ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Stressful Life Events on Marital Satisfaction and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Married Persons in Ghana

This study examined the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and stressful life events (SLEs) on marital satisfaction and health-related quality of life among married persons in Greater Accra, Ghana. The concurrent mixed methods design was employed. A total of 400 married persons were involved in the quantitative phase of the study. Five of these participants were selected for the qualitative phase. The research instruments were standardised questionnaires and an interview guide. Frequencies and percentages, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, ANOVA, Multiple Regression and Multiple Logistic Regression were used for the quantitative data. The interpretative phenomenological approach was employed for the qualitative data. Adverse childhood experiences and stressful life events were found to significantly correlate negatively with marital satisfaction. There was a significant difference in marital satisfaction with respect to cumulative adverse childhood experiences. Married persons with more histories of ACEs experienced greater decline in marital satisfaction. Adverse childhood experiences and stressful life events significantly impacted marital satisfaction negatively. Similarly, adverse childhood experiences and stressful life events significantly impacted health-related quality of life negatively. However, marital satisfaction impacted health-related quality of life positively. The qualitative findings corroborated the quantitative findings. It is recommended that clinical psychologists and psychotherapists receive trauma informed care training. Also, single and married persons should be screened for and educated on the impact of childhood trauma and traumatic stress on marriage and HRQoL.

Source: UCC
Influence of Advertisements (Radio and Television) of Sonturk Supermarket on the Purchasing Behaviour of University of Cape Coast Students.

The study focused on assessing the effect of radio and television adverts on Sonturk products among Students of the University of Cape Coast. The quantitative approach as well as descriptive research design was used for the research. And Simple random sampling as well as the purposive sampling under non-probability technique was the sampling method used. Questionnaires were used to obtain information from the 50 respondents who were chosen for the study. Descriptive Statistical tools were employed to analysis the demographic characteristics of the respondents. Tables, figures, frequencies and percentages were employed to display various responses. Whereas regression analysis was used to assess the influence of TV and radio adverts on Sonturk products on University of Cape Coast Students. It emerged from the study that that TV adverts is not a strong predictor of purchasing behaviour. This means that the degree to which TV adverts influence purchasing behaviour is very small. Again, it was found that based on the variation accounted radio adverts is not a strong predictor of purchasing behaviour. This means that the extent to which radio adverts influence purchasing behaviour is very small. However, based on the variations between the two variables, it emerged that radio adverts exerts more influence on students purchasing behaviour than TV adverts. The study, therefore, concluded that radio adverts affects employees more TV adverts and hence management should resort to radio adverts.

Source: UCC
Influence of Biochar and Irrigation on Crop Production in the Coastal Savannah Zone of Ghana

A study was conducted during the major growing seasons of 2015 to 2017 to determine the integrated impact of corn cob biochar and irrigation on the growth and yield of maize, cowpea and tomato in the coastal savannah zone, Ghana. Preliminary pot experiments were set up to determine the appropriate biochar rates, biochar particle sizes and fertilizer to be used in subsequent field experiments. Completely randomized design with 4 levels of biochar (0, 20, 40, 80 t ha-1), 2 levels of biochar particle sizes (< 2 mm and 2-4 mm) and 2 levels of irrigation regimes (full and deficit) was used. Irrigation generally did not have significant effect on maize growth. However, an increase in biochar significantly increased the fresh and dry above-ground biomass of maize. Generally, the < 2 mm biochar particle size improved maize growth compared to the 2-4 mm biochar particle size. There was a significant interactive effect of biochar rate, biochar particle size and irrigation on the above-ground biomass of maize. There was an increase in growth when phosphorus was loaded with biochar before application, compared to when phosphorus was applied in the form of NPK. Split plot design was used for the field experiments with irrigation and biochar as the main and sub-plots, respectively. There were 3 levels of irrigation (full, deficit and no irrigation) and 3 levels of biochar (0, 10, 20 and 20+P t ha-1 and 0, 20, 40 and 40+P t ha-1) in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The results indicated that an increase in biochar significantly increased leaf area, leaf area index, above ground biomass and yield of maize. For instance, in 2016 maize yield obtained from plots treated with 20+P t ha-1 biochar was 8.1 t ha-1, i.e. five times higher than yields from the control plots. Cowpea yield also increased with increasing rates of biochar. Full and deficit irrigation significantly improved maize growth and yield of maize and cowpea. In general, biochar treatments ladened with phosphorus performed better for maize, cowpea and tomato. There was a strong and positive correlation between maize grain yield and crown root diameter. An increase in biochar rate increased tomato fruit yield. Biochar and irrigation did not signficantly affect the quality of tomato fruits. Therefore, soil amendments with biochar, especially loading it with phosphorus before incooperating it in the soil and with supplemental irrigation even in the dry season, crop growth and yield will improve.

