ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Determinants of antenatal care quality in Ghana

Purpose – To achieve Goal 5 of the MDGs, the Government of Ghana introduced the free maternal health service system to break financial barriers of access to maternal care services. In spite of this, facility‐based deliveries continue to be low due partly to poor quality of antenatal care that prevents pregnant women from giving birth in hospitals. The aim of this study is to examine factors shaping quality of antenatal care in selected public hospitals in the country. Design/methodology/approach – 363 expectant mothers were randomly selected for interview. Women who have previously received antenatal care in the health facilities for at least two occasions were interviewed. Multivariate logistic regression model were computed to examine correlates of antenatal care quality. Findings – The odds of reporting quality of antenatal care as good was higher among women aged between 30 and 34 years. Similarly women with junior/senior high education were more likely to report antenatal care quality as good. Distance to the health facilities generally influence women perception of antenatal care quality but the relative odds of reporting quality of care as good attenuated with proximity to the health facility. Five factors (pleasant interaction with providers, privacy during consultation, attentiveness of providers, adequate facilities and availability of drugs) emerged as statistically significant in explaining antenatal care quality after controlling for selected demographic variables. Originality/value – Results of the study generally demonstrate the need to improve maternal services in public facilities to stimulate utilisation and facility‐based deliveries.

Source: UG
Determinants of antenatal care use in Ghana

The paper investigates the determinants of antenatal care use in Ghana. In particular, we study how economic factors affect the demand for antenatal care and the probability that the number of visits falls below the recommended number of four. Estimation results from a nested three-level multinomial logit model (care or no care; doctor or nurse or midwife; sufficient or insufficient visits) show that indeed living standard, cost of consultation and in particular travel distance to the provider have a significant impact on the demand and sufficiency of antenatal care. In addition, pregnant women with more schooling have a higher propensity to seek sufficient antenatal care from all providers, while women of higher parity tend to use less antenatal carefrom less expensive providers. These results suggest that adequate antenatal care use in Ghana can be promoted effectively by extending the supply of antenatal care services in the rural area, by general education policies and by specific policies that increase reproductive health knowledge. Furthermore, contrary to findings elsewhere, our estimates provide little support for a special targeting of antenatal care according to religious background. © Centre for the Study of African Economics 2004; all rights reserved.

Source: UG
The determinants of anti-money laundering compliance among the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) member states

Purpose This paper aims to compute a measure for anti-money laundering/counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance and investigate its determinants. Design/methodology/approach Using the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and assigning weights to them, the study computes a measure for AML compliance. Further, the determinants of AML compliance were investigated using ordinary least squares (OLS) data of 155 countries between 2004 and 2016. Findings The findings suggest that AML compliance have slightly improved over the years. Further, the OLS regression results show that technology, regulatory quality, bank concentration, trade openness and financial intelligence center significantly determined and improved AML compliance. Practical implications From the findings, it is evident that countries that wish to improve the AML compliance should focus more on technology, regulatory quality, structure of the banking sector, size of the economy and institution of financial intelligence center so as to enhance AML compliance. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper reveals a first AML/CFT compliance index that measures the cross-country level of AML/CFT compliance from the year 2004 to 2016. Subsequently, this paper adopted an OLS econometric model to identify the key determinants of AML/CFT compliance among member states of FATF.

Source: UG
Determinants of asset misappropriation at the workplace: the moderating role of perceived strength of internal controls

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the prevalence of asset misappropriation at the workplace and examines the dominant factors that influence individuals to misappropriate assets at the workplace. Relying on the most recent theory on fraud (the stimulus/pressure, capability, opportunity, rationalization and ego (S. C.O.R.E. model) as the theoretical basis, the study examines the effect of pressure, rationalization, capability, opportunity/strength of internal control system and ego on asset misappropriation at the workplace while controlling for the effect of ethical values. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 883 valid responses from individuals working in various organizations in Ghana were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. The hypothesized relationships of the study were tested by means of a structural model analysis using the partial least square based structural equation modelling technique. Findings – Results from the structural model analysis demonstrate that individuals misappropriate assets at their workplace due to pressures they face, their ability to rationalize their actions as not wrong, their capabilities and their egos. The results, however, indicate that the extent to which an individual will misappropriate asset depends, to a large extent, on the person’s perception of the strength of internal control mechanisms at the workplace. The findings of the study make significant contributions to the fraud discourse. Originality/value – Theoretically, the study is among the first to provide empirical support for the applicability of the S.C.O.R.E. model in the fraud literature. Again, this study extends knowledge on occupational fraud literature by examining an area that has received the least research attention: asset misappropriation. The study also highlights the important role of internal controls in reducing the occurrence of asset misappropriation at the workplace.

