ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A decomposition analysis of change in skilled birth attendants, 2003 to 2008, Ghana demographic and health surveys

Abstract Background The single most critical intervention to improve maternal and neonatal survival is to ensure that a competent health worker with midwifery skills is present at every birth, and transport is available to a referral facility for obstetric care in case of an emergency. This study aims to describe changes in percentage of skilled birth attendants in Ghana and to identify causes of the observed changes as well as the contribution of different categories of mother&#8217;s characteristics to these changes. Method This study uses two successive nationally representative household surveys: the 2003 and 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS). The two datasets have comparable information on household characteristics and skilled attendants at birth at the time of the survey. The 2003 GDHS database includes information on 6,251 households and 3639 live births in the five years preceding the survey, whereas the 2008 GDHS database had information on11, 778 households and 2909 live births in the five years preceding the survey. A decomposition approach was used to explain the observed change in percentage of skilled birth attendants. Random-effects generalized least square regression was used to explore the effect of changes in population structure in respect of the mother&#8217;s characteristics on percentage of skilled birth attendants over the period. Results Overall, the data showed absolute gain in the proportion of births attended by a health professional from 47.1% in 2003 to 58.7% in 2008, which represents 21.9% of gap closed to reach universal coverage. The increase in skilled birth attendants was found to be caused by changes in general health behaviour. The gain is regardless of the mother&#8217;s characteristics. The structural change in the proportion of births in respect of birth order and mother&#8217;s education had little effect on the change in percentage of skilled birth attendants. Conclusion Improvement in general health behaviour can potentially contribute to an accelerated increase in proportion of births attended by skilled personnel in Ghana.

Source: UG
A Descriptive Analysis Of Nurses’ Self-Reported Mental Health Symptoms During The COVID - Pandemic: An International Study.

Aim: To describe the self-reported mental health of nurses from 35 countries who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: There is little occupationally specific data about nurses’ mental health worldwide. Studies have documented the impact on nurses’ mental health of the COVID-19 pandemic, but few have baseline referents. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design structured the study. Data reflect a con venience sample of 9,387 participants who completed the opt-in survey between July 31, 2022, and October 31, 2023. Descriptive statistics were run to analyze the following vari ables associated with mental health: Self-reports of mental health symptoms, burnout, personal losses during the pandemic, access to mental health services, and self-care prac tices used to cope with pandemic-related stressors. Reporting of this study was steered by the STROBE guideline for quantitative studies. Results: Anxiety or depression occurred at rates ranging from 23%–61%, with country-specific trends in reporting observed. Approximately 18% of the sample reported experiencing some symptoms of burnout. The majority of nurses’ employers did not provide mental health support in the workplace. Most reported more frequently engag ing with self-care practices compared with before the pandemic. Notably, 20% of nurses suffered the loss of a family member, 35% lost a friend, and 34% a coworker due to COVID-19. Nearly half (48%) reported experiencing public aggression due to their identity as a nurse. Conclusions: The data obtained establish a basis for understanding the specific men tal health needs of the nursing workforce globally, highlighting key areas for service development. Implications for nursing policy: Healthcare organizations and governmental bodies need to develop targeted mental health support programs that are readily accessible to nurses to foster a resilient nursing workforce.

Source: UG
A Gaussian Process Regression And Wavelet Transform Time Series Approaches To Modeling Influenza A.

The global spread of Influenza A viruses is worsening economic and social challenges. Various mechanistic models have been developed to understand the virus’s spread and evaluate intervention effectiveness. This study aimed to model the temporal dynamics of Influenza A using Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and wavelet transform approaches. The study employed Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Wavelet Power Spectrum to analyze time-series data from 2009 to 2023. The GPR model, known for its non-parametric Bayesian nature, effectively captured non-linear trends in the Influenza A data, while wavelet transforms provided insights into frequency and time-localized characteristics. The integration of GPR with DWT denoising techniques demonstrated superior performance in forecasting Influenza A cases compared to traditional models like Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Averages (ARIMA) and Exponential Smoothing (ETS) using Holt–Winter method. The study identified significant anomalies in Influenza A cases, corresponding to known pandemic events and seasonal variations. These findings highlight the effectiveness of combining wavelet transform analysis with GPR in understanding and predicting infectious disease patterns, offering valuable insights for public health planning and intervention strategies. The research recommends extending this approach to other respiratory viruses to assess its broader applicability.

