ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Changing landscape of public health and medical education curriculum

The landscape of public health in many sub-Saharan African countries has been changing rapidly over the past few decades. Marked changes have been seen in the demographic structure of populations, economics, lifestyle changes, social upheavals (war and migration) and these have impacted disease patterns. The population structure indicates that the workforce age band is showing a bulge and life expectancy is ris-ing with an increasingly elderly population. The eco-nomic status of many of these sub-Saharan countries are said to be improving with changes in status from low income to low middle income status. Newer health technologies have influenced the diagnos-ing, assessment and treatment of health problems. Pub-lic health challenges are transitioning from communica-ble diseases to non-communicable diseases, with no discernible reduction in infections, such that sub-Saharan African countries are said to be suffering from the double burden of disease. This change has risen to such levels that non-communicable diseases are rapidly becoming major causes of morbidity and mortality. While some communicable diseases remain endemic, several strategies exist for minimising their health ef-fects. Outbreaks of new and emerging infections have exposed the inadequacies of the health systems, such as occurred with the recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa.

Source: UG
Changing morphology of Ghana’s Accra Coast

Coastal features in Ghana’s Accra cost reflect both past and present processes that have been undergoing changes. These changes are influenced by a range of morphogenic factors such as geology and climatic conditions. The regimes have shaped the coastal geomorphic features through weathering processes that decompose and disintegrate the coastal rock. Seal level rise due to climate change is expected to increase coastal erosion and thus result in rapid changes in shoreline positions. Historic rate of seal level rise in Accra coast in about 2 mm/yr (Ibe & Queslennec, 1989) which is predicted to reach approximately 6 mm/yr in the next century since it conforms to the global change (Armah, et. al., 2005). This will result in flooding of vulnerable areas and enable waves to break closer inland. The effectiveness of the erosion process is aided considerably by the type of geology. Accra coastal zone has three types of rock in three identified geomorphic regions. They include unconsolidated and poorly consolidated rock along the western region, the Accraian series occupying the central region and the Dahomeyan series in the eastern region. The geology has thus influenced the extent to which the coastal features have changed and the type of cliff that is formed as a result of erosion within the regions. Generally, soft rock coastal features decay more rapidly than those of hard rock and tend to act as sediment sources. Human activities such as dam construction over the Densu River, engineering interventions to check the spread of erosion and sand mining has created sediment deficit which has exacerbated coastal erosion in Accra. Anthropogenic factors are estimated to account for 70-90% of coastal erosion problems in Accra.

Source: UG
Changing Narratives of Sexuality

This paper is derived from our larger project on policy discourses and practices on women's empowerment in Ghana by leading institutions and actors in the state, civil society and the donor community. The overall aim of the study is to understand and ultimately influence the conceptions of women's empowerment in Ghana, and the strategies and actions flowing from these. In this paper, we focus on the Ministry of Children and Women's Affairs (MOWAC), the designated central government agency for 'mainstreaming gender' into national development plans. Operationally, MOWAC sees itself as the coordinator and guide for other ministries and government agencies on gender issues and concerns. Textual analysis of MOWAC policy documents and in-depth interviews with differently located actors within the ministry allow us insights into interpretations of formal written policy and tacit working knowledges within the institution. In this investigation, we look for the explicit and implicit understandings of empowerment and dis empowerment that inform official policy and everyday practice within MOWAC and collaborating government agencies.

Source: UG
Changing pattern of acute intestinal obstruction in Accra.

Five hundred and fifty-two cases of intestinal obstruction were seen over a two year period, January 1987 to December 1988. Strangulated external hernias and adhesions still remain the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in Accra, but there has been a change in their relative incidence with external hernias falling to 59.8 per cent and adhesive obstruction increasing to 21.0 per cent. There has been no change in the overall mortality and mortality from inguinal hernia which are still 9.4 per cent and 4.9 per cent respectively. However, there has been a significant improvement in mortality rate from volvulus and a slight improvement in mortality from adhesive obstruction even though the overall resection rate has increased from 12.7 per cent to 17.6 per cent.

Source: UG
The changing pattern of cholelithiasis in Accra.

One hundred and sixty-five cholecystectomies were performed in the 12 year period 1980-1991 Only 67 were performed in the first 10 year period but in the last 2 years (1990-1991), 98 patients underwent cholecystectomy. While patients with biliary tract disease occupied 0.4% of General Surgical beds in 1966-68 patients for cholecystectomy now occupy 1.5% of all General Surgical beds. The rising incidence of gall stone disease is the result of a genuine increase in the incidence as well as better diagnosis supported by the use of ultrasonography.

