ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Preconception Health Promotion Among Students of University of Cape Coast

The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing PCH awareness levels, attitudes of UCC students towards PCH promotion, and perceived strategies for integrating PCH interventions into routine reproductive health services for UCC students. A mixed-method approach comprised of a survey and qualitative multiple case studies were employed to collect data from students and healthcare professionals of the UCC hospital using questionnaires and interview guides. Descriptive summary measures, logistic regression, and inductive content analysis were used for the data analysis. The findings revealed a moderate (42%) to high (51%) level of awareness on PCH-related issues among students. More than half (54%) of students in this study demonstrated negative attitudes towards PCH promotions. Significant variations were found in PCH awareness levels and socio-demographic factors such as ethnicity, religion, and programme of study. Further, ethnicity (OR = 0.736, P = 0.020), product of age and income/remittances (OR =1.160, P = 0.021), perceived poor health (OR = 2.097, P = 0.012), having reproductive life plans, (OR =1.256, P = 0.046), future PCH intentions (OR =2.142, P = 0.00), confidence about getting PCH counselling (OR = 2.006, P = 0.00) and confidence in practicing PCH behaviours (OR = 2.006, P = 0.00) significantly predicted positive attitudes towards PCH promotion. Qualitative analysis revealed awareness creation, institutional and public policy directives, and societal reorientation was necessary for PCH integration for students. There is a need for sensitization on PCH promotion and its relevance to improving future reproductive outcomes of students.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing primary school attendance and performance in selected schools at oforikrom sub metro in kumasi in the ashanti region

This study sought to find out the factors influencing students’ attendance and performance in Ayeduase, Kotei, Deduako, Emena and its environs in the Kumasi Metropolis. A descriptive research design was used. Purposive sampling technique was employed in the selecting of the class six pupils and Head Teachers from each sampled school for the study. However, the random sampling technique was used in selecting teachers from each of the sampled schools. The data was obtained through questionnaires. The findings showed that the factors that affect the pupils’ attendance and performance were pupil absenteeism, pupils receiving all kinds of punishment from their class teachers to deter them from absenting themselves from school. The study also found other factors that that influences the performance of the pupils. Among them were pupils who do not understand lessons taught by their class teachers, pupil who do not have anybody to assist them in their homework after school hours, pupils do not have access to supplementary books at home. The results revealed further that there were no existing strategies in the schools to enhance attendance but the schools had existing strategies such as weekly test to improve performance. It was therefore, recommended that some strategies such as such as counseling of pupils on the importance of school attendance to enhance pupils’ school attendance. The study further recommended that teachers should be encouraged to use activity oriented and fascinating techniques to as a means of capturing pupils’ attention in class.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Repayment of Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Mofa) Micro-Credits by Agricultural Producers in the Central Region of Ghana

The study examined the factors influencing the repayment of MOFA micro-credits in the Central Region of Ghana using a descriptive-correlation design. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to obtain data for the study. Chi-square tests at 5% level of significance showed that there was significant difference between the repayment of MOFA micro-credits and the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of clients. The F-values of 686.71 and 15.96 indicated that the micro-credit repayment models had good fit (p = 0.00) with an adjusted R2 of 0.999 and 0.896 for micro-credit clients and Agricultural Extension Agents perceptions on .MOFA micro-credit repayment respectively. The probability of MOFA micro-credit repayment is influenced mostly by stability in agricultural production, type of agricultural activity client engaged in, wealth status of client, household size of client, adequacy of credit, market opportunities for produce, repayment duration of credit, training for client, timely credit delivery, and supervision of credit use. It is recommended that MOFA micro-credits should be re-packaged with reasonable interest rates before delivery to the clients at the right time and with adequate credit repayment duration depending on production cycle. MOFA should target agricultural producers irrespective of age, sex, marital status, educational level, household size and wealth status with credit. Resource poor clients should be in groups for credit programmes. MOFA should train clients in agricultural activities to improve on their knowledge and skills. There should be regular supervision on credit allocation and use, while potential markets established within preferred areas for sale of produce.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing retention of nurses at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

