ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impact of malaria mass-test treat exercise on antipfeba- 175 antibody levels in a malaria endemic community

One key factor influencing the manifestation of malaria is naturally acquired immunity (NAI) against the parasite, which is developed after repeated exposure by people living in endemic areas. Efforts to further decrease the incidence of malaria have resulted in the implementation of a wide variety of malaria control and elimination measures, each with the potential to alter the development of NAI. We monitored total IgG against PfEBA-175 antigen quarterly over a 13-month period in individuals living in a high malaria transmission setting (Obom) where a mass test, treat and track (MTTT) exercise was rolled out. 1200 individuals without any symptoms of malaria aged between 7 months and 90 years were enrolled on the study and donated finger-pricked blood that was used to prepare dried blood spots (DBS). Out of this number, 314 individuals who were present for all four sampling time points were selected for the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the DBS from these individuals for PCR estimate of P. falciparum. Antibodies were also eluted from the DBS and used for PfEBA-175-specific ELISA. The results were stratified by age into 0-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-15 years and 16+ years groups. Across visits, there was a gradual rise in antibody levels at each time point, however, this was not statistically significant. Individuals aged 16 and above had higher antibody titres than individuals aged 15 and below. The study revealed that all the age categories had higher antibody titres with mean significant differences at the end of the period except those in the age group 10-15 years whose differences in antibody titres at the end of the study were not statistically significant. Generally, higher antibody levels were associated with those infected compared to the uninfected. This study established that MTTT intervention does not significantly reduce antibody titres against the PfEBA-175 antigen after a year of its rollout in an endemic community.

Source: UCC
The impact of management accounting practices on financial performance of small and medium enterprises in the Cape Coast metropolis in the central region of Ghana

he study sought to assess the impact of management accounting practices on financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive design with cross sectional survey and is both quantitative and qualitative in nature. The study used SPSS statistical procedure to analyze the data collected through the administration of questionnaires and did content analysis for the interview guide. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using open using openusing open using openusing open-coding session coding session coding session coding session coding session coding session coding session coding session of what of what of what is referred is referred is referred is referredis referred is referred to as a line to as a lineto as a line to as a lineto as a lineto as a line to as a line -by -line analysis line analysis line analysisline analysisline analysisline analysisline analysisline analysisline analysis in order to detect prominent in order to detect prominent in order to detect prominent in order to detect prominent in order to detect prominent in order to detect prominent in order to detect prominent in order to detect prominent concepts. concepts. concepts. concepts. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the participants. The sample for the study consisted of 338 SME owners and 7 bank managers. Triangulation was a technique used to strengthen the robustness of a qualitative and quantitative study. The study found out that management accounting practices enabled the SMEs to produce and sell high quality goods and that promoted increased productivity and profit growth rate and boosted SMEs performance level. The result also indicated that access to credit and buying bulk purchases from cheaper sources enhanced business prospects in profit maximization and smoothened SMEs financial performance. It is concluded that SMEs owners bought high quality products from cheaper sources but had competitive market environment in selling their goods. It is recommended that SMEs should sell goods that have greater demand in the market and engage in competitive advertisement.

Source: UCC
Impact of management information systems on justice delivery at the Judicial Service in Central Region, Ghana

The Judicial Service as the third arm of government is the body mandated by law to dispense justice in the country to ensure that peace, tranquillity and stability prevail for socio-economic development of the country. However, productivity or efficiency on the part of Staffs is ordinarily low in the various courts in the Central Region, because, the Judicial Service of Ghana lacks the needed technological or Management Information Systems to propel efficiency in delivery of justice as compared to the Judicial Service of South Africa. This study is conducted to equip the Judicial Service of Ghana with the necessary information to sign onto the use of Management Information Systems in the delivery of Justice. The adoption of Management Information Systems in justice delivery by some Africa countries, such as South Africa and Guinea had proved positive results and therefore it is necessary for the Judicial Service of Ghana to also use Information Technology in its scheme of work. Management of the Judicial Service must take decisions and implement policies that will increase productivity on the part of Judges and Magistrates as well as Court Staffs and again to boost public confidence in the justice delivery system in the country. This study looked at the factors that hindered efficient delivery of justice in the country’s various courts. For the purpose of this study, the simple random population sampling method was employed. The courts in the Central Region of Ghana were selected for this study. The population of the respondents represented a fair gender balance. To investigate the set objectives of this study, primary data, comprising filed Survey was employed. Again, secondary data was used in arriving at the necessary conclusions.

