ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The experiences of providing caregiving for patients with schizophrenia in the Ghanaian context

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that is often characterizedby significant distortions in thinking and perception, accompanied bythe exhibition of inappropriate emotions (Zhai, Guo, Chen, Zhao, & Su,2013). It alters one's perception of reality, often manifesting in the af-fected individual to think and act in ways that are strange or abnormal.It is estimated that schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of theglobal population (Fatemi, 2010). According to the World Health Or-ganization (WHO), around 450 million people are suffering from amental or behavioral disorder worldwide (WHO, 2003). Schizophreniausually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and follows avariable course, with complete symptomatic and social recovery in onlyone third of cases (Tandon, Keshavan, & Nasrallah, 2008). The impactof schizophrenia has multiple contexts.Awad and Voruganti (2012)classified the effect of schizophrenia at three levels: 1) the patient un-dergoing personal suffering, 2) the caregiver and/or families experi-encing the burden of care along with the added responsibility of tran-sitioning the relative from inpatient to outpatient treatment, and 3)society due to the strain on the health care delivery system (e.g., fre-quent hospitalizations), as well as long-term financial and psychosocialsupport. Globally, there has been a shift from institutionalized car-egiving of patients with schizophrenia to informal caregiving primarilyby family (Chan, 2011). Some of the positive outcomes of such a shift,as argued byBjörkman and Hansson (2002), are reduced stigmatizationand improved quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.

Source: UG
Experiences of Spouses of Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer in the Accra Metropolis

Spouses play significant roles in the care of their husbands. This comes with a lot of experiences in times of ill-health of the men and may have several effects on the spousal caregiver. It is likely to affect the woman’s physical, social, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. This study therefore explored the experiences of spouses of men with advanced prostate cancer in the Accra Metropolis using the Quality of Life Model Applied to Family Caregivers (Ferrell, 2001) as an organising framework to understand their experiences. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design with purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit women above 18 years living with and having any intimate relationship with men with advanced prostate cancer within the Accra Metropolis. Data saturation was achieved with sample size of 13 participants. The recruitment outlet was the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection from only participants who signed an informed consent form. The interviews were recorded with participants’ permission, and transcribed. Anonymity and confidentiality were ensured during the study. Braun and Clarke’s technique of thematic content analysis was adopted for data analysis. Five major themes were derived and described as follows: Physical, social, psychological, spiritual wellbeing and spousal involvement. It was found that spouses of men with advanced prostate cancer experienced fatigue, sleep disruptions, pain, loss of appetite and effects of pre-existing diseases. The spouses experienced isolation, financial burden, had no time for leisure activities. Again, the spouses experienced anxiety, depression, and fear but had hope for their husbands’ recovery. It was also revealed that the participants lacked adequate knowledge in prostate cancer and were not involved in the treatment of their husbands. It was recommended that spouses should be included in the choice of treatment and care for men with advanced prostate cancer, and there should be support groups for spouses of men with advanced prostate cancer.

Source: UG
Experiences of Spouses of Women with Mastectomy Resulting From Breast Cancer in the Accra Metropolis

Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death and most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. The most common treatment is surgery in the form of mastectomy. Breast Cancer (BC) and mastectomy does not affect the well-being of only the woman but also that of the husband or partner. Breast cancer is therefore referred to as a couple‟s disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of spouses of women with mastectomy as a result of their wives‟ BC in the Accra Metropolis. The Quality of Life Model Applied to Family Caregivers by Betty Ferrell was the organizing framework for this study. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed. A purposive sampling technique was used and data were saturated with the twelfth participant. Data were collected with a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. During the study, anonymity and confidentiality were ensured. The four themes stipulated by the model; physical, social, psychological and spiritual well-being of spouses was identified. Emerging themes were support and spousal involvement in diagnosis and treatment. Few of the men experienced sleep disruption and fatigue. The relationship of most of the spouses with their wives became better after the surgery. Spouses feared their wives could die during surgery. Spiritually, spouses derived meaning and hope from God. The spouses gave their wives domestic and emotional support. Most of the spouses were actively involved in the treatment and diagnosis of their wives. It was recommended that spouses be included in the provision of care for women with BC and educational material should be prepared and given to the spouses.

