ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Social factors influencing child health in Ghana

Objectives. Social factors have profound effects on health. Children are especially vulnerable to social influences, particularly in their early years. Adverse social exposures in childhood can lead to chronic disorders later in life. Here, we sought to identify and evaluate the impact of social factors on child health in Ghana. As Ghana is unlikely to achieve the Millennium Development Goals' target of reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015, we deemed it necessary to identify social determinants that might have contributed to the nonrealisation of this goal. Methods. ScienceDirect, PubMed, MEDLINE via EBSCO and Google Scholar were searched for published articles reporting on the influence of social factors on child health in Ghana. After screening the 98 articles identified, 34 of them that met our inclusion criteria were selected for qualitative review. Results. Major social factors influencing child health in the country include maternal education, ruralurban disparities (place of residence), family income (wealth/poverty) and high dependency (multiparousity). These factors are associated with child mortality, nutritional status of children, completion of immunisation programmes, health-seeking behaviour and hygiene practices. Conclusions. Several social factors influence child health outcomes in Ghana. Developing more effective responses to these social determinants would require sustainable efforts from all stakeholders including the Government, healthcare providers and families. We recommend the development of interventions that would support families through direct social support initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and inequality, and indirect approaches targeted at eliminating the dependence of poor health outcomes on social factors. Importantly, the expansion of quality free education interventions to improve would-be-mother's health knowledge is emphasised.

Source: UG
Social foraging by waterbirds in shallow coastal lagoons in Ghana

Social foraging in waterbirds in Ghanaian coastal lagoons was studied during October and November 1994. Two types of foraging were social: directionally synchronized flocks (often involving distinctive feeding methods used in unison) and dense pecking aggregations. Social flocks were typically larger and denser than non-social flocks, and primarily involved piscivorous birds, especially the longer-legged shorebirds and egrets. It is probable that the flocks concentrate fish into temporarily high densities through herding or confusing escape reactions. We suggest that these flocks, rather than simply forming in areas of existing high prey density, may actively enhance their foraging success. There may be a true social element to either the initiation or persistence of waterbird social foraging flocks in coastal Ghana.

Source: UG
Social Frailty and Depression Among Older Adults in Ghana: Insights from the WHO SAGE Surveys

In this study, we examine the association between social frailty and depression among older adults in Ghana over time. We employed longitudinal data analysis to examine the association between social frailty, socioeconomic status and depression using data from the WHO-SAGE survey. Our descriptive and cross-tabulation analyses show that the prevalence of depression and social frailty among older adults decreased considerably in 2014/2015 compared to 2007/2008. The finding also reveals a huge reduction in social frailty among older adults in northern Ghana–the most deprived regions in Ghana–compared to those in southern Ghana. The multivariate panel data analysis reveals that depression was significantly associated with social isolation, financial needs, and physical needs. The findings suggest an over time decline in social frailty and depression among older adults, as well as, reduction in regional dif ferences in social frailty and depression among older adults in Ghana. Keywords longitudinal analysis, financial needs, food security, social isolation, physical needs, Ghana Background Research has established links between socioeconomic status and psychosocial wellbeing (Collins & Goldman, 2008; Mar mot et al., 2008). The evidence suggests that older adults with limited social support and those of lower socioeconomic status have worse mental health; and also tend to be more susceptible to morbidities than their counterparts of higher socioeconomic status, consequently leading to early death (Allen et al., 2014; Cornwell & Waite, 2009; Ma et al., 2018; Yamada & Arai, 2018). While socioeconomic inequalities exist among all age groups, some researchers argue it is more amplified among older adults mainly due to their vulnerabilities to frailty and the pathway of life-course determinants that become exacer bated in late life (Benzeval et al., 2011; van Kippersluis et al., 2010). Older persons are thus said to be more vulnerable to social frailty than younger adults. Social frailty refers to the absence of crucial social and economic resources as well as self -management abilities vital for achieving one’s social needs and invariably negatively impact physical and psychosocial wellbeing (Bunt et al., 2017; Ma et al., 2018). Studies show that older adults living with greater social support and social assistance, including formal financial sup port from governments, have better mental health than their counterparts with less social support (Kobayashi & Steptoe, 2018; Min et al., 2016; O’Hara et al., 2016). In this context, social frailty among older adults is significantly associated with depre

