ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Smokers are over-represented in subjects with ahaptoglobinemia in Ghana

Aim: Smoking has been established as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It causes oxida-tive stress and sub-clinical inflammation, which undermine the antioxidant defense system of the body. We reasoned that natural antioxidant defense systems may be compromised in smokers. To this end, we examined whether haptoglobin (Hp), a potent antioxidant, is impacted negatively by smoking. Methods: Study participants consisted of 121 current smokers and 105 healthy non-smokers without diabetes and without blood smear-positive P. falciparum. Smokers were defined as individuals who smoke at least 1 cigarette a week and are current smokers (occasional and regular). Baseline demographics, hematological indices, lipid profiles, blood pressure, lactate dehydrogenase activity and haptoglobin phenotypes were determined. Results: Ahaptoglobinemia was found to be highly overrepresented in smokers (odds ratio (OR) =3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.5-6.5, p=0.002). This observation was not attributed to intravas-cular hemolysis. Hp2-2 phenotype was found to be under represented in smokers (OR=0.53, 95% CI = 0.28-0.99, p = 0.05). Smoking was confirmed to augment hypertension (diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in male smokers (p = 0.0001). Interestingly, however, this appeared not to be related to lipid metabolism, as HDL was elevated (p = 0.0007) while LDL was decreased (p= 0.004) in smokers within the study population. Conclusion: We conclude that smoking is a risk factor for ahaptoglobinemia, which will impact negatively on anti-oxidant defenses and augment pro-oxidative stress effects.

Source: UG
Smoking prevalence differs by location of residence among Ghanaians in Africa and Europe: The RODAM study

Background Although the prevalence of smoking is low in Ghana, little is known about the effect of migration on smoking. Comparing Ghanaians living in their country of origin to those living in Europe offers an opportunity to investigate smoking by location of residence and the associations between smoking behaviours and migration-related factors. Methods Data on a relatively homogenous group of Ghanaians living in London (n = 949), Amsterdam (n = 1400), Berlin (n = 543), rural Ghana (n = 973) and urban Ghana (n = 1400) from the cross-sectional RODAM (Research on Obesity & Diabetes in African Migrants) study were used. Age-standardized prevalence rates of smoking by location of residence and factors associated with smoking among Ghanaian men were estimated using prevalence ratios (PR: 95% CIs). Results Current smoking was non-existent among women in rural and urban Ghana and London but was 3.2% and 3.3% in women in Amsterdam and Berlin, respectively. Smoking prevalence was higher in men in Europe (7.8%) than in both rural and urban Ghana (4.8%): PR 1.91: 95% CI 1.27, 2.88, adjusted for age, marital status, education and employment. Factors associated with a higher prevalence of smoking among Ghanaian men included European residence, being divorced or widowed, living alone, Islam religion, infrequent attendance at religious services, assimilation (cultural orientation), and low education. Conclusion Ghanaians living in Europe are more likely to smoke than their counterparts in Ghana, suggesting convergence to European populations, although prevalence rates are still far below those in the host populations. © 2017 Brathwaite et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Source: UG
Sn3C2 monolayer with transition metal adatom for gas sensing: a density functional theory studies

The gas sensing properties of pristine Sn3C2 monolayer and different transition metal adatom (TM-Sn3C2, where TM=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd and Ag) was investigated using van der Waals corrected density functional theory. The understanding and potential of use of Sn3C2 monolayers as sensors or adsorbent for CO, CO2, NO, NO2 and SO2 gaseous molecules is evaluated by calculating the adsorption and desorption energetics. From the calculated adsorption energies, we found that the pristine Sn3C2 monolayer and 3d TM has desirable properties for removal of the considered molecules based on their high adsorption energy, however the 4d TM is applicable as recoverable sensors. We applied an Arrhenius-type equation to evaluate the recovery time for the desorption of the molecules on the pristine and TM adatom on Sn3C2 monolayer. We found that the negative adsorption energies from −1 to −2 eV of the molecules resulted in easier recovery of the adsorbed gases at reasonable temperatures compared to adsorption energies in between 0 and −1 eV (weakly physiosorbed) and below −2 eV (strongly chemisorbed). Hence, we obtained that the Rh–Sn3C2, Ru–Sn3C2, Pd–Sn3C2, Pd–Sn3C2, and Rh–Sn3C2 monolayers are good recoverable scavengers for the CO, CO2, NO, NO2, and SO2 molecules. The current theoretical calculations provide new insight on the effect of TM adatoms on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of the Sn3C2 monolayer and different transition metal adatom as well as shed light on their application as gas sensors/scavengers.