Source: UG
Changing pattern of intestinal obstruction in Accra, Ghana.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Over the past 50 years acute intestinal obstruction has remained among the commonest causes of the acute abdomen, along with peritonitis, appendicitis and gastrointestinal perforations. However several observers have noticed over the past 2 decades a shift in the etiological spectrum. The study aims at ascertaining the precise nature of the change. METHODOLOGY: Published data on intestinal obstruction from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital over the past 50 years were reviewed, as the consistent report format permitted ready comparison of the series. Emphasis was placed on clinical features, established cause and resulting complications. RESULTS: The case load of intestinal obstruction has dwindled over the past 3 decades, accounting for 0.7% of all hospital admissions compared with 1.4% 30 years earlier. External hernias together with adhesive bands still constitute the bulk of presenting cases, but the proportions have changed with strangulated hernias accounting for 59.8% instead of 77.6%. The change has paralleled a rise in elective hernia day case surgery. The incidence of intussusception has almost doubled (7.4% from 4.0%) and it still afflicts the very young. Colonic neoplasms have been commoner over the past 2 decades although the incidence (3.3%) falls short of Western figures. Overall mortality has remained unchanged at 9.4% and this has been associated with a rise in resection rates to 18.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of intestinal obstruction have been much influenced by changing attitudes regarding elective hernia surgery and evolving financial policies.

Source: UG
Changing patterns of disease and mortality at the Children's Hospital, Accra: Are infections rising?

Background: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have led to reductions in child mortality worldwide. This has, invariably, led to the changes in the epidemiology of diseases associated with child mortality. Although facility based data do not capture all deaths, they provide an opportunity to confirm diagnoses and insight into these changes which are relevant for further disease control. Objective: To identify changes in the disease pattern of children who died at the Princess Marie Louise Children's Hospital (PML) in Ghana from 2003-2013. Methods: A cross sectional review of mortality data was carried out at PML. The age, sex, duration of admission and diagnosis of consecutive patients who died at the hospital between 2003 and 2013 were reviewed. This information was entered into an Access database and analysed using Stata 11.0 software. Results: Altogether, 1314 deaths (3.6%) occurred out of a total of 37,012 admissions. The majority of the deaths, 1187 (90.3%), occurred in children under the age of 5 years. While deaths caused by malaria, malnutrition, HIV infection and diarrhoea decreased, deaths caused by pneumonia were rising. Suspected septicaemia and meningitis showed a fluctuating trend with only a modest decrease between 2012 and 2013. The ten leading causes of mortality among under-fives were malnutrition, 363 (30.6%); septicaemia, 301 (25.4%); pneumonia, 218 (18.4%); HIV infection, 183 (15.4%); malaria, 155 (13.1%); anaemia, 135 (11.4%); gastroenteritis/dehydration, 110 (9.3%); meningitis, 58 (4.9%); tuberculosis, 34 (2.9%) and hypoglycaemia, 27 (2.3%). For children aged 5-9 years, the leading causes of mortality were malaria, 42 (42.9%); HIV infection, 27 (27.6%); anaemia, 14 (14.3%); septicaemia, 12 (12.2%); meningitis, 10 (10.2%); malnutrition, 9 (9.2%); tuberculosis, 5 (5.1%); pneumonia, 4 (4.1%); encephalopathy, 3 (3.1%); typhoid fever, 3 (3.1%) and lymphoma, 3 (3.1%). In the adolescent age group, malaria, 8 (27.6%); anaemia, 6 (20.7%); HIV infection, 5 (17.2%); sickle cell disease, 3 (10.3%) and meningitis, 3 (10.3%) were most common. Conclusion: There has been a decline in the under-five mortality at PML over the years; however, deaths caused by pneumonia appear to be rising. This highlights the need for better diagnostic services, wider HIV screening and clinical audits to improve outcomes in order to achieve further reductions in child mortality and maintain the gains.

Source: UG
The changing patterns of hypertension in Ghana: A study of four rural communities in the Ga District