Source: UG
Social health insurance schemes in Africa leave out the poor

In many sub-Saharan African countries, evidence shows that the poor bear the highest burden of diseases and experience high levels of catastrophic health expenditures.1 Social health insurance (SHI) is considered a key mechanism for achieving universal healthcare by providing financial protection.2 Social health insurance programmes are expected to protect people from catastrophic healthcare costs by pooling funds to allow cross-subsidization between the rich and poor and between the healthy and the sick. Some African countries, grappling with dissatisfaction from the public over exorbitant fees charged by health sector providers, have introduced social health insurance schemes as a way to ensure access to all income groups, especially the poor.3 However, relatively little is known about the experience of how countries that have adopted this health financing strategy have tackled the issue of ensuring coverage of the poor. A comparative study of five African countries sought to help fill this gap by looking at how social health insurance schemes have been able to cover the poor or not, as the case may be. Selected countries have either national or community-based insurance schemes with the intent of providing health insurance for all citizens (more than 10 million inhabitants). The selected countries are Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia. Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya have similar social health programmes, although their target groups differ.4–8 Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), covers every citizen by law, with exemption entitlement to some segments of the population. Tanzania and Kenya have separate insurance schemes for the formal and informal sectors. Rwanda and Ethiopia operate a Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) programme, but Rwanda’s CBHI system (CBHIS) is mandatory (Table 1).

Source: UG
Social identity’ and ‘shared worldview’: free riders in explanations of collective action

The notions ‘worldview’ and ‘social identity’ are examined to consider whether they contribute substantively to causal sequences or networks or thought clusters that result in intentional group actions. Routine reference to such purportedly key components of agents’ intentions are presumed to help explain their collective actions. But problems emerge when we consider the theoretical details of attributing one worldview and identity to each individual, or a shared worldview to a whole community. Where does one worldview, or type of identity, leave off and another begin? Comparable fuzziness surfaces when we inspect the notion of distinct worldviews as inherently incommensurable, or distinct social identities as inherently antagonistic. Three proposed explanations of sectarian conflict or ethnic violence are analysed as examples of theories that link intentional group behaviour to the worldviews and social identities of the individuals directly involved. But as will be shown, it is not facts about worldviews and identities as such, but historically specific facts and contingent circumstances that impinge upon those individual agents’ welfare (as well as their beliefs and values) which need to be examined in order to explain their group-motivated behaviour—be it violent, conciliatory, or otherwise.

Source: UG
Social inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities in Accra, Ghana: Views of parents/guardians and teachers

Guided by Bronfenbrenner (1979) ecological systems theory, this study examined social inclusion for children with intellectual disabilities from the perspectives of parents, guardians and teachers in Accra, Ghana. The goal of the study was to explore perspectives of parents, guardians, and teachers regarding social inclusion for children with intellectual disabilities in Ghanaian society. The objectives were to explore (a) beliefs about intellectual disabilities among parents/guardians and teachers in selected schools in the Greater Accra region of Ghana (b) challenges encountered by parents/guardians of children with intellectual disabilities in Accra, Ghana and (c) benefits of special education for children with intellectual disabilities in Accra, Ghana. A descriptive study design with qualitative data collection and purposive sampling methods were utilised to recruit 17 participants for the study. This consisted of eight parents and guardians who have children with intellectual disabilities and nine teachers who teach these children. Data were collected using individual in-depth interviews and observation of participants and analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that children with intellectual disabilities encountered challenges related to beliefs about intellectual disabilities, parental neglect, financial difficulties and labelling and stigma. Furthermore, evidence showed that children with intellectual disabilities benefited from special education in terms of improved communication, bonding with teachers and peers and skill acquisition to deal with challenges they face. Based on the findings of the study, conclusions and implications are discussed for social work practice and policy.

