ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia trachomatis infection and maternal outcomes in Southern Ghana

Background: Despite the fact that Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection in pregnancy is known to have grave impact on maternal and neonatal health, routine CT screening in pregnancy is not available in Ghana The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and adverse maternal outcomes of CT infection among pregnant women attending antennal clinic at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. Methods: Two hundred and thirty two (232) pregnant women screened for CT infection by PCR were purposively selected and enrolled into the study after informed consent had been obtained. They included one hundred and twelve (112) participants with positive CT (cases) and 120 participants without CT infections (control). A structured questionnaire was used to collect their socio demographic, obstetric and medical history. They were monitored thereafter and data on maternal outcomes were collected. Results: The prevalence of CT infection was 5.6% (112/2014). A history of STI/UTI (p<0.001) spontaneous abortion (p=0.02), preterm labour (p<0.001) and intrapartum or postpartum fever (p<0.001) were found to be associated with CT infection. However a history of Stillbirth, PID and having been treated for infertility were not associated with CT infection. Participants with CT infection were more likely to have PROM (p<0.001) and FSL (p<0.001) than those who were not infected. Parity and mode of delivery on the other hand were not associated with CT infection. Conclusions: To alleviate the adverse maternal outcomes, screening for CT infection in pregnancy should be offered routinely to pregnant women to promote early detection and treatment.

Source: UCC
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection and Maternal Outcomes in Southern Ghana

Despite the fact that Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection in pregnancy is known to have grave impact on maternal and neonatal health, routine CT screening in pregnancy is not available in Ghana The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and adverse maternal outcomes of CT infection among pregnant women attending antennal clinic at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. Methods: Two hundred and thirty two (232) pregnant women screened for CT infection by PCR were purposively selected and enrolled into the study after informed consent had been obtained. They included one hundred and twelve (112) participants with positive CT (cases) and 120 participants without CT infections (control). A structured questionnaire was used to collect their socio demographic, obstetric and medical history. They were monitored thereafter and data on maternal outcomes were collected. Results: The prevalence of CT infection was 5.6% (112/2014). A history of STI/UTI (p<0.001) spontaneous abortion (p=0.02), preterm labour (p<0.001) and intrapartum or postpartum fever (p<0.001) were found to be associated with CT infection. However a history of Stillbirth, PID and having been treated for infertility were not associated with CT infection. Participants with CT infection were more likely to have PROM (p<0.001) and FSL (p<0.001) than those who were not infected. Parity and mode of delivery on the other hand were not associated with CT infection. Conclusions: To alleviate the adverse maternal outcomes, screening for CT infection in pregnancy should be offered routinely to pregnant women to promote early detection and treatment.

Source: UCC
Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging of leaves and fruits1

Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging provides a powerful, non-invasive tool for investigating leaf photosynthesis under natural conditions. Applications of fluorescence imaging in plant research are increasing rapidly, ranging from basic discoveries to biotechnology. Fluorescence imaging reveals a wide range of internal leaf characteristics, including spatial variations due to differences in physiology, development, nutritional state, pigment distribution, and morphology, and optical properties. Using distinct chlorophyll fluorescence signatures, imaging technology is being used for high throughput mutant screening, as well as early detection of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this chapter we describe the technology and methodology used to image chlorophyll fluorescence and discusses applications that illustrate advantages offered by imaging analysis.

Source: UCC
Choice of rice production practices in Ghana: a comparison of willingness to pay and preference space estimates

Rice has been identified as an important food security crop in Ghana. However, there is a production deficit and new technologies to reduce the deficit are not widely adopted. Although poor adoption by farmers’ is often linked to constraints such as access to information, farmers’ perceptions of the technologies are also important. We apply an advanced discrete choice experiment to evaluate farmers’ preferences for rice production practices. Specifically, we generate willingness to pay (WTP) estimates using willingness to pay space (WS) and compare these with values from the indirect or preference space (PS) method. Our modelling also accounts for the effects on WTP estimates of farmers’ stated attribute importance (SAI) information. Empirical results from WS and PS models reveal that on average, farmers value higher yields and are negatively affected by higher risk of crop failure and labour requirements. Comparing the performance of the two models, we find the WS model provides a superior fit to our data and reduces the likelihood of producing implausible WTP estimates. Further, SAI inclusion did not produce much variation in our WTP estimates.

