ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring Factors Influencing Resilience in Women Who Completed Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in Accra Metropolis

Breast cancer is a major public health concern across the world and has attracted the attention of policy makers and various health care professionals. The most common treatment in Ghana is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy brings about unpleasant and traumatic experiences due to the effects of the drugs. Even though several studies have highlighted the negative results of chemotherapy among cancer patients, recent literature show an improvement in breast cancer survival rate. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the factors influencing resilience in women who completed chemotherapy for breast cancer in the Accra metropolis. The I-resilience model was the organising framework for this study. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was adopted to collect data. Both purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used for data collection. Data reached saturation by the 12th participant. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently. All interviews were audio-recorded with consent from the participants and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. During the study, anonymity and confidentiality were ensured. The four themes that emerged were: The burden associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, personal traits (purposiveness and confidence) that influence resilience, support systems that influence resilience and strategies breast cancer patients adopt to survive. Most of the participants experienced fatigue, depression, fear of disease reoccurrence and financial loss as burdens of cancer. Factors identified to influence resilience were hope, self-esteem, confidence, optimism, social and spiritual support and preparedness using past experiences. It was recommended that social and medical support and adaptation strategies associated with resilience be enforced to improve the health and wellbeing of diverse cancer survivors.

Source: UG
Exploring female lawyers’ competence in Ghanaian law firms: clients’ perspective

This paper aims to explore how clients perceive the competence of female lawyers in Ghanaian law firms. As an exploratory qualitative study, thematic analytic approach was used to analyse the interview data gathered from 15 clients of law firms. The findings reveal that clients consider the gender of lawyers when making hiring decisions and determining competence. The findings also suggest that clients consider legal expertise, professionalism, knowledgeability, gender attributes, and social interaction as critical determinants of female lawyers’ competence in law firms. We suggest that managers of law firms should understand and consider the role of clients in competence development. Managers of law firms could also manage gender-based competence biases of clients and improve practice management by implementing effective gender policies and client–lawyer relationship management strategies. The wider implication for the gender schema theory is that gender schemas of clients affect competency measurement and assessment. The current competence-based theorizations in management science could consider client perspective.

Source: UG
Exploring firm performance and growth among own-account and micro enterprises in Ghana

Using micro-level data from the 2013 nationally-representative GENDA survey on approximately 1,200 own-account and micro enterprises, we examine firm performance and business growth between men and women entrepreneurs in Ghana. Using OLS and multinomial logit (MNL) regression techniques, we find differential effects and constraints for men and women-owned businesses: men generally perform better than women, controlling for a host of characteristics. We find that among women-operated firms, locating a business at home has negative performance implications. Additionally, women-operated firms report more positive growth experiences when their businesses are formally-registered. While credit constraint has negative effects for both male and female-operated firms, the effects are felt stronger among men. We also find some evidence of ICT use-age on performance of firms, with differential effects for men and women. These findings provide significant scope for policy targeting in order to enhance business performance and growth among own-account and micro enterprises in Ghana.

Source: UG
Exploring Gender Ideologies in Social Media Jokes during the Coronavirus Pandemic

This paper investigates contemporary gender ideologies as manifested in social media during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Using a Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis approach, the author analyses jokes in memes and news items posted through social media in the form of videos, pictures, and texts. Specifically, it focuses on how gender stereotypes and ideologies are constructed and sustained through humour, in several themes built upon gendered representations. The author analyses the complex configuration of factors such as beliefs, stereotypes, and ideologies, which, closely interwoven, form the tapestry of the gender order. Additionally, in order to establish the constancy of gender ideologies over time and across cultures, a correlation is made between the gender ideologies reflected in proverbs and those manifested in the internet memes. The study contends that the complex role of humour enhances the subtle propelling of gender stereotypes and ideologies and ultimately, the existing gender status quo