Source: UCC
Influence of Body Image and Perceived Stigmatization on Psychological Wellbeing of Obese Women in the Kumasi Metropolis

Obesity is found to have a significant impact on body image perception and overall well-being. In many western societies, being slim is deemed attractive and very much admired. However, in some developing countries, the opposite seems to be the case. This quantitative study assessed the influence of body image and weight-related stigma on the psychological well-being of obese women in the Kumasi Metropolis. A sample of 384 obese women purposely selected from health shops and some fitness centers. The body shape questionnaire BSQ-34, the inventory of the Stigmatization Situation (SSI) and finally, the psychological well-being tools were used. The statistical tools used for the analysis included frequency distributions, one-sample t-test analysis, Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient, and simple linear regression analysis. The tests were conducted for significant differences at a significance level of 0.05. From the results, it was found that generally obese women in the Kumasi Metropolis were significantly satisfied with their body image. It was also found that, Perceived weight-related stigma does not significantly influence the psychological well-being of obese women on the Kumasi Metropolis. The study, therefore, concluded that psychological wellbeing of obese women in the Kumasi Metropolis is not affected by body image satisfaction and weight-related stigma. From the study, it is recommended that counsellors, clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals prioritize and tailor make their therapeutic practices and public lectures to enable concerned obese women to overcome their body image dissatisfaction.

Source: UCC
The Influence of Body Measurement Practices on Female Garment Fit Among Dressmakers in the Ho Municipality

The study investigated the influence of body measurement practices on female garment fit among dressmakers in the Ho municipality. Mixed method research approach was applied for this study. Exploratory research design was used to achieve the objectives of the study. Through purposive sampling, data was collected from 15 selected dressmakers. Designed observation checklist, semi-structured interview guide and a fit evaluation index were the instruments used to collect data. Statistics such as percentage and frequency, mean and standard deviation, Pearson Moment correlation coefficient as well as thematic analysis were used to analyse the data collected. Results from the study revealed that, dressmakers did not effectively apply anthropometric practices to achieve good fit of garment. Also, dressmakers applied one measurement procedure for all the garment fits. The study further showed that, the dressmakers did not add the appropriate ease to the garments which affected the fit of the garments. More so, the dressmakers were not consistent with the correct identification landmarks during body measurement. Form the study, dressmakers acknowledged that shaping of armhole and shaping of fitted garments are the problems they mostly experience in garment construction. It was recommended that; proper and accurate measurement procedures must be emphasized during dressmakers’ workshops and seminars. Dressmakers must be trained by their associations and any other clothing institutions to take body measurement according to garment design. Likewise, master craftsmen must train their apprentices to identify the appropriate measurement procedures to achieve good fit of garments.

Source: UCC
Influence of chemistry teachers on students’ performance in learning hydrocarbons in senior high schools

