ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Melt penetration in oceanic lithosphere: Li isotope records from the Pozanti-Karsanti ophiolite in Southern Turkey

Understanding melt penetration in ophiolites is important in revealing the formation and evolution of the oceanic lithosphere, as well as the formation of chromite deposits. We conducted in situ Li isotope analysis of olivine grains from the harzburgite, podiform chromitite and dunite envelope of the mantle sequence, and dunite and wehrlite cumulates from the crustal sequence of the Pozantı-Karsantı ophiolite. Olivine in the different rocks has variable and distinctive Li concentrations (0·95 to 2·01 ppm) and δ7Li isotopic compositions (-5·43 to 16·65 ‰). The olivine in the refractory harzburgite of the Pozantı-Karsantı ophiolite extends from MOR–peridotite-like compositions to lower δ7Li values and higher Li concentrations, suggesting ingressive Li diffusion via melt penetration. The Li isotopic compositions of the olivine in the dunite envelope and podiform chromitite represent the compositions of their parental melts and thus their sources. The dunite envelope has δ7Li values beyond MORB and OIB variations and overlaps the arc lava range, suggesting an affinity with arc magmatism. The podiform chromitite, on the other hand, shows wider δ7Li variation and overall lower values, falling in the ranges of granulite and eclogite. The parental melts of the podiform chromitite might: (1) originate from partial melting of a dehydrated and metamorphosed subducted slab or (2) may initially have had the same isotopic composition as the associated dunite, but later experienced compositional modification by fluids. The Li isotopic compositions of the dunite and wehrlite cumulates fall between the OIB and arc fields, supporting a subduction origin for these ultramafic cumulates and their arc-like parental magmas. The Pozantı-Karsantı ophiolite records various melt penetration agents during its formation and evolution. The melts display progressive compositional variations, mainly between OIB and immature and mature oceanic island arc magmatism, pointing to their correlation with subduction initiation. The distinctive Li isotopic compositions of the Pozantı-Karsantı, Luobusa and Trinity ophiolites suggest that the generation and compositions of penetrating melts in oceanic lithosphere and subsequent formation of chromite deposits are strongly controlled by tectonic setting. Consequently, Li isotope systematics can be used as an indicator of the tectonic setting and mineralization of ophiolites.

Source: UG
Memoirs Of Granville Sharp Esq. Composed From His Own Manuscript And Other Authentic Documents In The Possession Of His Family And Of The African Institution.

About the time that a Monument to Mr. Granville Sharp's memory was erected in Westminster Abbey by the African Institution, it was understood to be the intention of that body to publish an account of the services which he had rendered to the cause of African freedom. This intention being communicated to Mr. Sharp's family; they were desirous of enlarging the proposal so far as to include a memorial of his whole life; and the plan being determined, the task of performing it was assigned to an intimate friend, . Whose abilities and professional character' rendered him eminently suited to the undertaking. ‘The pressure of other occupations induced him after a time to relinquish it; and I received a request from the Executrix that I would take the charge on myself. Obligations of gratitude to the Family precluded refusal on my part; and my high respect for the Person whose life was to be the subject of the Memoirs, made me accede cheerfully to the proposal: . But in giving my consent, I did not form an adequate idea of the task in which I was about to engage. The most voluminous and diffuse documents were consigned to my care~ from which I had to extract whatever might be thought useful to the public, and (what was far more difficult) in which I was to discover and trace a connected thread of Mr. Sharp's progressive actions through his long and important life. That such a task would be tedious, it was easy to anticipate. But it has been further. Protracted by causes which could not he foreseen,-by the suffering of repeated illness since the period when I first printed my Prospectus-of illness aggravated not unfrequently by an apprehension that, as the real cause of the delay could be known only to a few, I might suffer no slight imputation, of neglect in the performance of what I had undertaken.