Source: UG
Exploring genetic variability, heritability, and trait correlations in gari and eba quality from diverse cassava varieties in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Gari (especially in Nigeria) is an important West African food product made from cassava. It is an affordable, precooked, dry, easy to prepare and store food product. Eba is a stiff dough produced by reconstituting gari in hot water. Gari and eba quality is an important driver of varietal acceptance by farmers, processors, and consumers. RESULTS: This study characterized the genetic variability, heritability, and correlations among quality-related traits of fresh roots, gari, and eba. Thirty-three diverse genotypes, including landraces and released and advanced breeding genotypes, were used in this study. In total, 40 traits categorized into fresh root quality, colour, functional, and texture properties trait groups were assessed. We observed broad phenotypic variability among the genotypes used in this study. Dry matter content had a positive (P < 0.05) correlation with gari%, bulk density and a negative correlation with eba hardness and gumminess. Broadsense heritability across all environments varied considerably among the different trait groups: 62% to 79% for fresh root quality, 0% to 96% for colour, 0% to 79% for functional and 0% to 57% for texture properties. CONCLUSIONS: The stable broad-sense heritability found for gari%, gari and eba colour, bulk density, swelling index, and hardness measured using instrumental texture profile analysis coupled with sufficient variability in the population indicate good potential for genetic improvement of these traits through recurrent selection. Also, it is possible to genetically improve gari%, bulk density, and swelling power by simultaneously improving the dry matter content of fresh roots.

Source: UG
Exploring Ghanaian commercial drivers’ intentions to wear a seat belt

Wearing a seat belt reduces a person’s risk of serious injury and death during a road traffic crash. Ghana has mandatory seat belt laws. Despite this, only a few commercial drivers wear a seat belt. This study aimed to gain an understanding of the factors associated with the intention to wear a seat belt in a sample of commercial drivers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Drivers of passenger-carrying minibuses (N=303) completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire based on the theory of planned behaviour. Structural equation modelling (SEM) showed that attitudinal beliefs about seat belt use were positively associated with the intention to wear a seat belt. Normative beliefs and perceived control beliefs were not associated with the intention to wear a seat belt. The results demonstrate that commercial drivers in the Greater Accra Region seem to possess attitudinally- controlled intentions, such that road safety campaigns that target the antecedents of attitude formation and activation may strengthen behavioural beliefs about seat belt use intentions. Having positive attitudes towards seat belt use should be considered by the National Road Safety Commission as an important starting point for seat belt use safety interventions. For example, seat belt use interventions for commercial drivers that combine education with the use of intelligent seat belt reminders (loud sound or light displays) may strengthen positive attitudes towards seat belt use.

Source: UG
Exploring ICT use for distance education in Ghana

For several years after colonization, Ghana had only three universities—University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and University of Cape Coast (UCC). These three could not absorb all the high school graduates who qualified for tertiary education. This situation has been partially alleviated by new universities being started, including private universities. In its effort to engage in national development, the government is embarking on national human resource development. To this end, the government of Ghana has targeted distance education (DE) as a means for widening access to tertiary education in Ghana (Ghana, 2002). With these efforts, four of the public universities have been providing some of their on-campus programs in the distance mode.

Source: UG
Exploring Indigenous And Experiential Knowledge Of Peasant Farmers In Climate Change Mitigating On Agricultural Soils And Livelihoods

The global concern that Africa’s strong economic dependency on climate-related activities makes it vulnerable is troubling, as the continent is lagging in embracing scientific techniques for adapting to the changing global environment. However, challenges exist where the application of ‘modern scientific’ knowledge to addressing climate change appears to disregard resilient ‘indigenous knowledge systems.’ This study situates the practices and experiences of peasant farmers in Ghana to explore the indigenous knowledge systems they use to navigate climate change’s impact on their livelihoods. The study adopts the theoretical framework of Bruchac’s ‘indigenous knowledge theory’ in unpacking the socio-cultural ways peasant farmers in Ghana create unique ways of ‘knowing’ and understanding climate change. Utilising Focus Group Discussion and interviews, the views of peasant farmers on climate change and its impact on their livelihood were explored. The study found that the transferability of indigenous knowledge passed down to participants by their ancestors has shaped their ontological reality of changing climate patterns and its impact on their livelihoods. However, challenges exist in contemporary times in applying this knowledge to their farming practices. The study pushes for synthesising indigenous knowledge systems with modern scientific knowledge systems for institutional and behavioural change regarding climate change in Ghana

Source: UG
Exploring innovative energy infrastructure financing in Ghana: benefits, challenges and strategies

