ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Influence of positive body image and exercise motives on exercise behaviour among physically active adults in Winneba.

Positive body image is an important concept rapidly gaining attention due to its representation of psychological well-being. Research has shown a relationship between positive body image, exercise motives and exercise behavior, however, limited to only women. The current study aimed at assessing how positive body image and exercise motives influence exercise behaviour in physically active adults in Winneba. Using a cross-sectional research design, the study recruited 161 participants (91 men and 70 women, average age 27.41 ± 6.53) from three (3) fitness gyms and two (2) fitness clubs in Winneba. Participants completed either an online or printed questionnaire consisting of the Body Appreciation Scale-2, Function of Exercise scale, and a 7-day exercise log. The results showed that physically active adults in Winneba perceive themselves as having a positive body image (M= 3.49). Participants were motivated to train for both height and enjoyment (M = 4.1 ± .59) as well as weight and appearance motives (3.49 ± .79). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed a non-significant relationship between positive body image and exercise behaviour (r = .048, p=.55). Lastly, exercise motives significantly moderated the relationship between positive body image and exercise behaviour. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the role of positive body image and exercise motives in promoting regular exercise among physically active adults. Health professionals and policymakers should take this into account when developing interventions to combat physical inactivity.

Source: UEW
The influence of reading on students’ writing, a case of selected junior high schools in the Adentan municipality

The study explored the influence of reading on the writing of students in selected Junior High Schools in the Adentan Municipality. The objectives of the study were to explore how reading influenced the vocabulary span of students, the influence reading had on paragraph development of students, and to identify the difficulties students encountered with writing if they do not read. To achieve this, a convergent parallel design was adopted. This design enabled the researcher to adopt a mixed-method approach using questionnaire and interviews to undertake an in-depth exploration of the study variables. A total sample of eighty-two (82) teachers and twenty (20) students were engaged in the study. The findings revealed that reading influences the vocabulary span of students in the area of word recognition and word usage, punctuation awareness and paragraph development in the writing of students who read. Challenges such as struggle for words, spelling errors, poor sentence structure, inappropriate punctuation use, vocabulary repetition and poor command over language among others were identified as difficulties encountered when one fails to read. To encourage reading among students’ measures such as making reading fun, allocation of enough reading time at home and school, giving awards to students found reading were recognized. The outcome of the study influenced the recommendation that, teachers should develop the interest at the early stages and engage their students in reading activities.

Source: UEW
Influence of reward system on teachers’ job satisfaction in public junior high schools at Oforikrom Municipality

The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of reward system on job satisfaction of teachers in public Junior High Schools at Oforikrom Municipality in Kumasi Metropolis. This study employed descriptive survey research design. The population comprised public teachers at basic schools. Purposive sampling was used to select sixty-six teachers from the six selected junior high schools. Questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents. The pilot-test yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.691. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple regression. The finding revealed that school-based reward system are administered to teachers in junior high schools. It appeared from the study that school-based reward system have a positive influence on teachers job satisfaction. It was concluded that effective reward system has a direct influence on job satisfaction of teachers in public Junior High Schools at Oforikrom Municipality. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service should ensure effective school-based reward system of recognizing teachers who are good performers in order to enhance the teachers output. Also, appreciation and recognition should dully be accorded by the headteachers to the teacher to encourage job satisfaction.

Source: UEW
Influence of school climate on academic performance A case of selected Junior High Schools in Ga West Municipal Assembly

