ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring Pain Management by Nurses among Road Traffic Accident Casualties at a Military Hospital in Ghana

The quest for pain relief has been the reason why casualties visit the emergency department to seek appropriate intervention. The aim of the study was to explore pain management by nurses among Road Traffic Accident casualties at the 37 Military Hospital. A qualitative descriptive design guided by the caregiver aspect of the Social Communication Model of Pain (Craig, 2009) was used in the study. Purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit thirteen nurses from the trauma surgical emergency unit of the 37 Military Hospital. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was manually analysed and four themes were generated using thematic content approach. These were; nurses’ pain assessment of casualties, nurses’ pain management of casualties, nurses’ personal pain experiences and institutional factors influencing casualties’ pain assessment and management. The study identified the importance of application of adequate knowledge of pain assessment and management in the intervention of RTA casualties’ pain. Personal pain experiences of nurses turn to influence their pain management. The study also identified inadequate staff and logistics, lack of training and protocols and limited working space to adversely affect pain management of road traffic accident casualties. The study concluded with the recommendation that nurses at the emergency units to be adequately knowledgeable in pain management and have access to an environment that can meet the pain relief expectations of casualties

Source: UG
Exploring Perspectives of Nurses and Midwives on Pain Management after Caesarean Section at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital

Globally, caesarean section has gained increasing attention as the most frequently performed surgical procedure. The assessment and management of pain related to this surgery must therefore be discussed. There is a lack of empirical data on the factors that affect nurses' and midwives' assessments of and management of post-operative pain in a resource- constrained setting like Ghana, despite the fact that they play crucial roles in providing post- operative pain management for puerperal women after caesarean sections. Against this backdrop, this study aimed to explore from nurses and midwives’ perspective, the factors that influence assessment and management of post-operative pain after caesarean section at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. An exploratory-descriptive qualitative design and an interpretivism approach was employed. A purposefully sampled group of 16 nurses and midwives were interviewed using an interview guide that was designed in accordance with the concepts of the Pain Transaction Model. The study employed content analysis using the Braun and Clarke's (2006) approach to analyse the data Three main themes emerged from the study, which were nurse/midwife related factors, perceived nurse/midwife skills, and challenges associated with the assessment and management of post-operative pain. In addition to the three themes, seven sub-themes emerged. Findings suggest the need for nurses to make conscious efforts to get abreast with current trends in the assessment and management of post-operative pain.

Source: UG
Exploring postcolonial relationships within policy transfer: the case of learner-centred pedagogy in Ghana

Framed by Homi Bhabha’s concepts of hybridity and the third space. of enunciation, This study explores postcolonial relationships conceivably enacted through policy borrowing processes of learner-centred pedagogy (LCP) in Ghana. Nine Ghanaian and nine foreign stakeholders were interviewed. Conscious of the power imbalance implicit in traditional aid, the case project attempted to challenge the asymmetrical power relationships by allocating policy leadership and responsibility to Ghanaian stakeholders. However, the third space of enunciation created within the project, it did not seem to lead to a hybridization of pedagogical ideas: while it was the Ghanaians themselves who promoted LCP within the project, the conceptual basis of the reform was dependent on knowledge and experiences, which they gained in the West. This article concludes that the postcolonial turn through hybridization of indigenous and Western pedagogies was not observed, although hybridity may happen in the process of actualizing LCP at school and in the classroom levels.

Source: UG
Exploring Preparation Needs of Informal Caregivers of Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Study at the 37 Military Hospital

To successfully manage Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM), informal caregivers (ICGs) play a critical role. Understanding and addressing the preparation needs of ICGs of persons with T2 DM will lead to improvement in the quality of care and health outcomes of persons with T2DM. The study explored the preparation needs of ICGs of persons with T2 DM at the 37 Military Hospital. The Caregiver-Centered Care Competency model by Parmar and colleagues was adopted for the research. The study employed a qualitative exploratory descriptive design and 20 participants were purposively sampled for the study. One-to-one in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and audiotaped. Data were analysed using the thematic content analysis approach. Six themes and 14 sub-themes emerged namely: Communication between HCWs and ICGS (Clarity of communication, Sharing of information, Follow-up phone calls); Partnership with HCWs (Collaboration with HCWs, Accessibility to HCWs, Attitude of HCWs), Recognition of the role of the ICG (Awareness of the role of ICGs, Acknowledgment of ICGs), Building resilience in ICGs (Education from HCWs, Concern about welfare), Navigating the healthcare system (Direction from HCWs, Referral from HCWs) and Culture and context of care (Duty to care, Support system). Communication and partnership between ICGs and HCWs were important resources in the performance of the caregiving role by ICGs of persons with T2 DM. However, HCWs lacked empathy whilst dealing with ICGs. Hospital management should encourage HCWs to continue to develop proper partnerships and communication with ICGs to ensure they understand the treatment process and involve them in decision-making concerning persons with T2DM.

