ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The use of spatial analysis in mapping the distribution of bancroftian filariasis in four West African countries

The geographical distribution of human infection with Wuchereria bancrofti was investigated in four West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Togo), using a commercial immunochromatographic test for filarial antigen. Efforts were made to cover each health-system implementation unit and to ensure no sampling point was > 50 km from another, but otherwise the 401 study communities were selected at random. The aim was to enable spatial analysis of the data, to provide a prediction of the overall spatial relationships of the infection. The results, which were subjected to an independent random validation in Burkina Faso and Ghana, revealed that prevalence in the adult population of some communities exceeded 70% and that, over large areas of Burkina Faso, community prevalences were between 30% and 50%. Most of Togo, southern Benin and much of southern Ghana appeared completely free of the infection. Although there were foci on the Ghanaian coast with prevalences of 10%-30%, such high prevalences did not extend into coastal Togo or costal Benin. The prevalence map produced should be useful in prioritizing areas for filariasis control, identifying potential overlap with ivermectin-distribution activities undertaken by onchocerciasis-control programmes, and enabling inter-country and sub-regional planning to be initiated. The results indicate that bancroftian filariasis is more widely distributed in arid areas of Burkina Faso than hitherto recognized and that the prevalences of infection have remained faifiy stable for at least 30 years. The campaign to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public-health problem in Africa will require significantly more resources (human, financial, and logistic) than previously anticipated.

Source: UG
The Use of Sports as a Tool for Diplomacy: The Case of Ghana since Independence.

It is often argued that sports and politics should not be mixed. International sporting organizations share this view in some respects, and based on it, Ghana and other countries across the world have been banned on some occasions by organizations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) on charges of state interference in the affairs of their national sporting associations. Several studies have, however, traced a relationship between politics and sports, with states using sporting activities in some instances to pursue their interests in international politics. Scholars such as Stuart Murray refer to this as sports diplomacy. This study considers how Ghana has practiced sports diplomacy. The objectives of the study are to analyse the potential and actual role sports plays in the pursuit of Ghana’s foreign policy goals, find out whether and how Ghanaian governments have deliberately used sports in this direction and assess how Ghana’s participation in international sporting competitions has contributed to foreign public knowledge, opinion and perception about the country. Ghana has participated frequently in international sporting events such as the Olympics and FIFA world cups. Among other things, the study, based on a qualitative approach, with interviews of persons from diverse backgrounds in diplomacy and the sports sector finds that participating in international sporting events has enabled the country to be represented in international fora, create and shape a good image for itself across the world and improve its friendly relations with other countries. The study also finds that regardless of the advantages the country derives from sports, there are many challenges that beset the sports sector in Ghana, including funding and inadequate training facilities. Recommendations made include the need for a consistent analysis of changes in the international system by the government, with consideration to how the country’s involvement in international sporting events could enable it to deal with new developments on the international stage, formulating policies that would enable the government to appropriate the publicity the country receives from participating in international sports and giving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration a prominent and activie role in promoting and marketing the country through its sportsmen and by facilitating the country’s participation in international competitions.

Source: UG
The Use of Sulpiiadoxine Pyrimethamine as Intermitten Preventive Treatment For Malaria In Pregnancy; A Study at the Kpeshie Sub Metropolis

In most endemic areas of the world, pregnant women are the main adult risk group for malaria. They are four times more likely to suffer attacks of symptomatic malaria than other adults. Malaria in pregnancy increases the risk of severe maternal anaemia, low birth weight and death. Studies have shown that Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine prevents malaria in pregnancy and improves maternal haemoglobin and infant birth weight. The study investigated the use of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine in the prevention of malaria in pregnancy using the Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) in the Kpeshie sub-Metropolis. A quantitative research design was used. A total of 400 mothers who delivered at the La General hospital within the study period and consented to participate were recruited into this study using purposive sampling. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data, chart review of maternal records and babies’ birth weight was also carried out. Data were analy sed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. The study established that the Directly Observed Therapy using Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine is not being properly followed as stipulated by the Ghana Health Sendee. Majority of the mothers (69%) indicated knowledge of the use of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine during pregnancy but only 51 % of them actually used it. Only 13.1 % of the mothers took the recommended three doses of the SP. The number of times a mother took the SP the better her haemoglobin level (p = 0.005). Finally, this study did not establish any clear relationship between the number of times a participant took SP and their infant birth weight (p = 0.78). In conclusion, the use of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine in preventing malaria in pregnancy using the Directly Observed therapy is well known in Ghana but its use needs to be enhanced through proper education of both the Service Providers and the Pregnant women.