Source: UCC
Impact of maternal weight on pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review

Purpose – The nutritional status of a woman before and during pregnancy is important for a healthy pregnancy outcome. The increasing prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity worldwide has become a problem of concern among public health professionals. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence regarding the impact of maternal weight on pregnancy outcomes to facilitate the provision of evidence-based information to pregnant women during antenatal clinics in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – A search was conducted in PubMed, PLOS ONE, Cochrane, Embase and bibliographies for all studies on maternal weight and pregnancy outcomes published from January 2000 to May 2013. The key words used for the search were: “pre-pregnancy BMI”, “gestational weight gain”, “maternal weight”, “pregnancy outcomes” and “birth outcomes”. Findings – The search yielded 113 papers; out of these, 35 studies were included in the review after exclusion of duplicates and irrelevant papers. Excluded papers included animal studies and human studies that did not meet inclusion criteria. Research limitations/implications – The review only considered papers published from 2000 to 2013 and might have left out other important papers published before 2000 and after 2013. Practical implications – The origins of the studies included in the review suggest paucity of studies on maternal weight and pregnancy outcomes in developing countries where there is a double burden of malnutrition. There is the need for more studies to be initiated in this area. Social implications – Results of this review have revealed that the extremes of maternal weight prior to and during pregnancy increase the risk of maternal and fetal complications. Originality/value – This paper provides evidential information on the impact of maternal weight on pregnancy outcomes for counseling during antenatal clinics. Keywords Health, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Obesity, Maternal weight

Source: UCC
The impact of mergers and acquisitions on the corporate financial performance of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited

Mergers and acquisitions are a relatively new but fast growing phenomenon in the Ghanaian economy as a response to increasing competition, emanating from the changing business environment. However, because they are relatively new in the country, mergers and acquisitions are not well understood in Ghana. This study examines the impact of mergers and acquisitions on the acquiring company’s corporate financial performance, within the Ghanaian economy, using Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited as case study. The issue was investigated using performance measure based on the company’s annual reports. The results of the study show that the accounting performance declined after the merger. There has being a downward fall in profitability performance. Sales growth declined sharply during the post-merger periods, although in absolute terms there were increases. Operating expense has being increasing while liquidity and financial leverage have both being on the decline. However, earnings per share and dividends per share were in continuous increase from the pre-merger period to the second post-merger year, due to the increases in absolute post-merger sales. But in the third post-merger year both of these indicators started to decline sharply. To be able to attain the merger objectives of achieving synergy, reducing cost of operations and improving market performance and profitability of the joint operations and other performance benefits, the company should strengthen its business processes, restructure its capital base and improve its cash operation cycle.

Source: UCC
Impact of Motivation and Job Satisfaction on Basic School Teacher Retention in the Ejura-sekyedumase Municipality of Ghana

Retention of teachers in the basic schools in Ghana has been a worry. In the interest of understanding the role of motivation and job satisfaction on the retention of teachers in the basic schools, this study examined the impact of motivation and job satisfaction on basic school teacher retention in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality of Ghana. Positivism philosophy, quantitative approach and descriptive survey were respectively considered for the study. An adopted questionnaire on teacher motivation, teacher job satisfaction and teacher retention was used as the instrument for the study. Cluster sampling double-stage and random number generator software were used as the technique to select 302 basic school teachers. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data collected. According to the objectives of the study, it was found that: motivation has a direct relationship and influences teachers‘ retention in basic schools. It was again found that motivation has a positive relationship with job satisfaction and both conspire to influence teachers‘ retention in basic schools. In addition, job satisfaction was found to have an indirect relationship with teacher retention in basic schools. The study finally established that job satisfaction positively and significantly mediates the relationship between motivation and basic school teachers‘ retention. Considering the study‘s relevance for teacher retention in basic schools, the researcher, therefore, recommended that stakeholders of basic education should create relevant and equitable satisfactory motivation systems as conditions of service to significantly attract and retain teachers in basic schools.