Objective: To determine the prevalence, distribution and risk factors of hypertension among rural residents in Ghana. Design and Setting: Cross sectional study in four rural communities in the Ga District of Ghana. Subjects and Methods: All adults aged $18 years in four rural communities were asked to participate. The average of two blood pressure readings taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer after 10 minutes of rest was used in the analysis. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg. Results: 362 subjects with a mean age of 42.4 ± 18.6 years participated in the study. The prevalence of hypertension was 25.4%. Of those with hypertension, only 32.3% (n=30) had prior knowledge of their condition, and less than half of these (n=12) were on treatment. Of those on treatment 16.7% were well controlled (blood pressure ≤140/90 mm Hg). The adjusted odds ratios for developing hypertension for overweight or obesity were 5.8 (95% confidence interval 1.4-24.3) and 6.9 (95% confidence interval 1.7-28.2), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for hypertension for age groups 45-54, 55-64, and ≥65 years were 31.9 (95% confidence interval 1.88-539.11), 31.8 (95% confidence interval 1.6-624.2), and 58.8 (95% confidence interval 2.9-1168.7), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for hypertension with respect to smoking, alcohol consumption, job-related physical activity, family history, education, occupation, and diabetes status did not attain statistical significance. Conclusion: Hypertension is now of public health significance in rural Ga District of Ghana. The high rate of hypertension was associated with low levels of awareness, drug treatment, and blood pressure control. Overweight and obesity are modifiable risk factors for hypertension that can be addressed through lifestyle interventions. Additionally, integrating hypertension care into primary care in rural health facilities may prove beneficial.

Source: UG
Changing Patterns of the Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Among Patients at a Corporate Hospital in Ghana

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) discovered in 1982, has strongly been associated with multiple clinical disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This study described the prevalence of H. pylori among large numbers of patients over two different time periods in Accra, Ghana. Methods: It was a retrospective records review on patients attending a quasi-government hospital in Accra, Ghana, during two time periods, 1999 and 2012. A total of 2401 records were reviewed, 1128 in first period and 1273 in second period. Biopsy was taken from the gastric antrum for Rapid Urease Test (RUT) in identifying H. Pylori. Data on patient characteristics, clinical diagnosis and findings upon endoscopy were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics. Associations between categorical outcome variables were determined by Chi square test at 95% significance level. Results: H. pylori infection was high in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms 69.7% (1999) and 45.2% (2012), and was even higher in patients with gastritis and duodenal ulcer. H. pylori infection however, decreased among patients over the period, 69.7% in 1999 to 45.2% in 2012. Sex differences in H. pylori infection was identified (higher among males) and young adults (21-40 years). Commonest symptom in all patients was non-ulcer dyspepsia, 86.9% in 1999 and 84.2% in 2012, while gastritis and duodenal ulcer were the commonest endoscopic finding in the two periods. Conclusion: Appropriate management guidelines in West Africa considering the high background H. pylori infection and other co-infections requiring particular antibiotic combination therapy is required.

Source: UG
Changing Patterns of Wealth Distribution: Evidence from Ghana

A largely unexplored feature of structural transformation is the change in the composition of an economy’s asset holdings. In most poor economies, assets are concentrated in land. In rich economies, physical and human capital are more important. This paper focuses on the changes in the composition of household wealth and the share of assets owned by women in Ghana over two decades of relatively rapid growth and significant structural changes. We find that land’s share of household portfolios decreased and the share of financial assets increased. Women’s share of land, savings and business assets rose over the period. © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: UG
Changing perspectives in the didactics of international affairs in Ghana

The sheer velocity of global trends outpaces developments in many areas of study. This statement rings no truer than in the practice and discipline of International Relations in Ghana. The early study of the discipline in Ghana was subsumed under the study of Political Science, restricted largely to the areas of foreign relations, economic integration and international law and heavily influenced by the writings of practitioners from the immediate post-independence period. However, dynamic changes in world politics have necessitated and indeed provided the impetus for a movement towards re-engineering conventional thinking on International Relations in Ghana. In particular, the dynamics of the pre and post-Cold War eras, intractable armed conflicts within the sub-region and the twin processes of globalization and integration have necessitated the acquisition of additional expertise and skill sets by international relations practitioners. Consequently, it has become imperative to provide educational instruction which would equip practitioners with the needed tools. Using a mix of primary and secondary materials, the chapter reviews the evolution of the didactics of international affairs in Ghana, highlighting the epochal transformations and offering recommendations on ways of enhancing the utility of the discipline through the content and methodology of teaching.

Source: UG
Changing Rainfall Inputs in the Volta Basin: Implications for Water Sharing in Ghana

We present evidence from the analysis of gridded annual rainfall data that, increased variability and declining rainfall totals are the main cause of declining lake levels in the Volta basin above the Akosombo Dam. West Africa has undergone a period of diminished rainfall, punctuated by a series of severe droughts and marked by a shift in rainfall regime. As a result, lake levels behind the hydroelectric impoundment have fluctuated so widely at times that, power has had to be rationed. The trends in the spatial and temporal variability of annual rainfall in the riparian nations explain the low impoundment levels frequent in recent decades. The drying of Burkina Faso and Mali is particularly marked and synchronous to an apparent shift in the rainfall regime in Ghana towards a longer dry season and vanishing short dry spell, the effects which tend to negate each other. The various regional and temporal associations between El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon (ENSO) are investigated as a possible cause of variation across the basin. The strengths of these associations and low frequency shifts suggest an unfortunate correspondence between national and climatological boundaries which may serve to heighten regional political tensions resulting from ENSO effects. Lack of re-investment in the Akosombo Dam as a result of management policies, political and pre-construction contractual agreements have all conspired in recent decades to make these hydro-climatological changes more devastating.

