ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A study of the determinants of anaemia among under-five children in Ghana

In spite of the numerous interventions in place to control anaemia in Ghana, the prevalence of anaemia among under-five children is still high and classified as a severe public health problem. The study examined socio-demographic factors influencing anaemia among under-five children using the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data of 2008. The general objective of the study was to assess socio-demographic characteristics of household associated with anaemia among under-five children in Ghana. The logistic regression estimates identified a significant relationship between the prevalence of anaemia in children and a set of socio-demographic variables. For instance, children who were aged 6-24 months were at a higher risk of anaemia compared to children aged 25-59 months. Children of fathers with lower level of education were more likely to be anaemic. In conclusion, it was found that child age, mother’s age, place of resident and father’s level of education were important determinants factors of anaemia in Ghana. It is recommended that Ghana Health Service should provide appropriate education on complementary feeding for mothers with under-five children in order to reduce prevalence of anaemia. Also, education on anaemia by MOH and GHS should target not only mothers, but fathers as well especially those with low level of education

Source: UCC
Study of the Factors Leading to Unintended Pregnancy in Women in Kumasi, Ghana

pregnancy at the time of conception [1]. Out of about 210 million global pregnancies annually, about forty (40) percent are not planned and twenty-two (22) percent are aborted [2]. Ninetyfive percent (95.0%) are terminated in an unsafe manner in developing countries [2]. This rate has been higher in Africa but similar in Ghana [3]. Unsafe abortion has been shown to account for 15% to 30% of all maternal deaths in Ghana [4,5]. Knowledge on the immediate factors leading to the occurrences of unintended pregnancies could help in putting in preventive measures in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with unsafe abortion. These factors include contraceptive failure, non-use of contraception, using contraception inconsistently or incorrectly, rape/incest and sex for a favour [6–8]. Hatcher and colleagues associated a relatively small fraction of unintended pregnancies to contraceptive failure when modern highly effective contraceptives are used [7]. Incorrect or non-use of contraceptive might be as a result of coercion, rape or involuntary sex in the context of domestic violence [9]. Unintended pregnancies are more likely to be associated with abuse than intended pregnancies.

Source: UCC
Study of the Factors Leading to Unintended Pregnancy in Women in Kumasi, Ghana

Background: There are high levels of unintended pregnancy in low income countries. The aim of this research was to determine the immediate factors associated with unintended pregnancies in Kumasi, Ghana. Methodology: A facility-based cross‐sectional study was carried out on four hundred and forty-two (442) women in selected health facilities (Maternal and Child Health Hospital (MCHH) and Marie Stopes International, Ghana (MSIG)) in the Kumasi business district from January to April, 2014. Data were collected using a pre‐tested structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. The following statistical analyses were conducted: frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation and bivariate analysis. Results: The mean age was 25.4 years, 67% earned income but only 1/3 earned above the national minimum wage; 60% were unmarried and 55% had below high school education. The mean gestational age at presentation was 16 weeks (±10.7). A statistical association was observed.

Source: UCC
Study of the Factors Leading to Unintended Pregnancy in Women in Kumasi, Ghana

Background: There are high levels of unintended pregnancy in low income countries. The aim of this research was to determine the immediate factors associated with unintended pregnancies in Kumasi, Ghana. Methodology: A facility-based cross‐sectional study was carried out on four hundred and forty-two (442) women in selected health facilities (Maternal and Child Health Hospital (MCHH) and Marie Stopes International, Ghana (MSIG)) in the Kumasi business district from January to April, 2014. Data were collected using a pre‐tested structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. The following statistical analyses were conducted: frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation and bivariate analysis. Results: The mean age was 25.4 years, 67% earned income but only 1/3 earned above the national minimum wage; 60% were unmarried and 55% had below high school education. The mean gestational age at presentation was 16 weeks (±10.7). A statistical association was observed between the use of contraceptives (p-value = 0.037), marital status (p-value= 0.048) and pregnancy. Conclusion: There are still high levels of unintended pregnancy mainly caused by the non-use of contraceptives. More education is therefore needed on the benefits of contraceptives and the dangers of unintended pregnancy. Further studies are also required to confirm the high contraceptive failure rate and thus innovative ways of improving contraceptives uptake instituted

