ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Indigenous knowledge and science-based predictors reliability and its implication for climate adaptation in Ghana

The study examined the reliability of indigenous knowledge and science-based predictors of climate and how this influences smallholder farmers’ practices and adaptations in Ghana’s three regions (Northern, Western and Volta regions). Two districts were selected in each region: Builsa South and Zabzugu in Northern Region, Swefi Wiaso and Jomoro in Western Region, and Agotime-Ziope and Ketu North in Volta Region. The study employed purposive sampling involving 240 respondents. The findings show indigenous predictors of climate include the emergence of migratory birds, the direction of cloud formation, sun intensity, frog croaks and sprouting of new leaves on Emire, Shea, Tarmeranda and Baobab trees. An indigenous knowledge reliability index of 0.72 relative to 0.88 for science-based predictors was obtained, implying that both indigenous knowledge and science-based predictors are reliable indicators for forecasting weather. Indigenous knowledge and science-based predictors influence adaptation strategies through the cultivation of indigenous varieties, early or late planting, diversification of crops cultivated and the use of improved crop and drought-tolerant varieties. Governments in sub-Saharan Africa can consider tasking meteorological stations to harness indigenous and science-based predictors in daily forecasts towards adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Source: UG
Indigenous knowledges in global contexts: Multiple readings of our world

Indigenous knowledges are understood as the common sense ideas and cultural knowledges of local peoples concerning the everyday realities of living. This definition refers to the epistemic saliency of cultural traditions, values, belief systems and world views that, in any indigenous society, are imparted to the younger generation by community elders. It is also refers to world views that are products of a profoundly direct experience of nature and its relationship with the social world. Bringing new and complex readings to the term 'indigenous', this collection of essays from Canadian and international contributors is an invitation to critically engage in the discussion of indigenous knowledges and their implication for academic decolonization

Source: UG
Indigenous Newborn Care Practices Among Primiparous Mothers in the East Mamprusi District, Ghana.

Most often, newborns are considered to be a source of joy to the family especially their mothers. However, the survival of these babies depends on the kind of care they receive. Therefore, mothers try as much as possible to provide the best of care for their babies and the cultural beliefs and practices of the mothers play a vital role in shaping child care attitudes. The Theory of Planned Behaviour guided this study to explore indigenous newborn care (INC) practices among primiparous mothers in Northern Ghana. The aim of the study was to explore the indigenous newborn care practices of primiparous mothers in the East Mamprusi Municipality, Ghana. An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed for the study. Twelve (12) primiparous mothers were purposively sampled from the East Mamprusi District to participant in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to collect data from participants. Thematic content analysis was done after all interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Seven major themes emerged from the data which included: identified INC practices, attitude of primiparous mothers towards INC practices, cultural beliefs (significant others) of primiparous mothers on INC practices, intentions of primiparous mothers about INC practices, behaviour of primiparous mothers towards INC practices and knowledge deficit about essential newborn care. The findings of the study established that primiparous mothers held several beliefs which are categorized as beliefs before the birth of newborns and beliefs after the birth of newborns. These findings suggest that INC practices are deeply rooted in the care of newborns which are difficult to avoid due to cultural beliefs. The findings of this study have implication for nursing practice and future research.

Source: UG
Indigenous risk management practices and their effects on small agribusiness firm growth amid economic crisis in Ghana

This paper estimates the effect of indigenous risk management practices (used by entrepreneurs) on small firm growth amid the current economic crisis in Ghana. The paper hypothesizes that indigenous risk management practices positively affect the growth of informal micro and small agri-food processing firms during the current economic crisis in Ghana. Cross–sectional and limited panel data (covering four years – from the end of 2019 to the end of 2022) have been used in the analysis. Firm Growth has been estimated using sales volume and the number of employees. Findings indicate that apart from savings for business purposes as an indigenous risk management strategy, diversification of economic activities, subscription to formal insurance, forward con tracting, cooperative marketing, borrowing, sale of assets, and temporary wage employment outside the business exert a positive influence on small firm growth in terms of sales. Subscription to formal insurance and temporary wages outside the entrepreneur’s business positively influence firm growth as related to growth in employee size. We recommend that policymakers design and implement policies that initiate and facilitate the development of marketing cooperatives to negotiate fair prices. This essential tool can help mitigate marketing risks to the agri-food pro cessing entrepreneur. The police should facilitate rolling out skills development programs to increase entrepreneurs’ capacities in forward contracting arrangements. Again, entrepreneurs of agri-food processing firms in the wider Ghanaian population should be educated on the need to subscribe to formal insurance to insulate them in times of property loss or personal accidents.

