ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Maternal and Child Health Centre, Kumasi

The need to make Maternal and Child health Care all over the world and especially in Ghana, the corner— stone of every medical delivery system, has been echoed time and again by various bodies like the WHO of the 1fl, governments, organisation and important personalities including Mr. Perez do Cuella (Secretary — General of the UN) emphasizing the basic truth that children are the future of every nation. Upon this realisation, one of the contributing factors towards achieving this reality is the provision of a new/ rehabilitated comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Centres at this critical period when infant and maternal mortality still plague most of the developing world’s net withstanding, the astonishing advances mae in the medical technology. It is the realisation of this pressing need that as a contribution to the plight of mothers and children, health- wise, and also to national development, it has been chosen to compile, analyse and synthesis requisite background information and present a design proposal of such a facility for implementation as a design Thesis for the Post-graduate Diploma in Architecture. The procedure used for the thesis was first to present a general back-ground of Maternal and, Child Health situation all over the world and particularly in Ghana focusing o the Ashanti 1ogion. Feasibility studies were then undertaken to review the existing centre In Ashanti to establish the need and viability of the project in the light of current economic, social and health conditions in divan. Comparative studies were then made on an exemplary centre. After this the organisational structure and the required scope of the Maternal and Child heal h Centre and its utilisation was established. Technical analysis of operating theatre, X-ray room, laboratory and maternity suite were also critically carried out. All the above s studies culminated in a final comprehensive design brief to supplement the initial client’s brief.

Source: KNUST
Maternal factors and the nutritional status of children under five years in the Asante- Akim North Municipality

Malnutrition is among the leading cause of deaths in children below age five in the developing countries. For MDG goal to be met, under five malnutrition is to be reduced to the barest minimum if not eradicated. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional status of children under five years and maternal factors influencing the children nutritional status in the Asante-Akim North Municipality. The Asante-Akim North Municipality was chosen because of increased child aneamia and mortality. In addition, the municipality is mostly rural with low socio-economic status of the people. The study was a community-based descriptive cross sectional design that collected data from 322 mothers with children under age five. Also, the anthropometric data (weight, height and age) of the children were taken. Data collections were done by the use o f questionnaire, weighing scale, tape measure and infantometer. The questionnaire solicited information from the mothers on child feeding practices, breastfeeding practices, child immunization status, mother’s education among others. A multi -stage sampling technique, comprising cluster sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used. Frequency counts, percentage analyses, and linear logistic regression analyses were used to determine the prevalence of under five malnutrition and the maternal factors influencing this malnutrition. The malnutrition status of the children was determined using the WHO Child Growth Standard 2000, 2006. The result indicated that out of 42.7% underweight under five children, 22.7% were boys with 20% being girls. Also, of 30.3% wasted under five children, 16.3% and 14.0% were boys and girls respectively. Moreover, out of 47.3% stunted under five children, 25.3% were boys while 22.0% were girls. vi Logistic analyses results showed that maternal education (χ 2 = 4.07, df = 1, p = .04; OR = .59) and income (χ 2 = 4.73, df = 1, p = .03; OR = .24) were significant in determining the height-for -age status of the children at C.I. 95%. In addition, breastfeeding status was a significant predictor of weight -for -age status (χ 2 = 9.44, df= 1, p = .002) at C.I. = 1.31-3.36 and height-for-age status (χ 2 = 14.34, df= 1, p = .001) at C.I. = 1.55-3.96 status but not weight-for -height status (χ 2 = .12, df = 1, p = .92) among the children under five years. There is a high prevalence of under five malnutrition with more boys being malnourished than the girls. Moreover, under five malnutrition is age dependent as the under five children grow older they turn to be malnourished more than younger ones. Moreover, exclusive breastfeeding, income are protective factors to underweight and/or being stunted among the under five children in Asante -Akim North Municipality. There is an urgent for the municipal assembly, regional directorate of health and the government of Ghana to embark on child health education among mothers in the municipality.