This study investigated motivational factors influencing retention of nurses at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. It also looked at the measures that can be put in place at the hospital to improve retention of nurses in that health institution. Questionnaire was the instrument that was used to generate the data for the study from 120 nurses who worked at the hospital. These nurses were sampled using simple random sampling method from six departments at the hospital. The data gathered from the respondents were used to answer the five research questions that were raised. Data were analysedusing frequencies and percentages. The results showed that there was good human relationship among the nurses and they were also satisfied with the performance appraisal at the hospital. They were however dissatisfied with transportation system, accommodation, workload and lack of involvement of nurses in decision making at the hospital. Also, it was realized that the following could compel them to leave the hospital: lack of supplies and logistics, lack of opportunity to upgrade their skills and knowledge through study leave, while employment of more hands to help them, respect from doctors and other health workers, good communication channel and opportunity for nurses to be part of decision making would motivation the nurses to reduce attrition at the hospital. It is therefore recommended to authorities of the hospital to provide the nurses with the things they did not enjoy, improve the conditions that they were not satisfied with and involve them in decision making of issues that affect them.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Risky Sexual Behaviours Among Senior High School Students in Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

The study investigated the factors which influence risky sexual behaviours among students in Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Hohoe Municipality. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample of 354 students from a population of 4,380 was selected using the proportional stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaire adapted from the instruments of Asiedu (2016) and Mcharo, Olomi, Mayaud and Msuya (2020). The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that 44.4% of the respondents had had sexual intercourse and the age of first sexual intercourse was between the ages of 16 and 19 years. More than a quarter of the respondents indicated that they had risky sexual behaviours. The study revealed that peer pressure, poor parental upbringing, social media and poor socio-economic background influenced risky sexual behaviours among students. Also, sex education, health education programmes, physical activities and counselling services were some major ways participants indicated for minimising risky sexual behaviours. Significant gender difference was found in risky sexual behaviours while no significant difference was found in risky sexual behaviours on the basis of age. Finally, no significant gender difference was found in the factors influencing risky sexual behaviours while significant age difference was found in the factors influencing risky sexual behaviours. The study recommended that senior high school authorities in the Hohoe Municipality collaborate with agencies responsible for sex education to organise outreach programmes for students in order for them to adopt less risky sexual behaviours

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Sexual Behaviour of Senior High School Students at Cape Coast Metropolis in Central Region of Ghana

Adolescent is a period of transition characterised by risk taking behaviours, including sexual behaviour, which may have implications on their health. The study examined sexual behaviour among senior high school students in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Methods The data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey. Through the multi-stage sampling method, 400 students were selected from three Senior High Schools whose ages ranged from 10-19 years. Descriptive and binary logistic regression were statistical techniques used to analysed the data.Data collected were processed using SPSS version 21. Results:Form one students were less likely to engage in sexual intercourse than students in Form two (OR= 0.30, 95% CI=0.15-0.63). Form two students are more engaged in sexual intercourse than form one students. Students who were living with both parents were less likely to engage in sexual intercourse than those who did not live with both parents (OR=0.480, 95% CI=0.240-0.963). Seven percent of the respondents ever visited a health facility/pharmacy to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services Attitude of service providers towards students who access SRH service was negative. These students were unwilling to access SRH services from those facilities in future. Nine percent of the respondents were ever pressurised by people to engage in sexual intercourse. Conclusion Students, who have not already engaged in sexual activities, should be encouraged to abstain until they are of age.Those who are sexually activeshould be encouraged to use contraceptives to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Sexual Behaviour of Senior High School Students at Cape Coast Metropolis in Central Region of Ghana