Source: UCC
Study of the Factors Leading to Unintended Pregnancy in Women in Kumasi, Ghana

Background: There are high levels of unintended pregnancy in low income countries. The aim of this research was to determine the immediate factors associated with unintended pregnancies in Kumasi, Ghana. Methodology: A facility-based cross‐sectional study was carried out on four hundred and forty-two (442) women in selected health facilities (Maternal and Child Health Hospital (MCHH) and Marie Stopes International, Ghana (MSIG)) in the Kumasi business district from January to April, 2014. Data were collected using a pre‐tested structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. The following statistical analyses were conducted: frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation and bivariate analysis. Results: The mean age was 25.4 years, 67% earned income but only 1/3 earned above the national minimum wage; 60% were unmarried and 55% had below high school education. The mean gestational age at presentation was 16 weeks (±10.7). A statistical association was observed between the use of contraceptives (p-value = 0.037), marital status (p-value= 0.048) and pregnancy. Conclusion: There are still high levels of unintended pregnancy mainly caused by the non-use of contraceptives. More education is therefore needed on the benefits of contraceptives and the dangers of unintended pregnancy. Further studies are also required to confirm the high contraceptive failure rate and thus innovative ways of improving contraceptives uptake instituted.

Source: UCC
A study of the marketing activities of small and medium enterprises in the Tema metropolis

This study examined the marketing activities of 156 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Tema metropolis. The study used primary data obtained through questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used to select the sample. Areas explored included the perception of SME owners about marketing planning, the activities they undertake in marketing their products and services, and the challenges they face in their marketing operations. Results of the study revealed that the SMEs generally perceive marketing planning as an important activity in their business operations. In spite of this perception, not all of them engage in marketing planning. Also, the major tools used by the SMEs in their marketing are product development, pricing, promotion and location as well as people, process and physical evidence. Marketing challenges identified by the study included the inability of the business owners to undertake and implement marketing plans properly due to financial, logistical and personnel problems, lack of reliable marketing information and too many competitors on the market. The study recommends that for SMEs in the study area to maximize their marketing gains and remain competitive, they must focus their marketing activities not only on the traditional marketing mix, but also on alternative approaches such as the segmentation, targeting and positioning, and guerrilla marketing.

Source: UCC
A study of the perception of senior staff on the training and development programmes of University of Cape Coast

Training and development of staff is one sure way to deal with the recent challenges such as increasing enrollment and use of technology facing Ghanaian universities. Unfortunately, in spite of the cost involved, training programmes do not always result in improved performances. The study therefore aimed at finding out the perception of senior staff on the training and development programmes provided by the University of Cape Coast and whether they actually result in improved performances. The study adopted the case study design. Data were collected through questionnaire, interviews and study of relevant documents. From a population of 240 senior staff who had undergone training and development programmes, stratified random sampling procedure was used to select a sample size of 151. Also, five Heads of Department and one key staff from the Training and Development Section of the University were purposively selected to respond to interviews. Software Package for Service Solution (SPSS) was used to analyse data using means and frequencies. ANOVA was used to determine the level of differences in the responses and a post hoc test was conducted to determine where these differences occur. The study revealed that senior staff generally perceived that the training and development programmes had a positive influence on their performance. However, the programmes were more favourable to the other categories of staff like Research Assistants and Health Staff compared to the Administrative staff. Also, while senior staff perceived long term academic oriented programmes to have more influence on their performance, management thinks otherwise. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the training process for administrative staff should be reconsidered, and also that training should be made the responsibility of the departments with the Training and Development Section playing the role of coordination.

Source: UCC
A study of the role of past students' associations in the administration of selected second cycle institutions in the Cape Coast municipality

The purpose of the study was to examine the roles past students play in some selected second cycle schools some years after completing school. The study also examined the perception of school heads and their assistants on the activities of Past Students' Associations in their schools as well as problems they encountered when dealing with such interest groups. The views of Assistant Directors and Directors of the Municipal and Regional Education Directorate were sought. The study was a descriptive survey. The sample comprised 84 respondents including members of the Past Students' Associations, heads of selected second cycle schools and their assistants and Directors and Assistant Directors from the Municipal and Regional Directorate of Education. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS Software. A multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the best predictor of past students' roles and perceived problems encountered with school administrators or perceived ways of assistance to schools. The study revealed that, Past Students' Associations contribute immensely to their alma mater. However, the study also showed that some past students sometimes interfere with the administrative machinery of the school. The study therefore recommends extending the formation of Past Students' Associations to basic schools. Also, it is recommended that the GES should issue guidelines to regulate the activities of Past Students' Associations.