Source: UCC
The impact of multimedia instruction in biology on Senior High School Students’ achievement.

This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of teaching through the use of multimedia and conventional teaching method in biology on senior high school students in relation to students’ achievement. The pre-test post-test non-equivalent quasi experimental design was used for this study. One hundred and ten (110) form three general science students who had biology as one of their major subjects were selected for the study. They were later grouped into control and experimental group. Students in the experimental group were taught through the use of multimedia whereas those in the control group were taught through the conventional or traditional approach. The study concluded that both methods used in the study were quite effective for teaching photosynthesis in biology however, out of the two methods, the multimedia approach was found more suitable with respect to the marks achieved. The study also concluded that there was no statistically significant difference in the performance of students based on their gender. These findings suggest that learning outcomes of students in biology can be enhanced with multimedia instruction. It has therefore been recommended that the computer should be used to compliment the teachers’ teaching but should not take over the teaching process. A similar study can be done but with more than one variable as this research used only one variable.

Source: UCC
Impact of national health insurance policy on access to basic health care in Kintampo Municipality

The study assessed the impact of Kintampo Municipal Mutual Health Insurance Scheme on access to basic health care services in the Municipality since established in October, 2004 .Questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion were the data collection instruments employed to gather relevant information from Heads of Health Institutions, Health Insurance workers/agents, Caregivers and other opinion leaders. The data were analyzed using tables, graphs, charts, percentages and diagrams. The study revealed that a lot of people especially the poor, vulnerable and the marginalized were getting access to basic healthcare in the Municipality through the National Health Insurance policy. Factors such as untimely release of funds by NHIA, abuse of the system by clients, limited health facilities and inadequate qualified health personnel were hindering the smooth implementation of the policy. The study recommends that the Scheme should intensify education on the concept of NHIS policy. In addition, more health facilities should be established and existing ones up-graded to increase access to health care delivery. Finally, it is recommended that health personnel should be sponsored, bonded and motivated to service in rural communities in the Municipality.

Source: UCC
Impact of Nurses’ Cultural, Professional and Personal Experiences on Genetic Conditions of Patients

This study is aimed at finding out the impact of nurses’ cultural, professional and personal experiences on genetic conditions of patients. Cross-sectional analysis with a quantitative data collection system was used. A total of 170 nurses were selected to participate in the study, with 90 of them from Legon Hospital and 80 from Achimota Hospital. The instrument used for data collection was a 40-item questionnaire: 10 of the items covered demographic data, while the remaining 30 items were in the form of a Likert-type scale. The questionnaire was put into sections to conform to the research questions that guided the study. The items yielded an internal reliability coefficient of .802. The data were analysed using the One sample t-test of independence and the Linear Regression analysis. The results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between general knowledge on genetic conditions and general knowledge on genetic counselling. Furthermore, knowledge of genetic conditions and genetic counselling have significant influence on nurses’ attitude towards people with genetic conditions. Place of work also has an impact on nurses’ attitude towards people with genetic conditions.

Source: UCC
Impact of oil production on livelihood of artisanal fishers in Ghana: A case of selected communities of the western coastline

The bulk of Ghana’s offshore oil and gas exploration and production occurs in the Western Region of the country. Effects of these activities, including the establishment of safety zones (radius of 500 m) around offshore oil installations, and the potential destruction of marine ecosystems, limit maritime fishing space with consequences on the small-scale artisanal fisheries sector which supports the livelihoods of about 10% of Ghana’s population. This study sought to investigate the impact of oil production on the livelihoods of fishers in oil producing areas in the Ahanta West Municipal of Ghana. The study adopted the mixed methods design to facilitate the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select and collect data from 300 fishers whiles descriptive statistics (frequencies count and percentage), paired samples t-test, and Pearson Chi-square test of independence were applied to investigate the research objectives. Majority of the respondents (52.6%) indicated that oil production has impacted negatively on the quantity of their fish catch; 79.7% of the respondents also lamented that their living conditions have been worsened by the commencement of oil production. The study concludes that average income derived solely from fishing in the study area is found to be significantly lower after oil production. The study therefore recommends that government and the oil companies should institute alternative livelihood programmes in the fishing communities which would be geared towards improving fishers’ income by providing fishers alternative entrepreneurial skills.