Source: UG
Indigofera arrecta: Safety evaluation of an antidiabetic plant extract in non-diabetic human volunteers

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Indirect causes of maternal mortality at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

A total of 439 maternal deaths were recorded at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from January 1995 to December 1999.0ne hundred and seventy-one (39%) of these deaths were due to indirect Causes which arc medical conditions complicating pregnancy. Anaemia was the leading medical cause of death and it was responsible for 46 (10.5%) of the deaths. Other important causes of death were sickle cell disease (7 .3%). ren al disease (4.1%) and diabetes mellitus (3.6%). The multidisciplinary approach in the management of medical conditions complicating pregnancy yields optimum results and there is the need to involve physicians in the management of these cases. Joint clinics in which the obstetrician and the physician see such patients will be ideal

Source: UG
Indirect costs associated with deaths from the Ebola virus disease in West Africa.

By 28 June 2015, there were a total of 11,234 deaths from the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in five West African countries (Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria and Sierra Leone). The objective of this study was to estimate the future productivity losses associated with EVD deaths in these West African countries, in order to encourage increased investments in national health systems.A cost-of-illness method was employed to calculate future non-health (NH) gross domestic product (GDP) (NHGDP) losses associated with EVD deaths. The future non-health GDP loss (NHGDPLoss) was discounted at 3 %. Separate analyses were done for three different age groups (< =14 years, 15-44 years and = >45 years) for the five countries (Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) affected by EVD. We also conducted a one-way sensitivity analysis at 5 and 10 % discount rates to gauge their impacts on expected NHGDPLoss.The discounted value of future NHGDPLoss due to the 11,234 deaths associated with EVD was estimated to be Int$ (international dollars) 155,663,244. About 27.86 % of the loss would be borne by Guinea, 34.84 % by Liberia, 0.10 % by Mali, 0.24 % by Nigeria and 36.96 % by Sierra Leone. About 27.27 % of the loss is attributed to those aged under 14 years, 66.27 % to those aged 15-44 years and 6.46 % to those aged over 45 years. The average NHGDPLoss per EVD death was estimated to be Int$ 17,473 for Guinea, Int$ 11,283 for Liberia, Int$ 25,126 for Mali, Int$ 47,364 for Nigeria and Int$ 14,633 for Sierra Leone.In spite of alluded limitations, the estimates of human and economic losses reported in this paper, in addition to those projected by the World Bank, show that EVD imposes a significant economic burden on the affected West African countries. That heavy burden, coupled with human rights and global security concerns, underscores the urgent need for increased domestic and external investments to enable Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone (and other vulnerable African countries) to develop resilient health systems, including core capacities to detect, assess, notify, verify and report events, and to respond to public health risks and emergencies.

Source: UG
Individual factors that influence experiences and perceptions of stigma and discrimination towards people with mental illness in Ghana

People with a mental illness often encounter stigma and discrimination from a variety of sources, reinforcing negative self-perceptions and influencing their health and well-being. Even though support systems and attitudes of the general public act as powerful sources of stigma, views and perceptions held by people with mental illness also influence their sensitivity to the experiences they encounter. The aim of the present qualitative study was to examine perceptions of stigma and discrimination and self-stigma in individuals diagnosed with a mental illness. This study adopted a narrative, descriptive method, using a semistructured interview guide to elicit participant perceptions regarding sources of stigma, discrimination, and personal factors that might influence their experiences. Twelve outpatients attending a clinic in Ghana were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was completed and augmented by field notes. Participants' perceptions about personal impacts of stigma were found to be influenced by self-stigma, anticipated stigma and discrimination, perceived discrimination, and their knowledge about their illness. For many participants, their views served to augment societal views, and thus reinforce negative self-perceptions and their future. However, for other participants, their views served as a buffer in the face of environmental situations that reflect stigma and discrimination. Stigma is a complex, socially-sanctioned phenomenon that can seriously affect the health of people with mental illness. As such, it requires coordinated strategies among public policy makers, governmental bodies, and health-care providers to address stigma on a societal level, and to address its potential impacts on broad health outcomes for individuals with mental illness.