Purpose – Inefficiencies in the power sector resulting from underinvesting and underselling reduce the ability of governments to adequately finance energy projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore mechanisms of energy financing, benefits and challenges associated with innovative financing of energy infrastructure as well as strategies to improve innovative financing of energy infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were used to elicit responses from respondents. Seventy-eight responses were retrieved. Mean score ranking, Kruskal–Wallis test and discriminant validity were the analysis conducted. Findings – Partial credit guarantee; partial risk guarantee; credit enhancement; and loan guarantees were the significant mechanisms. Production efficiency; reduce pressure on public budgets; access to management expertise; and self-sustainability of infrastructure facilities were the significant benefits. Lack of transparency and adequate data for risk assessment; high up-front cost; heterogeneity, complexity, and presence of a large number of parties; and lack of a clear benchmark for measuring investment performance were the severest challenges. Complete transparency and accountability; political stability and public view on private provision of energy infrastructure services; and macroeconomic environment were the significant strategies. Practical implications – This study is beneficial to energy sector as the current government of Ghana hints on willingness to involve private sector in management of the power sector. Originality/value – The novelty of this study is that it is a pioneering study in Ghana on innovative financing of energy infrastructure.

Source: UG
Exploring instructional leadership practices of leaders in Ghanaian basic schools

In the past decade learning outcomes in public basic schools in Ghana have fallen far below the targets of the Ministry of Education as less than a third of primary school children reach proficiency in English or in Mathematics. In the wake of this low performance, there has been a call for the professionalization and strengthening of instructional leadership in Ghanaian basic schools to facilitate effective teaching and learning. Employing qualitative research strategy through interviews, this study sought to investigate instructional leadership practices of 14 school leaders in the basic schools of one educational district of Ghana. The study found limited shared instructional leadership aimed at improving instruction. It seems instructional leadership was related to managerially focused idiosyncratic teaching and learning practices underpinned by behaviourism. Head Teachers had entrenched a leadership culture driven by central policies and expectations.

Source: UG
Exploring married girls’ subjective experiences of well-being and challenges

Introduction: The well-being of married girls is often significantly affected by their early transitioning into the institution of marriage. This is accompanied by a normative shift in their focus from education and personal development to family life and motherhood. However, it is important we understand married girls’ perspectives of what their marriage mean to them and how that affects their well-being. Therefore, this study explored the subjective experiences of wellbeing and challenges among married girls in the Northern region of Ghana. Methods: A phenomenological approach was used to gather data through in-depth interviews. Twenty-one married girls between the ages of 12 and 19 years in Sagnarigu, Tolon and Mion districts of the Northern Region of Ghana were interviewed and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Findings revealed that girls who perceived their marriage as early reported negative emotions whereas those who perceived their marriage as timely reported positive emotions. Married girls’ positive experiences were characterised by child bearing, higher social status, received social support and satisfaction of needs in their marriage. Challenges identified included poor socio-economic status, inadequate parenting skills, pregnancy and childbirth related distresses. Conclusions: Married girls expressed more positive outcomes in their marriage than they did for negative outcomes despite their general perception of their marriage being early. Implications for interventions and policy decision making are discussed

Source: UG
Exploring methodological approaches to assess climate change vulnerability and adaptation: reflections from using life history approaches

People in developing countries face multiple risks, and their response decisions sit at the complex and often opaque interface of climatic stressors, constrained resource access, and changing livelihoods, social structures, and personal aspirations. Many risk management studies use a well-established toolkit of methodologies—household surveys, focus group discussions, and semistructured interviews.We argue that such methodological conservatism tends to neglect the dynamic and differentiated nature of livelihood decisions. Since different methodologies privilege different portrayals of risk and response, we highlight how plural methodological approaches can capture a broader range of perspectives and problematisations. In this paper, we draw on life history (LH) interviews across four countries (Kenya, Namibia, Ghana, and India) to offer one way of expanding current methodological approaches on vulnerability and adaptation. We argue that LHs offer four key ‘value additions’. First, LHs give insights into the multiple and interacting nature of drivers of response behaviour. Second, they highlight intra-household dynamics to demonstrate how people with differential power shape risk management decisions. Third, LHs support explorations of past decisions, present situations, and future aspirations, thus producing temporally nuanced enquiries. Fourth, they provide a powerful analytical lens to capture the interplay of motivations, aspirations, and values on livelihood choices and adaptation outcomes. By adding value in these four ways, LHs challenge assumptions about how and why people respond to multiple risks and offer a nuanced understanding of adaptation processes.