Source: UG
The changing rainy season climatology of mid-Ghana

Daily rainfall data are examined through the temporal analysis of various definitions of variable temporal units (VTUs) consisting of combinations of various starting dates and durations over mid-Ghana. These VTUs are independent of, yet encompass, the starting dates and durations of the major and minor rainy seasons. Within each VTU, total rainfall and number of rainy days are calculated to describe the rainfall characteristics of the unit. Means and variances of each variable are calculated for each unit over two 20-year periods, 1951–1970 (P1) and 1981–2000 (P2). In P2, the major and minor rainy seasons have undergone varying degrees of desiccation. This reduction in rainfall is, however, not temporally or spatially uniform. The widespread decline of mean rainfall totals and number of rainy days during the minor rainy season, often associated with greater inter-annual variability, is particularly threatening to the production of a second crop.

Source: UG
Changing representations of women in Ghanaian popular music: Marrying research and advocacy

This article maps the multiple methods used to bring scholar-activists, music producers and music consumers together in a conversation that culminated in the creation of three winning 'empowering songs' from the 'Changing representations of women in popular music' project. This project explores the gendered stereotypes of women in popular music, and seeks to contribute to reflection on, and creation of, alternative (empowering) narratives about women through song. The article discusses this marriage of research and advocacy and reflects on some of the outcomes from 'corporate' reflections - all of which generated a lot of passion about the tensions and possibilities around women's representations and roles. The authors conclude that for research findings to have practical and policy value and legitimacy, what, how, when and where we communicate our messages is extremely important. © The Author(s) 2012.

Source: UG
Changing the face of reference and user services: Adoption of social media in top Ghanaian academic libraries

Social media allows collaboration, participation and sharing in libraries with users. The purpose of this study is to examine the response of academic librarians in Ghana to the use of social media in reference and user services. Design/methodology/approach It is a quantitative study that used the Likert type of questionnaire in soliciting the views of academic librarians from six public and private universities in Ghana on their knowledge and use of social media in providing reference and user services. Findings The findings of the study indicate that majority of academic librarians are knowledgeable and use social media for both personal and work-related purposes. They, however, lack adequate skills to use the array of social media tools to make remarkable difference in service delivery. For this reason, they find the traditional mode of service delivery a comfort zone. Practical implications Higher education policy makers in Ghana and elsewhere would find the results useful in decisions on the types of social media tools to use in universities and colleges. Originality/value The study provides in-depth analysis of the impact of social media on reference and user services in Ghanaian libraries, which is deficient in literature. It also recommends change in policy direction and training to whip up interest in librarians to use social media.

Source: UG
Changing the nervous mind of small-scale farmers who are reluctant to invest for their development

Recent increases in rice consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa are noteworthy. Most of the rice production in these countries depends on an enormous number of small-scale rice farmers. Because they have a poor investment capacity to follow the green revolution, that is, high-yield variety with fertilizer and irrigation, it is necessary to raise the annual production by increasing the number of annual cropping and to improve the water productivity drastically. Salibu rice ratooning technology allows harvesting paddy rice seven times in two years by cultivating ratoon crops with high yield and dramatically low consumption of irrigation water. The authors have conducted a series of cultivation tests in Ghana for over a year and found that the average annual production of rice under the Salibu system was higher than that of the conventional rice cultivation system with much higher water productivity. The authors have also conducted a social experiment on commercial finance by rural banks to farmer-based organizations (FBOs), organized by small-scale rice farmers. The first target of the scheme is group purchasing of small agricultural machinery, which most of the members of the group eagerly want to obtain. We introduced special collateral systems in order to persuade rural banks reluctant to make finance to rice farmers. After realizing the first commercial finance by rural bank to FBO the path to realizing future investment in irrigation was set out in a scenario of gradual solidarity and development.

Source: UG
Changing Trends in Adult and Continuing Education: The Ghanaian Experience

Using archival materials, scientific investigation, secondary data, and field reports and observations, this chapter provides a critical review of the history of Adult and Continuing Education in Ghana, highlighting the global efforts that shaped adult and continuing education in the country. The chapter questions the continuous confusion associated with the concept of adult education by examining the various meanings attached to it as an academic discipline. Finally, there is a discussion of the expansion of educational delivery at the university to include distance education and e-learning in the activities of the Institute of Continuing and Distance Education and the way forward in terms of relevance and practice.

Source: UG