Source: UG
An Individual Level Test of the &quot;Feminization of Poverty&quot; Hypothesis: Evidence from Ghana

Feminization of poverty is a hypothesis that postulates that women experience poverty at higher rates than men. Over the years, empirical examination of this hypothesis has relied on the comparison between poverty status of female-headed and male-headed households due to lack of gender disaggregated data in many household surveys. However, the use of poverty among female-headed households as a representative measure of women’s poverty masks the extent of poverty among women. Hence, this study uses individual gender disaggregated data from the Ghana Living Standards Surveys IV and V (GLSS IV and V) and the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) classes of poverty measure to empirically test the “feminization of poverty” hypothesis in Ghana. The study also finds out whether this hypothesis is affected by the education level of the individual. The article finds that “feminization of poverty” is prevalent at all three levels of FGT poverty measures. The result further indicates that when education is taken into consideration, “feminization of poverty” is found to be prevalent only amongst the no education and primary education cohorts while masculinization of poverty is rather found among the secondary and tertiary education cohorts. Generally, in terms of the dynamic changes in “feminization of poverty,” the study finds that over the last two sets of surveys (GLSS IV and V), the phenomenon has reduced. Based on the results, we recommend that measures that target education as a tool for combating poverty should be strengthened amongst females whilst non-educational tools for combating poverty should target males.

Source: UG
Individual risk preference as a predictor of health behaviour: evidence from the use of condoms against HIV/AIDS in Ghana

Background It is evident that public health education interventions to promote the use of condoms against HIV infections in Ghana have yielded modest results. However, existing studies in the field of sexual and reproductive health in Ghana have failed to account for differences in risk preferences of individuals. This study fills the gap by investigating how individuals’ risk preferences predict their behaviour toward using condoms against HIV in Ghana. Method Conceptually, the study followed the Grossman health capital theoretical model for risk preference and health behaviour nexus. Data were obtained from the most recent Ghana Living Standards Survey Round 7 (GLSS 7), conducted in 2017. Using data from GLSS 7, a probit regression model was estimated to show how the risk preferences of individuals that did not abstain from sex predicted their use of condoms against HIV. To ensure robustness, two scenarios of declared risk preferences were used to predict the use of condom behaviour against HIV. Results Probit regression estimation shows that the risk preferences of individuals that did not abstain from sex significantly predicted their use of condoms against HIV in Ghana. Even though the study found that the predicted probability of using a condom reduces among risk-averse individuals that do not abstain from sex, not using a condom against HIV was found to be worse among risk lovers. Conclusion The study provides empirical evidence that public health education against HIV/AIDS in Ghana cannot continue to ignore the risk preference of individuals. The results of this study have immediate implications, first for a comprehensive and continuous measurement of risk preferences among Ghanaians in major household surveys going forward. At the moment, the latest round of the GLSS is just about the only household survey in Ghana that has attempted to collect some data on individual time and risk preferences using only hypothetical monetary rewards. Second is the immediate consideration of individual risk preferences in public health education campaigns against HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

Source: UG
Individual‐Level Drivers of Dietary Behaviour in Adolescents And Women Through the Reproductive Life Course in Urban Ghana: A Photovoice Study

Evidence on the individual‐level drivers of dietary behaviours in deprived urban contexts in Africa is limited. Understanding how to best inform the development and delivery of interventions to promote healthy dietary behaviours is needed. As noncommunicable diseases account for over 40% of deaths in Ghana, the country has reached an advanced stage of nutrition transition. The aim of this study was to identify individual‐level factors (biological, demographic, cognitive, practices) influencing dietary behaviours among adolescent girls and women at different stages of the reproductive life course in urban Ghana with the goal of building evidence to improve targeted interventions. Qualitative Photovoice interviews (n = 64) were conducted in two urban neighbourhoods in Accra and Ho with adolescent girls (13–14 years) and women of reproductive age (15–49 years). Data analysis was both theory‐ and data‐driven to allow for emerging themes. Thirty‐seven factors, across four domains within the individual‐level, were identified as having an influence on dietary behaviours: biological (n = 5), demographic (n=8), cognitions (n=13) and practices (n = 11). Several factors emerged as facilitators or barriers to healthy eating, with income/wealth (demographic); nutrition knowledge/ preferences/risk perception (cognitions); and cooking skills/eating at home/time constraints (practices) emerging most frequently. Pregnancy/lactating status (biological) influenced dietary behaviours mainly through medical advice, awareness and willingness to eat foods to support foetal/infant growth and development. Many of these factors were intertwined with the wider food environment, especially concerns about the cost of food and food safety, suggesting that interventions need to account for individual‐level as well as wider environmental drivers of dietary behaviours.

