ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Nurses on the Clinical Use of Herbal Medicine at Lekma Hospital

The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of nurses on the clinical use of herbal medicine at LEKMA hospital, in the Accra Metropolis. The study was guided by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory descriptive design which used the purposive sampling technique to recruit participants. Data was collected using a semi structured interview guide and data was saturated by the 14th participant. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Confidentiality and anonymity of the participants were ensured through the use of pseudonyms. Six themes emerged that described the subjective norms, attitudes, perceived control and the behavioural intentions of the nurses towards the clinical use of herbal medicine. The other themes included vending herbal medicine and contrasting herbal and orthodox medication which were additional findings to the constructs of the TPB. The nurses believed herbal medicine was God-given. They were confident that the clinical use of herbal medicine would improve the quality of healthcare patients received. The nurses were confident that when doctors prescribe herbal medicine, it would be easy for them to serve. Also, most of the nurses lacked adequate knowledge on herbal medicine and its administration. Most of them thought vendors of herbal medicine deceive the public and believed herbal medicine had no side effects. It was recommended that nurses should be taken through workshops on herbal medicine administration. Also, the content on herbal medicine in the curriculum for training nurses should be expanded to equip nurses for the administration of herbal medicine

Source: UG
Perceptions of nurses regarding quality of adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Ghana: a qualitative study

Abstract Objectives Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a necessary life-saving emergency intervention for patients with cardiac arrest and other medical conditions. The study’s primary objective was to qualitatively explore nurses’ perceptions of the quality of adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Ghana. Methods An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted among 13 purposively sampled nurses in Ghana. We collected thirteen face-to-face and telephone interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic analysis approach recommended by Braun and Clarke. Results Data analysis revealed that nurses were filled with positive emotions when patients regained consciousness following resuscitation. When the otherwise happens, they tend to become tortured psychologically and filled with negative emotions. Besides, environmental factors such as the time of initiating CPR following a cardiac arrest, the availability and appropriateness of equipment and medications, workplace ergonomics, and institutional regulations affected the quality of resuscitation practices of nurses. Participants perceived that attitudes of condemnation, prejudice, apathy and skills deficiency also impacted the quality of resuscitation practices. Significant aspects of self-reported behavioural competence that affected resuscitation were knowledge and skills of CPR, confidence in initiating CPR, and the need for effort maximisation. Conclusion This study revealed several non-medical factors that influenced the resuscitation practices of nurses from their perspective. Nurses need to maximise their effort toward seeking further education in speciality areas such as emergency nursing and critical care nursing to guide their CPR practices and other newly emerging evidence-based protocols.

Source: UG
Perceptions of Parents on How Religion Influences Adolescents' Sexual Behaviours in Two Ghanaian Communities: Implications for HIV and AIDS Prevention.

To understand the role of religion in the sexual behaviours of adolescents, the views of parents who are key agents of socialization were examined from two south-eastern communities in Ghana. Focus Group interviews were conducted with mothers (and female caregivers) of adolescents and one with fathers (and male caregivers) of adolescents. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings indicated that parents from one community perceived religion as playing a double-edged role in adolescents' sexual behaviours as on one hand it played a protective role by restraining adolescents from risky sexual behaviours; on the other hand it disparaged the existing traditional measures that regulated adolescents' sexual behaviour. However, parents from the other community found a collaborative interface between the existing social control measures-communal socialization and proscriptive morality with religious ethics. Religious socialization, social capital theory and the concept of social suffering are used to explain some of the findings of this study. Implications for HIV and AIDS education and prevention are also discussed. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Source: UG
Perceptions of the appropriate response to norm violation in 57 societies

Norm enforcement may be important for resolving conflicts and promoting cooperation. However, little is known about how preferred responses to norm violations vary across cultures and across domains. In a preregistered study of 57 countries (using convenience samples of 22,863 students and non-students), we measured perceptions of the appropriateness of various responses to a violation of a cooperative norm and to atypical social behaviors. Our findings highlight both cultural universals and cultural variation. We find a universal negative relation between appropriateness ratings of norm violations and appropriateness ratings of responses in the form of confrontation, social ostracism and gossip. Moreover, we find the country variation in the appropriateness of sanctions to be consistent across different norm violations but not across different sanctions. Specifically, in those countries where use of physical confrontation and social ostracism is rated as less appropriate, gossip is rated as more appropriate.