Source: UG
Social injury: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the attitudes towards suicide of lay persons in Ghana

One way of furthering our understanding of suicidal behaviour is to examine people’s attitudes towards it and how they conceive the act. The aim of this study was to understand how lay persons conceive the impact of suicide on others and how that influences their attitudes towards suicide; and discuss the implications for suicide prevention in Ghana. This is a qualitative study, using a semi-structured interview guide to investigate the attitudes and views of 27 lay persons from urban and rural settings in Ghana. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings showed that the perceived breach of interrelatedness between people due to suicidal behaviour influenced the informants’ view of suicide as representing a social injury. Such view of suicide influenced the negative attitudes the informants expressed towards the act. The negative attitudes towards suicide in Ghana are cast in consequential terms. Thus, suicide is an immoral act because it socially affects others negatively. The sense of community within the African ethos and The Moral Causal Ontology for Suffering are theoretical postulations that are used to offer some explanations of the findings in this study.

Source: UG
Social injury: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the attitudes towards suicide of lay persons in Ghana

One way of furthering our understanding of suicidal behaviour is to examine people's attitudes towards it and how they conceive the act. The aim of this study was to understand how lay persons conceive the impact of suicide on others and how that influences their attitudes towards suicide; and discuss the implications for suicide prevention in Ghana. This is a qualitative study, using a semi-structured interview guide to investigate the attitudes and views of 27 lay persons from urban and rural settings in Ghana. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings showed that the perceived breach of interrelatedness between people due to suicidal behaviour influenced the informants' view of suicide as representing a social injury. Such view of suicide influenced the negative attitudes the informants expressed towards the act. The negative attitudes towards suicide in Ghana are cast in consequential terms. Thus, suicide is an immoral act because it socially affects others negatively. The sense of community within the African ethos and The Moral Causal Ontology for Suffering are theoretical postulations that are used to offer some explanations of the findings in this study. © 2011 J. Osafo et al.

Source: UG
Social justice and mathematics education in Ghana

This paper assesses the extent to which social justice theories can be used to explain the causes of inequalities in mathematics education in Ghana and explores ways in which issues arising from such inequalities can be addressed. The paper traces the habitus that operates in the Ghanaian mathematics classroom and argues that the habitus is created by both learners and teachers who may be oblivious to its dangers. The author underscores the importance of teaching for social justice by using learners’ funds of knowledge in the delivery of the mathematics curriculum. The paper concludes that it is vital for teachers of mathematics to move away from authoritative approaches to the teaching and learning of mathematics towards more collaborative approaches, which will provide learners with the opportunity to make choices that will engage their creative potential in mathematics and harness their emotional energies.

Source: UG
Social marketing on Aids: Using transtheoretical model to understand condom usage intentions among commerical drivers in Ghana

This is an exploratory research to utilise the Transtheoretical model to assess condom usage intentions among commercial drivers in Ghana. A convenience-based non-probability sampling method was employed, and a face-to-face questionnaire was administered on 132 commercial drivers in Accra. The analysis of variance and one sample t-test statistical method was employed to establish relationship between variables based on the Transtheoretical model. The result reveals that over 71.9% of commercial drivers are at precontemplation, contemplation and preparation stages. This means that most commercial drivers interviewed have not yet taken action to use condoms to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS. The findings of the study constitute a series of marketing ideas, useful in decision making with social marketing organisations.

Source: UG
Social marketing: Using stages of change model to asssess HIV/AIDS testing intentions among University Students in Ghana

This research sought to utilize the stages of change model to assess HIV/AIDS testing intentions among university students in Ghana. A quantitative research method using a questionnaire based on a random sampling method was employed to interview 167 students of the University of Ghana Business School in Accra. The analysis of variance and one-sample t-test statistical methods were employed to establish the relationship between variables. The study found that most university students in Ghana (80.9%) are at precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages. This suggests that social marketing intervention programs encouraging university students to know their HIV/AIDS status have not been effective, since most university students in Ghana have not yet taken action to test for HIV/AIDS. The study also found some university students at more than one stage at a time.