The study sought to examine the relationship between school climate and academic performance. The study specifically sought to assess the school climate in the selected Junior High Schools and examine its influence on academic performance. This study was a purely quantitative study where data were obtained from 83 students and 83 teachers as well as 83 results of the previous BECE results from 5 schools in the Ga West Municipality through simple random sampling. The population was students and teachers of five Junior high schools including Amasaman M/A Basic School 1, Kojo Ashong Methodist Basic School, Nsakina M/A Basic School, Holy Innocent Anglican Basic and Achiaman M/A Basic School. The study employed the use of sample means and standard deviations for reporting on the descriptive variables, independent samples t-test; and multiple regression analysis with an acceptable significance level of 5% (p 0.05). The study found that teachers have a higher perception of the quality of the school climate in the respective Junior High Schools in the Ga West Municipality whereas students have a moderate perception of the quality of school climate. Again, student engagement has a significant positive effect on the academic performance of the students in the selected Junior High Schools in the Ga West Municipality but does not moderate the relationship between any component of school climate in the selected Junior High Schools and the student academic performance. Based on the findings of this study, a productive school climate should be investigated and established. The elements of a successful school environment should be determined in advance by policymakers, who should then establish a healthy and effective school climate policy to be followed in all schools and across the community. With the help of this study, policy makers as well as school management make efforts to assess and improve the school climate in place at the respective schools.

Source: UEW
The influence of school feeding programme on performance enrollment and attendance of basic school children in the Nandom Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana

This study focused on Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), which was conceptualized to provide pupils at the public basic schools with one hot nutritious meal per day. The objectives of GSFP included reduction of hunger and malnutrition, increase school enrolment, attendance and retention among others. The study therefore seeks to assess the “Effects of school feeding programme on school enrolment, attendance and academic performance of the pupils in the basic Schools”. The study adopted qualitative research design to explore the perceptions of people about the Ghana School Feeding Programme and its impact on school enrolment, attendance, retention and academic performance of Basic school children. The study also explored some of the challenges encountered in the implementation of the SFP in Ghana. The researcher used a purposive sampling technique to select 5 basic schools which were used the study. Data was collected through a semi- structured questionnaire with purposive sampling to select 14 respondents which will include; Circuit supervisors, parents, teachers and caterers as respondents. The key findings revealed that, there has been a significant increase in enrolment of beneficiary schools. Pupils are motivated to stay in school, and as a result, there has been an improvement in the performance. The beneficiary schools of GSFP are not without challenges since the study revealed that there is lack of commitment from key actors in the implementation of the programme. The study recommends that, since the majority of the respondents are aware of the existence of the GSFP, they should be educated on its implementation to improve on the performance of the programme. Also the provision of the one hot nutritious meal should be supplemented with some snacks in other to make the GSFP better. Efforts should be made by government to increase monitoring of the programme for it to realize it purpose effectively.

Source: UEW
The influence of school feeding programme on pupils’ enrolment in basic schools in the 4 Garrison education unit in the Kumasi metropolis

The study was conducted to investigate the influence of School Feeding Programme on school pupils’ enrolment and the challenges thereof in Basic Schools of 4 Garrisons Education Unit in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region. The objectives of the study were to find out the educational benefits of the Programme, establish the influence of the programme on pupils’ enrolment and to identify the challenges associated with the programme. The study used descriptive survey design with the quantitative approach. The target population was 200 head teachers and teachers. Purposive sampling was used to select eight head teachers for the study. Simple random sampling was used to select 130 teachers making a total of 138 for the study. The reliability test yielded Cronbach Alpha of 0.79. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. The study found that the school feeding programme was implemented to reduce malnutrition by providing pupils with one hot nutritious meal using home-grown food crops to stimulate local economics. Also, school feeding programme reduced absenteeism to improve duration of schooling to stimulate educational outcomes and decreased pupils drop out of school to improve attendance. Again, influences of the school feeding programme on school enrolment was that it helped in improving pupils health condition to increase attendance to improve enrolment. The challenges of the school feeding programme were inconsistencies in the release of available funds and inadequate facilities for sanitation and hygiene. It is recommended based on the findings that the Kumasi Metropolitan Directorate of Education organize training workshop for caterers and cooks of the school feeding programme on the need to adopt healthy hygienic practices in the discharge of their duties.