Source: KNUST
Maternal factors influencing the uptake of measles/rubella booster vaccine in the Sekyere South District

Measles is the greatest vaccine-preventable killer of children in the world today and the eighth leading cause of death among persons of all ages worldwide. One of the major issues surrounding the Expanded Programme on Immunization is the failure to reach a satsifactory level of immunization coverage in our districts. To acertain the maternal factors influencing uptake of measles booster vaccine among under five children in Sekyere South district, a cross- sectional study was carried out. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on the knowledge of mothers and caretakers regarding childhood immunisation, and measles booster vaccine, the attitudes of mothers and caretakers regarding child immunisation and measles/rubella booster vaccine and factors related to Immunization Service Delivery Quality in four selected health facilities. A total of 319 caretakers/mothers were randomly selected and enrolled into the study. The level of knowledge regarding child immunization and measles booster vaccine was good (56.11%). Caretakers had adequate knowledge regarding immunization schedules (76.80%), benefits of immunization (80.05%) and side effects of vaccine. However, majority (75.63%) had inadequate knowledge regarding the number of vaccines required to complete an immunization. The main sources of information on immunization among participants were the health workers, 294/319 or (93.33%). Generally, majority of the respondents, 227 (71.16%) have negative attitude towards child‟s immunization and measles booster vaccination. Maternal level of education (p=0.009) were significantly associated with immunization status of the child. The mother‟s place of deliverance was also a contributing factor to child‟s immunization. Majority of the mothers (82.45%) that delivered at the health facility had their child fully vaccinated. Also, distance from the health centers also affects immunization. Caretakers living in close proximity to health centers (less than 30 minutes‟ walk) were more likely to fully vaccinate their children. Majority, 262 (90.34%) of the caregivers agree that they were informed or advised to vaccinate their child during their ANC and PNC visits to the health facility. Only 26 (8.15%) have returned home in some occasion without measles immunization. The main reasons given included: vaccines not available (59.09%) and vaccinators were absent (13.64%). Although immunization uptake (96.86%) was high in the district, there is still the need for an implementation of new strategies such as establishment of more outreach services, intensive client education about immunization during ANC visits so as to improve immunization uptake.

Source: KNUST
Maternal factors and the nutritional status of children under five years in the Asante-Akim North Municipality

Malnutrition is among the leading cause of deaths in children below age five in the developing countries. For MDG goal to be met, under five malnutrition is to be reduced to the barest minimum if not eradicated. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional status of children under five years and maternal factors influencing the children nutritional status in the Asante-Akim North Municipality. The Asante-Akim North Municipality was chosen because of increased child aneamia and mortality. In addition, the municipality is mostly rural with low socio-economic status of the people. The study was a community-based descriptive cross sectional design that collected data from 322 mothers with children under age five. Also, the anthropometric data (weight, height and age) of the children were taken. Data collections were done by the use of questionnaire, weighing scale, tape measure and infantometer. The questionnaire solicited information from the mothers on child feeding practices, breastfeeding practices, child immunization status, mother’s education among others. A multi-stage sampling technique, comprising cluster sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used. Frequency counts, percentage analyses, and linear logistic regression analyses were used to determine the prevalence of under five malnutrition and the maternal factors influencing this malnutrition. The malnutrition status of the children was determined using the WHO Child Growth Standard 2000, 2006. The result indicated that out of 42.7% underweight under five children, 22.7% were boys with 20% being girls. Also, of 30.3% wasted under five children, 16.3% and 14.0% were boys and girls respectively. Moreover, out of 47.3% stunted under five children, 25.3% were boys while 22.0% were girls. Logistic analyses results showed that maternal education (χ2 = 4.07, df = 1, p = .04; OR = .59) and income (χ2 = 4.73, df = 1, p = .03; OR = .24) were significant in determining the height-for-age status of the children at C.I. 95%. In addition, breastfeeding status was a significant predictor of weight-for-age status (χ2 = 9.44, df= 1, p = .002) at C.I. = 1.31-3.36 and height-for-age status (χ2 = 14.34, df= 1, p = .001) at C.I. = 1.55-3.96 status but not weight-for-height status (χ2 = .12, df = 1, p = .92) among the children under five years. There is a high prevalence of under five malnutrition with more boys being malnourished than the girls. Moreover, under five malnutrition is age dependent as the under five children grow older they turn to be malnourished more than younger ones. Moreover, exclusive breastfeeding, income are protective factors to underweight and/or being stunted among the under five children in Asante-Akim North Municipality. There is an urgent for the municipal assembly, regional directorate of health and the government of Ghana to embark on child health education among mothers in the municipality.

