ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the implementation success of road projects in Ghana

Although all projects are different and have unique features, there are elements, which are common to most projects. Every project involves risk of some sort. This may stem from the nature of the work for example if there are a lot of innovations involved from the type of works, procurement process and conditions of contract. However, it is possible to manage projects successfully by identifying the associated risks for appropriate action. In addition, reliable predictions of cost and duration are amongst the highest determinants of success of construction projects. Construction practitioners are aware of uncertainty, incompleteness and unknown circumstances of factors affecting project implementation success (Bousabaine & Elhag, 1997).

Source: KNUST
Factors affecting the intermittent preventive therapy of malaria in pregnancy programme in the ejisu-juabeng municipality

Malaria in pregnancy is one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and adverse birth outcomes. In high transmission areas, its prevention has recently changed, moving from a weekly or bimonthly chemoprophylaxis to intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp). IPTp consists of the administration of a single curative dose of an efficacious anti-malarial drug at least twice during pregnancy - regardless of whether the woman is infected or not. The drug is administered under supervision during antenatal care visits. Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) is the drug currently recommended by the WHO. While SP-IPTp seems an adequate strategy, there are many issues still to be explored to optimize it. In the Intermittent Preventive Therapy Programme for the prevention of Malaria in pregnancy in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality, there is a wide variance between the results of pregnant women who have had at least two doses of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) (39.6%), and the WHO recommended outcome (60%). Therefore, a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 320 women who have recently delivered and ten health workers including the Municipal Health Director was undertaken .The objective of this study was to identify the service and client factors leading to this variance. The study was undertaken in three randomly selected sub municipalities out of the five, using interview guided questionnaires and checklist .The study established that, 58.4% of the pregnant women (n=320) attended ANC for the first time in their second trimester and 27.13%took IPT 1 within the recommended period of 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. None of the facilities had the IPT Guidelines. Average waiting time was three hours. There was no Focused ANC. Of the 320 women interviewed, 43.2% took SP at least twice. Though there was 100% availability of SP at the time of the survey there were reports from both staff and clients of intermittent shortages .Analysis of the extent of male involvement revealed that, 62% of the pregnant women were supported financially by their partners to attend ANC. The successful implementation of the IPTp-SP strategy in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality depends on the proper planning of, and support to the training of health staff, the uninterrupted provision of logistics and sustained sensitization of pregnant women at health facility and community levels about the benefits of IPTp for the women and their unborn babies and the society as a whole.

Source: KNUST
Factors affecting the main contractor’s bid/ no bid decision making process in Tamale Metropolis

Ghana is one country that has prioritised public procurement as a means to reducing corruption in the country. However, the success of competitive bidding depends on a bid/no bid decisions of contractors. Bid/no bid decision call for in deep knowledge of a company’s consideration in connection with many factors affecting this decision. When a company does not assess the right factors before bidding can lead to failure in the bid and its subsequence effects on the bidder. Knowing the above challenge, the research aimed to unearth factors affecting the main contractors’ bid /no bid decision making process, causes of failures in tendering of works and effects of the failures on tenderers in the Tamale Metropolis. A questionnaire survey, consisted of 50 factors and further grouped into 13 major factors affecting bid / no bid decision, was distributed to the works contractors. Through a survey, 111 contractors and 20 procurement officers were sampled for the study. Data collected was analysed using Relevant Important Index (RII) and means score ranking with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study discovered that need for work, strength of the firm, risk creating job and contract conditions, project conditions contributing to profitability and job uncertainty were the major critical factors affecting contractors’ bid/no bid decision in the Tamale Metropolis. In order to ensure competitive bidding, the study recommends that the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) through the various procurement units of procurement agencies should work to ensure that tendering procedure becomes less cumbersome with understandable specification conditions and less expensive process. However, the results provided will make contractors more informed about the factors affecting the bidding decision process. Contractors been aware of these factors will make an informed decisions relating to bidding process.