Background Adolescent is a period of transition characterised by risk taking behaviours, including sexual behaviour, which may have implications on their health. The study examined sexual behaviour among senior high school students in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Methods The data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey. Through the multi-stage sampling method, 400 students were selected from three Senior High Schools whose ages ranged from 10-19 years. Descriptive and binary logistic regression were statistical techniques used to analysed the data.Data collected were processed using SPSS version 21. Results: Form one students were less likely to engage in sexual intercourse than students in Form two (OR= 0.30, 95% CI=0.15-0.63). Form two students are more engaged in sexual intercourse than form one students. Students who were living with both parents were less likely to engage in sexual intercourse than those who did not live with both parents (OR=0.480, 95% CI=0.240-0.963). Seven percent of the respondents ever visited a health facility/pharmacy to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services Attitude of service providers towards students who access SRH service was negative. These students were unwilling to access SRH services from those facilities in future. Nine percent of the respondents were ever pressurised by people to engage in sexual intercourse. Conclusion Students, who have not already engaged in sexual activities, should be encouraged to abstain until they are of age. Those who are sexually active should be encouraged to use contraceptives to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies are of age. Those who are sexually active should be encouraged to use contraceptives to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Programme of Study at the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast: Curriculum Implication

The study examined factors influencing students’ choice of programme of study at the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast. The study adopted the pragmatist’s approach from the positivist perspective. Specifically, the study used descriptive research design. Simple random sampling techniques were used to draw a sample of 2324 students at all levels from the 63 study centers (those offering education programmes) across all regions of Ghana. Data collection instruments were self-administered questionnaire. Survey data was analysed using descriptive statistics, specifically, frequencies and percentages. The study discovered that students’ personal interest for a particular programme, ambition or aspiration in life and credibility of the institutional certificate influence their choice of selection of a programme of study at UCC-CoDE. It was recommended that management of the College of Distance Education and all institutions running distance learning programmes should tailor curriculum of academic programmes to meet the interest and aspirations of applicants

Source: UCC
Factors influencing Takoradi Polytechnic students choice of clothing.

The purpose of the study was to find out the factors influencing Takoradi Polytechnic students' choice of clothing in the Western Region of Ghana. The study was also interested in types of clothing mostly Worn by students on campus and the body parts exposed. Questionnaire and Focus group discussion guide was used. Respondents were chosen at random. The sample for study consisted of 207 students, l04 and l03 students of the Departments of Fashion and Accounting respectively. Seventy seven males and 130 females were involved. Focus group discussion was undertaken using sixty students, fifteen males and fifteen females from each department, summing up to thirty students per department. The study revealed that students' choice of clothing was mostly influenced by psychological factors with self-fulfillment being the most important. The least factor desired by students was choosing clothing to have warm relationship. Fashion students considered social factors most. Accounting students were more inclined to psychological factors. Casual clothing was the most frequently used on most occasions. Twenty six percent of students expressed the desire to expose body parts like breast. Television was the most patronised Media followed by Magazines. The study recommends that school authorities should institute orientation programmes to educate students on choice of clothing and the suitable occasions to match. Finally disparities among individual student's choice of clothing should be considered in policy making. Students should be encouraged to attend programmes from other departments in order to share common views including the choice of clothing.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Tax Compliance by Small and Medium Enterprises in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Tax evasion is a core challenge for governments and tax authorities among many African countries including Ghana. As small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are key to national economic growth, their contribution to tax revenue is very significant. Thus, the need to examine factors that influence tax compliance by small and medium enterprises is essential. The study adopted the explanatory research design and a cross-sectional survey for data collection. Stratified random sampling technique was used to sample the respondents for the study. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the factors which influence tax compliance. The study results from the survey conducted in Cape Coast Metropolis using 301 respondents revealed that tax knowledge, perception of government spending and the probability of being audited have a significant impact on tax compliance. In particular, tax knowledge had the most significant influence on tax compliance by SMEs taxpayers. In view of this, the study recommends that the government should use tax revenue judiciously and be transparent in their expenditure activities so as to gain the trust of the SMEs taxpayers. Also, the study recommends that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) should ensure fair and frequent audits to encourage SMEs to comply with tax laws. GRA should also organise seminars and conferences regularly to educate SMEs taxpayers.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing teacher job satisfaction in Armed Forces schools in the Kumasi metropolis