Source: UCC
CHOICES FOR OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF FRACTURES IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Introduction: Fracture fixation in poor countries is hampered by lack of financial resources. It is important to define what fracture types present for surgery to channel scarce resources appropriately. Objectives: This study describes the commonest fractures treated surgically, and operative fixation methods used in patients who presented for operative fracture fixation. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who have had operative fixation of fractures at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and St. Joseph Orthopaedic hospital located in the Central and Eastern Regions of Ghana, respectively, between January 2016 to December 2018. We reviewed the operation records of 1,168 for their age, gender, fractured bone, type of fracture, operative fixation method and devices used for fixation. Results: A total of 1,168 patients were treated operatively irrespective of age in the three-year period reviewed. Male (817) to females (351) ratio of 2.3:1. Only hip fractures (60%) were more common in females. The 21 – 40 years age group had the highest number of fractures (50% of femur fractures, 52% of tibial and 56% of forearm fractures) and operative procedures. Plate osteosynthesis was found to be the most preferred method of fixation for the major long bones - femur 360 (66 %), humerus 69 (78%), radius and ulna 81 (78%). Conclusion: Scarce resources should be channelled towards acquiring the requisite instrumentation and skill set for the fixation of tibial and femur fractures in the short term as these fractures represent the most commonly fixed fractures in a resource poor setting.

Source: UCC
CHOICES FOR OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF FRACTURES IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Introduction: Fracture fixation in poor countries is hampered by lack of financial resources. It is important to define what fracture types present for surgery to channel scarce resources appropriately. Objectives: This study describes the commonest fractures treated surgically, and operative fixation methods used in patients who presented for operative fracture fixation. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who have had operative fixation of fractures at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and St. Joseph Orthopaedic hospital located in the Central and Eastern Regions of Ghana, respectively, between January 2016 to December 2018. We reviewed the operation records of 1,168 for their age, gender, fractured bone, type of fracture, operative fixation method and devices used for fixation. Results: A total of 1,168 patients were treated operatively irrespective of age in the three-year period reviewed. Male (817) to females (351) ratio of 2.3:1. Only hip fractures (60%) were more common in females. The 21 – 40 years age group had the highest number of fractures (50% of femur fractures, 52% of tibial and 56% of forearm fractures) and operative procedures. Plate osteosynthesis was found to be the most preferred method of fixation for the major long bones - femur 360 (66 %), humerus 69 (78% ), radius and ulna 81 (78%). Conclusion: Scarce resources should be channelled towards acquiring the requisite instrumentation and skill set for the fixation of tibial and femur fractures in the short term as these fractures represent the most commonly fixed fractures in a resource poor setting.

Source: UCC
Choosing concepts and measurements of poverty: a comparison of three major poverty approaches

A comparative analysis of different poverty measures, particularly across studies that use different conceptualizations and measurements of poverty, is very valuable. In highlighting this fact, this article compares three poverty measurements: monetary poverty, social exclusion, and capability poverty measurements. The results indicate that all three poverty measurements classify varied proportions of the U.S. population as poor. These variations occur as a function of the conceptualization and measurement of poverty. In general, all three poverty measurements are inadequate indicators of well-being. It is reasonable to suggest that researchers report results using more than one poverty measurement

Source: UCC
Christian entrepreneurial activities and micro women entrepreneurship development Church embeddedness in action

Purpose – Review of literature suggests mixed findings on the relationship between the church and micro women entrepreneurship development. This signals that questions remain about the roles of churches in entrepreneurial development. Thus, this paper aims to explore what entrepreneurial activities are provided by churches to their micro women entrepreneurs and how do these activities influence their entrepreneurial start up and growth. Design/methodology/approach – Phenomenological research methodologies were used to purposive collected data from 38 women entrepreneurs and four church administers in Tema. Results were analyzed using the emergent strategy. Findings – The results suggest that churches provided four entrepreneurial activities which are categorized as finance, networking, promotion of self-confidence and impartation of ethical values. These factors promoted the growth of women entrepreneurial growth but not the start-up of entrepreneurial ventures. The study concluded that the church should provide more support for new entrepreneurial ventures. Therefore, embeddedness because of membership of a church is a critical part of women entrepreneurship development. Research limitations/implications – Further studies will need to replicate these findings with other types of businesses, in other locations. Practical implications – This study suggests that policymakers should be working in conjunction with churches in a bid to promote micro women entrepreneurship development. Originality/value – Limited research has been conducted on church entrepreneurial activities in the development of micro women entrepreneurs in developing economies such as Ghana. This empirical research provides important insights into this field.