Source: UG
Exploring Rest Advice in Fatigue Interventions in Rehabilitation Among Adults With Long-Term Conditions: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Reporting of Rest in Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: To explore how rest is described or included as part of rest advice in fatigue interventions within rehabilitation for adults with long term conditions (LTC). Data Sources: This scoping review identified fatigue interventions through PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Litera ture, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, from inception to July 2024. Study Selection: Two independent reviewers screened and selected the articles. Studies were included if they: (1) involved adults with LTC, (2) used nonpharmacological fatigue interventions, (3) had fatigue as the primary outcome, and (4) were randomized controlled trials. Only ran domized controlled trials that include rest advice in the interventions were selected. Data Extraction: Extracted data included the first author’s name, year of publication, country, type of LTC, intervention category, specific inter ventions, and how rest was reported in all interventions. Furthermore, rest was reported using the frequency, intensity, time, and type principle, focusing on the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of rest in the exercise interventions and key conclusions. Data Synthesis: Results were summarized, tabulated, and reported descriptively. Out of 13,645 initial records, 56 studies were included in the review. Of the total interventions analyzed, 55.4% (31/56) were classified as physical activity interventions, 14.3% (8/56) as psychological inter ventions (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy), 12.5% (7/56) were identified as energy management strategies, 8.9% (5/56) as educational interven tions, and 8.9% (5/56) as activity pacing strategies. A disparity was observed in the instruction of rest advice between exercise interventions and daily fatigue management strategies. Specifically, physical activity interventions tended to adopt a more prescriptive approach to rest, whereas rest in daily fatigue management strategies was primarily instructed through education on the importance of rest in daily life. Notably, the level of detail provided in reporting rest parameters was generally limited. Conclusions: This review found insufficient reporting of rest, highlighting a significant gap and indicating the need for improved documentation and standardization of rest in fatigue interventions. Future research is necessary to better understand the role of rest in the rehabilitation of LTC. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;000:1−15.

Source: UG
Exploring Rest Advice in Fatigue Interventions in Rehabilitation Among Adults With Long-Term Conditions: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Reporting of Rest in Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: To explore how rest is described or included as part of rest advice in fatigue interventions within rehabilitation for adults with long-term conditions (LTC). Data Sources: This scoping review identified fatigue interventions through PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, from inception to July 2024. Study Selection: Two independent reviewers screened and selected the articles. Studies were included if they: (1) involved adults with LTC, (2) used nonpharmacological fatigue interventions, (3) had fatigue as the primary outcome, and (4) were randomized controlled trials. Only randomized controlled trials that include rest advice in the interventions were selected. Data Extraction: Extracted data included the first author’s name, year of publication, country, type of LTC, intervention category, specific interventions, and how rest was reported in all interventions. Furthermore, rest was reported using the frequency, intensity, time, and type principle, focusing on the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of rest in the exercise interventions and key conclusions. Data Synthesis: Results were summarized, tabulated, and reported descriptively. Out of 13,645 initial records, 56 studies were included in the review. Of the total interventions analyzed, 55.4% (31/56) were classified as physical activity interventions, 14.3% (8/56) as psychological interventions (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy), 12.5% (7/56) were identified as energy management strategies, 8.9% (5/56) as educational interventions, and 8.9% (5/56) as activity pacing strategies. A disparity was observed in the instruction of rest advice between exercise interventions and daily fatigue management strategies. Specifically, physical activity interventions tended to adopt a more prescriptive approach to rest, whereas rest in daily fatigue management strategies was primarily instructed through education on the importance of rest in daily life. Notably, the level of detail provided in reporting rest parameters was generally limited. Conclusions: This review found insufficient reporting of rest, highlighting a significant gap and indicating the need for improved documentation and standardization of rest in fatigue interventions. Future research is necessary to better understand the role of rest in the rehabilitation of LTC. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;000:1−15

