anaesthesia 2 (1.4%) ranked seventh. Conclusions: The results of this survey suggest that duration of exposure during clinical clerkship influences career decision among undergraduate medical students. Most of the students prioritise their choice of specialty based on interest and exposure during rotation through the specialty. © 2015 The Author(s).

Source: UG
Factors Influencing The Choice Of Contraceptives Among Women At A Specialist Hospital, Sokoto-Nigeria

Contraceptive choices that couples make is a key component of the Sustainable Development Goal agenda and a major contributor to national health. In spite of the importance of increased contraceptive uptake among couples of reproductive age, meeting the reproductive health rights of women remains an issue due to multi-faceted obstacles within complex environments. The issues which impact women’s reproductive health rights in relation to contraception relate to availability, accessibility, affordability, literacy, tradition, and culture. This study describe the factors which influence the choice of contraceptives among women who are accessing family planning services at a Specialist hospital, Sokoto-Nigeria. A cross sectional study was used in this quantitative research to generate data on contraceptive choices of women within the reproductive age (18-49 years) who are accessing family planning services at Specialist hospital, Sokoto. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 352 respondents who were randomly sampled at a Specialist hospital, Sokoto-Nigeria. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0 for the descriptive data to meet the study objectives. Descriptive statistics, a Chi-Square test was used in the data analyses to check the association of the two variables. Logistic regression was also used to investigate the association of the study’s independent variables. The result of the study indicated that knowledge of the study participants, occupation, personal factors, cultural norms and decision making are all significant factors that influence the choice of contraceptives among the women accessing family planning unit of Specialist Hospital Sokoto. It is anticipated that the findings of this research will serve as basis for policy makers to intensify efforts on the education of women on family planning towards increased utilization of services. It is expected that collaborative efforts between families, health care providers, community members and stakeholders will be established to address personal, economic and socio-cultural barriers to family planning services and women’s right to family planning choices.

Source: UG
Factors influencing the choice of librarianship as a course of study at the diploma level in Ghana

The study investigated the factors that influence the choice of librarianship as a course of study at the diploma level in Ghana. The study also sought to find out if interest had been engendered in librarianship after enrolling for the course and whether the students intended pursuing the course further to develop a career in librarianship. The population surveyed was the Diploma I & II classes of the Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana who were admitted in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 academic years. Using data obtained through questionnaires, the study sought for information relating to their background, factors influencing the choice of librarianship, interest in librarianship and pursuing librarianship as a career. The findings revealed that various factors account for the choice of librarianship. These factors were mainly external with an opportunity for further education being the most prevalent. Other factors included association with librarians, experience in library work, a liking for books and the need for career change.

Source: UG