Source: UG
Men and Women in Trades: Changing trends of home-based enterprises in Ga-mashie

This paper examines changes in home-based enterprises in Ga-Mashie, a coastal community in Accra, Ghana, in response to changes in government and economic policies. With the arrival of the Europeans and the creation of the Accra port in the community, there were modifications in home-based enterprises from predominantly fish processing and farming activities to food vending and trading, mainly in the sale of European goods. Under post-independence policies, including Structural Adjustment Programmes, some of these activities have been maintained, whilst others have undergone diversification, in order to address the challenging socio-economic needs of people. Policymakers must therefore take cognisance of the fact that these home-based enterprises have become important livelihood strategies in response to changes in government and economic policies, the rapid urbanisation process and the lack of formal job opportunities. There is the need, therefore, to consider incorporating them into the overall development agenda.

Source: UG
Men are poor but women are poorer: gendered poverty and survival strategies in the Dangme West District of Ghana

In contemporary times there has been a broader definition of poverty to include not only economic deprivation such as income, but also various forms of vulnerability such as lack of dignity and autonomy. The paper seeks to bring out the multidimensionality of poverty from the perspective of both men and women in the Dangme West district of Ghana, through their day to day experiences of poverty and how this leads to different livelihood strategies among men and women. It is argued that gender inequalities, the patriarchal system and the traditional gender roles of women create a situation where women’s experiences of poverty tend to be more severe than those of men. The author recommends that specific policies geared towards poverty reduction must address the needs and concerns of both men and women. Thus, men and women must be involved in defining projects that reflect their local realities and this must be backed by vigorous gender sensitization and awareness programmes. Engendering poverty reduction programmes with gender sensitization and awareness programmes will go a long way to address patriarchal attitudes and gender inequalities that create poverty particularly among women

Source: UG
Men Play, Women Break the Town: Gender and Intergenerational Asymmetry in Sexual and Reproductive Worldview Among the Ga of Ghana

A contemporary critique levelled against sexual and reproductive (SR) behavioral studies in Africa is the dominance of Western theories and perspectives, with the main language through which SR categories and concepts are developed and investigated being Western or colonial, which rarely correspond with local and ethnic conceptualizations. In this paper, we conduct an ethnolinguistic analysis of gender and intergenerational constructions of sexual and reproductive behaviors (SRB) among the Ga of Ghana. Ethnographic approaches were used to collect and analyze two data sources from seventy-two respondents; first, a lexicon of common words, phrases, terminologies and coinages on SR activities and relationships. Second, narratives on respondents’ major SR experiences, through a biography of respondents’ body methodological framework. Respondents reflected a high degree of conceptual baggage, underpinned by their own gendered SR experiences, in their selection and interpretation of the terminologies/words. Younger respondents were more likely to use flippant coinages for risky SRB, which resonate with their narratives on their casual and unrestrained SR behaviours. We discuss the SR health threats and opportunities of our findings.

Source: UG
Meningitis outbreak caused by vaccine-preventable bacterial pathogens — Northern Ghana, 2016

What is already known about this topic? The introduction of serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenAfriVac) in Ghana in 2012 had a substantial impact on the periodic outbreaks of meningitis in the Northern Ghana. However, seasonal increases in bacterial meningitis continue to occur; the most prevalent etiologies are Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. What is added by this report? During December 9, 2015-February 16, 2016, a total of 432 suspected meningitis cases were reported from three regions in northern Ghana. Among 286 cerebrospinal fluid specimens tested, 133 (46.5%) were positive, including 83 (62.4%) for N. meningitidis and 44 (33.1%) for S. pneumoniae. The predominant N. meningitidis serogroup was serogroup W (99%). Based on laboratory and epidemiologic data, 135,679 doses of meningococcal polysaccharide ACW vaccine were administered to the age groups most affected, resulting in substantial reduction in the number of meningitis cases. What are the implications for public health practice? Rapid identification of the etiologic agent in meningitis outbreaks is important for informing targeted public health interventions. Building and sustaining laboratory capacity in countries where meningitis outbreaks are common will be critical in ensuring rapid and effective response to these outbreaks. © 2017, Department of Health and Human Services. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Mental adjustment to cancer and quality of life among women living with breast cancer in Ghana

