ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria in Ghana: the role of caregivers and licensed chemical sellers in four regions

Abstract Background The Affordable Medicine Facility-malaria (AMFm) was an innovative global financing mechanism for the provision of quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) across both the private and public health sectors in eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the effectiveness of AMFm subsidies in increasing access to ACT in Ghana and documented malaria management practices at the household and community levels during the implementation of the AMFm. Methods This study, conducted in four regions in Ghana between January, 2011 to December, 2012, employed cross-sectional mixed-methods design that included qualitative and quantitative elements, specifically household surveys, focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews. Results The study indicated high ACT availability, adequate provider knowledge and reasonably low quality-assured ACT use in the study areas, all of which are a reflection of a high market share of ACT in these hard-to-reach areas of the country. Adequate recognition of childhood malaria symptoms by licensed chemical seller (LCS) attendants was observed. A preference by caregivers for LCS over health facilities for seeking treatment solutions to childhood malaria was found. Conclusions Artemisinin-based combination therapy with the AMFm logo was accessible and affordable for most people seeking treatment from health facilities and LCS shops in rural areas. Caregivers and LCS were seen to play key roles in the health of the community especially with children under 5 years of age.

Source: UG
Insights into the evolutionary history of the X-linked sex reversal mutation in mus minutoides: Clues from sequence analyses of the Y-linked sry gene

The main research focus of the Electron Microscopy and Histopathology Department in the past 20 years has been in the areas of enteric diarrhoeas with special emphasis on rotavirus. Through its diarrhoea surveillance studies, the Department has helped to firmly establish rotaviruses as a major cause of diarrhoea in children, and document the circulation of unusual rotavirus genotypes in Ghana. The Department has also recently expanded its diagnostic repertoire to include the identification and characterization of noroviruses, astroviruses, and other enteric viruses.

Source: UG
InspirE5: a participatory, internationally informed framework for health humanities curricula in health professions education

Background: Reporting on the effect of health humanities teaching in health professions education courses to facilitate sharing and mutual exchange internationally, and the generation of a more interconnected body of evi‑ In the area surrounding health, humanities curricula are needed. This study asked, what could an internationally informed curriculum and evaluation framework for the implementation of health humanities for health professions education look like? Methods: The participatory action research approach applied was based on three iterative phases 1. Perspective sharing and collaboration building. 2. Evidence gathering 3. Development of an internationally relevant curriculum and evaluation framework for health in the humanities. Over 2 years, a series of online meetings, virtual workshops and fol‑ Low-level communications resulted in the production of the curriculum framework. Results: Following perspective sharing and evidence gathering, the InspirE5 model of curriculum design and evaluation framework for health humanities in health professions education was developed. Five principal foci shaped the design of the framework. Environment: Learning and political environment surrounding the program. Expectations: Graduate capabilities that are clearly articulated for all, integrated into core curricula and relevant to graduate destinations and associated professional standards. Experience: Learning and teaching experience that supports learners’ achievement of the stated graduate capabilities. Evidence: Assessment of learning (formative and/or summative) with feedback for learners around the development of capabilities. Enhancement: Program evaluation of the students and teachers learning experiences and achievement. In all, 11 Graduate Capabilities for Health in the humanities were suggested along with a summary of common core content and guiding principles for assessment of health and humanities learning. Discussion: Concern about objectifying, reductive biomedical approaches to health professions education has led to a growing expansion of health humanities teaching and learning around the world. The InspirE5 curriculum and evaluation framework provides a foundation for a standardised approach to describe or compare health in the humanities education in different contexts and across a range of health professions courses and may be adapted around the world to progress health humanities education.

