ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and practices of home caregivers on neonatal danger signs pre-admission to tamale teaching hospital, Ghana: an explorative descriptive study

Introduction Neonatal illnesses can prove to be fatal if not identified early and treated. This suggests that death occasioned as result of neonatal illness could be prevented. However, it has been observed that most mothers report to the hospital late with their newborns in critical state, making it difficult for professionals to salvage the problem often than not. This study sought to explore the knowledge and practices of home caregivers on neonatal danger signs pre-admission to Tamale Teaching Hospital a tertiary hospital in northern Ghana. Methods An explorative descriptive qualitative design was used in this study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select fifteen caregivers of neonates on admission at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guide. As part of data collection, audio recordings were used to audio tape interviews. All data collected were transcribed verbatim and subsequently analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. Results Thematic analysis in the study demonstrated that caregivers had basic knowledge, describing neonatal illness with danger signs such as lethargy, convulsion, fever, fast breathing, poor feeding, vomiting and diarrhea. The study further found that the predominant practice to care seeking by caregivers was home/traditional herbal remedies. It also indicated that inexperience caring for neonates, severity of illness and non-availability of finances were factors that informed caregivers choice of treatment of neonatal illness. Conclusion The study concludes that inexperience caring for neonate, severity of illness and non-availability of finances were factors that informed caregivers choice of treatment. There is a pressing need for health workers to strengthen the education of caregivers/mothers on neonatal danger signs and the need for prompt care seeking from skilled health care providers prior to discharge from the hospital.

Source: UG
Knowledge and satisfaction of health insurance clients: a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Ghana

Aim This study assesses client knowledge of, and satisfaction with services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in a tertiary healthcare facility. Subject and methods A cross-sectional exit interview was conducted at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Respondents were classified into various groups based on the number of positive responses obtained for knowledge and satisfaction measures on a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to test and measure associations between client characteristics, their knowledge of the NHIS, and satisfaction with services. Results Two hundred and four clients participated in the study, representing a 97% response rate. Seventy-nine clients (39%) had more knowledge of the NHIS, 115 (56%) were more satisfied with NHIS services, and 200 (98%) were more satisfied with healthcare services. Factors including education and years of enrolment were significantly associated with more knowledge of the NHIS. Similarly, knowledge of the NHIS, number of living children, and years of enrolment strongly correlated with more satisfaction with NHIS services. However, being a returning patient was strongly related with less knowledge of the NHIS and less satisfaction with NHIS services. Conclusion Clients have less knowledge of the NHIS and are fairly satisfied with its services overall. However, they are more satisfied with healthcare provider services. More education and sensitization are necessary to increase knowledge and improve satisfaction and enrolment.

Source: UG
Knowledge and skills development of accounting graduates

Accounting education has come under criticism over the past two decades for failing to meet the demands of the changing business environment. This paper presents the results of a survey of accounting graduates and employers from Ghana on the accounting knowledge and skills required by graduates. We examined both the professional and information technology (IT) skill requirements of the graduates. These skills are relevant to preparing the graduates for careers as professional accountants. Analytical/critical thinking was rated as the most important professional skill by both the employers and the graduates. In terms of IT skills, the use of spreadsheet packages was rated by both groups as the most important skill. The only significant differences between the two groups were the IT skills in word-processing and Windows. The findings of the paper have implications for accounting education in Ghana and in other developing countries.

Source: UG
Knowledge and Usage of Emergency Contraceptives among University Students in Ghana

This study examines the knowledge and usage of emergency contraceptives (ECs) among university students in the Republic of Ghana. Data from 1,871 students at the University of Ghana were collected using a structured questionnaire. The results show that the majority (87.9 percent) of students were aware of some regular contraceptives and ECs. Results also reveal that despite the knowledge of these contraceptives among students, the majority (70.4 percent) had never used a contraceptive. The authors recommend that the university should use social media to facilitate student awareness and knowledge of contraceptives, including ECs.