Motivation of workers is a very important aspect in the work force of any type. Teachers like all other workers need to be motivated to enable them function effectively and efficiently in their profession. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors which influence teacher job satisfaction in the Armed Forces Schools in Kumasi. In particular, the causes of teacher job satisfaction, effects of teacher job satisfaction, the relationship between gender as well as the relationship between age and teacher job satisfaction were investigated. The research design used in the study was the descriptive survey, with teachers in Armed Forces School in Kumasi Metropolis as the population and a sample size of 265. The questionnaire used for the study contained 59 items, which were of the Likert-scale type. Results from the study which was analyzed using percentages, frequencies and Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicate that teachers were highly satisfied with students’ behaviour, students’ attitude towards learning and assignments, and human relations of various stakeholders, among others. The study however reveals that teachers were not satisfied with aspects like their present salary levels, quality of school infrastructure and class size. The study recommended that fee paid for extended teaching should be increased from GH¢2.00 to GH¢5.00 and be paid as salary supplement to teachers. Funds left after paying the teachers could also be used to acquire teaching/learning materials. The study also recommended that in order to reduce the class size, the Ministry of Defense should put up more classrooms.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing the accessibility of yam planting materials in the techiman district of Ghana

Yam is a major economic crop that plays a significant role in food security and poverty alleviation in Ghana. Despite this role of yam in Ghana, farmers have incessant difficulty in accessing adequate planting materials for cultivation. In order to understand this problem, this research was conducted to determine the various factors that can influence the accessibility of yam planting materials to farmers in the Techiman District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Quantitative and qualitative research techniques including semi-structured interviews and observations were employed for this study. The research identified six main factors as critical to accessing yam planting materials in the study area. These included the cultivar of yam that farmers want to grow, access to capital to purchase planting materials, and availability and cost of transportation to convey planting materials to store at farmer homes. The others were pests and diseases infestation of planting materials in storage, farmers’ membership in co-operatives that assist members with acquisition of credit and/or planting materials, and the adoption of minisett and microsett techniques by farmers.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing the career aspirations of students in public senior high schools in the Berekum Municipality, Ghana.

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing career aspirations of Senior High School students in the Berekum Municipality of Ghana. The research design selected for this study was the descriptive survey design. Questionnaires were the instruments for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results were presented in the form of tables. The results of the study showed that peer pressure had a great influence on the career aspirations of students. The study also revealed that students did not consider their interests as having a major influence on their career aspirations. Also, the study found that most of the teachers did not view themselves as playing significant roles in the career aspirations of their students. The study also revealed that parents had interest in the careers of their children and that their children would not take any career decisions without their approval. The study found also that there was a significant difference in the influence peer pressure had on career aspirations of male and female Senior High School students in the Berekum Municipality. Finally, the study revealed that there was no significant gender difference in the influence Senior High School students’ interest had on career aspirations. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that peer pressure largely determines the career aspirations of students. It was recommended that school heads collaborate with the counselling unit in the schools to organise career workshops for students about how to deal with the negative influence of peer pressure on their career aspirations. It was suggested that future studies use larger sample sizes to increase the extent to which the results can be generalised.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing the Choice of Agricultural Science by Students in Public Colleges of Education in the Northern Region of Ghana

The main objective of the study was to examine the factors affecting the selection of agricultural science by students in public colleges of education in the Northern Region of Ghana. As a quantitative study, a descriptive crosssectional survey design was adopted and a questionnaire was used, as the principal tool to collect data. The data were collected from 316 students who were chosen randomly from the four teaching colleges in the Northern Region of Ghana. The data were then analysed based on descriptive and inferential statistics aided by (SPSS version 21) software. The study revealed that the number of students pursuing agricultural-related programs was 80 (25.3%) as compared 236 (74.7%) who were studying other programs. The findings of the study found out that student attitudes, college-related factors, and college tutors influence students‘ choice in selecting agricultural science as their major. Finally, it was discovered that there were equal career opportunities for both men and women studying agricultural science-related programs in the colleges of education. It is recommended that the public colleges of education in the Northern Region should frequently organize education fairs and invite agricultural science experts to speak to students on the need to pursue a career in agricultural science.

Source: UCC