ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Women’s Participation in Development-Oriented Education Programmes in the Bongo District, Upper East Region of Ghana

The need for all to participate in development-oriented education programmes to facilitate and increase and increase the pace and sustain development occasioned the establishment of the functional literacy programmes Ghana in the 19990s, and supported financially by the World Bank. The success of this depended largely on the participation and patronage of the target beneficiaries’ particularly non-literate women. However, existing literature from the Non-Formal Education Division of the Ministry of Education suggests high rates of women drop out and low participation especially in the Bongo District. The study was therefore undertaken to determine the factors which influenced women to participate in the programme. The survey design was used or the study. The sampled population was 280 respondents sampled in 8 out of the 14 zones where the programme was being operated. The study revealed that the factors militating against women participation or drop-out were excess workload, family commitments, distance to the programme, lack of time, fatigue, spouse attitude, political influence of opposition parties, and lack of interest as well as cultural factors. However, the need for acquiring knowledge and skills in reading and writing the local language and perform simple calculations motive them to participate in the programme.

Source: UG
Factors infuencing health workers’ compliance with the WHO intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy recommendations in the Northern Region, Ghana

Background: Although IPTp-SP is a lifesaving World Health Organization (WHO) recommended preventive interven tion for pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions, IPTp-SP uptake in the Northern region of Ghana is much lower than the sub-optimal national coverage level. Assessing the extent of health workers’ compliance and its associated factors will generate valuable pointers to be targeted at the program level. The study examined the factors infuenc ing health workers’ compliance with the WHO recommended guidelines for IPTp-SP in the Northern Region. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 315 health workers in the Northern region was conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on health workers’ sociodemographic characteristics, facility-based factors and knowledge level. Data were collected on health workers’ compliance with the recommended practices through covert observations using a checklist. Facility observations were carried out using a checklist. Crude and adjusted logistic regression were used to determine predictors of health workers’ compliance, at a 5% signifcance level adjust ing for clustering. Results: Of the 315 health workers studied, the median age was 29 years (26–34 years). Females constituted (80.5%; 252) of the 313 workers. The majority (47.4%;148) of the 312 health workers were midwives. Overall, 56.2% (CI 51.0 – 62.0) were adequately complying with the recommended guidelines. Lower levels of compliance were recorded in health centres 15.6% (5.0 – 33.0) and CHPS compounds 21.2% (11.0 – 35.0). The factors associated with compliance included health workers’ knowledge (aOR=7.64, 95% CI 4.21 – 13.87, p<0.001), job satisfaction (aOR 10.87, 95% CI 7.04 – 16.79, p<0.001), in-service training (aOR 10.11, 95% CI 4.53 – 22.56, p<0.001), supervision (aOR 4.01, 95% CI 2.09 – 7.68, p<0.001), availability of job aids (aOR 3.61, 95% CI 2.44 – 5.35, p<0.001), health workers expe rience (aOR=10.64, 95% CI 5.99 – 18.91, p<0.001) and facility type (aOR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.07, p<0.001). Conclusion: Compliance with the recommended IPTp-SP guidelines is suboptimal in the region, with lower-level health facilities recording the least compliance levels. Health centres and CHPS facilities should be prioritized in dis tributing limited resources to improve health worker quality of care for antenatal care clients

Source: UG
Factors related to retention of community health workers in a trial on community-based management of fever in children under 5 years in the Dangme West District of Ghana

Background: In resource-constrained settings of developing countries, promotion of community-based health interventions through community health workers (CHWs) is an important strategy to improve child health. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of such programmes owing to the high rate of CHW attrition. This study examined factors influencing retention of volunteer CHWs in a cluster randomised trial on community management of under-5 fever in a rural Ghanaian district. Methods: Data were obtained from structured interviews (n=520) and focus group discussions (n=5) with CHWs. Factors influencing CHWs' decisions to remain or leave the programme were analysed using a probit model, and focus group discussion results were used to elucidate the findings. Results: The attrition rate among CHWs was 21.2%. Attrition was comparatively higher in younger age groups (25.9% in 15-25 years group, 18.2% in 26-45 years group and 16.5% in ≥46 years group). Approval of a CHW by the community (p<0.001) and the CHW's immediate family (p<0.05) were significant in influencing the probability of remaining in the programme. Motivation for retention was related to the desire to serve their communities as well as humanitarian and religious reasons. Conclusion: The relatively moderate rate of attrition could be attributed to the high level of community involvement in the selection process as well as other aspects of the intervention leading to high community approval and support. Attention for these aspects could help improve CHW retention in community-based health interventions in Ghana, and the lessons could be applied to countries within similar settings. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Factors that influence midwifery students in Ghana when deciding where to practice: a discrete choice experiment