Source: UG
Knowledge and use of information and communication technology by health sciences students of the University of Ghana

Background: Studies have shown that ICT adoption contributes to productivity and economic growth. It is therefore important that health workers have knowledge in ICT to ensure adoption and uptake of ICT tools to enable efficient health delivery. Objective: To determine the knowledge and use of ICT among students of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among students in all the five Schools of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana. A total of 773 students were sampled from the Schools. Sampling proportionate to size was then used to determine the sample sizes required for each school, academic programme and level of programme. Simple random sampling was subsequently used to select students from each stratum. . Results: Computer knowledge was high among students at almost 99%. About 83% owned computers (p < 0.001) and self-rated computer knowledge was also 87 % (p <0.001). Usage was mostly for studying at 93% (p< 0.001). Conclusions: This study shows students have adequate knowledge and use of computers. It brings about an opportunity to introduce ICT in healthcare delivery to them. This will ensure their adequate preparedness to embrace new ways of delivering care to improve service delivery.

Source: UG
Knowledge and Willingness to Donate Kidneys for Transplantation in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background. The main treatment modalities for chronic kidney disease (CKD) are dialysis and kidney transplantation. While kidney transplantation provides better survival and quality of life outcomes, it is a new treatment option in Ghana. Finding kidney donors for transplant may be a major challenge due to varied views of the public. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 purposively selected communities in the Greater Accra region in Ghana. Structured questionnaires and standardized instruments were used to assess sociodemographic characteristics, spirituality, and perception of kidney transplantation. Results. The mean age of the 480 participants was 29.60 10.65 years. The proportion of men was 51%. The average score for knowledge of participants on kidney donation was 4.8 2.6. The level of spirituality score was 25.4 3.89. Approximately 48%(231/480) of participants were willing to donate a kidney while still alive. Willingness to donate when dead was 72% (344/480). Willingness to donate a kidney when deadwas significantly lower among the participants in the older age groups.High level of knowledge about kidney transplantation, being employed, basic formal education, and never married were associated with willingness to donate kidney (P < .05). Conclusion. Our results suggest that participants have a low level of knowledge regarding kidney transplantation, while about two-thirds are willing to donate only after death. Continuous public education is key to raise public awareness of the need for kidney transplants. This will support the Ministry of Health in their efforts to institute a kidney transplant program in Ghana.

Source: UG
Knowledge application in Ghanaian industries

The study sought to ascertain the factors influencing knowledge application in Ghanaian industries. The study employed a survey technique as the research design. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 300 respondents. Questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The study found that organizational culture, trust and absorptive capacity are the factors influencing knowledge application in Ghanaian industries. The strategic implications of the findings are discussed in the paper. © The Author(s) 2013.

Source: UG
Knowledge Level And Anticoagulation Control Among Patient On Warfarin Therapy At The National Cardiothoracic Center, Korlebu Teaching Hospital

Warfarin (vitamin K antagonist) is effective for the management of thromboembolic disorders. However, continued use of warfarin is challenged by its complex pharmacology and inherent risk of adverse outcomes which needs drug monitoring to ensure safe and effective therapy. The purpose of the study is to examine the knowledge of anticoagulation and its relationship with international normalized ratio control among patients, after discharge from hospital. A cross sectional survey was conducted at the National Cardiothoracic Center and one hundred and seventy-five (175) respondents were randomly selected. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Questionnaires were administered to determine the demographic characteristics, clinical details and knowledge of warfarin therapy. Medical records were reviewed to determine anticoagulation control over a period of six weeks. Findings revealed that 51% of respondents were females and 42.9% were males, with a mean age of 37.6±7.5 years. Eighty eight point six percent of the respondents had been on warfarin for more than four months. Fifty one point two percent had good knowledge on how warfarin works whilst more than 8o% of the respondents knew about the side effects of warfarin therapy. There was a significant correlation between level of knowledge and anticoagulation control. In conclusion, the study revealed that respondents had adequate knowledge on warfarin and it was related to international normalized ratio control. There were concerns about cost of regular blood test and medications.