Source: UG
Individual-level variations in malaria susceptibility and acquisition of clinical protection

After decades of research, our understanding of when and why individuals infected with Plasmodium falciparum develop clinical malaria is still limited. Correlates of immune protection are often sought through prospective cohort studies, where measured host factors are correlated against the incidence of clinical disease over a set period of time. However, robustly inferring individual-level protection from these population-level findings has proved difficult due to small effect sizes and high levels of variance underlying such data. In order to better understand the nature of these interindividual variations, we analysed the long-term malaria epidemiology of children ≤12 years old growing up under seasonal exposure to the parasite in the sub-location of Junju, Kenya. Despite the cohort’s limited geographic expanse (ca. 3km x 10km), our data reveal a high degree of spatial and temporal variability in malaria prevalence and incidence rates, causing individuals to experience varying levels of exposure to the parasite at different times during their life. Analysing individual-level infection histories further reveal an unexpectedly high variability in the rate at which children experience clinical malaria episodes. Besides exposure to the parasite, measured as disease prevalence in the surrounding area, we find that the birth time of year has an independent effect on the individual’s risk of experiencing a clinical episode. Furthermore, our analyses reveal that those children with a history of an above average number of episodes are more likely to experience further episodes during the upcoming transmission season. These findings are indicative of phenotypic differences in the rates by which children acquire clinical protection to malaria and offer important insights into the natural variability underlying malaria epidemiology.

Source: UG
Individualistic and Collectivistic Orientations: Examining the Relationship between Ethnicity and National Attachment in Ghana

Ethnicity is regarded as the greatest threat to national attachment by both politicians and scholars. However, ethnicity is only one of the many forms of identification which could potentially clash with national attachment. This study therefore examines the relationship between ethnicity and national attachment by asking a general question: what is the impact of alternative group loyalties on national attachment? To answer this question, I develop a measure of national attachment drawing on several sentiments oriented towards the state. Using a survey of 996 university students, I find varying degrees of intensity of the selected identities. Specifically, while descriptive analysis supports recent reports of the declining salience of ethnicity in Ghana, inferential analysis contradicts theoretical expectations that the increasing salience of ethnicity would negatively affect national attachment. Conceptually, it is possible to map the various identities onto a collectivistic-individualistic scale. Individualistic orientations undermine national attachment, while collectivistic orientations boost it. I argue that rather than being contradictory impulses, ethnicity and national attachment are both underlain by the same collectivistic orientation, pointing to the importance of social rootedness. I deploy qualitative and historical data to give substance and texture to these findings.

Source: UG
Individuals Internet Security Perceptions and Behaviors: Polycontextual Contrast Between Ghana and Nigeria

The growth of internet usage is a global phenomenon with Africa not being left out. The continents access and use of the internet over the past two decades has been growing although the pace is below the global average. As the global cyberspace, if faced with the challenge of security, the African terrain is also faced with a similar challenge of ensuring safety for it increasing internet users. Internet user’s perception of security has been found to influence the behaviors of users among Chinese and Americans. This study sought to replicate Chen and Zehadis (2016) in the context of two West African countries, thus, Ghana and Nigeria. Four themes were adopted to examine internet security perceptions of thirty Ghanaian and Nigerian respondents. Findings proved there are minimal differences between Ghanaians and Nigerians in terms of the perception of threat, susceptibility to threat, self-efficacy in the face threats and taken actions.

Source: UG
Induction and mentoring of beginning secondary school teachers: A case study

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of beginning secondary school teachers in Ghana: their challenges, induction process, and the support available for them, and identify the need for a formal induction and mentoring policy for beginning teachers. Beginning secondary school teachers reported many challenges including delayed payment of salaries, problems with classroom management and assessment, and inadequate learning materials. The findings suggest that beginning teachers were not properly inducted into the teaching profession. Therefore, there is need for the government to create formal induction and mentoring policy for beginning teachers.

Source: UG
Induction of plasmodium falciparum transmission-blocking antibodies by recombinant vaccinia virus

Many candidate antigens of malaria vaccines have limited immunological recognition. One exception is Pfs25, a cysteine-rich, 25-kilodalton sexual stage surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum. Pfs25 is a target of monoclonal antibodies that block transmission of malaria from vertebrate host to mosquito vector. The surface of mammalian cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus that expressed Pfs25 specifically bound transmission-blocking monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, major histocompatibility complex-disparate congenic mouse strains immunized with recombinant Pfs25 elicited transmission-blocking antibodies, demonstrating that the capacity to develop transmission-blocking antibodies is not genetically restricted in mice. Live recombinant viruses may provide an inexpensive, easily administered alternative to subunit vaccines prepared from purified recombinant proteins to block transmission of malaria in developing countries.

Source: UG