Source: UG
Snapshot fecal survey of domestic animals in rural Ghana for Mycobacterium ulcerans

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
A snapshot of emotional harms caused by the litigation process – Qualitative data from Ghana

Background: Very few studies have investigated the effect of the process of litigation on the mental health of litigants. In Ghana, not much is known about the stress that litigants encounter and how they cope during the process of litigation. Methods: This study used a mixed-method sequential explanatory design to explore the stressors people litigating as individuals encounter in Ghana and how they cope in the process of litigation. As the second phase following the quantitative stage, interviews were conducted with seventeen (male ¼ 13, female ¼ 4) litigants (de fendants ¼ 4, plaintiffs ¼ 13) who were selected (using criterion sampling) from the Law Court Complex in Accra, Ghana. Their average age and the average duration of the case was 50.13 (SD ¼ 12.55), and 26.7 months respectively. Results and discussion: To explain the results found in the quantitative phase, three themes with subthemes were extracted from the data set: challenges in the court process, emotional consequences of the litigation process, and coping mechanisms. The frequent adjournments of cases, delays on court days, deliberate dragging of cases, financial strain, and opportunity cost, were the challenges encountered by litigants in the court process. These led to emotional outcomes such as stress, overstraining, sleepless nights, numbness, and the acceptance of court pro ceedings as part of life. To help them cope with these emotional outcomes, litigants looked for a light at the end of the tunnel and reliance on their faith. The stressful nature of the court process and how litigants cope with the process of litigation is discussed. Consequently, we recommend that people be educated about Bar etiquette and court procedures. Additionally, we suggest that lawyers should provide some form of scientifically-derived esti mation of how long a case might last. It is also recommended that law firms consider providing counselling sessions for their clients.

Source: UG
Sociabilities and Religiosities in Urban Senegal

The MIASA Working Paper series serves to disseminate the research results of work in progress prior to publication in order to encourage the exchange of ideas and academic debate. The series aims to publish research findings from the work of the MIASA Interdisciplinary Fellow Groups (IFGs) and other MIASA fellows in an open-access manner. Inclusion of a paper in the MIASA Working Paper Series does not constitute publication and should not limit publication in any other venue. Copyright remains with the authors

Source: UG
Social and Economic Survey of Kwamu

A social and economic survey of the village of Kwamu was made by the students and staff of the Department of commerce, college of Technology during their spare time in the months of November and December, 1952. 2. Kwamu is a village on the main Accra-Kumasi road about 10 miles from Kumasi. It lies within the cocoa farming area and the majority of the men in the village a r e cocoa farmers. Many of the cocoa farmers work on farms some distance from Kwamu and at the time of the survey most of them were living away from the village in other cocoa farming areas. The villagers of Kwamu are eager to move from their present village to a new site on the new Kumasi-Accra .road which is still under construction. This new road lies about one and half miles to the north of the village

Source: UG
Social and Technological Issues Affecting Strategic Planning in University Libraries in Ghana

Social and technological factors that affect strategic planning in Ghanaian university libraries are explored in a qualitative study of sixty-five senior university officials and three civil servants. Social issues discussed include low status of library profession, the historical weaknesses of school libraries and other specific behaviours that correlate negatively with strategy. Technological points include national technological infrastructure and the lack of technology to monitor the environment. © 2002, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Social capital and active membership in the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme - a mixed method study

Background People’s decision to enroll in a health insurance scheme is determined by socio-cultural and socio-economic factors. On request of the National health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Ghana, our study explores the influence of social relationships on people’s perceptions, behavior and decision making to enroll in the National Health Insurance Scheme. This social scheme, initiated in 2003, aims to realize accessible quality healthcare services for the entire population of Ghana. We look at relationships of trust and reciprocity between individuals in the communities (so called horizontal social capital) and between individuals and formal health institutions (called vertical social capital) in order to determine whether these two forms of social capital inhibit or facilitate enrolment of clients in the scheme. Results can support the NHIA in exploiting social capital to reach their objective and strengthen their policy and practice. Method We conducted 20 individual- and seven key-informant interviews, 22 focus group discussions, two stakeholder meetings and a household survey, using a random sample of 1903 households from the catchment area of 64 primary healthcare facilities. The study took place in Greater Accra Region and Western Regions in Ghana between June 2011 and March 2012. Results While social developments and increased heterogeneity seem to reduce community solidarity in Ghana, social networks remain common in Ghana and are valued for their multiple benefits (i.e. reciprocal trust and support, information sharing, motivation, risk sharing). Trusting relations with healthcare and insurance providers are, according healthcare clients, based on providers’ clear communication, attitude, devotion, encouragement and reliability of services. Active membership of the NHIS is positive associated with community trust, trust in healthcare providers and trust in the NHIS (p-values are .009, .000 and .000 respectively). Conclusion Social capital can motivate clients to enroll in health insurance. Fostering social capital through improving information provision to communities and engaging community groups in health care and NHIS services can facilitate peoples’ trust in these institutions and their active participation in the scheme.