Source: UG
Experiences of Stigmatization and Discrimination in Accessing Health Services: Voices of Persons Living With HIV in Ghana

Drawing on Earnshaw and Chaudoir’s HIV stigma framework, this study explored the experiences of persons living with HIV and AIDS regarding stigmatization and discrimination in accessing health services. Using a qualitative research methodology, 42 participants were purposively recruited during support group meetings of persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) at Amasaman in Accra, Ghana. Four focus group discussions (n = 22) and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted. Discussions and interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and categorized based on the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that PLWHAs had knowledge of stigma that was experienced through enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma mechanisms. Evidence showed that PLWHA did not experience stigma and discrimination when they accessed services at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the largest hospital in Ghana. However, the situation was different when they accessed services at other public health facilities. Based on the findings, implications are discussed for policy, social work, and public health practices. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Source: UG
Experiences of stigmatization and discrimination in accessing health services: Voices of persons living with HIV in Ghana. Experiences of stigmatization and discrimination in accessing health services: Voices of persons living with HIV in Ghana.

Drawing on Earnshaw and Chaudoir's HIV stigma framework, this study explored the experiences of persons living with HIV and AIDS regarding stigmatization and discrimination in accessing health services. Using a qualitative research methodology, 42 participants were purposively recruited during support group meetings of persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) at Amasaman in Accra, Ghana. Four focus group discussions (n = 22) and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted. Discussions and interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and categorized based on the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that PLWHAs had knowledge of stigma that was experienced through enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma mechanisms. Evidence showed that PLWHA did not experience stigma and discrimination when they accessed services at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the largest hospital in Ghana. However, the situation was different when they accessed services at other public health facilities. Based on the findings, implications are discussed for policy, social work, and public health practices.

Source: UG
Experiences of Unaccompanied Child Migrant Workers from West African Countries Living in Ghana

While independent migration among children is common in West Africa, it has not received much attention in research and policy. Guided by the ecological systems and coping theories, the study explored the experiences of unaccompanied child migrant workers from selected West African countries who reside in Ghana. The objectives of the study were to explore (a) challenges encountered by unaccompanied child migrant workers and (b) coping strategies adopted by unaccompanied child migrant workers. A qualitative research design was adopted, and utilizing both purposive and snowball sampling techniques, 41 children were recruited as participants for the study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted to gather data, which were analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that unaccompanied child migrant workers encountered challenges related to unstable and low daily income, lack of decent accommodation, labor exploitation and loss of income, as well as health issues. Furthermore, evidence showed that the unaccompanied child migrants used both problem-focused (assistance from social networks and support from migrant mutual aid groups) and emotion-focused (inner resources and distraction/avoidance) coping strategies to deal with the challenges they faced. Based on the findings of the study, conclusions and implications are discussed for policy and practice.

Source: UG
Experiences of Women with Advanced Breast Cancer: A Study at the Kumasi Metropolis

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of Ghanaian women living with advanced breast cancer in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study employed a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. A purposive sampling was used and data was saturated with 10 participants varying in age between 32 years and 65 years. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Data was analyzed based on the techniques of content analysis. During the study, anonymity and confidentiality were ensured. Research supervisors audited data to ensure credibility. Eight major themes describing the participants‘ lived experiences emerged: impaired activities of daily living, malignant wound, body image, physiological effects, emotional reactions, support, coping, and lost hopes. The women indicated that they experienced distress because of concerns about body image and worries about the effect of stress on their illness. The stress emanated from fear of dying, fear of disease progression and debilitation, the loss of their future, and practical concerns. The women also experienced a decline in their daily activities due to physical symptoms of the illness and the side effects of the treatments. Most of the women had emotional, social, financial, and spiritual support from spouses, families, churches, work place, and health professionals. It was recommended that health care providers involved in breast cancer management need opportunities for training to enhance effective and holistic care of women diagnosed with the disease. Also, patients with advanced disease should be given multidisciplinary management by trained oncology and palliative care team.