Source: UG
Exploring self-concept among adult learners: The case of students pursuing adult education and human resource studies at SCDE, University of Ghana

This paper investigates self - concept among adult learners pursuing Adult Education and Human Resource Studies at University of Ghana. Seeing students offering frank judgement about their academic performance in relations with others, provide opportunit y to educators to suggest motivational strategies, to promote excellence amongst them. Interview guide was admini stered to a sample of 20 students’ purposively and conveniently selected. Descriptive statistical tool in percentages were adopted in presentin g the results. It recommends that students should participate more in group studies. A system of counseling should be put in place by SCDE management to support students who develop negative self - concept (social and academic) to overcome their challenges.

Source: UG
Exploring Social Media Adoption By Nurses For Nursing Practice In Catholic Hospital Battor In The North Tongu District Of Volta Region, Ghana

There is an ongoing social media technological revolution globally and this is impacting people’s approach to work and organizational outputs. The health care industry is not left out of this intriguing, drastic, and far-reaching change that social media has brought forth. Healthcare organizations and individuals are said to be adopting social media for nursing care in Ghana. It remains largely undetermined the factors influencing nurses in the Catholic Hospital Battor to adopt social media to enhance nursing care. The study, therefore, seeks to explore social media adoption by nurses for nursing care in Catholic Hospital Battor using the technology acceptance model as the guiding framework. An exploratory descriptive qualitative study design with a purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit twelve (12) participants for the study. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews which were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data with NVivo. The findings revealed that nurses found social media to be useful for the accomplishment of nursing tasks, dissemination, and reception of information, professional development and enhanced referral networks. Apart from its usefulness, participants believe it is easy to navigate its apps, clear and understandable to use and its usage in nursing does not involve much mental effort hence their favourable attitude toward use. Notwithstanding, some participants also believe that inaccurate information, privacy and confidentiality concerns, distraction, and addiction were some potential risks that are associated with its usage in nursing practice. Due to this, some participants developed a negative attitude toward its usage as a result of the unpleasant experience they have with its usage. This study, therefore, recommends prudential use of social media in health institutions. It also advocates for the development of policies to govern its use in healthcare facilities.

Source: UG
Exploring soil pollution patterns in Ghana’s northeastern mining zone using machine learning models

This study assessed the pollution status and effectiveness of machine learning models in predicting pollution indices in soils from a mining area in Northeastern Ghana. 552 soil samples were analysed with an Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometer for their elemental concentrations. Four pollution indices; Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI), degree of contamination (Cdeg), modified degree of contamination (mCdeg) and Pollution Load Index (PLI). Additionally, the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) machine learning approach were used. The high CV%, skewness, and kurtosis values show a high degree of variability and uneven distribution patterns which denotes dispersed hotspots that can be interpreted as an influence of gold anomalies and illegal mining activities in the area. V (120.86 mg/L), Cr (242.42 mg/L), Co (30.92 mg/L) Ba (337.62 mg/L), and Zn (35.42 mg/L) recorded values higher than the global and regional contaminant thresholds. The NIPI shows that 46.74% and 26.81% of samples are slightly and moderately polluted respectively. The Cdeg analysis supports these findings, with 36.96% and 41.49% of samples classified as having “moderate” to “considerable” contamination, respectively. The PLI indicates progressive soil quality deterioration (43.84%) of samples reflecting substantial environmental disturbance. The pollution indices show the effect of illegal mining on Shaega, Buin and other areas in the eastern boundary of the study. The MARS models developed for the study demonstrated high predictive capabilities with an R2 value of 0.9665 for model 1 (NIPI), and RMSE and MAE values of 0.8227 and 0.4287 respectively. For model 2 (Cdeg), R2 value of 0.9863, RMSE and MAE of 1.0416 and 0.6181, respectively. Model 3 (mCdeg) produced an R2 value of 0.9844, RMSE and MAE of 0.1225 and 0.0670. These findings suggest MARS models can be an integral tool for soil quality analysis in cooperation with pollution indices. The study suggests that remedial and legislative measures be implemented to address the issue of illegal mining in the area.

Source: UG
Exploring Soil Pollution Patterns In Ghana’s Northeastern Mining Zone Using Machine Learning Models.