Source: UG
Determinants of Automobile Purchase and Brand Choice in Ghana: Multinomial Logit Approach

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Determinants of Bank Lending Behaviour in Ghana

This paper investigates the determinants of bank lending behaviour in Ghana. Using the GMM-System estimator developed by Arellano and Bover (1995) and Blundell and Bond (1998), we find that bank size and capital structure have a statistically significant and positive relationship with bank lending behaviour. We also find evidence of negative and significant impact of some macroeconomic indicators (central bank lending rate and exchange rate) on bank lending behavior. Again, competition in the industry was found to have a positive and significant impact on bank lending behaviour. Finally, relationship banking was found to have a positive correlation with bank lending behaviour in Ghana. Thus, policies aimed at maintaining stable macroeconomic fundamentals would greatly accelerate bank lending decision.

Source: UG
Determinants of Bilateral Trade Between Ghana and Other Members of the Economic Community of West African States

We analyze bilateral merchandise trade flows between Ghana and the other 14 members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The analysis involves the use of the modified gravity model based on most recent data from 1995 to 2006. We establish that per capita gross domestic product of ECOWAS countries and the population of these countries drive trade levels between Ghana and these countries in a positive manner as expected from the theoretical gravity model. The physical distance between Ghana and ECOWAS member countries has the expected negative impact on trade flows with longer distances reducing trade flows. Political instability in ECOWAS countries hinders bilateral trade between Ghana and these countries. We also establish that Ghana trades more intensively with French-speaking countries than other countries in the ECOWAS region. This result is partly due to Ghana sharing its border with three French-speaking countries. However the trade volumes between Ghana and other French-speaking countries in the Region with which it does not share borders are also significant. The widespread teaching and learning of the French language in Ghana is one of the recommendations of the study.

Source: UG
Determinants of capital structure of banks in Ghana: An empirical approach

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamics involved in the determination of capital structure of banks in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach - The study employs panel regression model in examining the capital structure of banks in Ghana. Findings - The results of this study show that profitability, corporate tax, growth, asset structure and bank size influence banks' financing or capital structure decision. The significant finding of this study is that, more than 87 per cent of the banks' assets are financed by debts and out of this, short-term debts appear to constitute more than three quarters of the capital of the banks. This highlights the importance of short-term debts over long-term debts in Ghanaian banks' financing. Originality/value - The main value of this paper is identification of factors that determine capital structure of banks in Ghana. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UG
Determinants of carbon management accounting adoption in Ghanaian firms

Purpose Carbon management accounting (CMA) is one part of sustainability accounting designed to provide information for the management of carbon dioxide (CO2) releases. Adopting the contingency framework, this paper aims to examine the contextual antecedents that influence CMA adoption in Ghanaian firms. Design/methodology/approach The paper tests seven contextual dimensions, namely, strategy, structure, size, environmental management system (EMS), decentralization, technology and perceived environmental uncertainty, on CMA adoption from a survey of 125 accountants. Findings Consistent with prior literature, organizational strategy, structure, environmental management accounting (EMA), firm size, technology and perceived environmental uncertainty were found to be positively associated with CMA adoption and hence support contingency theory. However, a relationship between decentralization and EMA adoption was not supported by the sample data. Also, the existence of CMA systems was found to be low in the sample firms, although more than half of the respondents have EMS. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to Ghana hence possible generalization of the results is limited. Further exploration of contingency-based research in other emerging economies would provide valuable insights on CMA adoption and practices to contribute to the CMA literature. Practical implications The findings suggest that although CMA adoption and practices is low in the sampled firms, both contextual and environmental factors play a vital role in the adoption of CMA in developing economies, as it pertains to the generic management accounting systems. Policies governing CMA practice should incorporate organizational contextual factors. Originality/value The paper presents preliminary empirical evidence on the state of adoption and practice of CMA from an emerging economy perspective, an area which lacks empirical investigation both in the EMA and the carbon accounting domain. It draws considerable novelty on the basis that despite the growing interest in climate change-based research empirical works on CO2 emissions conducted exclusively from management accounting perspective, and in developing economies in particular, have been scant. The paper extends the contingency theory framework from conventional practices to the EMA field.

Source: UG
Determinants of change in blood pressure in Ghana: Longitudinal data from WHO-SAGE Waves 1–3

The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in low- and middle-income countries, however statistics are generally derived from cross sectional surveys that utilize different methodologies and population samples. We investigated blood pressure (BP) changes over 11–12 years in a large cohort of adults aged 50 years and older (n = 820) included in the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (WHO-SAGE Ghana) Wave 1 (2007/8) with follow up in Wave 3 (2019). Participants’ BP were measured in triplicate and a survey completed at both time points. Survey instruments collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, health behaviors and chronic conditions. While no significant difference was found in systolic BP between Waves 1 and 3, diastolic BP decreased by 9.7mmHg (mean = 88.6, 15.4 to 78.9, 13.6 respectively) and pulse pressure increased by 9.5mmHg (44.8, 13.7 to 54.3, 14.1). Awareness of hypertension increased by 37%, from (20% to 57%), but no differences were found for the proportion of hypertensives receiving treatment nor those that had controlled BP. Mixed effects modelling showed a decrease in diastolic BP was associated with increasing age, living in rural areas and having health insurance. Factors associated with an increased awareness of hypertension were residing in urban areas, having health insurance and increasing body mass index. While diagnosis of hypertension has improved over time in Ghana, there is an ongoing need to improve its treatment in older adults.