Source: UG
Experiences Of Women With Infertility And Their Bio-Psychosocial Management: A Study At The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

Research has shown that infertility affects millions of people worldwide and it is considered as one of the most difficult life experiences and a bio-psychosocial crisis encountered by most couples. It is also known to have serious consequences on both the psychological and the social safety of women in Africa and the world at large. However, literature about the bio-psychosocial management of women with infertility is scanty in Ghana, especially the aspect of psychosocial management of these women. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of these women psychologically, socially, the sort of biological management given to them, and finally the psychosocial management that are being rendered to them at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The bio-psychosocial model was used as a guiding framework to understand the experiences of these women and whether they were managed bio-psychosocially. This study utilized a qualitative exploratory descriptive approach to conduct a semi-structured interview on fourteen (14) women who were purposively selected. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Five (5) themes and twenty two (22) sub-themes were identified. Out of these, one (1) other theme which was not related to the model used, emerged out from thematic content analysis. The findings from the study indicated that, women with fertility problems experienced difficulties in all aspects of their lives and were emotionally burdened with loneliness, anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, worrying and thinking, less sexual satisfaction, stigmatization, intentional isolation, inability to attend social functions and marital instability. Meanwhile, their management was solely biological or medical whereas their psychosocial needs, of which they rather yearn for, were neglected in their care. The findings of this study have implications for nursing practice, nursing education, nursing research and policy formation.

Source: UG
Experiences of Women with Obstetric Fistula in the Bawku East District of the Upper East Region

The experiences of women who developed obstetric fistulae as a result of complication of labour at the Bawku District Hospital were investigated. An explorative descriptive research methodology was employed to conduct in-depth one -on -one interview with the ten participants between the ages of 20 and 70 years, recruited by purposive sampling. The interv iews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim, after which systematic content analysis was done to identify the themes and their categories. The results showed that women with obstetric fistulae experienced negative physical, social and psychological problems. Physical problems identified included genital and perineal sores, urine incontinence and infections. Social experiences of participants included social isolation, loss of job and friends as well as poverty, spousal rejection and divorce. Psychological experiences of participants ranged from loss of self-esteem, stigmatization and sense of hopelessness and unworthiness. Based on the above findings, appropriate recommendations were made to guide future researchers of obstetric fistula, obstetric health practitioners, policy makers and nurse administrators.

Source: UG
Experiences Of Young Adults Living With Stroke In The Accra Metropolis

Stroke has a devastating effect on young adults between the ages of 18-45years. In Ghana, there is paucity of research in stroke among young people, but stroke is said to be increasing among younger age groups of adults less than 45 years; forming greater than 30% of strokes seen and at a higher mortality rate. This research was conducted in Accra, Ghana, to explore the experiences of Young Adults (18-45years) living with stroke. A qualitative explorative descriptive design was used to explore the experiences of the young adults who participated in the study and purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit ten participants. Data was collected using tape recorded interviews which lasted between 45minutes to1hour 30 minutes and guided by a semi-structured interview guide which was informed by the research objectives and literature review. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the transcribed data and six major themes were derived namely; Disruption to body-self, disruption to social identity, disruption to personal agency, disruption to economic circumstances, illness action and lack of continuity of care. Young Adults living with stroke were affected physically by various signs and symptoms which negatively impacted their physical health. They were unable to work and perform simple tasks. They experienced social isolation, fear, anxiety, depression, guilt and had suicidal ideations. They coped with their condition through spiritual practices and beliefs, self-determination, support from family, friends, employers and co-workers and some took to herbal medicine. Stroke Survivors lacked information about the cause of their stroke and about stroke and its related signs and symptoms. Provision of continuity of care for young adults living with stroke and further research as well as public education on stroke amongst young adults was highly recommended.

Source: UG
Experimental colitis is associated with ultrastructural changes in inflamed and uninflamed regions of the gastrointestinal tract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine theultrastructural changes in cell organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus in inflamed colon and uninflamed ileum in colitic rats. Materials and Methods: Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The animals were sacrificed on day 5 after TNBS administration and colonic and ileal samples were used for estimation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, histologic examination and transmission electron microscopy. Results: TNBS caused a significant reduction in body weight and an increase in MPO activity in colonic, but not in the ileal samples in animals with colitis. MDA levels were increased both in inflamed colon and the uninflamed ileal segments in colitis. Electron microscopy revealed swelling of mitochondria with broken cristae and disruption of the inner membrane. Colitis also caused fragmentation of the ER with loss of ribosomes and swelling of the Golgi apparatus with distended vesicles in both smooth muscle and epithelial cells in the ileal and colonic segments. These changes were absent in the control rats without colitis. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate ultrastructural deformities in both the mucosa and smooth muscle in inflamed and uninflamed regions of the gastrointestinal tract in experimental colitis. The structural changes in mitochondria are responsible for reduced ATP, while abnormalities in the ER and the Golgi apparatus may explain a generalized effect on protein synthesis, trafficking and targeting mechanisms, and may account for physiological changes seen in experimental colitis.