This study assessed the pollution status and effectiveness of machine learning models in predicting pollution indices in soils from a mining area in Northeastern Ghana. 552 soil samples were analysed with an Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometer for their elemental concentrations. Four pollution indices; Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI), degree of contamination (Cdeg), modified degree of contamination (mCdeg) and Pollution Load Index (PLI). Additionally, the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) machine learning approach were used. The high CV%, skewness, and kurtosis values show a high degree of variability and uneven distribution patterns which denotes dispersed hotspots that can be interpreted as an influence of gold anomalies and illegal mining activities in the area. V (120.86 mg/L), Cr (242.42 mg/L), Co (30.92 mg/L) Ba (337.62 mg/L), and Zn (35.42 mg/L) recorded values higher than the global and regional contaminant thresholds. The NIPI shows that 46.74% and 26.81% of samples are slightly and moderately polluted respectively. The Cdeg analysis supports these findings, with 36.96% and 41.49% of samples classified as having “moderate” to “considerable” contamination, respectively. The PLI indicates progressive soil quality deterioration (43.84%) of samples reflecting substantial environmental disturbance. The pollution indices show the effect of illegal mining on Shaega, Buin and other areas in the eastern boundary of the study. The MARS models developed for the study demonstrated high predictive capabilities with an R2 value of 0.9665 for model 1 (NIPI), and RMSE and MAE values of 0.8227 and 0.4287 respectively. For model 2 (Cdeg), R2 value of 0.9863, RMSE and MAE of 1.0416 and 0.6181, respectively. Model 3 (mCdeg) produced an R2 value of 0.9844, RMSE and MAE of 0.1225 and 0.0670. These findings suggest MARS models can be an integral tool for soil quality analysis in cooperation with pollution indices. The study suggests that remedial and legislative measures be implemented to address the issue of illegal mining in the area.

Source: UG
Exploring strategies for including visually impaired students in online learning

Online learning has gained prominence in higher education institutions globally. Its actual and potential benefits are linked to improving access to and quality of education. It is also considered as a vital strategy for contributing to the UN SDG 4 agenda which aims at ensuring inclusive, equal and equitable lifelong educa tion for all by the year 2030. Unfortunately, not much has been documented on how visually impaired students (VIS) have been included in online learning. To extend our understanding of this neglected but significant topic, this qualitative developmental phenomenographic study engages 14 faculty and six Administrators from two Ghanaian higher education institutions to explore challenges and pos sible strategies for the inclusion of VIS in online learning. The findings indicate that general policy frameworks are available in the studied universities but they are limited in salience and significance as they do not consider the inclusion of VIS in online learning. Some forms of digital technology are also available in the studied institutions but their accessibility and usability remain a challenge to the VIS. Besides, the universities have specialized units to support students with special needs generally but their practices to support VIS in online settings have remained a challenge. Consequently, universities need to develop adaptive and agile policies through inclusive and participatory approaches. Additionally, higher education in stitutions should strategically build the capacities of their faculty and staff to better serve VIS in online learning settings. The creation of strategic partnerships with civil society, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and the private sector generally is deemed vital for the mobilization of resources to support VIS in online learning spaces.

Source: UG
Exploring Students' Experiences In Occupational Therapy Education: A Phenomenological Study Of Professional Identity Development

The existing literature on professional identity enactment and development subscribes to students’ socializing in a learning environment, where they regularly encounter practicing professionals throughout their education period. However, in most countries with less resourced occupational therapists, like In Ghana, education in occupational therapy is fraught with inadequate number of same professionals. mentor undergraduate occupational therapy students. The students are thus faced with serious dilemma regarding their professional identity, which tends to elicit a bleak perception of their chosen career. The present study was therefore envisaged to interpret and analyse the students’ lived experiences, with the view to capture the process of constructing and developing professional identity. The study focused on purposively sampled group of nine undergraduate occupational therapy students during their practice placement education, and their learning styles on didactic lectures. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was adopted for the study. The students were followed up throughout their four-year study program for data collection, using one-to-one semi-structured interviews each year. With reference to the threshold concepts, transcribed interview data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological procedures. The study established a transformational development of professional identity from the novice stage into graduate professionals, amidst complex interaction of co-constructed themes, included: personal knowing, professional knowing and experiential knowing.

Source: UG