Source: UG
Social Capital and Adolescent Girls' Resilience to Teenage Pregnancy in Begoro, Ghana

This study focuses on how older adolescent girls access and utilize social capital to develop resilience against teenage pregnancy in Begoro, Ghana. A survey of 419 non-pregnant girls aged 15-19 years, selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique, was conducted in 2012. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with ten girls purposively selected from the survey respondents. Parents, relatives, teachers and religious groups were found to be important sources of social capital for the non-pregnant girls in developing resilience against teenage pregnancy. In addition, resilient girls tended to rely on multiple sources of social capital. It is recommended that stakeholders and policymakers in Ghana ensure that these significant sources of social capital in adolescent girls' sexual experience are equipped with the right information to help girls decrease the risk of teenage pregnancy. © 2016 Cambridge University Press.

Source: UG
Social capital and export performance of SMEs in Ghana: the role of firm capabilities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the direct impact of social capital and the influence of market-based capabilities as intervening variables on the export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from top executives and senior managers of exporting companies in Ghana. Data obtained were analysed using the structural equation modelling. Findings – The findings revealed that social capital of SMEs exert the greatest influence on their export performance. Innovation and marketing capabilities are also key drivers of export performance among SMEs as they fully mediate the social capital–export performance relationship. Notwithstanding, marketing capabilities appear to exert a greater influence than innovation capabilities on the export performance of SMEs. Research limitations/implications – The study used perceptual measures of international performance by managers of SMEs in the Ghanaian exporting sector making it difficult to determine respondent bias. Practical implications – Managers of exporting firms should build stronger relationships with their customers and suppliers who contribute significantly to their export performance. SMEs would also have to hone their innovation and marketing skills as strategic components in enhancing their export performance. Social implications – Market-based resources such as marketing and innovation should not be taken for granted by SMEs in the export business. Originality/value – The study offers some lessons on how small firms can sharpen their marketing and innovation capabilities to derive export performance benefits from social capital. Theoretically, while the findings offer strong evidence reinforcing the DC theory, an exploration of the nexus of the theories brings to the fore the need to reassess the resource-based view and SC theories.

Source: UG
Social capital is associated with improved subjective well-being of older adults with chronic non-communicable disease in six low- and middle-income countries

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly contributing to the morbidity and mortality burden of low and-middle income countries (LMIC). Social capital, particularly participation has been considered as a possible protective factor in the prevention and management of chronic conditions. It is also largely shown to have a negative effect on the well-being of patients. The current discourse on the well-being of individuals with NCDs is however focused more on a comparison with those with no NCDs without considering the difference between individuals with one chronic condition versus those with multiple chronic conditions (MCC). Method and objective: We employed a multinomial logit model to examine the effect of social capital, particularly social participation, on the subjective well-being (SWB) of older adults with single chronic condition and MCC in six LMIC. Findings: Social capital was associated with increased subjective well-being of adults in all the six countries. The positive association between social capital and subjective well-being was higher for those with a single chronic condition than those with multiple chronic conditions in India and South Africa. Conversely, an increase in the likelihood of having higher subjective well-being as social capital increased was greater for those with multiple chronic conditions compared to those with a single chronic condition in Ghana. Discussion: The findings suggest that improving the social capital of older adults with chronic diseases could potentially improve their subjective well-being. This study, therefore, provides valuable insights into potential social determinants of subjective well-being of older adults with chronic diseases in six different countries undergoing transition. Additional research is needed to determine if these factors do in fact have causal effects on SWB in these populations.