Source: UCC
Christian ethics and Islamic ethics: A critical comparative study in the Ghanaian context

Christianity and Islam are two major religions that have gained a lot of adherents in the world. In Ghana, adherents of Christianity and Islam have the highest percentage amongst the three main religions. Albeit both Islam and Christianity claim to be monotheistic, believing in one omnipotent and omniscient supernatural God, their ethical norms and principles, however, manifest similarities and dissimilarities. This paper endeavours to do a critical comparative study of Christian ethics and Islamic ethics, in the Ghanaian context, with the hope that the similarities will strengthen harmonious coexistence while the dissimilarities will task us to target and develop collaborative measures that can ensure mutual understanding and beef up religious tolerance for the benefit of both religions and their numerous adherents

Source: UCC
Christian ethics and traditional Akan ethics: A comparative study

Some people are of the view that the advent of Christianity has taught Africans what is morally right and/or wrong. Using the Akan of Ghana, the authors endeavor to compare Christian ethical values with those of the Akan, identifying some similarities and dissimilarities with the objective of contributing towards the effort to rectify the aforementioned wrong impression and further affirm that the traditional Akan culture has its own precious ethical values

Source: UCC
Christian Work Ethics as a Means of Revamping Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Ghana: An Assessment of the Contributions of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana

Ghana’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is going through reforms to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the sector. Many scholars have provided suggestions to improve the quality of teaching and learning to make it more attractive to the general public and to ensure that programmes are connected to the demands of the job market. Yet, no attention has been given to the Church-based technical vocational education and training provided in Ghana. Thus, this dissertation argues that the prospective achievement of the transformations could depend essentially on providing programmes that assist students to acquire employable skills and good work ethics. In this regard, work ethics concept should be part of technical and vocational education provided in Ghana. The study adopted qualitative research methodology to collect and analyse data. Two technical and vocational institutions of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in two regions of Ghana were selected as case study. Primary data were gathered through observations, questionnaires and interviews. Secondary sources included documentary evidences in articles, books and archival materials. The main findings of the research indicate that there was a significant relationship between the current status of PCG’s technical and vocational institutions and desired ability to provide Christian work ethics education. It is, thus, recommended that Presbyterian Church of Ghana should take practical steps to link the activities of the technical and vocational institutions to the objectives and goals of the Church’s educational policy. Similarly, it is stressed that Christian work ethics should be made part of the formal education provided by the PCG’s technical and vocational institutions.

Source: UCC
Christian-Muslim relations in Ghana: A model for world dialogue and peace

The relations between Christians and Muslims has been a shaky one for centuries. Islam and Christianity are locked up in competing truth claims that has often led its adherents to resort to force to drive home the truth of their claims. In all the continents of the world, wars have been fought between the adherents of these traditions, which curiously are both descended from Abraham. Indeed that is why they are called the Abrahamic faiths. The events of September 11 2001in the United States have further deepened the suspicion between adherents of these two faiths. In the West African country of Nigeria, clashes between Christians and Muslims have become a yearly ritual. Conferences are organised all year round in every part of the world in the name of Muslim-Christian dialogue all in an effort to ensure lasting peace between these faiths. These conferences have hardly yielded their desired results. In Ghana however, Christians and Muslims have lived in absolute peace since the introduction of Christianity and Islam in the fifteenth century. This paper explores Christian-Muslim relations in Ghana and specifically examines why Muslims and Christians have lived in peace for centuries now. The paper concludes that it is the “dialogue of life” that will ensure peace between these two faiths rather than conference meetings and half-hearted handshakes. There are great tensions between and within nations. Religion has often exacerbated these conflicts and tensions rather than ameliorate them. Christians and Muslims constitute nearly half of the population of the world. Therefore whether or not the people of these faiths live together in peace and harmony has serious implications for world peace. In most parts of the world, Muslims and Christians have been at each other’s throat. In the West African nation of Nigeria for example, conflict between Christians and Muslims has become a yearly ritual with its attendant loss of lives and property

Source: UCC
Christian-Muslim relations in Ghana: a model for world dialogue and peace.

The relations between Christians and Muslims has been a shaky one for centuries. Islam and Christianity are locked up in competing truth claims that has often led its adherents to resort to force to drive home the truth of their claims. In all the continents of the world, wars have been fought between the adherents of these traditions, which curiously are both descended from Abraham. Indeed that is why they are called the Abrahamic faiths. The events of September 11 2001 have further deepened the suspicion between adherents of these two faiths. In the West African country of Nigeria, clashes between Christians and Muslims have become a yearly ritual. Conferences are organised all year round in every part of the world in the name of Muslim-Christian dialogue all in an effort to ensure lasting peace between these faiths. These conferences have hardly yielded their desired results. In Ghana however, Christians and Muslims have lived in absolute peace since the introduction of Christianity and Islam in the fifteenth century. This paper explores Christian-Muslim relations in Ghana and specifically examines why Muslims and Christians have lived in peace for centuries now. The paper concludes that it is the “dialogue of life” that will ensure peace between these two faiths rather than conference meetings and half-hearted handshakes.