Source: UEW
The influence of school feeding programme on pupils’ enrolment in basic schools in the 4 Garrrison Education Unit in the Kumasi Metropolis

The study was conducted to investigate the influence of School Feeding Programme on school pupils’ enrolment and the challenges thereof in Basic Schools of 4 Garrisons Education Unit in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region. The objectives of the study were to find out the educational benefits of the Programme, establish the influence of the programme on pupils’ enrolment and to identify the challenges associated with the programme. The study used descriptive survey design with the quantitative approach. The target population was 200 head teachers and teachers. Purposive sampling was used to select eight head teachers for the study. Simple random sampling was used to select 130 teachers making a total of 138 for the study. The reliability test yielded Cronbach Alpha of 0.79. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. The study found that the school feeding programme was implemented to reduce malnutrition by providing pupils with one hot nutritious meal using home-grown food crops to stimulate local economics. Also, school feeding programme reduced absenteeism to improve duration of schooling to stimulate educational outcomes and decreased pupils drop out of school to improve attendance. Again, influences of the school feeding programme on school enrolment was that it helped in improving pupils health condition to increase attendance to improve enrolment. The challenges of the school feeding programme were inconsistencies in the release of available funds and inadequate facilities for sanitation and hygiene. It is recommended based on the findings that the Kumasi Metropolitan Directorate of Education organize training workshop for caterers and cooks of the school feeding programme on the need to adopt healthy hygienic practices in the discharge of their duties

Source: UEW
Influence of school improvement support officers’ instructional supervisory practices on Junior High School teachers’ professional development in Breman Asikuma

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of school improvement support officers’ supervisory practices on junior high school teachers’ professional development in Breman Asikuma. The study employed a qualitative approach. The design adopted for the study was the case study design. The targeted population was all teachers and School Improvement Support Officers (SISOs) in Breman Asikuma. Simple random sampling technique was used to select five public junior high schools. The maximum variation (heterogeneous) type of purposive sampling technique was used to select five SISOs and convenience sampling was also employed to sample 10 public junior high school teachers for the study. Semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Data collected was analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that SISOs often go round the schools to check records and lesson notebooks, books for students, and other materials. The study rather found that SISOs did not follow any particular instructional supervisory practices during supervision. Again, provision of teaching/learning materials, organizing for in-service courses, meeting and discussing observed lessons with teachers as well as orientating teachers to new and suitable teaching methods influences teachers’ professional development. It is recommended that supervision of instruction by SISOs should be scheduled, well-planned and frequently executed such that they will find time to hold a pre-observation conference with every teacher they supervise.

Source: UEW
The influence of school infrastructure on students academic performance at selected basic schools in the Bosomtwe District

The study assessed the influence of school infrastructure on students’ academic performance in selected basic schools in the Bosomtwi District. The researcher used descriptive survey design for the study. This research employed quantitative research methods. The population for the study included head teachers, and teachers of three selected basic schools in the Bosomtwi District. The sample size was 39 respondents. The purposive sampling technique was used to select all the thirty nine (39) participants for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather primary data. The data was analyzed with the used of descriptive statistics indicating the frequencies and percentages. The study results indicated that relevant books for the subjects students learnt at school were not enough. Also, laboratory equipment for experiment were not available. Moreover, the school buildings were not well maintained. They indicated that classrooms with electricity, computer rooms, and scientific equipment for teaching science were not available at the Pramso D/A Basic School, Aputugya R/C Basic school, and Feyiase D/A Basic schools. Moreover, lack of educational resources in the schools has been a major problem in the instructional process. Also, the school environment were handicapped by the non-availability of these teaching and learning facilities and this strongly affected the level of students’ academic performance. In conclusion the, poor teaching and learning environment resulted in poor academic performance of students at the selected schools. The study recommended that the Ghana Education Service through the District Education Directorate should provide adequate educational infrastructure and teaching and learning materials to improve teaching and learning at the selected schools.

Source: UEW
Influence of school physical environment on kindergarteners’ learning in the Ablekuma West District.