Abstract Background Mal-distribution of the health workforce with a strong bias for urban living is a major constraint to expanding midwifery services in Ghana. According to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) report, the high risk of dying in pregnancy or childbirth continues in Africa. Maternal death is currently estimated at 350 per 100,000, partially a reflection of the low rates of professional support during birth. Many women in rural areas of Ghana give birth alone or with a non-skilled attendant. Midwives are key healthcare providers in achieving the MDGs, specifically in reducing maternal mortality by three-quarters and reducing by two-thirds the under 5 child mortality rate by 2015. Methods This quantitative research study used a computerized structured survey containing a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to quantify the importance of different incentives and policies to encourage service to deprived, rural and remote areas by upper-year midwifery students following graduation. Using a hierarchical Bayes procedure we estimated individual and mean utility parameters for two hundred and ninety eight third year midwifery students from two of the largest midwifery training schools in Ghana. Results Midwifery students in our sample identified: 1) study leave after two years of rural service; 2) an advanced work environment with reliable electricity, appropriate technology and a constant drug supply; and 3) superior housing (2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen, living room, not shared) as the top three motivating factors to accept a rural posting. Conclusion Addressing the motivating factors for rural postings among midwifery students who are about to graduate and enter the workforce could significantly contribute to the current mal-distribution of the health workforce.

Source: UG
Factors that influence the clinical utilization of the nursing process at a hospital in Accra, Ghana

Background: The nursing process is a tool that is recommended for use by all professional nurses working in Ghana, in order to provide nursing care. However, there is currently a limited use of this tool by nurses in Ghana. The purpose of this research study was to explore the various factors that influence the utilization of this nursing process. Method: An exploratory descriptive qualitative-research design was employed. Ten participants were involved by using the purposive sampling method. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data from the research participants; and the data were analysed by using content analysis. One main theme, with five subthemes, emerged from the analysis. Results: It was found that there are factors, such as nurses not having a better understanding of the nursing process, whilst in school; the absence of the care plan in the ward, as well as the lack of adequate staff, with limited time being available for coping with contributed to the non-usage of the nursing process. Conclusions: We conclude that the clinical utilization of the Nursing process at the clinical setting is influenced by lack of understanding of Nurses on the Nursing process and care plan as well as lack of adequate nurses and time. We recommend that the care-plan form be made officially a part of the admission documents. Furthermore, the nursing administration should put measures in place to provide nurses with the needed resources to implement the nursing process. Additionally, they should ensure that the care-plan forms and other resources needed by the nurses are regularly and adequately provided. Nurses should further see the nursing process as a means of providing comprehensive care to their patients and addressing their specific problems. They should therefore make time despite their busy schedules to use it in order to improve quality of care and the image of nursing in Ghana. © 2017 The Author(s).

Source: UG
Factors that influence the intention to use mobile phone caller tunes for patient reporting of adverse drug reactions: a qualitative study

Background: Patient reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is low in low- and middleincome countries, in part because of poor awareness to report. With the increase in mobile subscription, mobile phones can be used as a platform to disseminate information on ADRs. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess the potential of using mobile phone caller tunes (the message or sound the caller hears before the receiver answers the call) to encourage patient reporting of ADRs. Methods: A total of 38 key informant interviews and 12 focus group discussions (57 participants in groups of 4–5) were conducted in Accra, Ghana. The transcripts were analysed using key constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioural intention to use caller tunes for patient reporting of ADRs. Results: Respondents mentioned lack of knowledge on reporting ADRs, and their willingness to use mobile phone caller tunes to promote patient reporting of ADRs. Many respondents pointed out how ADRs usually led to discontinuity in medication use, usually without consultation with health professionals. Caller tunes were regarded an innovative, accessible and convenient platform to disseminate information on ADRs. Most respondents intended to use caller tunes with drug safety information to promote ADR reporting, particularly to help their friends and family members. Simplicity of the message, use of songs or messages in local languages and price of downloading the caller tunes were important considerations. Conclusion: There is a need for the creation and testing of caller tunes on ADRs in Ghana to promote patient or consumer reporting of ADRs. Further studies are needed to assess factors that could influence the creation and use of caller tunes to disseminate information on drug safety