Source: KNUST
Maternal mortality in Bantama Sub-Metropolitan area, Kumasi, Ghana: a study on access to emergency obstetric care

Maternal complications are claiming the lives of millions of pregnant women in sub- Sahara Africa which includes Ghana. Efforts to reduce the burden of maternal mortality to meet the Millennium Development Goal 5, (to reduce maternal deaths by 75% by 2015) appear to have had little impact. This is because from December 2005 to June 2006, four maternal deaths have occurred in Suntreso hospital in Bantama sub- metropolitan area. Complications resulting in maternal death can occur anytime without forewarning. This calls for prompt access to quality obstetric services. What appear to be missing in the reduction of maternal mortality are the barriers that hinder access to emergency safe motherhood services. A study sample of 275 pregnant women, 10 health personnel and 10 family members of deceased pregnant mothers were studied to explore socioeconomic and cultural factors, knowledge levels, effect of transport and the effect service providers have on maternal mortality. The objective of the study was to determine the barriers that hinder access to emergency obstetric care. More than 1 in 10 (13%) endure pain whenever there is complication in their pregnancy. More than two-thirds of respondents (66%) will report to their husbands whenever there is a complication. Eleven percent (11%) of respondents has taboos that forbid them to eat eggs and fish. Majority (84%) of respondents, stay more than 5 km from the health facility. Majority of respondents (83%) indicated that health personnel are inadequate. About (18%) of respondents see the relationship between pregnant women and health personnel as not friendly. As many as (93%) says, that there is no emergency team to cater for pregnant women. Respondents constituting (5 8%) do not perceive maternal mortality as a health problem. Women in the Bantama sub-metropolitan area must be encouraged to join the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Health education focusing on nutrition requirement for pregnant women must be carried out in the communities in Bantama sub-metropolitan area. In-service training must be organized for health personnel on the need to improve their attitude towards pregnant women. Road network in communities must be improved to ease the burden of transport on pregnant women

Source: KNUST
Maternal factors influencing the uptake of measles/rubella booster vaccine in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Measles is the greatest vaccine-preventable killer of children in the world today and the eighth leading cause of death among persons of all ages worldwide. One of the major issues surrounding the Expanded Programme on Immunization is the failure to reach a satsifactory level of immunization coverage in our districts. To acertain the maternal factors influencing uptake of measles booster vaccine among under five children in Sekyere South district, a cross- sectional study was carried out. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on the knowledge of mothers and caretakers regarding childhood immunisation, and measles booster vaccine, the attitudes of mothers and caretakers regarding child immunisation and measles/rubella booster vaccine and factors related to Immunization Service Delivery Quality in four selected health facilities. A total of 319 caretakers/mothers were randomly selected and enrolled into the study. The level of knowledge regarding child immunization and measles booster vaccine was good (56.11%). Caretakers had adequate knowledge regarding immunization schedules (76.80%), benefits of immunization (80.05%) and side effects of vaccine. However, majority (75.63%) had inadequate knowledge regarding the number of vaccines required to complete an immunization. The main sources of information on immunization among participants were the health workers, 294/319 or (93.33%). Generally, majority of the respondents, 227 (71.16%) have negative attitude towards child‟s immunization and measles booster vaccination. Maternal level of education (p=0.009) were significantly associated with immunization status of the child. The mother‟s place of deliverance was also a contributing factor to child‟s immunization. Majority of the mothers (82.45%) that delivered at the health facility had their child fully vaccinated. Also, distance from the health centers also affects immunization. Caretakers living in close proximity to health centers (less than 30 minutes‟ walk) were more likely to fully vaccinate their children. Majority, 262 (90.34%) of the caregivers agree that they were informed or advised to vaccinate their child during their ANC and PNC visits to the health facility. Only 26 (8.15%) have returned home in some occasion without measles immunization. The main reasons given included: vaccines not available (59.09%) and vaccinators were absent (13.64%). Although immunization uptake (96.86%) was high in the district, there is still the need for an implementation of new strategies such as establishment of more outreach services, intensive client education about immunization during ANC visits so as to improve immunization uptake.

Source: KNUST
Mathematical model for air quality in the Industrial Area (Atonsu) of Kumasi

Air pollution, an aspect of environmental degradation, poses a serious threat to the society, causing health hazards to living things and destruction of property. This study aims at modeling the concentrations of SO2, NO2 and CO as well as some aerodynamic quantities namely air temperature, wind speed and direction to determine their steady state dynamics. A statistical method of system identification based on autoregressive time series analysis was used leading to deterministic discrete - time linear autonomous models. The dynamics of the concentrations of SO2, NO2, as well as the temperature of the air were found to be of the first order and unstable with steady state values generally not less than 0.01l4 ppm, and 0.0110 ppm and O.9246 ppm respectively, indicating a need for immediate and adequate measures to avert the associated devastating consequences in the near future.