Source: UG
Use of termitaria in surficial geochemical surveys: Evidence for &gt;125-μm size fractions as the appropriate media for gold exploration in northern Ghana

Extensive lateritization and widespread sheet wash and alluvial deposits characterize the thick regolith in the savannah regions of northern Ghana. As often is the case in these areas, the presence of these cover materials mask geochemical gold (Au) response in soils during surficial gold exploration. Anomaly detection thus becomes very difficult perhaps due to gold grain encrustation during lateritization and anomaly dilution by sheet wash deposits. Termite mound samples collected from areas of thick regolith, transported overburden and laterite cap in gold bearing areas of northern Ghana which were analyzed for gold defined anomalous zones. Gold contents were determined from size fractions consisting of -125 μm, +125-250 μm, +250-500 μm and +500 μm. The gold contents show relatively insignificant changes in concentration and in repeat samples in the - 125 μm and +125-250 μm size fractions, but there were significant differences when sub-samples were re-analysed in the coarser samples. Gold content repeatability was relatively better in the fine size fractions (- 125 μm) and decreased in the coarser size fractions. The study showed that termite mounds can be used as a geochemical sample medium to support conventional soil surveys especially in areas under thick regolith and transported cover, and the - 125 μm size fraction appears the most appropriate. © 2010 Geological Society of London.

Source: UG
Use of the immunodominant 18-kilodalton small heat shock protein as a serological marker for exposure to mycobacterium ulcerans

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

Source: UG
The Use of Traditional Musical in Contemporary Choral Music: Perspectives from Newlove Annan’s “Ewuradze” (Lord)

The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with an analytical insight into the work of a young and prolific composer who has exploited a great deal from traditional genres for his compositions. Traditional music is a complex sound phenomenon whose description requires that its various components be described both individually and holistically. The paper presents an abridged biography of the composer. It further considers how the composer has exploited a traditional musical genre “Ebibindwom” (Akan sacred Lyrics) as a pre-compositional resource and has effectively blended with western harmonic idioms. The paper therefore delves into effectiveness with which Newlove Annan has used traditional music as his pre-compositional resource in the work”Ebibindwom” (Lord).

Source: UG
The use or misuse of the relative clause as a modifier: A case of two Ghanaian Newspapers

This paper investigates the use of the relative clause as a modifier in two major Ghanaian newspapers – Daily Graphic and Daily Guide. Specifically, it examines how the three main relative clauses; namely, defining, non-defining and sentential have been used in the selected newspapers. Analyzing data drawn from both newspapers from 1st June – 30th November, 2011, the researchers discovered that both newspapers contained violations of the syntactic and semantic rules with regard to the use of relative clauses. These violations, the researchers argue, could create potential sources of confusion for the reader in the interpretation of the sentences. The paper describes the nature of the violations and recommends that editors pay greater attention to this aspect of written communication. Furthermore, language courses in schools and institutes of journalism as well as universities in Ghana should pay substantial attention to the teaching of relative clauses as modifiers.

Source: UG
Usefulness of combined screening methods for rapid detection of falsified and/ or substandard medicines in the absence of a confirmatory method

Background: The influx of substandard and falsified medicines is a global public health challenge and its rapid detection is a key solution to the menace. This study used three screening methods and one confirmatory method for the quality assessment of 25 batches of artemether/lumefantrine dosage forms from the Ghanaian market to test that combined screening methods only can rapidly detect substandard and/or falsified medicines in areas where confirmatory methods may not be available. Methods: The quality of artemether/lumefantrine tablet products obtained from pharmacies and licensed chemical seller shops within the Accra metropolis in Ghana were analysed using three screening methods (GPHF Minilab, Colorimetry and Counterfeit Drug Indicator) and one confirmatory method (high-performance liquid chromatography). Results: The results showed that 18/25 batches of the artemether/lumefantrine samples passed using the combined screening and confirmatory methods and 5/25 batches of the artemether/lumefantrine samples failed using the combined screening and confirmatory methods. However, 1/25 batch of the artemether/lumefantrine samples failed using the combined screening methods but passed using the confirmatory method. Also, 1/25 batch of the artemether/lumefantrine samples passed using the combined screening methods but failed using the confirmatory method. This notwithstanding, the combined screening methods and the confirmatory method provided equivalent quality assessment profiles for 23/25 (92%) batches of the artemether/lumefantrine tablet products. Out of the 6 samples that failed the confirmatory test, 1/6, 2/6, and 3/6 failed on the high (> 110%), low (< 90%), and no active ingredient (0%), respectively. The sensitivity of Minilab, colorimetric, CoDI, and the combined screening methods at 95% confidence level were 0.5 ± 0.57, 0.83 ± 0.33, 0.75 ± 0.49, and 0.83 ± 0.33, respectively. Also, the specificity of Minilab, colorimetric, CoDI, and the combined screening methods at 95% confidence level were 1.00, 0.95 ± 0.10, 1.00, and 0.95 ± 0.10, respectively. Conclusion: The combined screening methods may be used for rapid detection of falsified and/or substandard medicines without using a confirmatory method. However, additional research on the best combinations of screening devices/methods to rapidly detect the quality of medicines is recommended.