Source: UCC
Impact of online teaching and learning on student learning style in tamale college of education in the northern region of ghana

Globally, countries are engaged in finding ways to educate students using the Internet, which has resulted in many positive experiences. It is through this that the study assessed the impact of online teaching and learning in the Tamale College of Education. Specifically, the study was guided by three objectives; online teaching and learning at the college, differences in perceptions between teachers and students about online teaching and learning, and the impact of online teaching on teaching and learning styles. Descriptive study design using a qualitative approach was used. Interviews were conducted by purposively and conveniently selecting 40 students and 5 teachers for the study, and the data was analysed using the thematic analytical technique. It was found that online learning and teaching was poor due to lack of internet connectivity in most rural areas in the country where students resided. Students also indicated that classroom learning helps them to develop themselves, such that they can use the techniques used by teachers to also teach after the completion of their study. The study also found that students‘ access to learning materials relieved the teachers from extra responsibilities like reduplicating of course materials. It was concluded that even though online teaching and learning is recognized as a powerful tool for teaching and learning, it has not been effective in the Tamale College of Education due to poor internet connectivity, inadequate technological resources, low knowledge in information communication technology among teachers and students and unstable power.

Source: UCC
impact of organisational culture on employee motivation: a study of rancard solutions company limited, Ghana

The aim of this study was to study the impact of an organisation’s culture on employee motivation. The aspects of organisational culture which pertain to values, working relationships, leadership styles, communication, decision making, conflict management, systems and procedures and the employee motivation were investigated. The study sought to look into the role motivation plays in employee productivity and performance and the importance of a well-structured effective motivation policy on the overall success of an organisation through a robust organisational structure. This study used the case of Rancard Solutions Company Limited to identify the pertaining organisational culture and assess the effectiveness of the organisational motivation strategy and how it translates into productivity as well as highlighting the key impacts of the various dimensions of culture on employee satisfaction. The study was conducted using data collection techniques such as questionnaires, interviews and observation techniques to collect the information needed to ascertain the impact of the motivation framework on productivity at the Company. It is recommended that, the leadership of the company was very much abreast with current trends and is energised by competition to pursue its goals in order to achieve their objectives. In conclusions the Company needs to conduct a meeting to fully understand the areas of improvement highlighted and employ the services of an Organisational Development Consultant

Source: UCC
Impact of organisational culture on employee performance: The case of Twifo Praso Government Hospital

The purpose of the study was to examine the the effect of organisational culture on employee job performance at the Twifo Praso Government Hospital in the Central region of Ghana. To achieve the purpose, the study was guided by three research hypotheses and one research questions. The study employed quantitative research approach with an exploratory research design. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 150 out of 230 employees of Twifo Praso Government Hospital in the Central region of Ghana. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Data processing was done using SPSS version 21, and the analytical tools used was regression analysis. Analyses of the data revealed, inter alia, the following (a) Cultural trait of organisation mission has significant positive effect on employee job performance; (b) Cultural trait of employee involvement has significant positive effect on employee job performance; (c) Consistency as an element of organizational culture has significant positive effect on employee job performance; and (d) Cultural trait of mission has the most influence on employee job performance whilst involvement had the least influence. Based on the findings, it is recommended that; firstly, institutions in the Ghanaian health sector should establish well-defined mission and vision statements and share them with employees, and other stakeholders. Also, the health institutions in Ghana should invest in training and development of their employees to improve their human capability at all levels. Finally, management should focus more on the adherence to the organisation‟s mission by making sure that those in leadership positions are conversant with the organization„s mission so as to be able to pass it down to their subordinates.

Source: UCC