Hydrocarbon, an aspect of organic chemistry, is an important part of the school curriculum, yet student performance in it is still quite poor across the world, including Ghana. Hence, this research studied teacher influence on students’ performance in learning hydrocarbons in selected senior high schools (SHS) in Jaman North District of the Bono Region of Ghana. Through explanatory sequential mixed methods design, 298 SHS2 science students selected by census from four schools participated in the research to find out the teacher influence on their learning of hydrocarbons. Three research instruments, Form Two Students’ Questionnaire, Form Two Students’ Achievement Test, and Form Two Students’ Interview Guide, were used as a guide to gather both the quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were analyzed using exploratory factor analyses and multiple regression whereas the qualitative data was analyzed using themes. The study discovered that teacher competency, teacher attitude, and teacher methodology all had an impact on students’ academic achievement. Furthermore, among the teacher characteristics, teacher competency had the greatest effect on students’ academic routines when studying hydrocarbons. Qualitatively, the problems teachers encountered which affect students in learning hydrocarbons were teacher encouragement, teacher guidance, teacher classroom management, and teacher time management. Some recommendations were made including the Department of Education through the Education Service in Ghana in collaboration with the teacher education universities should organise short courses to enrich the competence of the teacher’s teaching chemistry in the SHS’s in the Jaman North District.

Source: UCC
Influence of child-rearing practices, peer pressure and gender on adolescents’ sexual adventurism in Ghana

This study examined the influence of child-rearing practices, peer pressure, and gender on sexual adventurism among adolescents in Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study covered adolescences in Junior High Schools in Ghana between the ages of 12 and 19 years. A total of 525 adolescents were selected to participate in the study using the multistage sampling approach. The main instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Data gathered were analysed using means and standard deviation, multivariate linear regression, multivariate multiple regression, simple moderation analysis and three-way interaction moderation analysis. The results revealed that peer pressure was found to be high among the respondents. Sexual Adventurism was also found to be high. Child-rearing practices, peer pressure, and gender significantly and independently predicted sexual adventurism. Parental discipline and gender acted as significant moderators in the relationship between peer pressure and sexual adventurism. Again, only in the presence of discipline could monitoring and warmth moderate the relationship between peer pressure and sexual adventurism. The study recommended that parents incorporate reasonable discipline in shaping their children’s behaviours against sexually deviant activities. It was also recommended that Guidance and Counselling coordinators should plan and organize programmes which center on reducing the prevalence of peer pressure and sexual adventurism. Conclusions drawn from the study included bringing out a better understanding of the role that discipline and peer pressure play in influencing adolescents’ sexual adventure

Source: UCC
Influence of Classroom Interaction and Interpersonal Relationship on Academic Performance of Junior High School Students in the Wassa East District

Several studies have been conducted globally that indicate that classroom interaction and interpersonal relationship have an influence on students’ academic performance. In Ghana, however, little of such studies have been done. Therefore, this research examined classroom interaction and interpersonal relationships’ influence on Junior High School students’ academic performance in the Wassa East District. The study utilised a descriptive survey design. The population for this research was 2,132 JHS three students in Wassa East District. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 350 students were sampled for this research. Questionnaires (Relationship Scale Questionnaire and Questionnaire of Teacher Interaction) and district mock results were utilised to gather the study’s data. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, independent samples t-test, simple linear regression and multiple linear regression were employed as statistical tools to analyse the data collected. The study found that uncertainty and strictness were significant negative predictors of students’ academic performance, whereas student freedom was a positive significant predictor of students’ academic performance. Additionally, it was discovered that interpersonal relationships did not influence students’ academic success. It was recommended that to improve students’ academic performance in the district, the district directorate of education should consider teachers’ uncertainty, strictness and student freedom as well as students’ interpersonal relationship as important variables.

Source: UCC
Influence of classroom management strategies of junior high school teachers on academic performance of students in Asante Akyem North District

The study examined the influence of classroom management strategies of Junior High School teachers on academic performance of students in the Asante Akyem North District. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 48 teachers and 297 students to respond to the Behaviour and Instructional Management Scale (BIMS). The statistical tools used for data analysis were frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC), Multiple regression and independent samples t-test. The findings of the study revealed that both students and teachers identified good relationship with students and reinforcement as the most frequently used classroom management strategies. It was found that significant positive relationship existed between reinforcement strategy and academic performance of students and antecedent strategy and academic performance of students. However, no difference existed between teachers who taught in the rural areas and their counterparts who taught in the urban areas in terms of the classroom management strategies they adopted. It is recommended from the study that teachers should focus on classroom management strategies that are effective, like reinforcement. Government should make provision for infrastructural and social amenities in the rural areas so as to allow qualified teachers accept postings to such places to ensure pupils in those areas also receive good tuition for improved academic performance. The culture of constant in-service training for teachers should be maintained by the Ghana Education Service. This will make sure that teachers are exposed to new trends and modern ways of teaching.