Source: UG
A History of Epidemic Diseases And Vaccination in Colonial Igala Land, Northern Nigeria.

The saying that health is wealth is an incontrovertible fact. This aphorism underscores the paramount significance attached to human health since the preliterate era. Igala land and other parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly during the colonial epoch, witnessed many epidemics. The sudden outbreak of epidemic diseases, which spread like wildfire across Nigeria in the early 1920s, threatened the lives of both Europeans and natives and adversely affected the economy and social lives of the people. Thus, vaccination was conceived as a viable control measure and made compulsory in Igala land. However, its success was limited. Therefore, this study examines the prevalence of epidemic diseases and vaccination in twentieth-century Igala land. This paper reveals that the acute shortage of medical and health personnel, Islamic influence, the difficult geographical terrain of the area, coupled with high rates of illiteracy, and the prevalence of traditional medicines militated against the effective and efficient control of epidemic diseases and vaccinations in Igala land. The functionalist theory is utilized while a multidisciplinary approach to historical analysis is adopted. Data for this study were obtained from the Nigerian National Archive, Kaduna, and oral interviews with residents of Igala land and literature.

Source: UG
A Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test For Yaws: A Multi-Country Diagnostic Accuracy Evaluation.

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

Source: UG
A mathematical model of seropositivity to malaria antigen, allowing seropositivity to be prolonged by exposure

Abstract Background Malaria transmission intensity is traditionally estimated from entomological studies as the entomological inoculation rate (EIR), but this is labour intensive and also raises sampling issues due to the large variation from house to house. Incidence of malaria in the control group of a trial or in a cohort study can be used but is difficult to interpret and to compare between different places and between age groups because of differences in levels of acquired immunity. The reversible catalytic model has been developed to estimate malaria transmission intensity using age-stratified serological data. However, the limitation of this model is that it does not allow for persons to have their seropositivity boosted by exposure while they are already seropositive. The aim of this paper is to develop superinfection mathematical models that allow for antibody response to be boosted by exposure. Method The superinfection models were fitted to age-stratified serological data using maximum likelihood method. Results The results showed that estimates of seroconversion rate were higher using the superinfection model than catalytic model. This difference was milder when the level of transmission was lower. This suggests that the catalytic model is underestimating the transmission intensity by up to 31%. The duration of seropositivity is shorter with superinfection model, but still seems too long. Conclusion The model is important because it can produce more realistic estimates of the duration of seropositivity. This is analogous to Dietz model, which allowed for superinfection and produced more realistic estimates of the duration of infection as compared to the original Ross-MacDonald malaria model, which also ignores superinfection.

Source: UG
A methodology for stochastic analysis of share prices as Markov chains with finite states

Abstract Price volatilities make stock investments risky, leaving investors in critical position when uncertain decision is made. To improve investor evaluation confidence on exchange markets, while not using time series methodology, we specify equity price change as a stochastic process assumed to possess Markov dependency with respective state transition probabilities matrices following the identified state pace (i.e. decrease, stable or increase). We established that identified states communicate, and that the chains are aperiodic and ergodic thus possessing limiting distributions. We developed a methodology for determining expected mean return time for stock price increases and also establish criteria for improving investment decision based on highest transition probabilities, lowest mean return time and highest limiting distributions. We further developed an R algorithm for running the methodology introduced. The established methodology is applied to selected equities from Ghana Stock Exchange weekly trading data.

Source: UG
A Mixed-Methods Study Of The Drivers Of Stunting Reduction Among Children Under-5 In Ghana, 2003–2017.

Background: Childhood stunting prevalence declined rapidly in Ghana in recent decades. Substantial economic growth over the same period will have contributed directly and indirectly to improved population health and nutrition in the country, but Ghana’s progress in reducing stunting has outpaced that of multiple other countries with comparable or higher economic growth rates. Objectives: We aimed to better understand Ghana’s exemplary progress in stunting reduction by examining the national-, community-, household-, and individual-level factors associated with the steep decline in stunting prevalence in recent decades. Methods: This mixed-methods study included literature review; secondary analysis of national household survey data, including Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition analysis; primary qualitative data collection and analysis; and a policy and program review. Results: Estimated from household surveys, under-5 stunting prevalence in Ghana declined from 35.1% in 2003 to 17.5% in 2017 and mean height-for age z-score increased by 0.50, with the country’s high-burden northernmost regions achieving the most rapid progress. Our modeling predicted 64% of the observed 0.43 height-for-age z-score increase among survey index children, with increases over time in mosquito net ownership, skilled birth attendance and antenatal care coverage, mean maternal age, urban residency, and household wealth accounting for most of the improvement in child growth over time. Qualitative findings highlighted similar and additional distal (e.g., income, maternal education, employment, women’s empowerment, and political stability); intermediate (e.g., water and sanitation, infrastructure); and proximal (e.g., disease prevention and control programs, maternal care, and diet improvements) factors associated with stunting reduction. Of 134 nutrition-related policies and programs identified in our review, 23 national initiatives were assessed as having contributed importantly to reducing stunting in Ghana, reflecting the effectiveness of multisectoral action. Conclusions: Stunting reduction can be accelerated even further in Ghana through increased coverage of high-quality nutrition-specific interventions and greater health and nonhealth sector investments.