Source: UG
Knowledge of Child Rights in Ghana: Implementation of Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Laws governing child rights are part of international human rights law thus children are recognized as social actors in the international system. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is one of such international instruments which guarantees the rights of children irrespective of their country of origin. Ghana led the world by becoming the first country to ratify this convention and as such is required under international law to uphold the provisions of the convention. To ensure the effective realization of the rights set out in the convention, states are obligated to put in place measures that ensure the UNCRC is known to all children and adults under Article 42 of the Convention. This plays a major role in protecting children’s human rights. It is exactly thirty (30) years after the CRC was adopted by the United Nations and the study sought to ascertain the knowledge of child rights and implementation of Article 42 of the Convention in Ghana. The study employed both primary and secondary data using the qualitative research design. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Using the qualitative content analysis method, findings revealed that both children and teachers had inadequate knowledge of child rights and the UNCRC. Further findings identified efforts by the state and other stakeholders in the implementation of article 42 on the convention through policies, programmes and cooperation with other organizations among other efforts. Some challenges impeding the effective dissemination of the convention to children and adults include lack of political will coupled with improper allocation of resources. Based on the findings, the study recommends among other things that the state should consider embedding the UNCRC into the educational curricula of children and explore other practical avenues of child rights education like model UN.

Source: UG
Knowledge of HIV prevention and casual sex among sexually active persons in Ghana

This study examined the effects of knowledge of HIV prevention and other factors associated with casual sex among sexually active persons in Ghana in the fight against HIV and AIDS. There is a cross-sectional study based on 6,027 individuals; 12-59 years randomly surveyed in all ten regions of Ghana. The question on casual sexual partner focused on whether the respondents had casual sex or not in the last four weeks preceding the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the characteristics of the respondents and a binary logistic regression was employed to analyse the predictors of having a casual sexual partner. The mean age of the respondents was 31.6± 8.8. About 70% were females and more than one-third had Middle/JHS education. The results showed that sex, religion, and marital status were significantly related with casual sex. Males and those who were never married, living together, separated or divorced had higher odds of engaging in casual sex compared to the currently married

Source: UG
Knowledge of malaria prevention and control in a sub-urban community in Accra, Ghana

Knowledge of community members in malaria is a major factor that can influence malaria prevention and control. The study sought to identify possible relationships between personal characteristics of community members and their knowledge of malaria prevention and control. It was found out that educational level of the people did not relate to their knowledge of malaria prevention (•2 = 2.112, df. 3, p = 0.55). Females had higher knowledge on malaria than males. Both the less educated and highly educated are aware that malaria can be prevented. Formal educational levels might not directly affect ones' knowledge about the causes of malaria. In conclusion, knowledge in malaria prevention and control might not result from formal education only but other sources such as non-formal and informal education. Respondents' knowledge level on matters relating to malaria was high yet their actions towards prevention and control were discouraging. © Medwell Journals, 2011.

Source: UG
Knowledge of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus on Nutritional Management: A Study at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra

The rising mortality rate of diabetes mellitus and the upsurge in diabetes complications is very alarming. This has been attributed to the poor knowledge patients living with diabetes have on diabetes and its management, especially the nutritional management. This study sought to explore the knowledge on nutritional management of diabetes mellitus among patients living with diabetes mellitus who attended clinic at the National Diabetes Management and Research Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used for this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit fifteen participants for the study. The participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide which was developed using the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills model which defined the research objectives and served as the organizing framework for the study. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis approach, out of which five main themes emerged. The main themes identified were knowledge on nutritional management of diabetes, motivation to undertake nutritional management of diabetes, support systems relied on in the care and management of diabetes, skills or practices on nutritional management of diabetes, and challenges to adherence of optimal nutritional management of diabetes. The study revealed that the participants have adequate knowledge on the nutritional management of diabetes, they are well motivated and have varied support systems that enable them to engage in healthy eating. They also have adequate meal planning skills, and generally engage in optimal nutritional management of their condition due to their healthy dietary practices. In addition, the study found that the participants have poor knowledge on diabetes peer support groups and do not participate in such groups, as well as have deficient knowledge and skills in the reading and usage of food labels. There is the need to equip patients with diabetes with the needed knowledge and skills on food label reading, educate them on diabetes peer support groups, and integrate them into these groups. It is therefore suggested that health care professionals such as nurses and doctors should find practical and robust ways to factor these elements into patients care and management in general. It is also recommended that future research should be considered in multiple sites in order to generalize the findings. It is concluded that patients with diabetes mellitus may be able to engage in optimal nutritional management if they are motivated and offered the needed and reliable information by health care professionals such as nurses on the nutritional care of their condition.