Source: UCC
The Study of the structural colouration observed in the papilio crino fabricius, 1792 wings

The research on nano-photonics has been on the increase recently. Among the materials that exhibit stunning optical properties are the nano-photonic materials found in nature such as those on butterfly wings. The wing scales of papilio crino was analysed using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer, and Optical Microscopy (OPM). Under the OPM, the wing scales was imaged both in normal and polarized (45°) light. The SEM images reveal concave surfaces separated by repeating pattern of ridges and cross ribs. The variation in colour across the concave surface modulation was evident from the optical microscopy images. Through the numerical simulation and CIELab colour space, it was shown that the green colour seen on the wings is a combination of yellow and blue light reflected from different microscopic regions on the wing concave surface. This shows application in the bio mimicks of retroflection sensors for the detection and classification of optical systems

Source: UCC
A study of water management practices, challenges and sustainable solutions in the Sekyere South District

Water is life and especially potable water is essential for life and health. So, access to drinking water, improves overall socio-economic and environmental existence. Since water is essential for the survival of humans, there is the need to examine how water resources are managed, especially in rural communities. Against this backdrop, this study sought to examine the water management practices of selected communities in Sekyere South district of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The purpose was to determine the level of participation of the community in the water management, the challenges associated with the water management practices, and the sustainable solutions to deal with the challenges. To achieve these objectives, questionnaires and interview guide were developed to collect data from respondents and water committee members respectively. A Total of 100 questionnaires were administered to households of two communities within the Sekyere South District. Six water committee members were purposively selected and interviewed on wide range of issues regarding the subject under consideration. The result of the study revealed that even though the level of participation of households and water committee members in the initiation and maintenance of water facilities are high, the water supply within the selected communities leaves much to be desired. It was observed that financial, technical, institutional and environmental challenges are affecting quality water delivery within the district. Also, the participants of the study indicated that for adequate management of water resources, enough water systems should be developed, while giving water committee members adequate training to manage the water resources. The study recommends, among others, that rural communities should be empowered to initiate and maintain water facilities through financial and technical support.

Source: UCC
A Study of Work Related Depression, Anxiety and Stress of Nurses at

This study is aimed at finding out the distribution of depression, anxiety and stress among nurses at Pantang hospital with regards to demographic characteristics such as age, gender, rank, duration and hospital unit worked. A sample of 57 Nurses of Pantang Hospital was randomly selected for the study. ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that there was a significant difference in all the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress with regards to the ages of the nurses. The results showed that the higher the age of the Nurse the more he or she is exposed to these emotional conditions and the stress level was higher in Rehabilitation Unit as compared to the rest of the Units. It was therefore recommended that Nurses who are vulnerable should be screened with the DASS scale and those with high scores should be counseled.

Source: UCC
A Study of Work Related Depression, Anxiety and Stress of Nurses at Pantang Hospital in Ghana

Abstract. This study is aimed at finding out the distribution of depression, anxiety and stress among nurses at Pantang hospital with regards to demographic characteristics such as age, gender, rank, duration and hospital unit worked. A sample of 57 Nurses of Pantang Hospital was randomly selected for the study. ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that there was a significant difference in all the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress with regards to the ages of the nurses. The results showed that the higher the age of the Nurse the more he or she is exposed to these emotional conditions and the stress level was higher in Rehabilitation Unit as compared to the rest of the Units. It was therefore recommended that Nurses who are vulnerable should be screened with the DASS scale and those with high scores should be counseled.