Source: UG
Usefulness of K-1 (CD-30) marker in Hodgkin's disease

Objective:To identify Hodgkin’s and Reed Sternberg like cells by a single Immunomarker (Ki-l; CD-30) and to highlight diagnostic specificity of these cells in Hodgkin’s disease, as these cells are frequently encountered in other lymphoproliferative disorders on H&E sections. Methodology: Seventy-nine histologically diagnosed cases of lymph node biopsies (59 cases of Hodgkin’s disease, 15 cases of Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 5 cases of non neoplastic lymphoid tissue) were subjected to Ki-1(CD­ 30) immunostaining as all cases revealed Hodgkin’s and/or Reed Sternberg like cells on H&E stained sections. Results: Out of 59 cases of Hodgkin’s disease, 49 (83%) showed Ki-1 (CD-30) immunoreactivity for Reed Sternberg and Hodgkin’s cells. None of the 15 cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (2 small lymphocyte type, 11 diffuse large cells type, 2 lymphoblastic type) showed positive Ki-1 (CD-30) immunostaining. Only one case of the remaining 5 cases of non-neoplastic lymphoid lesion (2 toxoplasmic lymphadenitis, one histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, one reactive hyperplasia and one chronic non specific lymphadenitis) showed positive Ki-1 immunostaining. Conclusion: Ki-1 (CD-30) is a reliable marker for Hodgkin’s Reed Sternberg like cells in histologically proven cases of Hodgkin’s disease but not for similar cells encountered in other lymhoproliferative lesions (JPMA 52:442; 2002).

Source: UG
User and community coping responses to service delivery gaps in emergency obstetric care provision in a rural community in Ghana

The study sought to explore user and community responses to service delivery gaps in emergency obstetric care provision in rural Ghana. A qualitative design was employed to draw evidence from observations, interviews and focus group discussion among healthcare providers, clients and community members. Data processing and analysis followed a thematic approach. Findings reveal community interference in obstetric care delivery processes, reliance on unskilled providers, recourse to local oxytocin use, non-compliance to prescribed treatment and mistrust in healthcare providers as user and community coping mechanisms for perceived poor quality obstetric care. These behaviours have serious consequences on the life chances of pregnant women. and parturient women. The need to adapt to a more responsive and affordable national healthcare delivery system is essential for uptake of services in rural areas. Also, Standardized guidelines to regulate health worker behaviour is critical to instilling trust in the healthcare system.

Source: UG
User Satisfaction with Library Resources in Public Colleges of Education in Ghana

Teacher education is very paramount for national development and thus the quality of teacher education should be of great concern to all stakeholders. Proper and adequate educational facilities are critically important if teacher education will achieve its larger goal of training and preparing the right calibre of teachers who are competent, dedicated and committed to handle the educational needs of Ghana. Key among such required facilities is a functional library. A library is a collection of both published and unpublished books and other materials which are well organized, with competent staff who can assist users to meet their information needs (Ogbebor, 2011).