Source: UG
Knowledge of Pharmacogenetics among Healthcare Professionals and Faculty Members of Health Training Institutions in Ghana

Background: Pharmacogenetics has a potential for optimizing drug response and identifying risk of toxicity for patients. Pharmacogenetics knowledge of healthcare professionals and the unmet need for pharmacogenetics education in health training institutions are some of the challenges of integrating pharmacogenetics into routine medical practice. Aim: To assess pharmacogenetics knowledge among healthcare professionals and faculty members of health training institutions in Ghana. Method: Semi-structured questionnaires were used to interview healthcare professionals from selected public and private hospitals. Faculty members from health training institutions were also interviewed. Results: The respondents were Medical doctors 42 (46.7%), Pharmacists 29 (32.2%) and Nurses 19 (21.1%). Healthcare professionals rated their knowledge of Pharmacogenetics as Excellent 5 (5.6%), Very Good 10 (11.2%), Good 53 (60%) and Poor 19 (21.4%). Thirty-two faculty members from health training institutions were also interviewed. Faculty members rated their knowledge of pharmacogenetics as Excellent 2 (6.3%), Very Good 3 (9.4%), Good 9 (28.1%), Fair 12 (37.5%) and Poor 6 (18.8%). Thirty seven percent (12) of these faculty members said pharmacogenetics was not part of their institutions’ curriculum, 7 (22%) did not know if pharmacogenetics was part of their curriculum and only 13 (40.6%) said it was part of their curriculum. Conclusion: Few healthcare professionals and faculty members of training institutions are aware of the discipline of pharmacogenetics. There is the need for continuous professional education on pharmacogenetics and development of competency standards for all healthcare professionals in Ghana.

Source: UG
Knowledge of plant resource use based on location, gender and generation

The differences in knowledge of biological resource use between societal and demographic groups are often poorly understood; yet they are an important element of sustainability. Differences in gender and generational knowledge of locally useful woody plant species in South African savannas are examined. The results showed that young people and middle-aged females were highly knowledgeable. Over half of the total 267 woody plant species in nine use categories (i.e., medicinal, fruits-seeds, fuelwood, beverage, cultural, furniture, craft, fencing and housing poles) had multiple uses. Therefore, differences in knowledge of resource selection and use between social or demographic groups (for example based on gender and age) may appropriately inform conservation prioritisation, planning and monitoring. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Knowledge of pregnant women about birth defects

Abstract Background Occurrence of birth defects (BD) remains an important public health issue. Inadequate knowledge about the defects among prospective mothers could result in delayed interventions. The study determined the knowledge of BD among pregnant women in relation to their socio-demographic profile. Method Four hundred and forty-three (443) pregnant women gave their consent to participate in this study. A researcher-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics from the participants and their knowledge about BD. The questionnaire was assessed for test re-test reliability before been administered. The possible scores on the knowledge domain of the questionnaire were categorized into three levels: low knowledge (0&#8211;4), moderate knowledge (5&#8211;8) and high knowledge (9&#8211;12) levels. Data were analyzed using percentages while Spearman&#8217;s rank correlation was used to determine the relationship between the knowledge of BD among the participants and their socio-demographic profile. Alpha level was set at p&#8201;&lt;&#8201;0.05. Results A greater proportion of the participants, 235(53.0%) were found in the age range 21 to 30 years, and 234(52.8%) attained secondary level of education. Majority of the participants, 205(46.3%) had high knowledge on the risk factors while 213(48.1%) and 224(50.6%) had moderate overall knowledge and specific knowledge about BD respectively. Most of the participants (48.1%) believed that BD were of supernatural origin. The age, level of education, number of antenatal visits and parity of the participants were not significantly correlated (p&#8201;&gt;&#8201;0.05) with their specific and overall knowledge. Conclusions Particpants generally had moderate knowledge about BD. However, this had no bearing on their socio-demographic profile. The knowledge base about BD seems to be influenced by traditional belief of the participants. This finding should therefore serve as a guide for health care providers while planning awareness campaign about BD.

Source: UG