Source: KNUST
Factors affecting the safety compliance of mining projects in the mining industry of Ghana. A case study of Asanko Gold Mine

Health and safety are known as the important aspect relating to employment responsibilities at every field of work, especially in the mining and construction industry. The main aim of the study is to explore the factors affecting health and safety compliance of mining projects in the mining industry. In attaining the main aim of the study, the following objectives were noted, this includes; to examine the level of health and safety compliance of mining projects in the mining industry of Ghana, and to identify factors affecting health and safety compliance of mining projects in the mining industry. The quantitative research method was used for this study and data was gathered by the use of questionnaires. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling technique, which helped in selecting the respondents who were the staff of Asanko Gold Mine in the Ashanti region. The research used a sample size of 70 where by questionnaires were administered to respondents according to this number, after this process a data results of 52 was returned, the researcher used this results in analyzing the study. Analysis of the data was conducted using the Relative Importance Index and the Mean score ranking. The first objective was attained where by some factors were ranked high as the level of health and safety compliance of mining projects in the mining industry, and this includes: there is a reality of occupational health and safety policy in your company, records for accident occurrences are well kept, accidents are reported to the proper agencies, and lastly, records of accidents are well managed and used in educating others. Factors under the last objective includes: Low level of knowledge on health and safety, Inappropriate training of workers, Insufficient protective equipment being provided, Bad management of safety meetings on site, Unsafe attitudes of workers and lastly, health and safety regulations being inaccessible, in which were the factors affecting health and safety compliance of mining projects in the mining industry. The various objectives helped in bringing into light the key factors affecting the safety compliance of mining projects in the mining industry of Ghana

Source: KNUST
Factors Affecting the Implementation of Sustainable Construction in Ghana: the Architect’s Perspective

Urbanization and industrialization are having a great impact on the earth’s ecosystem: environmental degradation, pollution, climate change and poverty. This menace has brought to the forefront the need for sustainable development in the built environment. Though construction practitioners in Ghana are aware of sustainable construction practices, there is lack of evidence on its implementation in the country. This study investigates, from the Ghanaian architects’ perspective, the level of implementation, the barriers and drivers influencing the implementation of sustainable construction in Ghana. Structured questionnaires were formulated from identified barriers and drivers from literature. The questionnaires were undertaken via online survey through google forms and sent through emails to respondents. All the 93 architectural firms registered with the Architects Registration Council (ARC) were included in the survey to accommodate the problem of low rate of responses from architects in surveys. In all, 71 responses were received, 68 (73.11%) were considered responsive for the analysis due to inconsistencies or incompletion. Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to analyse and rank the data collected. The result suggested that sustainable construction implementation is at its infancy stage. The majority of respondents believe that client demand is the key driver whereas the key barrier is lack of financial incentives. Change in legislation, tax incentives and awareness creation were the most influential factors that can promote the drivers and at the same time mitigate or eliminate the barriers. It was also suggested that the uptake of Building Information Modelling (BIM) by professionals in the industry will help in the promotion and implementation.

Source: KNUST
Factors associated with hypertension and diabetes in rural communities in the Asante Akim North Municipality of Ghana

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension and diabetes, have assumed the centre stage of discussion among health policymakers globally1 . Although health policymak ers have not shifted their attention from infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases are increasingly receiving attention from policymakers and the general public. Attention has mostly been paid to the characteristics of diabetes and hypertension, risk factors, management, and mortality2–7 . Years ago, hyper tension and diabetes, which were initially characterized as diseases of the rich and aged, are now affecting all categories of people across various wealth quintiles and ages8,9 . Health experts have cautioned on the need to reduce the occur rence of these diseases citing references from the data of the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD)10–12 and evidenced study outcomes1,13–15

Source: KNUST
Factors affecting the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women aged 18 to 55 years, within the Ejisu Juaben Municipality