Objective This study examined whether cancer-specific coping strategies have any significant influence on the quality of life of 205 women living with breast cancer in Ghana. Methods Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants were administered questionnaires which measured their cancer-specific coping strategies and health-related quality of life. Results Correlation analysis showed that helplessness-hopelessness negatively correlated with physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, functional wellbeing, and breast cancer additional concerns. Anxious preoccupation negatively correlated with all the domains of quality of life, whereas fighting spirit was positively correlated with emotional and functional wellbeing. Cognitive avoidance was positively correlated with functional wellbeing, while fatalism was positively related with all the domains of quality of life. Regression analysis revealed that anxious preoccupation predicted significant decreases in all the domains of quality of life, while helplessness-hopelessness predicted significant decreases in emotional and functional wellbeing domains. However, cognitive avoidance predicted significant increase in the functional domain of quality of life. Conclusion These findings underscore the need for psychosocial support for breast cancer patients to adopt effective coping strategies to deal with their challenges in managing their illness.

Source: UG
Mental health burden among females living with HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety, are common in women and young girls living with HIV/ AIDS particularly in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries where women’s vulnerability to psychiatric symptoms is heightened due to the prevalent intersectional stressors such as stigma and intimate partner violence. However, no synthesized evidence exists on the mental health burden of females living with HIV/AIDS (FLWHA) in Africa. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the mental health burden among FLWHA in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic literature review of articles published from 2013–2023 was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). Five electronic databases; PubMed, MEDLINE with full text, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, and Health Source: Nursing Academic Edition were searched for articles published in English. Nineteen articles (15 quantitative, 3 qualitative, and 1 case study) from over 7 African countries met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies’ quality was determined to be moderate. The prevalence of depression ranged from 5.9 to 61% and anxiety from 28.9 to 61%. Mental health burden was a logical outcome of HIV diagnosis. Predic tors of mental health outcomes in the context of HIV/AIDS were identified as intimate partner violence (IPV), stigma, childhood traumas, sexual abuse, poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. Social support and resilience were identified as protective factors against mental illness in FLWHA. Mental illness had a deleterious effect on viral suppression rates among FLWHA, resulting in delayed initiation of antiretroviral therapy treatment and increased mortality but had no impact on immune reconstitution in the face of ART adherence. Given the high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety and their relationship with HIV progression, it is crucial that mental health care services are integrated into routine HIV care.

Source: UG
Mental health challenges in academia: comparison between students of the various educational levels in Ghana

Background: Students continue to face significant mental health challenges that vary in severity and type. It is, therefore, imperative that researchers and clinicians pay more attention to efforts aimed at improving the mental well-being of students. Aims: This study examined the differences between Ghanaian students of the various educational levels on some mental health variables and the psychosocial factors of suicidal ideation. Methods: Three hundred and fifty-seven (357) participants consisting of junior (92 students) and senior (99 students) high school students, undergraduates (86 students) and postgraduates (80 students) were involved in this cross-sectional study. Results: The study revealed that high school students had higher academic stress, depression and suicidal ideation and they used more coping strategies compared to university students. Depression, age, and educational levels were the factors that facilitated suicidal ideation, with spiritual and ritual centred coping strategy and religion (Islam) serving as a buffer for suicidal ideation among students. These factors varied with different educational levels. Conclusions: High school students experienced significant mental health problems compared to university students—this has direct implications on their academic and psychosocial development. The study recommends that mental health facilities be provided and managed by professionals, especially in high schools.

Source: UG
Mental Health Interventions For Adolescents Living With HIV/AIDS In Sub-Saharan Africa: Protocol For A Systematic Review.

Introduction Adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in sub Saharan Africa have heightened risk for mental health and psychosocial burden owing to their exposure to a multiplicity of adverse conditions such as stigma and discrimination. However, there is no comprehensive evidence synthesis and evaluation of the effectiveness of mental health interventions for adolescents living with HIV/ AIDS in this region. We aim to conduct a systematic review to synthesise the literature on existing mental health interventions for adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in sub Saharan Africa. Methods and analysis This review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines. Eligible studies will include those investigating the effectiveness of psychosocial, psychological or other forms of interventions on mental health outcomes, conducted in sub-Saharan African countries and involving adolescents (aged 10–19 years) living with HIV/AIDS. Comprehensive searches will be conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO) and grey literature sources. The search will be restricted to studies published from 2004 onwards and in the English language. Study authors will be contacted, and reference lists of retrieved articles will be reviewed for additional papers. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers, with any disagreements resolved by consensus or involving a third party. A narrative synthesis will be conducted, and if possible, meta-analyses will be performed to estimate the overall effect sizes of interventions on mental health outcomes. Eligible studies will undergo quality assessment using standardised criteria appropriate for each respective study design. Ethics and dissemination No primary data collection will be undertaken; therefore, no ethical approval is required. The findings of this review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences.