Source: UG
Experimental control of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, by the ampullariid snail Lanistes varicus

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Experimental data on the characterization of hydroxyapatite synthesized from biowastes

The purpose of the dataset is to present the morphological features, elemental composition and functional groups of hydroxyapatite (HAp) synthesized from non-separated biowastes (animal bones) by a modified facile heat treatment method up to a maximum temperature of 1100 C. The synthesized powders were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with electron dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These evaluations were to reveal the surface features, elemental composition and identify the functional groups of the synthesized powders. After heat treatment of the raw biowastes to 900 C, 1000 C, and 1100 C (regime of heat treatment), the morphological features of the samples exhibited a more densely packed microstructure at the highest sintering temperature (1100 C). The elemental composition as evaluated by EDX on a weight and atomic basis for all samples provided information on the calcium to phosphate transforms into apatite with a Ca/P ratio of 3.60, 2.04, 2.50 and 2.32 wt % and 2.79, 1.58, 1.94 and 1.78 at. % respectively for raw biowastes (RB) to sintered samples (HA-900, HA-1000 and, HA-1100 C). The FTIR data showed phosphate and hydroxyl peaks in the thermally treated samples and all the samples produced characteristic stretching modes of OeH bands at about 3417 cm 1 which are noticed in all FTIR spectra of HAp.

Source: UG
Experimental optimization of aurocyanide adsorption onto biomass activated carbon and re-examination of the adsorption mechanisms

Activated carbons (ACs) prepared from agricultural residues are ideal alternatives to the commercial coal-based ACs often applied in gold mining. Carbon activation using KOH produces high-quality carbons with good textural properties. Herein, fruit peel ACs were synthesized via KOH activation and evaluated for aurocyanide adsorption. The yield and adsorption capacity were optimized through a central composite design. The Langmuir maximum equilibrium uptake was 186.95 ± 16.44 mg/g. Re-examination of the adsorption mechanisms revealed that the presence of micro and mesopores, coupled with electrostatic binding, π–π interaction and ion-pair formations influenced the significantly high adsorption capacity. This study could be useful in the syntheses and application of agro waste-derived ACs as alternative adsorbents for gold recovery from aurocyanide leachates.

Source: UG
Experimental study on the use of granulometric speciation for the radiometric dating of recent sediments

Theoretical and experimental studies have shown that activity concentrations of fallout radionuclides (such as 137Cs and excess 210Pb) decrease with particles size in aqueous suspensions. This paper is aimed at reviewing the theoretical fundamentals for granulometric speciation of radionuclides, and at exploring its practical use in the analytical context of gamma spectrometry for the radiometric dating of recent sediments, with view to: i) improving the detection of 137Cs (since its use as independent chronostratigraphic mark is challenging in the southern hemisphere because its low fallout rate), ii) supporting refined CIC models and normalization techniques in 210Pb-based radiogeochronologies. The work uses surface sediments sampled from the Tinto Estuary (SW Spain), affected by mining and phosphate-fertilizer industries, and from the Ankobra Estuary (Ghana), affected by intensive artisanal gold-mining. Granulometric classes have been separated by a sieving column with decreasing mesh sizes and the obtained cumulative percentage of mass mathematically described by a Rosin-Rammler particle-size distribution. The target radionuclides for gamma spectrometry were 210Pb, 226Ra and137Cs, complemented with 40K, 234Th and 228Ra. Results revealed that, far from ideal experiments, under actual environmental conditions the increase in activity concentrations with decreasing particle sizes is too moderate, and in general they are affected by larger counting uncertainties due to the small available amount of mass. Indeed, there was no correlation between grain-size and 137Cs concentrations (p = 0.25), and similarly for excess 210Pb (p = 0.53). No effect of the organic matter content was observed in 137Cs (p = 0.58) and excess 210Pb (p = 0.85) concentrations. Present results pose some concerns to the general use of granulometric speciation in the context of gamma spectrometry for supporting the radiometric dating of recent sediments. A detailed discussion on the use of normalization methods is also presented. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UG