Source: UG
Perceptions of the Human Resource Management Function among Professionals: A Ghanaian Study

The purpose of the study was to determine the perceptions of the HR function among professionals in Ghanaian organizations. The study employed a survey methodology using both qualitative and quantitative methods in the analysis of data collected from three hundred (300) respondents. A perception index was developed to measure the respondents' perceived relevance of the HR function in their organizations. The results from the study revealed that respondents ranked the recruitment of qualified personnel; training and development; and the retention of qualified staff as the most important functions of HRM. It also revealed that the perceived relevance of the HR function is influenced by age, job position, being denied assistance, and being sidelined for recognition. This study offers valuable insights into the perceptions of Ghanaian professionals on the relevance of the HR function and its contribution to organizations.

Source: UG
Perceptions of the Human Resource Management Function among Professionals: A Ghanaian Study.

The purpose of the study was to determine the perceptions of the HR function among professionals in Ghanaian organizations. The study employed a survey methodology using both qualitative and quantitative methods in the analysis of data collected from three hundred (300) respondents. A perception index was developed to measure the respondents’ perceived relevance of the HR function in their organizations. The results from the study revealed that respondents ranked the recruitment of qualified personnel; training and development; and the retention of qualified staff as the most important functions of HRM. It also revealed that the perceived relevance of the HR function is influenced by age, job position, being denied assistance, and being sidelined for recognition. This study offers valuable insights into the perceptions of Ghanaian professionals on the relevance of the HR function and its contribution to organizations.

Source: UG
Perceptions of the impact of refugees on host communities: the case of Liberian refugees in Ghana

This paper analyses the effects of the presence of Liberian refugees on cost of goods/services and business activities, pressure on resources/facilities, social vices and environmental activities based on perceptions (although attempts have been made to buttress the perceptions with information from focus group discussions) of hosts and refugees. The analysis included gender and type of occupation from within and among the groups. The aim was to ascertain whether the presence of refugees are viewed as having positive, negative or mixed impacts. Data are from 10 focus group discussions and 120 household surveys undertaken in April 2007. Results show that although there are gender and occupational differentials, host communities contend that refugees have increased the costs of goods and services, brought pressure on facilities, increased social vices and deteriorated environmental resources. However, refugees are viewed as a source of income and market, and trade partners, who have brought a lot of infrastructural developments. Thus, one can describe refugee presence as having mixed impacts.

Source: UG
Perceptions of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine among conventional healthcare practitioners in Accra, Ghana: Implications for integrative healthcare.

OBJECTIVE: Integrative medicine refers to ongoing efforts to combine the best of conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies. While this effort for collaboration is increasing, traditional complementary and alternative medicine (TM-CAM) remains poorly integrated into the current healthcare system of Ghana. At present, it is not clear if practitioners of mainstream medicine favor integrative medicine. The present study, therefore, sought to explore the perceptions of conventional healthcare professionals on integrative medicine. METHODS: A qualitative design composed of semi-structured interviews was conducted with 23 conventional healthcare professionals comprising pharmacists, physicians, nurses and dieticians from two quasi-government hospitals in Accra, Ghana. RESULTS: Participants’ knowledge of TM-CAM was low, and although they perceived alternative medicine as important to current conventional healthcare in Ghana, they expressed anxieties about the potential negative effects of the use of TM-CAM. This paradox was found to account for the low levels of use among these professionals, as well as the low level of recommendation to their patients. The practitioners surveyed recommended that alternative medicine could be integrated into mainstream allopathic healthcare in Ghana through improving knowledge, training as well as addressing concerns of safety and efficacy. These findings are discussed under the themes: the knowledge gap, the paradox of TM-CAM, experience of use and prescription, and guided integration. We did not observe any differences in views among the participants. CONCLUSION: The conventional healthcare professionals were ready to accept the idea of integrative medicine based on knowledge of widespread use and the potential role of TM-CAM products and practices in improving healthcare delivery in the country. However, to achieve an institutional integration, practitioners’ understanding of TM-CAM must be improved, with specific attention to issues of safety, regulation and evidence-based practice of TM-CAM products and services in Ghana.