Source: UG
Social consequences of planned relocation in response to sea level rise: impacts on anxiety, well‑being, and perceived safety

Governments globally are adapting to sea level rise through a range of interventions to improve everyday lives of communities at risk. One prominent response is planned relocation, where people and communities are enabled to move from localities exposed to coastal erosion and inundation as a result of sea level rise. Managed retreat has significant social consequences, including underreported impacts on health, well-being and social identity. Here, we adopt well-established measures of well-being and document the outcomes of planned relocation on well-being in the Volta Delta region of Ghana. Data from a bespoke survey for individuals (n= 505) in relocated and non-relocated communities demonstrate that planned relocation negatively impacts well-being and anxiety of those relocated when compared to a community that is equally exposed but has not moved. Individuals in the relocated community reported significantly lower levels of overall wellbeing. higher levels of anxiety and lower perceptions of safety, compared to non-relocated community members. These outcomes are explained as being related to the disruption of community connection. identities, and feelings of efficacy. Relocated community members reported significantly lower levels of attachment to the local area and home, significantly lower levels of community-based self-efficacy, and significantly lower levels of overall community-based identity. The results demonstrate that planned relocation to address sea level rise has multiple social consequences with outcomes for well-being that are not straightforwardly related to risk reduction

Source: UG
Social Construction of Caesarian Section among Women after Surgical Intervention in the Tamale Metropolis

Caesarian Section is chosen as a birth method particularly when difficulties arise during delivery. Despite this, women are not willing to take up caesarian section as a birth method because they are afraid of what their significant others will say about them. However, literature on how women construct Caesarian section in Ghana is scanty. This study therefore focused on understanding the meaning given to caesarian section among women after surgical intervention in the Tamale Metropolis. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed in the study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of twelve (12) purposively selected women who underwent CS within six months to one year and were aged 18 years and above. Interviews were audio taped and later transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Five (5) themes were identified and described as follows: Social construction of CS, Sources of perception about CS, Perceived order of socialisation about CS, emotions associated with CS and Post CS consequences. The study found that, participants had varied beliefs about CS. The sources of perception of CS as mentioned by the women include social media and significant others. Social perception of womanhood emerged strongly as an order of socialization. The study revealed that the women were anxious, depressed while others expressed positive emotions towards CS. Following the incidence of CS, the women suffered from marital and social consequences. The findings of this study have implications for nursing practice, nursing research and policy formulation.

Source: UG
Social costs of skilled attendance at birth in rural Ghana

Objective: To examine the social costs to women of skilled attendance at birth in rural Ghana. Method: Ethnographic data were obtained through participant observation, interviews, case histories, and focus groups and were analyzed alongside data from a birth cohort of 2878 singletons born in the Kintampo study district between July 2003 and June 2004. Results: Most women delivered at home. Home delivery raises a woman's status in her community, while seeking skilled attendance lowers it. Women feel that seeking assistance in childbirth wastes other people's time and they value secrecy in labor. Negative treatment by health providers and expensive supplies needed for delivery also act as barriers. Conclusion: The social costs of obtaining skilled attendance at birth must be offset by community level strategies such as mobilization of older women and husbands, and ensuring health providers extend professional, humane care to laboring women. © 2008 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Source: UG
Social effects of poor sanitation and waste management on poor urban communities: A neighborhood-specific study of Sabon Zongo, Accra

This paper provides a neighborhood-specific study of the social effects of poor sanitation in a poor neighborhood in a developing country city, Accra. It examines the challenges of rapid urbanization with respect to sanitation and waste management, and the burdens placed on poor urban residents in Sabon Zongo, a poor community in Accra. Like many poor communities in Accra and other large Ghanaian cities, residents of Sabon Zongo unable to queue and pay for sanitation services tend to package their liquid and solid waste in plastic bags and dump them indiscriminately within the community. The paper argues that the inability of city authorities to deal with sanitation and waste management in the poor urban community of Sabon Zongo go beyond the much discussed issue of health. This is because the inadequacy of sanitation and waste management in this particular poor urban settlement also has social implications. The paper concludes that while slums and poor urban communities may exhibit certain similar characteristics, they are not homogenous. Neighborhood-specific research such as the present study on Sabon Zongo offers opportunities for analyzing and understanding the internal dynamics, and the key stakeholders at the community level - critical conditions for tapping into the energies of residents toward addressing the challenges of sanitation and waste management in poor urban communities in Accra. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UG