The study sought to investigate the effect of school physical environment on kindergarteners’ learning within the Ablekuma West District. The study employed a mixed-methods approach and the sample size was 113 early childhood teachers. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. The researcher used structured questionnaire to obtain data from the early childhood teachers. Data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Descriptive statistics was done using Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS). Data were presented in frequency tables. The findings were discussed in line with the objectives under study. The study revealed that majority of kindergarten teachers in the Ablekuma West District believe that the nature of the environment experienced by kindergarteners to some considerable extent is not developmentally appropriate. It was evident from the study that teachers in Ablekuma West District believe that physical facilities promote learning of kindergarteners. The study identified that most of the instructional materials and equipment have insufficient, with majority of the schools having insufficient materials. The research suggests that the community and government should actively promote the involvement of Non-Governmental Organisations and other entities in supporting the enhancement of schools, particularly in improving amenities such as libraries, to enhance the teaching and learning process.The study also recommends that the government should allocate more resources for the improvement of capital infrastructure in kindergarten centres.

Source: UEW
Influence of school-related bullying on the psychological wellbeing of Senior High School students in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The study investigated the influence of school related - bullying on the psychological wellbeing of senior high school students in the Cape Coast Metropolis using the concurrent triangulation mixed methods design. A sample of 342 senior high school students and 5 school counsellors was selected using purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect the data. Mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, bivariate correlation, and linear regression were statistical tools employed to analyze the quantitative data while thematic analyses were used for the qualitative data. It was found that the prevalence rate of school-related bullying in senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis was 46.0%. Verbal-related bullying is commonly experienced while sexual-related bullying is the least form of school-related bullying. Those who bully others lack empathy for others, demonstrate a strong need to dominate others, and are usually hot-tempered. Students who are bullied experience moderate depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It further emerged that senior high schools in the metropolis are managing the incidence of school related bullying by offering guidance and counselling on bullying, establishing strict rules and regulations in schools, and frequent random checks at dormitories. Also, it was found that a statistically significant difference exists in the perceptions of male and female students regarding reported school related bullying. Most victims end up experiencing moderate depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It was concluded that bullies have unique characteristics which motivate them to bully others. There should be stringent rules and regulations regarding verbal bullying as we have for physical bullying in schools and through orientation, school authorities should assist bullies to sublimate their abusive behaviors to more satisfying behaviors. Instead of causing psychological harm to others, bullies should be encouraged by school authorities to join clubs such as the debaters club, scripture union, etc. during orientation.

Source: UEW
Influence of seasonal variation on reported filarial attacks among people living with lymphedema in Ghana

Background: Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease caused by the filarial nematode parasites that can lead to the disfiguring swelling of the limbs (lymphedema or elephantiasis for late stage) and/or genitalia (hydrocele) in men. Growing evidence suggests that not only are filarial lymphedema patients confronted with huge societal stigma and discrimination, but also experience acute filarial attacks accompanied by swelling of the affected part(s), fever, wounds and peeling of the skin of affected limbs(s). However, the extent to which seasonal variation influence filarial attacks among people with lymphedema was highly speculated without empirical evidence and was thus investigated. Methods: In light of this, a cross-sectional study where 142 (70.4% females and 29.6% males) lymphedema patients were recruited from 8 established Wuchereria bancrofti endemic communities in the Ahanta West District, Ghana was carried out to investigate the prevalence and seasonal variation (rainy/wet and dry seasons) of acute filarial attacks. Chi-square test was used to test for association between frequency of attacks and seasonality. The STROBE guidelines for reporting cross-sectional studies was adopted. Results: The average lymphedema leg stage was 2.37 and 2.33 for left and right legs, respectively, while mossy lesions, sores and ulcers were observed among 33.1% of patients with late stage disease (elephantiasis). It was found that 97 (68.3%) of the study participants experience filarial attacks during the wet season and 36 (25.4%) reported the incidence of filarial attacks during both seasons (wet and dry) while 9 (6.3%) of the study participants did not experience any attack at all. Conclusions: Findings from the present study show compelling evidence that the frequency and the prevalence of filarial attacks is significantly increased during wet seasons compared to the dry season. � 2019 The Author(s).

Source: UEW