Source: UG
Factors that promote and sustain the use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine services at LEKMA hospital, Ghana, 2017: an observational study

Background: About 70% of Ghanaians depend on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) practices for primary healthcare needs. It was therefore integrated into mainstream healthcare delivery system by the Ministry of Health in September 2012. LEKMA hospital was one of the institutions for piloting TCIM services. We assessed factors that promote the usage and sustainability of TCIM services within the formal healthcare system. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from April–June 2017 at the LEKMA hospital, Accra, Ghana. Patients and managers of TCIM clinic were interviewed. Data was collected through qualitative and quantitative approaches. We defined usage of TCIM as its current use, and sustainability as structures in place to run TCIM services. For assessing usage, a five-point Likert scale was used to assess five domain areas via exit interviews. Managers were assessed on the sustainability of TCIM services through in-depth interviews. Likert scales responses were analysed quantitatively using descriptive tertile statistics. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis. Results: Overall, 72.7% (40/55) of the clients showed a high preference for TCIM usage and 80.0% (4/5) of the managers valued it as partially sustainable. Eighty per cent (44/55) of patients indicated that the location of TCIM services and availability of visible directional signs influenced the good usage; 84% (46/55) of the patients agreed that the usage of TCIM was influenced by their perceived effectiveness. Managers indicated that human resources for providing services was a challenge and TCIM integration into the operations of the hospital needed to be improved.Conclusion: We observed a high preference for usage of TCIM among users at LEKMA hospital. The general belief in the potency, perceived effectiveness, location and availability of TCIM services are key determinants of the high preference for usage of TCIM. Provision of TCIM services in its current form is partially sustainable from the managers’ perspective. We recommend that the Ministry of Health ensures the availability of staff and create awareness of TCIM services among the general populace.

Source: UG
Factors that promote and sustain the use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine services at LEKMA hospital, Ghana, 2017: an observational study

Background: About 70% of Ghanaians depend on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) practices for primary healthcare needs. It was therefore integrated into mainstream healthcare delivery system by the Ministry of Health in September 2012. LEKMA hospital was one of the institutions for piloting TCIM services. We assessed factors that promote the usage and sustainability of TCIM services within the formal healthcare system. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from April–June 2017 at the LEKMA hospital, Accra, Ghana. Patients and managers of TCIM clinic were interviewed. Data was collected through qualitative and quantitative approaches. We defined usage of TCIM as its current use, and sustainability as structures in place to run TCIM services. For assessing usage, a five-point Likert scale was used to assess five domain areas via exit interviews. Managers were assessed on the sustainability of TCIM services through in-depth interviews. Likert scales responses were analysed quantitatively using descriptive tertile statistics. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis. Results: Overall, 72.7% (40/55) of the clients showed a high preference for TCIM usage and 80.0% (4/5) of the managers valued it as partially sustainable. Eighty per cent (44/55) of patients indicated that the location of TCIM services and availability of visible directional signs influenced the good usage; 84% (46/55) of the patients agreed that the usage of TCIM was influenced by their perceived effectiveness. Managers indicated that human resources for providing services was a challenge and TCIM integration into the operations of the hospital needed to be improved. Conclusion: We observed a high preference for usage of TCIM among users at LEKMA hospital. The general belief in the potency, perceived effectiveness, location and availability of TCIM services are key determinants of the high preference for usage of TCIM. Provision of TCIM services in its current form is partially sustainable from the managers’ perspective. We recommend that the Ministry of Health ensures the availability of staff and create awareness of TCIM services among the general populace.

Source: UG
Factors that Promote Knowledge Sharing on Academic Social Networking Sites: An Empirical Study

Studies into Knowledge Sharing continues to attract attention. This is because it has been identified as an effective learning and researching approach. Perhaps this is due to the proliferation and enhanced interaction of modern social networks. Although previous literature argues for a relationship between the use of Social Networking Sites, Engagement and Knowledge Sharing, some recent studies disagree. This paper, therefore, seeks to validate the relationship between the use of social networking sites, academic Engagement and Knowledge Sharing using websites solely designed for academic activities. A modified version of the Social Capital Theory was used to design a questionnaire and data was collected from 336 participants and analyzed. The findings provided evidence that Academic Social Networking Sites support all the indicators of the Social Capital dimensions: Social Interaction Ties, Trust, Reciprocity, Identification, Shared Language and Shared Vision. However, Identification was the only significant predictor of Engagement, whereas Engagement supported Knowledge Sharing. Considering that studies on generic SNS have found significant relationship between other Social Capital dimensions and Engagement, future work needs to focus on the causation of the non-significant relationship observed in this study.