Cervical cancer is an important public health problem globally and in Ghana. Cure rates are high if the condition is diagnosed early. Screening has a role to play in early diagnosis, but uptake of screening is low in Ghana. The study assessed the proportion of women utilizing cervical cancer screening services. The study also evaluated reasons that may account for low screening rates in the Ejisu-Juaben district of Ghana, including the level of women’s knowledge of cervical cancer screening service, accessibility of the screening service, and women’s reasons for not utilizing cervical cancer screening services. A facility-based quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected using close-ended structured questionnaires. 395 questionnaires, based on completeness were analyzed. Percentages were calculated and expressed in simple descriptive statistics. 395 people were surveyed. 31 (1%) of those surveyed had had cervical screening. Two variables remained significant after controlling for relevant factors. These are age ( Adj OR = 0.19 CI = 0.53 – 0.68 p=0.01) and knowledge level (Adj OR =7.56 CI=2.36 – 24.14 p=0.001). Other demographic variables such as higher education, Christians, married women, multiparty, and being a salaried worker were associated with acceptance of screening, but the association was not statistically significant. The majority of study respondents stated they would participate in the cervical screening program if it was more accessible and affordable. Including the benefits of screening programs in the educational curriculum may have a positive effect on cervical screening. In addition government policies directed at improving accessibility of cervical cancer screening services, to all women in Ghana could improve uptake and help to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer among Ghanaian women. Government agencies in collaboration with stake holders should develop policies that will ensure accessibility of cervical cancer screening services, to all women in Ghana, Provision of resources, in terms of human, equipment and other logistics for cervical cancer screening is highly recommended. Public enlightenment campaign through the media with women as the main target should be instituted to sensitize women on the importance of being screened.

Source: KNUST
Factors associated with Induced abortion among women in Hohoe, Ghana

In Hohoe, Ghana, induced abortion is the second highest cause of hospital admissions. We aimed to describe factors influencing induced abortion among 408 randomly selected women aged 15-49 years. 21% of the women had had an abortion; of those, 36% said they did not want to disrupt their education or employment; 66% of the abortions were performed by doctors. Bivariate logistic regression showed that compared with women with secondary education, women with basic education (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.54) and uneducated women (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07-0.70) were significantly less likely to have had an abortion. Women who were married (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.10-3.04), peri-urban residents (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 0.95-3.94), and women with formal employment (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 0.86-5.45) were more likely to have had an abortion. Stakeholders should improve access to effective contraception to lower the chance of needing an abortion and target education programmes at those with unmet need for contraception

Source: KNUST
Factors associated with male involvement in family planning in the Asuogyaman District, Ghana

Family planning (FP) is a way of controlling populations and it helps in reducing unintended pregnancies. Pregnancy is expected to occur by choice and not by chance and the goal of family planning is to assist couples and individuals of all ages to achieve this reproductive goal to improve their general reproductive health. The continuous use of contraceptive methods has not only resulted in the improvement of health-related outcomes, but also greatly reduced neonatal, infant and maternal mortality. However, family planning coverage remains low in Ghana at 24% as well as in the Asuogyaman district at 17% per the 2016 district annual report. The study employed a quantitative method to determine factors influencing male involvement in FP in the Asuogyaman district. The study design was cross-sectional. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 308 respondents by simple random sampling. Data was checked for completeness and accuracy and analyzed using STATA version 12.1 at a significant level of 5%. Contraceptives awareness (94.7%) and knowledge (71.3%) were high among male respondents. Though a majority (70.3%) perceived family planning as good for controlling family size and the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, up to 44% of male respondents’ perceived contraceptive use makes a woman promiscuous and 62.3% said their religious and traditional beliefs were against its use. Condoms (52.5%) were the most used of the contraceptive methods. Upon multivariate logistic regression, factors associated with male involvement in pregnancy planning were ethnicity, educational level, occupation and monthly income. Factors associated with male involvement in planning desired family size included age groupings, ethnicity, occupation and religion. Factors associated with male involvement in family planning/contraceptives use were marital status, occupation, and religion. xi In conclusion, contraceptive knowledge among men was found high, marginal number of men had negative attitude towards contraceptives of making a women promiscuous. An average number of men had involved in family planning with regard to pregnancy planning, desired family size and contraceptives/family planning use. However, contraceptives/family planning use was found above average among men of reproductive age. Significant factors associated with males’ involvement in pregnancy planning, desired family size and FP method use were ethnicity, educational level, occupation, monthly income, age groupings, religion, and marital status.