Source: UG
Uses of multiple plants prescriptions for treatment of malaria by some communities in southern Ghana

Ethnopharmacological relevance: To investigate the uses of medicinal plants for management of malaria by the communities around Kakum National Park in southern Ghana. Materials and methods: Data were obtained through questionnaire interviews with seven herbalists using standard ethnobotanical methods and voucher specimens where obtained of all the species used to treat malaria. Results: A total of 33 species in 21 plant families were identified as being used. Over 75 of the species of plants were used in combinations with one to eight other plant species for the management of malaria. Conclusion: The study has shown that multiple plants prescriptions are most commonly used for the management of malaria in the study area. This makes it very complex to standardise and monitor the uses of the plants let alone further our understanding of the active compounds in any one species. © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Source: UG
Using a human resource management approach to support community health workers: experiences from five African countries

Background Like any other health worker, community health workers (CHWs) need to be supported to ensure that they are able to contribute effectively to health programmes. Management challenges, similar to those of managing any other health worker, relate to improving attraction, retention and performance. Methods Exploratory case studies of CHW programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe were conducted to provide an understanding of the practices for supporting and managing CHWs from a multi-actor perspective. Document reviews (n = 43), in-depth interviews with programme managers, supervisors and community members involved in managing CHWs (n = 31) and focus group discussions with CHWs (n = 13) were conducted across the five countries. Data were transcribed, translated and analysed using the framework approach. Results CHWs had many expectations of their role in healthcare, including serving the community, enhancing skills, receiving financial benefits and their role as a CHW fitting in with their other responsibilities. Many human resource management (HRM) practices are employed, but how well they are implemented, the degree to which they meet the expectations of the CHWs and their effects on human resource (HR) outcomes vary across contexts. Front-line supervisors, such as health centre nurses and senior CHWs, play a major role in the management of CHWs and are central to the implementation of HRM practices. On the other hand, community members and programme managers have little involvement with managing the CHWs. Conclusions This study highlighted that CHW expectations are not always met through HRM practices. This paper calls for a coordinated HRM approach to support CHWs, whereby HRM practices are designed to not only address expectations but also ensure that the CHW programme meets its goals. There is a need to work with all three groups of management actors (front-line supervisors, programme managers and community members) to ensure the use of an effective HRM approach. A larger multi-country study is needed to test an HRM approach that integrates context-appropriate strategies and coordinates relevant management actors. Ensuring that CHWs are adequately supported is vital if CHWs are to fulfil the critical role that they can play in improving the health of their communities.

Source: UG
Using a theory of change in monitoring, evaluating and steering scale-up of a district-level health management strengthening intervention in Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda – lessons from the PERFORM2Scale consortium

Background: Since 2017, PERFORM2Scale, a research consortium with partners from seven countries in Africa and Europe, has steered the implementation and scale-up of a district-level health management strengthening interventions in Ghana, Malawi and Uganda. This article presents PERFORM2Scale’s theory of change (ToC) and reflections upon and adaptations of the ToC over time. The article aims to contribute to understanding the benefits' and challenges of using a ToC-based approach for monitoring and evaluating the scale-up of health system strengthening interventions, because there is limited documentation of this in the literature. Methods: The consortium held annual ToC reflections that entailed multiple participatory methods, including individual scoring exercises, country and consortium-wide group discussions and visualizations. The reflections were captured in detailed annual reports, on which this article is based. Results: The PERFORM2Scale ToC describes how the management strengthening intervention, which targets district health management teams, was expected to improve health workforce performance and service delivery at scale, and which assumptions were instrumental to track over time. The annual ToC reflections proved valuable in gaining a nuanced understanding of how change did (and did not) happen. This helped in strategizing on actions to further steer the scale-up the intervention. It also led to adaptations of the ToC over time. Based on the annual reflections, these actions and adaptations related to: assessing the scalability of the intervention, documentation and disseminations of evidence about the effects of the intervention, understanding power relationships between key stakeholders, the importance of developing and monitoring a scale-up strategy and identification of opportunities to integrate (parts of ) the intervention into existing structures and strategies

Source: UG
Using activity analysis to identify individual and group behavioural constraints to organizational change management.

This article looks at the constraining influence of internal organizational factors on the management of organizational change. The purpose of the study was to determine the individual and group behavioral-induced situational problems, conflicts and tensions that change managers can identify and also use as innovative tools to enhance their capacity to manage organizational change. Individual and group behavioral factors that constrained the implementation and internalization of a best management practice model in an organization were examined. It is argued that in the organizational change process, the inability of change managers to simultaneously identify the development of situational problems, such as conflicts and tensions induced by individual and group based behaviours, and exploiting them as tools to enhance management innovation, is a significant constraint. It is concluded that; by continuously examining individual and group based mediated actions, managers can understand, identify, isolate and manage situational problems in future implementation and internalization of new practices models in their organizations.

Source: UG