Source: UG
The Inspired Life Program: Development of a multicomponent positive psychology intervention for rural adults in Ghana

Although several theories and studies have explored human strengths and mental well-being at the global level, these insights are rarely tested and translated into practice in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to describe the development of a 10-session multicomponent positive psychology intervention, the Inspired Life Program (ILP). designed to promote mental health and reduce symptoms of depression and negative affect in rural adults in Ghana. Guided by the Medical Research Council's framework for developing complex interventions, a seven-step iterative community-based participatory research approach was adopted to develop the ILP, based on constructs and principles of positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral model. The final intervention components included a 10-session, two-hourly, once-weekly manualized program designed to promote meaningful and purposeful living, self-acceptance, personal growth, goal-setting, and problem-solving solving skills, and positive thinking through group discussion and activity sessions. We describe the program theory and implementation strategy of the final intervention, and reflect on the challenges and lessons learned from applying this framework in the study context. The development of strengths-based interventions and practicality of methods to promote positive mental health in rural adults is feasible and has important policy implications for mental health and social care in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: UG
An institutional analysis of cloud computing implementation in the educational sector: Evidence from a developing economy

Previous studies on cloud computing reveal that there exists an acute lack of theoretical framework and empirical evidence to explain the underpinning forces at play in cloud computing implementation. Therefore, through the lens of the institutional theory and applying a conceptual model by Tolbert and Zucker on the component process of institutionalization, this paper reports the findings from a three-year study on the educational sector of a developing country on the implementation of cloud computing. The analysis of the findings revealed that, the need to implement cloud computing in the case university was influenced by coercive, normative and mimetic institutional pressure placed on enhancing educational service delivery by the governing council of the university in response to criticism regarding delivering world-class educational service using information technology (IS innovation) as well as the need to balance what is needed with what is affordable. The contribution of this study lies in its ability to address the dichotomous relationship that exists between technical and institutional environments. Though technology is usually discussed in isolation to the institutional process, the study reveals that to perfectly explain the institutionalization of a technological artifact, it is important for it to be embedded in the practices of the institution.

Source: UG
The Institutional and Regulatory Framework of Co-operative Societies in Ghana: Implications for Credit Unions

Over the past few decades the activities of cooperative societies in developing countries have gained considerable interest from development theorists and practitioners. The interest in cooperative societies stems from their role as providers of financial support to middle and low income earners. Whilst some have doubted whether as a mi-crofinance unit, cooperative societies can help the poor and still remain sustainable, others argue that such financial institutions are more likely to weather financial storms and effectively serve the poor in unstable economic countries so long as they are properly regulated. This paper therefore examined the regulatory and institutional framework of credit unions and its implication for growth. We adopted a cross-sectional survey design approach by using an interview guide to solicit responses. The results of the study showed that unlike other microfinance institutions , credit unions are regulated by various regulatory agencies, including the Registrar of Cooperative Societies and the Ghana Cooperatives Credit Unions Association (CUA). Though credit unions were found to meet the needs of the poor and low-to-middle income earners, the system will crumble if institutional and regulatory frameworks are not reviewed to ensure efficiency and financial sustainability

Source: UG
Institutional arrangement for mitigating and adapting to climate change-related flood risk in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA)

Episodic floods, attributable primarily to climate change, global warming, and sea level rise, have worsened and continue to be a significant threat to life. Building resilience and improving the adaptive capacities of com munities under threat will require institutional and cross-agency collaboration. This paper assessed institutional arrangements for mitigating and adapting to climate change-related flood risk in GAMA, Ghana. Using a descriptive cross-sectional survey, the study collected and analysed data from 65 private businesses and governmental, community, and civil society organisations to assess how institutions collaborate in preparing and adapting to flood risks in the study area. The study finds that frequent flooding, destruction of property and lives, and regular community agitations have triggered high-level consciousness, institutional arrangements, and collaboration within and among communities to build capacity and resilience. In addition, organisations have been educating indigenes on flood preparedness, providing relief items to support flood victims, and conducting training and research. Organisations have also supported communities in developing sandbags, planning sea defence mechanisms, providing rescue and evacuation assistance, providing transportation and logistics, and relocating stranded flood victims. Despite these efforts, the lack of adequate funding and logistics, coupled with the absence of proper consultation and involvement of most organisations in making national-level decisions on climate change and flood-related issues, have rendered flood management efforts less effective. This paper makes the case that proactive and collaborative flood responses should replace reactive and individual approaches to improve flood control efficacy and minimise casualties and property losses.