Source: KNUST
Factors associated with the use of a mobile phone-based health information system among caregivers of children under-five in Rural Ghana

Introduction Although childhood mortality and morbidity continues to be one of the leading challenges in LMICs, the burden can significantly be prevented with simple and affordable interventions. The phenomenon of using mobile phone technology in healthcare (mHealth) has attracted a global attention because of increase access and use of mobile phones in both urban and rural areas. MHealth interventions therefore provide a promising vehicle to improving the health outcomes in developing countries where access to health continues to be a significant obstacle. Notwithstanding the potential benefits of mHealth, its adoption and use among the end users in developing countries, such as Ghana, have not been thoroughly explored. Objective This study assessed the factors that influence the use of a mobile phone-based health information system among caregivers of children under five years in the Asante Akim North District. Methodology A community-based cross-sectional study nested in the MOBCHILD project was conducted in Asante Akim North District, a rural area in Ghana. In all 354 caregivers of children under-five years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Regression analysis was done to examine the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent constructs (variables) within the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Results Most caregivers were females (86.44%). Mobile phones ownership was very high (86%). Male gender, age and socio-economic status were associated with phone ownership (p<0.05). A significant 92.66% (324) of the all the respondents expressed intention to use to mHealth service in the future although a third (28.53%) reported actual use. The results also indicated that the relationship between Performance Expectancy (PE) and Behavioural Intention (BI) (β-0.278, 95% CI-0.207-0.349 p<0.001), Effort Expectancy (EE) and BI (β-0.242, 95% CI-0.159-0.326, p<0.001), Social Influence (SI) and BI (β-0.081, 95% CI- 0.044-0.120, p<0.001), Facilitating Condition (FC) and User behaviour (UB) (β-0.609, 95% CI- 0.502-0.715, p<0.001), were significant. Behavioural Intention (BI) had a strong positive impact on User Behaviour (UB) (β-0.426, 95% CI-0.255-0.597, p<0.001). Mobile phone experience and socio-economic status significantly moderated the effect of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating condition on behavioural intention and usage of mHealth service. Conclusion The perceived usefulness (PE) of mHealth system, ease associated with its use (EE), social influences (SI) and existing facilitating condition (FC) are strong determinants of users’ attitude and actual use (UB) of mHealth services. In order to increase uptake of mHealth, barriers such as electricity and network challenges must also be considered.

Source: KNUST
Factors associated with modern contraceptive use by sexually active persons of reproductive age in new Takoradi, a community in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis, Western Region, Ghana

Background: The uptake of modern contraceptives by sexually active persons of reproductive age (15 - 49) years was an important tool in family planning. It will enhance spacing of child birth thus preventing the risk of maternal mortality. The Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis continued to record low acceptor rates of contraceptive use. It was as low as 10% as at 2015. Objective: The main objective of the study was to determine factors that influence the use of modern contraceptive methods in sexually active persons in their reproductive age, in New Takoradi community, in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. Method: Community based descriptive and observational analytical cross sectional study was conducted from September to November 2017. Primary data was collected by using community based interviewer structured questionnaires through simple random sampling. Data was analysed using STATA version 13.0 (Stata corp, college station, Texas, USA) to generate proportions/percentages for categorical variables by the use of frequency distribution tables. Continuous variables however were analysed by determining the relationship between each variable and modern contraceptive use. Associated factors were determined using chi-square by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to generate ORs and 95% confidence interval at a significant level of 5%. Results: Modern contraceptive knowledge among respondents was found to be high as most (99.5%) have ever heard and knew at least one contraceptive method. More than half (53.8%) had ever used contraceptives and 35.9% believed the use of modern contraceptives help to space birth and prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). About 34.5% perceived women who used contraceptives to have multiple sexual partners while 54.8% thought unmarried youth should not be allowed to use contraceptives. Sources of access to contraceptives were reported to include; family planning centres, PPAG clinics, chemical/drug stores, government/private hospital, and most the preferred sources of contraceptives access were family planning centres, PPAG clinics and Pharmacy. Significant socio-demographic and economic factors that determine modern contraceptives used were gender (OR= 0.1; 95% CI 0.03-0.3; p=0.01), currently in school (OR = 12.5; 95% CI 0.5-99.5; p = 0.02); educational level (OR = 0.04; 95% CI 0.01-0.4; p=0.04), monthly income (OR = 3.8; 95% CI 0.4-36.4; p=0.01) and occupation (OR = 0.9; 95% CI 0.4-2.0; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Overall, there was an increase in modern contraceptive knowledge among persons of reproductive age in New Takoradi, as well as contraceptives access with a marginal negative attitude and perceptions towards modern contraceptives used among women. Associated factors that determine modern contraceptive use among persons of reproductive age were gender, currently in school, educational level, monthly income earned and occupation.

Source: KNUST