Source: UG
“Mental health is not our core business”: A qualitative study of mental health supports in the Ghanaian mining industry

Background: There is growing recognition of mental health aspects of workplace health and safety. Mining is a significant enterprise in the African continent; however, limited attention has been given to mental health in mining in this region. Ghana is the largest gold producer in Africa and mining contributes significantly to the economy. Mental health problems can have significant implications for the wellbeing and safety of miners employees, yet little is known about this in diverse geographic and cultural contexts. This study aims to explore mental health and available supports from the perspective of managers in mining companies in Ghana. Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was used to collect in-depth information from managers of international mining companies in Ghana. After receiving institutional ethics approval, all managers from the five mine sites were invited to participate in an interview. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes were identified: Health Promotion, which explored health assessments and health promotion of onsite activities; on-site Support which included policy, human resources and medical supports; Thirdly, External support examined formal and informal supports such as family and social networks. Conclusion: Mental health was implied in various activities undertaken at the mine rather than being specific to targeting mental health directly. This study demonstrates the absence of mental health supports in mining. Ghana. Efforts should be made to incorporate mental health programs within the general health and safety policy, and an understanding of the local social norms and culture is vital.

Source: UG
Mental health policy and system preparedness to respond to COVID-19 and other health emergencies: a case study of four African countries

As a result of a long colonial history and subsequent developmental and economic challenges, many African countries have struggled to put in place adequate policies, systems, and associated infrastructures to address the health and social needs of their citizens. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening human lives and livelihoods, concerns are raised about the preparedness and readiness of health policies and systems in African countries to deal with these kinds of health calamities. More particularly, questions can be asked about the preparedness or even existence of mental health policies and associated systems to help individuals and communities in Africa to deal with the consequences of COVID-19 and other health emergencies. In this article, we analyse the existing mental health policies of four African countries paying attention to the capacity of these legislative provisions to enable psychology professionals to deal with psychosocial problems brought about by COVID-19. We use Walt and Gilson’s Policy Triangle Framework to frame our analysis of the existing mental health policies. In line with this conceptual framework, we review the role played by the different factors in shaping and influencing these mental health policies. We further explore the challenges and opportunities associated with existing legislation and mental health policies. We also reflect on the reports obtained from each of the four countries about the role that psychologists are playing to deal with the associated psychosocial problems. Based on our policy analysis and country reports, we highlight strengths and gaps in these policies and give recommendations on how mental health policies in these countries can be strengthened to respond to COVID-19 and future health emergencies.

Source: UG
Mental health policy process: a comparative study of Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia

Abstract Background Mental illnesses are increasingly recognised as a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet many countries lack a mental health policy or have an outdated, inappropriate policy. This paper explores the development of appropriate mental health policies and their effective implementation. It reports comparative findings on the processes for developing and implementing mental health policies in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia as part of the Mental Health and Poverty Project. Methods The study countries and respondents were purposively selected to represent different levels of mental health policy and system development to allow comparative analysis of the factors underlying the different forms of mental health policy development and implementation. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Data analysis was guided by conceptual framework that was developed for this purpose. A framework approach to analysis was used, incorporating themes that emerged from the data and from the conceptual framework. Results Mental health policies in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia are weak, in draft form or non-existent. Mental health remained low on the policy agenda due to stigma and a lack of information, as well as low prioritisation by donors, low political priority and grassroots demand. Progress with mental health policy development varied and respondents noted a lack of consultation and insufficient evidence to inform policy development. Furthermore, policies were poorly implemented, due to factors including insufficient dissemination and operationalisation of policies and a lack of resources. Conclusions Mental health policy processes in all four countries were inadequate, leading to either weak or non-existent policies, with an impact on mental health services. Recommendations are provided to strengthen mental health policy processes in these and other African countries.

Source: UG