Source: UCC
A study on amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device (a-si epid) response to delivered radiation doses

The use of amorphous silicon flat panel-type electronic portal imaging device (a-Si EPID) as dosimeters in radiotherapy has seen gradual increase in recent times. This research study has assessed dosimetric response of a-Si EPID (Elekta iViewGT) with respect to photon beam qualities on Elekta Synergy Platform linac. Images acquired under reference conditions of 10×10 cm² open field with the a-Si EPID at source to EPID distance (SED) of 159 cm and varying dose of 1-3 Gy in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) solid water phantom slabs were used. The experiment was repeated with Farmer-type PTW ionization chamber (IBA 30010) in position and measurement taken at 10 cm in the solid water phantom. Set up conditions for EPID and IC remained same throughout the study. The study observed similar and proportional increases in EPID and IC signals with increasing dose. Maximum deviation of 7.2 % was recorded between EPID and IC measurements. Outcome of the study demonstrates that the a-Si EPID is appropriate for dosimetric verification purposes on the Elekta linac. Comprehensive evaluation of dosimetric properties of EPIDs is thus necessary to ensure reliability in dose measurements on different linac systems

Source: UCC
A study on students' participation in the administration of the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine student participation in the administration of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale. Areas investigated were student participation both at the University level; factors students felt impeded their participation; and what they perceived to enhance their participation in the management of UDS. The views of some Deans and Hall masters were sought. The study was a descriptive survey. The sample consisted of 297 student leaders of the SRC, NUGS, GNA TOC and the amalgamated clubs and societies of the three campuses of the UDS. Eleven lecturers made up of the Pro -Vice-Chancellor, the Dean and Vice - Dean of Students' Affairs and all the Hall Tutors, and six administrators which consisted of the Registrar and Assistant Registrars where sampled for oral interviews. Data was collected using questionnaire for students and structured interview guides for the lecturers and administrators. The data were analyzed by the SPSS software. Means and standard deviations, frequencies and percentages were calculated for the analysis. The study revealed that, students are given representation on a few committees and boards of UDS and with one or two student representation. The study also showed that students did not know the extent to which they participated in the various administrative systems listed for their opinions. However, students generally agreed that their participation in the management of the University would enhance the smooth teaching and learning in the institution. The interviews also revealed that there were some difficulties but that administrations were finding the best way to improve conditions in the University.

Source: UCC
A study on teachers' and students' perception of the leadership effectiveness of heads of senior secondary schools in the Ga district of Greater Accra region

The study was conducted to see how effective the heads of Senior Secondary Schools in the Ga district are. The study sought to investigate the perception of teachers and students of the leadership effectiveness of these heads in the Ga District of the Greater Accra Region. The respondents of the study were teachers and students of five Senior Secondary Schools in the Ga district, namely the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (Presec), St John's Grammar School, West Africa Secondary School, Odorgonno Secondary School and Amasaman Secondary/Technical School. Ten research questions were formulated to investigate such factors as the extent to which teachers and students perceive their heads to be effective in the administration of the school; and the extent to which teachers and students perceive the performance of their heads in creating an enabling environment for effective academic work. The study revealed, among others, that heads of second cycle institutions in the Ga district of the Greater Accra Region mobilize resources such as teaching and learning materials for effective teaching and learning. They also involve their teachers and students effectively in decision-making. Based on the findings of the study, a number of recommendations were made such as the need for heads of Senior Secondary Schools to promote effective teaching and learning, and undertake income generating ventures to raise fund for procuring resources.

Source: UCC
A Study on the Challenges and Prospects of Value Added Tax Administration in the Krachi East Municipality

ABSTRACT The study sought to investigate the challenges and prospects of VAT administration in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region of Ghana. In this study, the researcher employed the descriptive research design and the quantitative approach to enquiry. The target population of the study comprised all VAT registered persons and businesses as well as VAT administrators operating in the Krachi East Municipal. A final sample consisting of 93 VAT registered persons and businesses and 6 VAT administrators were selected for the study. Primary data was collected through administration of structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0 and presented in the form of frequency tables and charts. The study revealed that there is poor record-keeping among some VAT registered persons and businesses in the Krachi East Municipality. It further revealed that there is infrequent interaction between taxpayers and the VAT administrators in the municipality. The study also found that there are inadequate logistics for VAT administrators in the Krachi East Municipality to carry out their operations. The study recommends the intensification of VAT education to taxpayers within the municipality, regular training of staff and provision of adequate logistics as well as effective monitoring and control.

Source: UCC