Source: UG
Institutional Assessment of Natural Resource Governance: A Conceptual Review

Natural resource governance is enhanced and structured by rules, norms and strategies which make institutionalism quintessential in the natural resource governance discourse. Adopting a retrospective analysis of classical theoretical literature and recent empirical experiences of natural resource institutions, this paper discusses institutional analysis as pertains to the natural resource governance context. Synthesizing from relevant literature, this review designs and discusses an analytical framework to illustrate how formal and informal institutions structure natural resource governance. The key elements in the framework are: biophysical element, process and institutional element, behavioral choice element, enforcement mechanisms and an outcome element. The paper argues that for formal rule to be more effective, it greatly depends on its relationship with the informal institutions and more importantly their enforcement complementarities. The study, consequently, discusses key elements that influence the effectiveness of natural resource rule enforcement. This review concludes that both formal and informal institutions serve as catalysts to reinforce natural resource governance; however, the two could also combine to form a clandestine network to facilitate unethical resource exploitation. The paper puts forward that, it is not institutions per se but the “nature of interaction” between formal and informal institutions together with the “enforcement mechanisms” which will to a large extent determine the kind of resource outcomes.

Source: UG
An institutional assessment of the public interest and accountability committee (PIAC) in Ghana’s oil and gas sector

Ghana’s Petroleum Revenue Management Act 815 (amended to Act 893 in 2015) established the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) in 2011 with the mandate to ensure accountability and transparency in the management and usage of oil and gas revenue. This paper critically examines the activities and operations of the PIAC from 2011 vis-à-vis its legally reposed mandate. It points to severe deficit in accountability but improvements in transparency in the management of oil and gas revenues in spite of the existence and operations of the PIAC. After eight years of operation, the PIAC continues to suffer monumental challenges that undermine its effectiveness in serving as an accountability and transparency initiative in Ghana’s oil and gas sector. The paper makes some recommendation based on the empirical challenges of the PIAC identified to strengthen the PIAC to deliver effectively on its mandate

Source: UG
Institutional change and the quality of palm oil: an analysis of the artisanal processing sector in Ghana

In Ghana, most oil palm fruits are produced by smallholders and processed by female artisanal processors. However, the ensuing crude palm oil (CPO) is high in free fatty acids and therefore cannot be sold in remunerative local or export markets. An earlier diagnostic study indicated that two main factors cause the poor quality: the processing practice of leaving harvested fruits unprocessed for up to 21 days and the use of lorry tyres as fuel to cook the fruits. Furthermore, the tyre-burning practice affects the health of people working and living around the processing facilities. This study describes the effect of action research undertaken with processors and the creation of a stakeholder platform in which Chiefs, the District Assembly, and a Concertation and Innovation Group collaborated to address the issues. The emerging institutional changes are assessed against baseline information. Awareness was raised about the dangers of tyre-burning, and CPO quality was improved by establishing the optimal time to leave fruits before processing. However, the prevailing market circumstances led producers to opt to produce greater quantities of oil rather than better-quality oil. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UG
Institutional dimensions of veterinary services reforms: responses to structural adjustment in Northern Ghana

This study examines the effect of the post-1980s' structural adjustment reforms on the delivery and smallholders' use of veterinary services in two districts in Northern Ghana. Our analytical framework distinguishes between allocative, cognitive, and normative institutions to analyse the effects on four areas of service delivery: (1) prevention; (2) clinical services; (3) provision of drugs, vaccines, and other products; and (4) human health protection. The reforms were accompanied by substantial reductions in the allocation of both financial and human resources to public veterinary services; this in turn induced fragmentation in service supply, preferential service to progressive (or wealthy) farmers, and non-adherence to international protocols for livestock health reporting. A few communities self-organized to access veterinary services. Thus, the reforms triggered changes mostly in formal allocative institutions, but these triggered further changes in informal allocative, cognitive, and normative institutions that structured the impact of the reforms. The paper concludes that institutional change is not a one-off outcome of an intervention. Rather, such interventions trigger new dynamics that policy-makers and analysts need to take into account. This requires regular monitoring of anticipated and unanticipated effects of privatization and decentralization to enable policy adjustment. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UG
Institutional drivers for integrating palliative care services in a hospital in a sub-Saharan African military hospital context