Source: UCC
Christians’ Perception on Divorce And Remarriage in Ghana: A Study of Selected Christians in Ho-Municipality

Today, many marriages are failing as divorce and remarriage are becoming very common among Christians in Ghana. A research work done by Akuamoah (2013) on Determinants of divorce in Ghana, 2008 has shown that through the processes of modernisation and globalisation, Sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana is beginning to experience the same family changes caused by divorce in the developed world (Tak, 2006). This research therefore sought to find out the perception of Ghanaian Christians on divorce and remarriage as to why they are still on the increase despite the fact that God hates and frowns on them respectively (Mal. 2:16; Matt. 19). The study discovered that God Himself designed marriage as a lifelong covenantal relationship (Gen. 2:23-25; Mal. 2:14). Based on the views of Christians in the Ho-Municipality (the study area), it was discovered that biblical messages do not seem to completely or effectively prevent divorce and remarriage from happening though the divorce rate seemed to be lower in this part of the country as compared with other parts. The study used phenomenological design as the population size was achieved through purposive sampling technique. Interviews and focus group discussions were used as tools for data collection from forty (40) respondents. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis as simple descriptive and inference were tools used for analysing the primary data. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that the roles of the individual and the family should not be neglected just as marriage counsellors/religious leaders should counsel couples on changing roles of males and females and how to adjust to them in our modern society.

Source: UCC
Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Comparison of KDIGO and KDOQI Guidelines

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), has become a public health concern as it has been reported to cause adverse outcomes such as kidney failure and premature death. This cross sectional study compared the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) and Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines in assessing the prevalence of CKD in Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: We consecutively sampled a cross-section of 202 T2DM patients from the Ho municipality in the Volta region (Ghana). Structured pre-tested questionnaires were administered to obtain information on gender, age, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, medication used, duration on medication, and duration of diabetes. Serum creatinine and urine protein were estimated using standard protocols and CKD was classified according to KDIGO and KDOQI guidelines. Results: The prevalence of CKD was 63.4% and 58.4% using the KDIGO and KDOQI guidelines respectively. The prevalence of mildly decreased renal function or worse (eGFR < 60/ml/min/1.73 m2) was 10.4% for KDIGO guideline and 7.9% for KDOQI guidelines with an excellent agreement between both definitions showing bias = 0.129, 95%CI = ( 0.17 to 0.08) on Bland-Altman analysis. Participants older than 70 years were more likely to have CKD when KDIGO criteria was used (P = 0.018). The prevalence of albuminuria was 47.0% with 21.9% presenting with 1+ and 2+ grades. Conclusion: KDIGO guideline estimates higher prevalence of CKD than KDOQI guidelines in the same study population. KDIGO guideline might help in early detection and proper classification of CKD which will illicit stage-specific treatment.

Source: UCC
Chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: Comparison of KDIGO and KDOQI guidelines

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), has become a public health concern as it has been reported to cause adverse outcomes such as kidney failure and premature death. This cross sectional study compared the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) and Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines in assessing the prevalence of CKD in Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: We consecutively sampled a cross-section of 202 T2DM patients from the Ho municipality in the Volta region (Ghana). Structured pre-tested questionnaires were administered to obtain information on gender, age, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, medication used, duration on medication, and duration of diabetes. Serum creatinine and urine protein were estimated using stan- dard protocols and CKD was classified according to KDIGO and KDOQI guidelines. Results: The prevalence of CKD was 63.4% and 58.4% using the KDIGO and KDOQI guidelines respectively. The prevalence of mildly decreased renal function or worse (eGFR < 60/ml/min/1.73 m2) was 10.4% for KDIGO guideline and 7.9% for KDOQI guidelines with an excellent agreement between both definitions showing bias = 0.129, 95%CI = ( 0.17 to 0.08) on Bland-Altman analysis. Participants older than 70 years were more likely to have CKD when KDIGO criteria was used (P = 0.018). The prevalence of albu- minuria was 47.0% with 21.9% presenting with 1+ and 2+ grades. Conclusion: KDIGO guideline estimates higher prevalence of CKD than KDOQI guidelines in the same study population. KDIGO guideline might help in early detection and proper classification of CKD which will illicit stage-specific treatment.

Source: UCC