Source: UG
Exploring Midwives’ Practices Towards Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B in the La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly

Hepatitis B viral infection (HBV) infections remain one of the most disturbing liver infections in the world. Mother-to-child transmission remains one of the major routes of HBV transmission and therefore a key public health concern especially in Africa. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) is very crucial in the elimination of HBV. Midwives are in the frontline as direct care providers of maternal and newborn care in Ghana. Therefore, their practices towards the prevention of mother-to-child transmission are very crucial in averting complications associated with HBV infection. However, there was paucity of literature on the practices of midwives towards PMTCT in Ghana despite the prevalence of HBV. This study explored midwives’ practices towards prevention of mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B in the La Nkwantanang municipal assembly, Ghana. An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed for the study. Fourteen (14) midwives were purposively sampled from Madina polyclinic to participate in the study. Face -to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to collect data from participants. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data that was audio tape and transcribed verbatim. Six major themes emerged from the data. The findings established that midwives had some challenges towards PMTCT as well as some incorrect practices towards PMTCT. These findings suggest that there are several factors that influence midwives’ practices towards PMTCT. Therefore, the need to train midwives on PMTCT of hepatitis B is crucial in Ghana. The findings of this study have implications for Nursing practice, education and Nursing research.

Source: UG
Exploring Mil Opportunities in Senior High Schools in Ghana: Perspectives From Teachers And Students

As young people increasingly conduct both academic and personal activities online, curriculum and extra-curriculum content in the school system are evolving to address their media and information literacy (MIL) needs to position them to become responsible creators and consumers of online content. While this trend is common to the economically advanced world, the same cannot always be said for less-endowed countries. The aim of this study is to explore opportunities available in the senior high school system in Ghana for MIL content infusion. Using in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of supply (school heads, teachers and librarians) and demand side elements (students), the study attempts proposals for interventions in schools and extends the growing MIL scholarship with practical guides for increasing the MIL skills of young people in developing countries.

Source: UG
Exploring models for the management of indigenous knowledge in academic libraries of Ghana

The need to manage indigenous knowledge (IK) as a key knowledge base of society has become vital in the era of information society. The lack of representation of IK is partly blamed on its exclusion from academia because IK is not primarily the core focus of academic library’s collection. The study sought to explore existing models and develop a framework for the management of indigenous knowledge in academic libraries in Ghana. The qualitative methodology using content analysis was adopted for the purpose of the study. Data was ana lysed using themes developed from the documents and literature. It was evident that the library services and programmes did not reflect on the African content of knowledge management. For an integrated indigenous knowledge management system, stakeholder’s partnership, policy guidelines and integration of IK into library’s collection is instrumental. Transformation of knowledge systems was identified as the starting point of integra tion. Social inclusion of marginalised knowledge, equality, sustainable development was identified and recom mended in the effort to integrate indigenous knowledge management systems into the library’s collection. A proposed framework has been developed for the management of indigenous knowledge in academic libraries as a blueprint for any integration effort.

Source: UG
Exploring Nursing Students’ Experiences Regarding Clinical Supervision: A Study at the SDA Hospital, Kwadaso – Kumasi.

Clinical supervision of nursing students serves as a tool to bridging the theory and practice gap and promoting clinical competencies in nursing students. Despite its importance, there are concerns of inadequate clinical supervision of nursing students. This study sought to explore and describe nursing students’ experiences regarding clinical supervision, using Proctor’s functional interactive model. An exploratory descriptive approach was used to explore and describe nursing students’ experiences regarding clinical supervision. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants for the study (n=15). Face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted with an interview guide and proceedings audio-recorded. Analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis to generate emergent themes. Themes identified were interpersonal relationships, roles played by clinical supervisors, factors contributing to effective clinical supervision, and challenges to effective clinical supervision. Nursing students had positive and negative experiences with regards to their interpersonal relationships with supervisors. Clinical supervisors performed varied roles in line with Proctor’s functional interactive model. Nursing students had to put in personal effort and be willing to learn in order to contribute to positive clinical supervision outcomes. Equally, clinical supervisors had to avail themselves and remain dedicated to improve on nursing students’ clinical supervision experiences. Lack of resources and inadequate clinical supervisors hinder effective clinical supervision. The study recommends that a policy framework be developed by the various stakeholders to serve as a tool for effective clinical supervision. Clinical supervisors should be trained and certified to offer clinical supervision. Required resources should be provided for clinical supervisors to use in supervising nursing students.

Source: UG