Background: The growing burden of life-threatening illnesses and advancements in care interventions call for the intentional integration of palliative care services into existing care systems. The absence of active, functioning palliative care services in most hospitals in Ghana is a major concern. This study explored the factors influencing the integration of palliative care services in one of such institutions. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the institutional drivers of palliative care integration in a military health facility. Design: Exploratory qualitative study. Methods: We employed a qualitative exploratory study design situated within a constructivist paradigm. A purposive sampling method was used to select and interview 11 healthcare professionals. A semistructured interview was used to conduct face-to-face, in-depth interviews with participants between April and May 2022. A thematic data analysis was done based on the Braun and Clarke analysis process with the aid of QSR NVivo-12. Results: The six themes that describe the institutional driving factors for integrating palliative care services were cognitive restructuring, supportive logistics and infrastructure, staffing, healthcare professional skills, institutional policies and priorities, and utilization of focal persons. It was observed that a paradigm shift in the mindset of healthcare professionals and administrators was a major driver that would determine the integration of palliative care services. A cognitive restructuring will facilitate a more aggressive integration of palliative care services because logistics, staffing, and medication access will be prioritized. Conclusion: Institutions have the responsibility of aligning with the WHO policy on palliative care service access and must invest in training, staffing, prioritizing palliative care needs and policies, procurement of essential drugs, and the provision of logistics and supportive infrastructure to scale up the implementation of palliative care services

Source: UG
Institutional Effects on API Development and Integration in Developing Countries: Evidence from Ghana

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are perceived as major enablers of digital transformation, as such they have attracted the attention of both practitioners and researchers. This notwithstanding, past research on APIs have focused largely on the technical dimensions, neglecting the social and cultural contexts. The purpose of this study is therefore to understand how regulative, normative and cognitive institutions affect the development and integration of APIs in Ghana. Drawing on the new institutional theory as a lens and an interpretive case study methodology, our findings show that normative institutions such as business strategy, customers need, relationships, and experience of vendors enabled the development and integration of APIs. However, regulative institutions in the form of regulations and laws (unwillingness of some institutions to integrate with other applications), security concerns, were regarded as constraining factors to API integration. Also, Cognitive forces in the form of non-disclosure issues and carelessness constrained the integration of APIs

Source: UG
Institutional Effects on E-payment Entrepreneurship in a Developing Country: Enablers and Constraints John Effah

The purpose of this study is to understand how regulative, normative and cognitive institutions affect e-payment entrepreneurship in developing countries. Lack of e-payment technologies has been identified as a key constraint to e-commerce adoption and diffusion in the developing world. The availability of e-payment technologies in the developed world provides opportunities for their transfer to and adaptation in the developing world. However, research on attempts by governments or e-business entrepreneurs to provide e-payment innovations in the developing world and possible institutional effects on such initiatives remain limited. Drawing on interpretive case study methodology and the new institutional theory as a lens, this study traces an e-payment entrepreneurship attempt in the developing-country context of Ghana. The findings show that some national and international institutions encouraged the initiative. However, unclear regulations and bureaucratic processes of the Central Bank as well as the entrepreneur's own cognitive failure to consider contextual differences between the developed and the developing world constrained the initiative. The study advises developing-country e-business entrepreneurs to understand their local institutional environment and not assume that imported technologies will work the same way as in the developed world. It also calls on developing-country governments to promote clear regulations and streamline certification processes to encourage technological innovations such as e-payment.

Source: UG
Institutional Effects on E-payment Entrepreneurship in a Developing Country: Enablers and Constraints,

The purpose of this study is to understand how regulative, normative and cognitive institutions affect e-payment entrepreneurship in developing countries. Lack of e-payment technologies has been identified as a key constraint to e-commerce adoption and diffusion in the developing world. The availability of e-payment technologies in the developed world provides opportunities for their transfer to and adaptation in the developing world. However, research on attempts by governments or e-business entrepreneurs to provide e-payment innovations in the developing world and possible institutional effects on such initiatives remain limited. Drawing on interpretive case study methodology and the new institutional theory as a lens, this study traces an e-payment entrepreneurship attempt in the developing-country context of Ghana. The findings show that some national and international institutions encouraged the initiative. However, unclear regulations and bureaucratic processes of the Central Bank as well as the entrepreneur's own cognitive failure to consider contextual differences between the developed and the developing world constrained the initiative. The study advises developing-country e-business entrepreneurs to understand their local institutional environment and not assume that imported technologies will work the same way as in the developed world. It also calls on developing-country governments to promote clear regulations and streamline certification processes to encourage technological innovations such as e-payment.

Source: UG