Source: UG
Perceptions of Youth in Substance Abuse in Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Substance abuse is a maladaptive use of a drug, resulting in impairment of functioning or distress, as manifested by a failure to perform adequately at home, school or work. In Nigeria, a large number of the population mostly the youth buy drugs without any physician‟s prescription. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of the youth on the substances they abused in Gawon Nama area of Sokoto, Sokoto state, Nigeria. An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used. Twelve youth between the ages 18 to 30 years who abuse different substances but were not in psychotic state were recruited using snowball and purposive sampling methods. Semi-structured interview guide was used to interview the respondents after obtaining an informed consent from the respondents. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim, the data was analyzed using content analysis. The findings of this study revealed that the most commonly abused substance was Marijuana and the least abused was cocaine, the reasons were availability and affordability of these substances. Alcohol was not commonly abused due to religious prohibition. Physical, psychological and social effects were identified where impaired relationships and violence were common among the youth who indulge in substance abuse. Job provision, enlightenment and education were perceived measures for prevention, reduction or controlling substance abuse in Sokoto. The implications for nursing practice, policy and future research were considered and recommendations were made based on the findings of the study such as the government and non-governmental organizations should provide job opportunities for the youth.

Source: UG
Perceptions on the Impact of METASIP on Food Security in Ghana

The study assessed perceptions relating to the impact of Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (METASIP) on food security in Ghana. Specifically, the study monitored perceptions about how far the first pillar of FASDEP II which addresses food security and emergency preparedness has actually contributed to food security in Ghana. Seven indicators were identified and perceptions about these were monitored. They are improved productivity, agriculture mechanization, irrigation and water management, food storage and distribution, improved nutrition, off-farm activities and early warning systems. Findings indicated that, METASIP must do more to guide and sustain its success. More efforts must be put in for improved production, mechanization, irrigation and water management and enhanced off-farm activities by actively engaging communities, households and all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. This meant adopting a holistic approach in public investment, stakeholder participation and commitment from policy makers.

Source: UG
Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experience Regarding mHealth Among Homeless People in New York City Shelters

Mobile health may be an effective means of providing access and education to the millions of homeless Americans. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 homeless people from different shelters in New York City to evaluate their perceptions, attitudes and experiences regarding mobile health. Participants’ average age was 51.66 (SD±11.34) years; duration of homelessness was 2.0 (SD±3.10) years. The majority had a mobile phone with the ability to receive and send text messages. Most participants attempted to maintain the same phone number over time. The homeless were welcoming and supportive of text messaging regarding healthcare issues including appointment reminders, health education, or management of diseases considering their barriers and mobility, and believed it would help them access necessary healthcare. Overwhelmingly they preferred text reminders that were short, positively framed, and directive in nature compared to lengthy or motivational texts. The majority believed that free cell phone plans would improve their engagement with, help them navigate, and ultimately improve their access to care. These positive attitudes and experience could be effectively used to improve the homeless healthcare. Policies to improve access to mobile health and adapted text messaging strategies regarding healthcare needs of this mobile population should be considered.

Source: UG
Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experience Regarding mHealth Among Homeless Persons in New York City Shelters

Mobile health may be an effective means of providing access and education to the millions of homeless Americans. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 homeless people from different shelters in New York City to evaluate their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences regarding mobile health. Participants’ average age was 51.66 (SD ¼ 11.34) years; duration of homelessness was 2.0 (SD ¼ 3.10) years. The majority had a mobile phone with the ability to receive and send text messages. Most participants attempted to maintain the same phone number over time. The homeless were welcoming and supportive of text messaging regarding health care issues, including appointment reminders, health education, or management of diseases considering their barriers and mobility, and believed it would help them access necessary health care. Overwhelmingly they preferred text reminders that were short, positively framed, and directive in nature compared to lengthy or motivational texts. The majority believed that free cell phone plans would improve their engagement with, help them navigate, and ultimately improve their access to care. These positive attitudes and experience could be effectively used to improve health care for the homeless. Policies to improve access to mobile health and adapted text messaging strategies regarding the health care needs of this mobile population should be considered.