Source: UG
Social marketing: Using the health belief model to understand breast cancer protective behaviours among women

The objective of the study was to apply the health belief model (HBM) to understand breast cancer protective behaviours recommended by implementers of social marketing intervention programmes among women in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data from 363 women. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, multiple regression, and analysis of variance. The result shows that HBM was significant in explaining 68.9% of the variance in the breast cancer protective behaviours. The study found all the constructs of HBM (perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action) with the exception of severity to have statistically significant relationship with the performance of breast cancer protective behaviours. Significant differences were found within respondents' age group and educational levels and the constructs of HBM regarding breast cancer protective behaviours.

Source: UG
Social Marketing: Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Predict Open Defecation Free Behaviour Among Households in Ghana

Background: Despite global efforts to combat the menace of open defecation, the phenomenon persists, particularly in developing nations. It is estimated that about 14% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population still practice open defecation. Focus: The study sought to examine the behavioral and psychological mechanisms that influence attitudes toward open-defecation-free behavior in Ghana by applying a behavior change theory. Key Hypotheses: The following hypotheses were formulated and tested by this study: households’ attitude towards open defecation-free has a significant positive relationship with the actual open defecation-free behavior, household’s subjective norms towards open defecation-free have a significant positive relationship with their actual open defecation-free behavior and households’ perceived behavioral control over open defecation free has a significant positive relationship with their actual open defecation free behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 550 respondents. Data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. Results: All three variables of the theory of planned behavior were found to have a positive significant influence on Ghanaian households’ actual open defecation-free behaviors. Demographics such as income, educational level, and availability of latrines were found to moderate the relationships between subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and households’ actual open defecation behavior. Importance to Social Marketing Field: The study extends the current literature on social marketing by demonstrating that the theory of planned behavior could be used to predict people’s attitudes toward open-defecation-free behavior. Though the theory of planned behavior has been empirically proven as a good predictor of behavior, by moderating its relationship with open defecation-free behavior with demographic variables our model fleshes out more nuances of the theory, thereby contributing to the development of a social marketing theory. Recommendations for Research or Practice: This study employed a cross-sectional survey; hence it may presume static relationships among the constructs which can be cured by a future longitudinal study that could explain the pattern of behavior change. The study recommends that government facilitates the provision of latrines for households by providing financial assistance to those who cannot afford the construction of latrines. A social marketing campaign should also be adopted to encourage the use of latrines.

Source: UG
Social media adoption among university students: the role of gender, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use

Social media adoption has been phenomenal especially among the youth. This study seeks to examine the effect of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and gender on social media adoption. The survey research design was used in this study to provide a basis for the generalisation of the findings of this study. The respondents were mostly youth and were selected using convenience sampling technique. Data was analysed using multiple regression. The findings indicate that, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly predict social media adoption. However, there is no significant difference between males and females on adoption of social media. The implications of the results for the youth, teachers, technologist, marketers and developers of information systems have been put forward.

Source: UG
Social media challenges in marketing of library and information services at the Balme Library, University of Ghana

The study investigates the challenges in the use of social media to market library and information services in the Balme Library of the University of Ghana. The survey method was used to administer questionnaires to one hundred (100) students from the Faculty of Social Sciences while two librarians were interviewed. Findings reveal that Facebook and Twitter are the popular social media tools used by students. These tools are however, not actively being used for marketing of library services. Among the major drawbacks of using social media for effective marketing is the lack of awareness of the social media services among majority of students and the inadequate infrastructure to access IT services. The study recommends the creation of a social media policy which would provide clarity to library employees on their responsibilities in the use of social media.

Source: UG
Social Media for Information Dissemination among Students

Social media usage trends have established a drastic jump from 5% in 2005 to 72% in 2021. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the extent to which social media is being used to facilitate information dissemination by students in Ghana Universities. The Uses and gratifications theory (UGT), which seeks to explain why and how people actively seek out specific media to satisfy specific needs was used as the theoretical framework for the study. A descriptive research design was used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data from respondents across tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study established that social media serves as one of the vital tools for learning and information dissemination among the students. The students used social media for academic work more than for recreational activities. They access social media through the mobile devices they own and are connected to the internet. While the majority of them had only one social media account, a significant proportion had more than one social media account. Although they somewhat trust the information on social media; they only consider it to be genuine unless it is related or find it relevant in the field of academics.

Source: UG