Source: KNUST
Mathematical model for estimating water consumption in the unmetered areas in Kumasi

The supply of water to the urban centers in Ghana is the responsibility of Ghana Water Company. The Water Company finds it difficult to operate, maintain and expand their services. About 50% of the water produced in Ghana by Ghana Water company limited (GWCL) is unaccounted for and out of this figure about 25% is believed to be due to commercial losses, of which underestimation of the water consumed by the consumers in the unmetered areas is a factor. The main problem leading to the above problems is financial leading to inadequate water meters for installation. The importance of developing a model to properly estimate water consumption for the unmetered areas cannot be overemphasized. In carrying out the studies, the housing types in Kumasi were divided into three based on the housing characteristics. These were type 1 representing 1-3 household residence - high income groups, type 2 houses representing houses having 4-6 households with a meter and belonging to the middle income group. Type 3 houses represent houses with 7 or more households and belonging to the low-income group. Three locations were selected from each of the housing classification types and an average of 40 houses sampled from each location for the research. Water consumption data from January - December for 2002 and 2003 were obtained from the commercial of the GWCL. The selected houses were visited for data on population, monthly incomes and other relevant information such as water points. Temperature and rainfall data for 2002 and 2003 were collected from the meteorological office to find out how the weather conditions affect water consumption in the metropolis. Analyses were performed on the data using basically, SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists) software to generate the mathematical models for the various house types. The results of the study showed that the model for housing type1 gave values, which were comparable to those, generated by the consumption values recorded by the meters. The models for type2, type3 and the combined housing types did not give any favorable values for these models to be considered as estimation methods. Test on the unmetered areas in Patasi (type 1) basically, revealed that about 70% of the consumption estimated by the flat rates was underestimated. This implies that the development of the model and its subsequent implementation will go a long way to increase the revenue generated from the unmetered areas belonging to the type 1 housing characteristics.

Source: KNUST
Mathematical model for forecasting household - generated solid waste for Sekondi - Takoradi Metropolis Western Region of Ghana

The study sought to forecast household generated solid waste at Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis. The main objectives of this research were to determine the rate of solid waste generation at various collection points, and to formulate a mathematical model to forecast Solid waste quantities. Data was obtained either by direct observation or by personal interview. The data was analysed and modelled using the Classical Time Series Decomposition. The study revealed that the generation rate in the market areas ranges from 0.8 - 1.9 kg/c/d. for the middle – high -income residential areas, the rate ranges From 0.54 - 0.69 kg/c/d and the rates For the low income residential areas range from 0.4 4 - 0.53 kg/c/d all based on year 2000 data. However, the metropolis is has an a generation rate of 0.6lkg/c/d. According to the data presented, and the analysis of’ it, it is believed that the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis will generate about 65,803 tons of household solid waste in year 2002.

Source: KNUST
Mathematical model for H1N1 human to human transmission In Brong Ahafo Region

In this work, SEIR model for H1N1 human transmission in Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana is formulated. The method of solution proves that the model possess positive solution. The basic reproduction number and the stability analysis of the disease free equilibrium and endemic states is carried out. The sensitivity analysis and the herd immunity of the model is also established. Numerical simulation of the model is carried out to show the results and represented graphically. The re- sult indicates that by increasing the transmission rate , the disease will spread but when the transmission rate is decreased the disease dies out. The results also indicate that %0.6 of the populate in Brong Ahafo needs to be vaccinated to control the disease in the region.

Source: KNUST
A mathematical model for the control of malaria

A basic deterministic malaria model is developed with two latent periods in the non constant host-vector populations, and the model with intervention strategies is formulated by adding the protected and treated classes in order to assess the potential impact of protection and treatment strategies on the transmission dynamics of malaria. The model incorporated features that are effective to control the transmission of malaria disease in Ghana. Analysis of the model showed that there exists a domain where the model is epidemiologically and mathematically well-posed. The prominent parameter in the model, the basic reproduction number, , as a modified control intervention measure was computed. The model was then qualitatively analyzed for the existence and stability of their associated equilibria. It was proved under the condition that when the disease-free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable, and when the endemic equilibrium , appeared. We established the effective reproduction number, , as an important tool for effective disease management. The threshold for effective reproduction number and the basic reproduction number in the absence of the disease was compared. If , the disease cannot persist in a country, hence is the useful indication of the effort required to eliminate an infection. It was also noted that which implied that increasing preventive and control measures has a great effect on reduction of . Numerical results indicate the effect of the two controls (protection and treatment) in lowering exposed and infected members of each of the populations. The results also highlight the effects of some model parameters, the infection rate and biting rate.

Source: KNUST