Source: UG
Factors that Promote Resilience in Homeless Children and Adolescents in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Several studies conducted on street youth have focused on causes of homelessness, their engagement in risky sexual behaviours and the prevalence of STIs, including HIV/AIDS. Although homeless youth are considered resilient, sparse literature exists on factors that promote resilience in this vulnerable group. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 purposively selected homeless children and youth (with a mean age of 14 years) from the Central Business District of Accra, Ghana. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings showed that a strong religious belief, sense of humour, engagement in meaningful social interactive activities, reciprocal friendship, adherence to cultural norms and support from community-based organizations were identified as factors that help homeless youth cope with the multiple challenges of street life. Strengthening such protective factors could help ameliorate the impact of adverse conditions of these street youth.

Source: UG
Factors that were found to influence Ghanaian Adolescents' Eating Habits

The study sought to find out whether factors such as parental, peer, and media influences predict Ghanaian adolescent students' eating habits. A random selection of 150 students from a population of senior high school students in Ghana were asked to complete the Eating Habits Questionnaire for Adolescents. Data were analyzed by the use of bivariate correlation, t test, and multiple regression analytical techniques using SPSS version 16. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between peer influence and eating habits suggesting that the higher the peer pressure, the more unhealthy the students' eating habits. Counterintuitively, parental and media influences did not significantly correlate with students' eating habits. Gender difference in eating habits suggested that girls had more unhealthy eating habits than boys. Finally, multiple regression analysis revealed that peer influence was a better predictor of students' eating habits than parental and media influences. The findings were discussed and recommendations were given in light of the study's limitations. © The Author(s) 2012.

Source: UG
Faecal pancreatic elastase - 1 a non invasive measure of exocrine pancreatic function

BACKGROUND: Faecal pancreatic elastase-1 is a laboratory based test used for the diagnosis or exclusion of exocrine pancreatic insufficiencies. Pancreatic elastase-1, is released into blood circulation during inflammation of the pancreas, but unlike most pancreatic enzymes it is stable during intestinal passage and not degraded. OBJECTIVES: The major objective of this work was to establish the assay of faecal pancreatic elastase-1 in spot stool samples as an exocrine pancreatic function test at Korle-Bu (a referral) hospital in Ghana, for the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. METHOD: Twenty-five apparently healthy persons; mean age of 43.4 years and thirty-two patients with various pancreatic diseases, mean age 51.4 years were referred for the test based on clinical presentation, imaging studies and biopsy findings. The male to female ratio was 6.4:3.6 and 8.1:1.9 respectively. An ELISA technique which recognizes human pancreatic elastase-1 from spot stool samples was employed for the test and read photometrically at 405nm. RESULTS: Elastase-1 activity in spot stool samples from apparently healthy group ranged from 165 to 870mg/g with a mean of 379 (SE 41)mg/g, and a range of 20 to 285mg/g with a mean of 112.9 (SE 11.6)mg/g obtained for the pancreatic disease group. Disease severity was classified as mild to moderate with elastase-1 concentration between 100 and 200mg/g stool and the severe pancreatic insufficiency group with elastase-1 concentration of less than 100mg/g stool. The pancreatic elastase-1 was found to be stable in faeces for several weeks when stored frozen, hence the convenience for batch determinations. CONCLUSION: The test is non invasive and can assist with the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions of the pancreas where imaging results are equivocal.

Source: UG
Failed Fibreoptic Intubation in a Patient with a Large Mandibular Fibreosseous Lesion

A case is presented of a 25 year old patient with a 15 year history of a lesion in the oral cavity, the histology of which showed it to be fibrous dysplasia. Conventional laryngoscopy and intubation were not possible as the lesion filled the entire oral cavity. Attempted awake fibreoptic intubation failed as the lesion extended into the nasopharynx and oropharynx, making it impossible to pass the fibreoptic scope beyond the nasopharynx. A tracheostomy was performed under local anaesthesia and surgery proceeded uneventfully. Although fibreoptic intubation has proved to be extremely useful in difficult intubations, there are a number of situations where fibreoptic intubation is not possible

Source: UG
Failure of intrathecal antitetanus serum to improve survival in neonatal tetanus.

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG