ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Female Teacher-Trainees’ Physical Activity Participation In Komenda And Ola Colleges Of Education In Central Region, Ghana

The main purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing female teacher-trainees’ non-participation in physical activity and sports in Colleges of Education in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 360 was selected from a population of 2,911 and simple random sampling technique was used to select participants for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Descriptive statistics (Frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple regressions) were used in analyzing and discussing the results. The study revealed that female teacher trainees’ have a strong negative attitude (M=2.78, SD=1.43) towards participation in the physical activities and sports. Female teacher-trainees’ have low participation in Physical Activity (78%). Religion (59.8%), misconception (98.8%), social role (98.8%), facilities and equipment (60.1%), sport skills foundation (99.1%), Motivation (96.6%) and academic loads (98.6%) are significant factors influencing female teacher-trainees’ nonparticipation in physical activities and sport in the Colleges of Education in the Central Region, Ghana. It is recommended that after school games and activities should be made fun and the games should not be male dominated. Student must be educated on the importance of physical activity and sports.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Genomic Prediction Accuracies of Tropical Maize Resistance to Fall Armyworm and Weevils

Genomic selection (GS) can accelerate variety improvement when training set (TS) size, and its relationship with the breeding set (BS) are optimized for prediction accuracies (PA) of genomic prediction (GP) models. Sixteen GP algorithms were run on phenotypic best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) and estimators (BLUEs) of resistance to both fall armyworm (FAW) and maize weevil (MW) in a tropical maize panel. For MW resistance, 37% of the panel was the TS, and BS was the remainder whilst for FAW, random based training sets (RBTS) and pedigree-based training sets (PBTS) were designed. PAs achieved with BLUPs varied from 0.66 to 0.82 for MW resistance traits, and, for FAW resistance, 0.694 to 0.714 for RBTS of 37%, and 0.843 to 0.844 for RBTS of 85%, and, these were at least two-fold those from BLUEs. For PBTS, FAW resistance PAs were generally higher than those for RBTS, except for one dataset. GP models generally showed similar PAs across individual traits whilst the TS designation was determinant since a positive correlation (R=0.92***) between TS size and PAs was observed for RBTS and, for the PBTS, it was negative (R=0.44**). This study pioneers the use of GS for maize resistance to insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa

Source: UCC
Factors influencing health seeking behaviour of fisher folks in Prampram, Ghana

The study was carried out in Prampram in the Greater Accra region of Ghana to determine the factors which influence health seeking behaviour of fisher folks. To achieve this, a structured interview guide was used to gather data from 120 fisher folks in a face to face interview. The data collected was grouped and analyzed according to the seven specific objectives of the study and frequencies and percentages used to describe the results. The results revealed that 99% of fisher folks are aware of health resources available to them and resources like clinics, nurses and drug stores are accessible to the majority of the respondents. It was also revealed that 87% of the fisher folks studied consider a factor like the attitude of health personnel whilst 76% consider the gender of health personnel and 76% also consider the costs involved when seeking health. The general conclusion of the study was that fisher follks in Prampram are satisfied with their health seeking endeavours. Among the recommendations made were that healths providing agencies should increase the quantity and quality of health resources in deprived areas, and people living in such communities should be encouraged to register with health insurance schemes.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing high academic performance in private and public schools: Perception of heads and teachers in the KEEA municipality

The difference in academic performance in public and private basic schools has been the concern of many researchers and educationists in recent times. The study was conducted to find out Heads’ and teachers’ perception of factors that promote high academic performance of private schools as compared to public schools in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Data was collected using ten public and private Junior High Schools each in the KEEA Municipality. Questionnaires were used for the data collection in the study. Data collected was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Respondents generally agreed that a good management system by the Head contributes immensely to academic performance. A good commitment by teachers was not ruled out by a high percentage of respondents. They agreed to a very great extent that good commitment of teachers also influence the academic performance of the pupils. It was recommended that teachers should be motivated to boost their morale in and out of the classroom.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing implementation of the basic school religious and moral education curriculum

The study explored both school and community-based factors that influence implementation of the Basic school Religious and Moral Education curriculum in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. It was an exploratory survey study that adopted the sequential explanatory mixed method as a model. Six research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population consisted of 515 people (446 teachers and 61 head teachers) with a sample size of 288. Data were gathered from questionnaire, interviews and observations. The convenience, simple random and the purposive sampling techniques were used to select the schools and the respondents. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, charts, tables, means, and standard deviations were used to analyse the research questions whereas inferential statistics (multiple regressions) was used in analyzing the research hypothesis. Both the descriptive and multiple regression results showed that teachers, pupils, head teachers, parents as well as school and community-based instructional resources contribute directly or indirectly towards the RME curriculum implementation process at the basic school level. It was however revealed in the study that lack of in-service training courses, the absence and/or inadequacy of requisite instructional resources, and failure of parents in supervising their wards’ learning negatively affected the successful teaching and learning of RME. On the basis of these findings, it was recommended that all the necessary processes involved in the RME curriculum implementation, including staff development, regular supervision as well as adequate provision of instructional resources be considered

Source: UCC
Factors influencing Implementation of the Basic School Religious and Moral Education Curriculum

The study explored both school and community-based factors that influence implementation of the Basic school Religious and Moral Education curriculum in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. It was an exploratory survey study that adopted the sequential explanatory mixed method as a model. Six research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population consisted of 515 people (446 teachers and 61 head teachers) with a sample size of 288. Data were gathered from questionnaire, interviews and observations. The convenience, simple random and the purposive sampling techniques were used to select the schools and the respondents. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, charts, tables, means, and standard deviations were used to analyse the research questions whereas inferential statistics (multiple regressions) was used in analyzing the research hypothesis. Both the descriptive and multiple regression results showed that teachers, pupils, head teachers, parents as well as school and community-based instructional resources contribute directly or indirectly towards the RME curriculum implementation process at the basic school level. It was however revealed in the study that lack of in-service training courses, the absence and/or inadequacy of requisite instructional resources, and failure of parents in supervising their wards’ learning negatively affected the successful teaching and learning of RME. On the basis of these findings, it was recommended that all the necessary processes involved in the RME curriculum well as adequate provision of instructional resources be considered. i

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing in-School Adolescents’ Satisfaction with the Quality of Healthcare Delivery in Ghana

Adolescents satisfaction with healthcare delivery is critical in enhancing health seeking behaviors in Ghana. Using a cross sectional design, this study sought to find out factors influencing in-school adolescents’ satisfaction with quality of health service delivery in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. A sample size of 486 was obtained using multi-stage sampling. The RATER model was used for data collection and analysis of the data was done using frequencies, percentages and multiple linear regressions. The results showed that in-school adolescents had higher level of satisfaction with the highest indicators being how they were treated (81%, n = 395) and recommendation of the health facility to friends with (81%, n = 395). Findings also revealed that help from hospital staff (β = .14, p = .002), health personnel responsiveness (β = .13, p = .003), immediate response from staff (β = .15, p = .002) and prompt service delivery (β = .14, p = .002) were significant determinants of client-personnel relationship. Also, availability of enough chairs (β = .18, p < .001) and neat and open washrooms (β = .25, p < .001) were the significant determinants of satisfaction with the physical environment. Again, special attention from the hospital staff (β = .19, p < .001), competence and professionalism of staff (β = .14, p = .001) and uniformity in duty performance (β = .16, p < .001) were the significant determinants of treatment satisfaction. To improve on adolescents’ health seeking behaviour and utilization of health services, it is important to address the determinants of adolescent satisfaction with healthcare delivery systems in the country. It was recommended that heads of the various health facilities should inculcate the culture of delivering prompt service supported with good interpersonal relationship with the adolescents.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Intention to obtain Cervical Cancer Screening by HIV-Positive Women in the Central Region of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing intention to obtain cervical cancer screening by HIV-positive women in the Central Region of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 660 HIV-positive women aged 20 to 65 years using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were summarised using frequencies, percentages and binary logistic regression analysis. The findings showed that 82% (n = 540) of the respondents had intention to seek cervical cancer screening. The predictors of cervical cancer screening intention by HIV-positive women were knowledge about cervical cancer screening, cues, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits and level of education. Specifically, HIV-positive women with moderate knowledge about cervical cancer screening were 3.54 times more likely to have intention to screen (95% Cl, 1.61-83), high knowledge about cervical cancer screening were 2.75 times (95% CI, 1.43-5.31), high cues were 3.48 times (95% CI, 1.43-8.49), high perceived seriousness were 2.02 times (95% CI, 1.24-3.30), high perceived benefits were 1.68 times (95% CI, 1.05-2.71), low level of education were 2.67 times (95% CI, 1.61-4.42), and high level of education were 3.16 times (95% CI, 1.42-7.02) more likely to have intention to screen. Cervical cancer screening initiatives for HIV-positive women need to focus on increasing knowledge about screening, cues, and enable women to have high perception of the benefits and seriousness of the disease. Education of women should be given the needed priority as it could enable them adopt behaviours that will decrease risk of cervical cancer and promote health.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Low Representation of Females in Coaching Regional Sports Teams at Senior High School Level in Ghana

The study examined the factors influencing low representation of females in coaching regional sports teams in Ghana. A mixed method research design was employed, in which cross-sectional design and phenomenology were used in the study to conduct a survey on 424 respondents and three Regional P.E. coordinators. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the 424 female sports coaches and interview guides were also used to collect data from the three Regional P.E. coordinators. The study found that the selection criteria for female coaches was predominantly competency-based and most females were satisfied with such an approach. Moreover, most female coaches did not perform any coaching duties, but were rather assigned ancillary roles like handling food. Low female exposure to frontline activities, marital and family life-choices were the most potent hindrances to the careers of female coaches. The study recommended that aspiring female coaches should engage in rigorous self-development through professional courses in order to build their confidence and competence. Furthermore, the Ghana Education Service was advised to strategize an elaborate training programme for female coaches with flexible schedules that will allow them to combine household and family responsibilities with training. The achievements of successful female coaches were also proposed to be resonated frequently through special seminars, to encourage aspiring female coaches.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Marriage Longevity Among Couples in Kwadaso Municipality of Ashanti Region, Ghana

Marriages are expected to last long; however, little is known about the factors that lead to lasting marriages in Ghanaian societies, especially within the Kwadaso Municipality in Ashanti Region. The mixed-method investigation examined factors influencing marriage longevity among 130 couples married for a minimum of ten years. The research employed a Likert scale questionnaire and an interview guide to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were analysed through Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), hierarchical multiple linear regression, and chain mediation analyses. Thematic analyses were used to analyse the qualitative data. The results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in trust, conflict management, procreation, sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and commitment across married men and women. Whereas factors such as intimacy, commitment, sexual satisfaction, and conflict management significantly determined marriage longevity, trust, religiosity, procreation, and counselling showed no significant influence. Intimacy and trust were identified as mediating factors, positively predicting marriage longevity through their influence on sexual satisfaction. Qualitative insights confirmed that love is a fundamental element because couples stay long in their respective marriages. It is recommended that counsellors also employ evidence-based ways to assist couples in developing and strengthening various areas of their relationship. Counsellors should also prioritise designing and assessing targeted relationship interventions for couples seeking lasting marriages.

Source: UCC
Factors Influencing Micro and Small Enterprises in the Adoption and Use of Policy Interventions: A Study on Smes in the Cape Coast Municipality.

Policy Intervention has been identified as a critical element for the growth of Ghana’s Micro and Small Size Enterprises (SMEs) but more effective, evidence-based policy evaluation are required to inform future interventions. This paper sought to identify the level of adoption and use of policy interventions, factors which influence the inaccessibility of interventions among SMEs and how these factors can be managed to enhance the competiveness of indigenous SMEs. The study looked at policy and intervention issues on SMEs and adopted a descriptive approach by describing the situations and concepts related to the case under study. The study examined the overall level of awareness, adoption and use of identified support institutions such as the NBSSI, BAC, AGI, EMPRETEC, EDIF, GRATIS, GEPC, TECNOSERVICE, ADF, PEF, APDF and examined how SMEs were reacting to their interventions targeted at them. This work covered SMEs and their owner-managers in the Cape Coast Municipality. The study was limited to a population of 47 registered SMEs within the Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive design and randomly selected 33 SMEs, using a simple random technique. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection, using a list obtained from BAC, Cape Coast. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found that there is nothing currently like SME policy in Ghana apart from Enterprise policy. The interventions that are being adopted and used by these SMEs are the business development services. The study found that most of these SMEs have a very good knowledge of these interventions and do benefit from most of them except for financial aids which genuinely impede their business activities. The paper recommends a holistic SME policy formulation by the government and policymakers, also government should cushion financial institutions in a way in which they can also encourage indigenous SMEs to access credit facilities.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing modal choice of intercity bus service transport on Accra -Takoradi route, Ghana

The study sought to find out factors influencing modal choice on Accra-Takoradi route. This was achieved with the use of methodological triangulation approach not only involving qualitative and quantitative methodology but other sources of data collection such as questionnaire administration, in-depth interviews, and observations. The analysis began with the socio-economic and travel characteristics of respondents as to indicate which of these socio-economic and travel characteristics predominates in the study area. More so, the results of socio-economic, travel characteristics and reasons were cross tabulated with modal choice on the route. The significant relationship between respondents’ socio-economic, travel characteristics and reasons with modal choice was ascertained by using Pearson’s chi-square test

Source: UCC
Factors influencing modal choice of intercity bus service transport on Accra Takoradi route, Ghana

The study sought to find out factors influencing modal choice on Accra-Takoradi route. This was achieved with the use of methodological triangulation approach not only involving qualitative and quantitative methodology but other sources of data collection such as questionnaire administration, in-depth interviews, and observations. The analysis began with the socio-economic and travel characteristics of respondents as to indicate which of these socio-economic and travel characteristics predominates in the study area. More so, the results of socio-economic, travel characteristics and reasons were cross tabulated with modal choice on the route. The significant relationship between respondents’ socio-economic, travel characteristics and reasons with modal choice was ascertained by using Pearson’s chi-square test

Source: UCC
Factors influencing nurses’ attitude toward patients requiring emergency care in the Cape Coast metropolitan health facilities

The aim of this study was to assess the factors influencing nurses’ attitude toward patients requiring emergency care in Cape Coast metropolitan health facilities. The objectives of the study were to determine nurses’ attitude towards caring for patients requiring emergency care, to determine the degree of work satisfaction experienced by these nurses and how such attitude differs by patient characteristics, nurse characteristics, job satisfaction and institutional factors. One hundred and fifty nurses working in the emergency units of hospitals in the Cape Coast Metropolis participated. With the help of four student nurses the questionnaire was administered to all the nurses stationed at the emergency departments of hospitals in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Attitude to care was significantly influenced by age (0.41), sex (0.031) rank (0.01) and working experience (0.39). Nurses felt more comfortable dealing with victims of abuse and more objective in their interventions for those families. Results from the study was contrary to previous researchers, in-service education have no influence on attitude. This is because the f-statistic (F [2, 147] = 3.10) with a highly significant value of 0.048 is less than 0.05 level of significant in the analysis of correspondent’s take on the influence of in-service education on nursing care. The deduction is that general life satisfaction greatly influences the attitude of nurses towards patients with emergency needs. Negative attitudes towards patient care persist and are influenced by personal characteristics of nurses and institutional factors.

Source: UCC
Factors influencing parents’ choice of a senior high school for their children

The purpose of the study was to identify the pertinent factors affecting parents’ choice of a particular senior high school in Ghana. Specifically, the study examines the type of schools parents in the Cape Coast Metropolis choose for their children, and some of the school’s institutional factors that parents look for in deciding the choice of a particular school for their children. The design used for the study was descriptive survey design. A total of 294 parents completed the questionnaire. The lottery method of simple random sampling procedure was used first to select 14 senior high schools, while the census method was used to capture all the parents who stay in Cape Coast and have at least one children in the selected schools. Cronbach’s alpha was used to find out the reliability of the instrument. The reliability coefficient was 0.762. The data for the study were analysed using cross tabulation, frequency, percentage, means, median, standard deviation, skewness, Pearson Product Moment correlation and multiple regression procedures. The study found out that parents preferred single-sex education which is boarding and public. Parents also preferred schools with qualified teachers, excellent academic record, and adequate support services. Schools institutional factors, parents’ socio-economic status and social network factors contribute significantly and positively to parents’ choice of a particular SHS. It is recommended to parents that they should request from the management of the school to ensure that teachers will develop and maintain positive attitude towards students. Also, heads of the various schools should be attentive to the various institutional factors and create schools that address the needs of the parents in their communities if they are to attract and retain students.

Source: UCC