Source: UCC
Influence of Clinical Learning Experiences and Academic Stress on Academic Life Satisfaction Among Students in Ankaful Psychiatric Nurses‘ Training College

This study sought to assess the influence of clinical learning experiences on the academic stress and academic life satisfaction of student in their clinical learning environments (CLE) at the Ankaful Psychiatric Nurses‘ Training College in the Central Region of Ghana. The study employed proportionate and random sampling procedures to sample 200 nursing students. Data were analysed using independent sample t-test and multiple regression to examine the influence of clinical learning experiences and academic stress on the academic life satisfaction among the students. The study revealed that CLE has a statistically significant positive influence on students‘ academic life satisfaction. Also, academic stress significantly affects students‘ satisfaction with academic life. The study further revealed that male students reported significantly higher levels of academic stress compared to female students. The study recommended that counsellors, college authorities, and stakeholders of Psychiatric Nurses‘ Training Colleges should incorporate a more comprehensive approach where the attention is not limited to providing quality education and training for nurses, but to concentrate on other areas (clinical learning environment, academic stress and academic life satisfaction, demographic variables, for example, gender) that have been shown to have had influence on the lives and success of students.

Source: UCC
The Influence of Co-Curricular Activities on Students’ Performance in Economics

In the 21st century, the pure academic type of education students are introduced to is gradually giving way to the type of education that seek to incorporate the three taxonomies of education; cognitive, psychomotor and affective. Co-curricular activities have been linked to intellectual, emotional, social and moral development of the child. It is based on this that this study sought to establish a functional relationship between students’ involvement in co-curricular activities and their performance in economics. The study employed the causal comparative design and used a total of 920 economics students from the Ashanti region of Ghana. Two instruments were used for the study; a Test of Economics Understanding (TEU) and a questionnaire. The results of the logistic regression indicated that involvement in co-curricular activities impacts positively on students’ performance. It is recommended that school authorities identify specific co-curricular activities and assign teachers as co-ordinators so that some level of seriousness would be attached to such activities by the students.

Source: UCC
Influence of coaches' leadership behaviour on senior I-ugh schools athletes satisfaction in Ashanti region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine the perceived coaches' leadership behaviour of SHS athletes and how these perceptions influence athletes' satisfaction in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Three research questions and two hypotheses were generated to guide the research. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to conduct the research. A sample size of 1,002 respondents selected using multi-stage sampling from a population of 16,200 Senior High School Athletes in Ashanti Region who participated in organised interschool sports competitions in the 2019/2020 academic year were used for the study. Adapted version of leadership scale for sports and adapted version of athletes' satisfaction questionnaire were the instruments used for the study. Data were analysed using means and standard deviation, multivariate multiple linear regression and multivariate analysis of variance. Results revealed that; i) the most perceived coach leadership behaviour by the athletes were positive feedback (M=4.53; SD=.53), training and instruction (M=4.50; SD=.51) and social support (M=4.17; SD=.75); ii) athletes were generally satisfied with the following: personal treatment from coaches (M=4.49, SD=.60), strategy from their coaches (M=4.32, SD=.70), their ability utilization (M=4.29, SD=.71), their individual performance (M=4.22, SD=.78) and team performance (M=4.02, SD=1.04), iii) the perceived use of any or the combination of positive response, education and social support leadership behaviours by coaches increase the probability of SHS athletes being satisfied with their ability utilisation, the strategy of their coaches, personal treatment from coaches and satisfaction with individual performance; (iv) a noteworthy difference in perceived coaches' leadership behaviours for male and female SI-IS athletes {F (5, 995) = 14.11, p <. 001}, v) the perceived coaches' leadership behaviour by SHS athletes signiticantly differed across the type of sports {(F (5, 995) = .488, p <. 001 }. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the coaches of SHS in Ashanti Region offer young and emerging athletes much verbal praise as a form of reward, support and special attention to correcting their mistakes during sport competitions.

Source: UCC