Source: UG
Percutaneous pericardial biopsy: Technique, efficacy, safety, and value in the management of pericardial effusion in children and adolescents

This study describes our technique of nonsurgical percutaneous pericardial biopsy (PPB) its efficacy and safety, and its diagnostic and therapeutic usefulness in the management of pericardial effusion (PE) in children and adolescents. In an 8-year period, 19 selected patients, aged 2 to 20 years, had PPB for evaluation and treatment of PE. Using this procedure we procured multiple biopsy specimens from various areas of the thickened parietal pericardium, and also procured pericardial fluid for investigation. The biopsy material helped establish a specific etiologic diagnosis in 63% and helped II exclude tuberculosis and malignancy in the rest (37%). The histopathologic diagnoses were tuberculous pericarditis (37%) uremic pericarditis (16%) radiation pericarditis (5%), connective tissue disease (5%), and idiopathic pericarditis (37%). In tuberculous pericarditis, the biopsy specimen provided an immediate histopathologic diagnosis and a higher culture positivity (71%) than pericardial fluid (29%). In addition the procedure was therapeutically effective in relieving tamponade and in treating effusion. Our experience indicates that the PPB procedure has both diagnostic and therapeutic value and it can be performed easily, safely, and without complications even in small children.

Source: UG
Performance Appraisal or Praising Performance? The Culture of Rhetoric in Performance Management in Ghana Civil Service

This article examines the practice of performance appraisal as a critical element of administrative culture in the Ghana Civil Service (CS). It relies on three focus group discussions with senior civil servants to analyze the practice and its implications for performance of civil servants in Ghana. The article argues that: leadership seldom gives the needed attention to this administrative practice; the process lacks objectivity; it is fraught with superstition, spirituality, and fear; appraisers are rarely trained; and civil servants only become more interested in performance appraisals (PAs) during promotion-related interviews. The article therefore concludes that this process has become rhetoric rather than an important practice and that performance only gets praised rather than being appraised. The article recommends an overhaul of the PA system by integrating it into a holistic performance management program; integrating PA training into civil service mandatory training programs; and the revision and computerization of the PA system.

Source: UG
Performance assessment of ga district mutual health insurance scheme, greater accra region, Ghana

Objective: This study assessed performance of the Ga District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme over the period 2007-2009. Methods: The desk review method was used to collect secondary data on membership coverage, revenue, expenditure, and claims settlement patterns of the scheme. A household survey was also conducted in the Madina Township by using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire to determine community coverage of the scheme. Results: The study showed membership coverage of 21.8% and community coverage of 22.2%. The main reasons why respondents had not registered with the scheme are that contributions are high and it does not offer the services needed. Financially, the scheme depended largely on subsidies and reinsurance from the National Health Insurance Authority for 89.8% of its revenue. Approximately 92% of the total revenue was spent on medical claims, and 99% of provider claims were settled beyond the stipulated 4-week period. Conclusions: There is an increasing trend in medical claims expenditure and lengthy delay in claims settlements, with most of them being paid beyond the mandatory 4-week period. Introduction of cost-containment measures including co-payment and capitation payment mechanism would be necessary to reduce the escalating cost of medical claims. Adherence to the 4-week stipulated period for payment of medical claims would be important to ensure that health care providers are financially resourced to deliver continuous health services to insured members. Furthermore, resourcing the scheme would be useful for speedy vetting of claims and also, community education on the National Health Insurance Scheme to improve membership coverage and revenue from the informal sector. © 2013 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).

Source: UG
Performance Assessment of the Juaboso District Office of the National Health Insurance Authority

Objectives To assess the performance of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Ghana. Methods Using a thorough case study of the Juaboso District Office of the NHIA, this study assessed the community coverage rate, the annual expenditure and income, and the trend of claims payment for the period 2009 to 2012 as well as factors influencing the level of patronage of the National Health Insurance Scheme. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the management of the scheme. Secondary data were also gathered from the scheme's audited financial statements. Informal discussions were held with the premium collectors and clients to throw more light on revenue generation challenges. Results The study found an increasing trend in the coverage rate on a yearly basis. Over the study period, the rate moved from 30.6 to 60.1, representing an increase of 96.7%. This shows that in terms of coverage rate, the Juaboso District Office of the NHIA is performing very well. The study also found that revenue has increased but the percentage rate of increase has decreased, compared with the coverage percentage rate. Expenditure has been on the rise, increasing by as much as 20.7% in 2011. Again, the study revealed a consistent year-on-year increase in the claims payment, consistent with the national trend. Conclusions Constant clinical auditing of claims payments is required to ensure accountability. This would lead to transparency with regard to performance assessment of the claims. The findings have important implications for the effective management of the NHIA. © 2016 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR)

Source: UG