Source: UG
A multilevel analysis of the predictors of health facility delivery in Ghana: Evidence from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey

Health facility delivery has the potential to improve birth and general health outcomes for both newborns and mothers. Regrettably, not all mothers, especially in low-and-middle income countries like Ghana deliver at health facilities, and mostly under unhygienic conditions. Using data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, we fitted both weighted single-level and random intercept multilevel binary logistic regression models to analyse predictors of a health facility delivery among mothers aged 15–49 years and to quantify unobserved household and community differences in the likelihood of health facility delivery. We analysed data on 4202 mothers residing in 3936 households and 427 communities. Of the 4202 mothers who delivered, 3031 (75.3%—weighted and 72.1%— unweighted) delivered at the health facility. Substantial unobserved household only (Median Odds Ratio (MOR) = 5.1) and household conditional on community (MOR = 4.7) level differences in the likelihood of health facility delivery were found. Mothers aged 25–34 (aOR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.0–2.1) and 35–44 (aOR = 2.9, 95%CI: 1.7–4.8), mothers with at least a secondary education (aOR = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.7–4.1), with health insurance coverage (aOR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2–2.2) and from richer/richest households (aOR = 8.3, 95%CI: 3.6–19.1) and with piped water (aOR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1–2.1) had increased odds of health facility delivery. Mothers residing in rural areas (aOR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.2–0.5) and with no religion (aOR = 0.5, 95%CI: 0.3–1.0) and traditional religion (aOR = 0.2, 95%CI: 0.1–0.6), who reported not wanting to go to health facilities alone as a big problem (aOR = 0.5, 95%CI: 0.3–0.8) and having a parity of 2 (aOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.3–0.7), 3 (aOR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.2–0.6) and 4 (aOR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.1–0.5) had reduced odds of health facility delivery. Our predictive model showed outstanding predictive power of 96%. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare seeking behaviours, maternal education and household wealth, and bridge the urban-rural gaps to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Source: UG
A perpetual source of DNA or something really different: ethical issues in the creation of cell lines for African genomics research

Abstract Background The rise of genomic studies in Africa &#8211; not least due to projects funded under H3Africa &#8211; is associated with the development of a small number of biorepositories across Africa. For the ultimate success of these biorepositories, the creation of cell lines including those from selected H3Africa samples would be beneficial. In this paper, we map ethical challenges in the creation of cell lines. Discussion The first challenge we identified relates to the moral status of cells living in culture. There is no doubt that cells in culture are alive, and the question is how this characteristic is relevant to ethical decision-making. The second challenge relates to the fact that cells in culture are a source of cell products and mitochondrial DNA. In combination with other technologies, cells in culture could also be used to grow human tissue. Whilst on the one hand, this feature increases the potential utility of the sample and promotes science, on the other it also enables further scientific work that may not have been specifically consented to or approved. The third challenge relates to ownership over samples, particularly in cases where cell lines are created by a biobank, and in a different country than where samples were collected. Relevant questions here concern the export of samples, approval of secondary use and the acceptability of commercialisation. A fourth challenge relates to perceptions of blood and bodily integrity, which may be particularly relevant for African research participants from certain cultures or backgrounds. Finally, we discuss challenges around informed consent and ethical review. Summary In this paper, we sought to map the myriad of ethical challenges that need to be considered prior to making cell line creation a reality in the H3Africa project. Considering the relative novelty of this practice in Africa, such challenges will need to be considered, discussed and potentially be resolved before cell line creation in Africa becomes financially feasible and sustainable. We suggest that discussions need to be undertaken between stakeholders internationally, considering the international character of the H3Africa project. We also map out avenues for empirical research.

Source: UG
A process evaluation of a home garden intervention

Background Most reviews of nutrition-sensitive programs assess the evidence base for nutrition outcomes with out considering how programs were delivered. Process evaluations can fill this void by exploring how or why impacts were or were not achieved. This mid-term process evaluation examines a home garden intervention implemented in a large-scale, livelihoods improvement program in Odisha, India. The objectives are to understand whether the intervention was operating as planned (fidelity), investigate potential pathways to achieve greater impact, and provide insights to help design future home garden programs. Methodology Data collection and analysis for this theory-driven process evaluation are based on a program impact pathway that shows the fow of inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Quantitative and qualitative data from focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and a Process Net-Mapping exercise with benefciaries frontline workers, and program management staff. Results Despite a mismatch between the design and implementation (low fidelity), the process evaluation identified positive outputs, outcomes, and impacts on home garden production, consumption, income, health and nutritional outcomes, and women’s empowerment. Flexibility led to greater positive outcomes on nutrition, the adoption of sus‑ tainable agricultural practices and easy-to-understand nutrition models, and the likelihood of the intervention being sustained after the program ends. Conclusions To help food systems in rural settings reduce food insecurity by utilizing more sustainable agricultural practices, we recommend that home garden interventions include instruction on easy-to-understand nutrition models and on how to make natural fertilizer. Finding local solutions like home gardens to help address critical supply issues and food insecurity is paramount

Source: UG
A Process Evaluation Of A Home Garden Intervention.

Background Most reviews of nutrition-sensitive programs assess the evidence base for nutrition outcomes with‑ out considering how programs were delivered. Process evaluations can fll this void by exploring how or why impacts were or were not achieved. This mid-term process evaluation examines a home garden intervention implemented in a large-scale, livelihoods improvement program in Odisha, India. The objectives are to understand whether the intervention was operating as planned (fdelity), investigate potential pathways to achieve greater impact, and provide insights to help design future home garden programs. Methodology Data collection and analysis for this theory-driven process evaluation are based on a program impact pathway that shows the fow of inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Quantitative and qualitative data from focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and a Process Net-Mapping exercise with benefciaries, frontline workers, and program management staf. Results Despite a mismatch between the design and implementation (low fdelity), the process evaluation identifed positive outputs, outcomes, and impacts on home garden production, consumption, income, health and nutritional outcomes, and women’s empowerment. Flexibility led to greater positive outcomes on nutrition, the adoption of sus‑ tainable agricultural practices and easy-to-understand nutrition models, and the likelihood of the intervention being sustained after the program ends. Conclusions To help food systems in rural settings reduce food insecurity by utilizing more sustainable agricultural practices, we recommend that home garden interventions include instruction on easy-to-understand nutrition models and on how to make natural fertilizer. Finding local solutions like home gardens to help address critical supply issues and food insecurity is paramount.

Source: UG
A qualitative study of lived experience and life courses following dam release flooding in Northern Ghanaian communities: Implications for damage and loss assessment

Background Dams provide water for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use, particularly in arid regions. However, controlled dam releases due to heavy rainfall may affect downstream communi ties’ livelihoods and life courses such long-term impacts may be omitted from damage and loss assessments. This study aims to assess the lived experiences and long-term conse quences of dam release flooding for downstream populations, comparing these with the typ ical scope of a damage and loss assessment (DaLA). Methods This research was conducted in two flood-prone districts in the White Volta basin, Ghana, subject to dam spillage. Four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community opinion headers, household heads, chiefs, local politicians, and institutional staff were conducted and analysed, alongside semi-structured interviews with twelve opinion leaders and disas ter-related institutions. Results Flood-affected communities struggled to attract partners for marriage due to stigmatisation from flooding impacts. Women outside flooded areas rejected male members’ marriage pro posals, while communities offered young girls for marriage to wealthy men for greater finan cial security. Out-migration of female members to seek better livelihoods frequently led to divorce, subsequently affecting children’s education and well-being. Participants reported long-term trauma from flood-related contact with dangerous wildlife, travel disruption, disease risk, livelihood loss, and accidents. Such life course events and long-term trauma would be omitted from a DaLA exercise. Conclusion Beyond its immediate impacts, flooding undermines family relationships and marriage, impairing children’s education and traumatises affected communities. We recommend liveli hood diversification programmes, psychological support and family counselling to address these long-term impacts, with expansion of DaLA’s scope to underpin such support.

Source: UG