Source: UG
Determinants of cigarette smoking and smoking intensity among adult males in Ghana

Background In spite of the adverse health and financial implications of smoking, it still remains one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths in the world. Key to discouraging the habit of smoking is knowledge of the drivers of smoking. In Ghana, though smoking behaviours are relatively more associated with adult males than youth and adolescents, studies on smoking behaviours of adult males are scant. This study, therefore, investigates the determinants of cigarette smoking and smoking intensity among adult males in Ghana. Methods Data were obtained from the most recent Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted in 2014. Based on the 2014 GDHS, a negative binomial-logit hurdle model was estimated to explore the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics associated with cigarette consumption and smoking intensity among adult males in Ghana. To ensure robustness, separate estimations were performed for the respective logit and negative binomial models used in the two-part model. Results We find that men in lower socioeconomic category (poor and low education) have a higher likelihood to smoke. Also, age proved significant in explaining smoking behaviors in Ghana. Moreover, religion and region of residence are reported to affect cigarette consumption decision. Furthermore, we find that among the men who smoke, those between the ages of 44 and 60 years and have attained approximately primary education have a higher likelihood to smoke greater quantities of cigarette daily. Also, the smokers who reside in the Upper East and Upper West regions are reported to smoke more intensely than their counterparts in the Greater Accra region. Conclusion Since smoking remains one of the major causes of diseases and deaths the world over, the current study provides recent empirical evidence based on a nationally representative sample for public health policies geared towards smoking reduction and ultimately cessation. This study suggests that public policies that promote higher educational attainment and improved incomes (wealth) are crucial in smoking reduction and cessation in Ghana.

Source: UG
Determinants of community pharmacy utilization in Ghana

To examine the determinants of community pharmacy utilization and factors influencing an individual's decision to use community pharmacy as first option for primary care services. A cross‐sectional household survey was conducted in the Ga West district of Ghana. A total of 497 adults (18 years and above) were chosen using a three‐stage cluster random sampling technique. Probit regression models were used to estimate the determinants of use of community pharmacy in general, and use of community pharmacy as first option for primary care services. Out of 497 respondents, 415 indicated that they had used community pharmacies within the last 12 months prior to the study, while 82 indicated that they had not used community pharmacies within the same time frame. The regression results revealed that utilization of community pharmacy services was influenced by age, presence of minor ailment, distance to the nearest pharmacy, employment status, income, location and perceptions concerning pharmacists' roles. Additionally, factors influencing an individual's decision to use community pharmacy services as first option for primary care services were found to include perceptions concerning pharmacists' role, privacy, distance and waiting time. The findings of the study have significant implications for policy formulation, aimed at improving community pharmacy services utilization and consequently improving the quality of services offered, both in community pharmacies and mainstream hospitals.

Source: UG
Determinants of condom use by men in extramarital relationships in Nigeria

Background: Extramarital sex is a high-risk behavior in terms of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission, yet condom use in extramarital relationships is an understudied area in Africa, and Nigeria in particular, where such liaisons are not uncommon. This study highlights key determinants of condom use among men who engage in extramarital sex in Nigeria. Methods: Results are based on a subsample of 642 married men from a combined dataset from three waves of the National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS), a set of multiround nationally representative surveys. Logistic regression was employed to explore possible determinants of condom use in extramarital sex. The motivation, opportunity, and ability model was applied in selecting the determinants. Results: HIV risk-reduction knowledge was found not to be associated with condom use. At the full logistic regression model, being of the Yoruba tribe, having no misconception about HIV transmission, ability to discuss condom use, and ability to wear condoms were the key variables significantly associated with condom use in extramarital sex. Conclusion: Implementing HIV risk-reduction behavior change requires more than knowledge. Behavioral skills in condom use are critical. Intervention efforts should move away from knowledge about risk to concentrate on improving skills on how to discuss condom use and wear condoms correctly.

Source: UG
Determinants of Consumer Satisfaction of Healthcare in Ghana: Does choice of health care provider Matter?

A modern health system which provides high quality care has trickle-down effect on the quality of life of the individual citizens and the overall economic development of the country. One method which is applicable to the measurement of quality of health care is consumers’ ratings of the services provided. This paper investigated the overall level of satisfaction associated with the choice of a health care provider. Parents whose children (aged-under five) fell sick four weeks prior to the survey and had sought intervention within 2 days were asked their overall level of satisfaction with health care providers. Using the ordered logit model, the study confirms the notion in Ghana and elsewhere that private health care is associated with higher levels of satisfaction or quality. Control variables that were found to be statistically significant were gender of the child, maternal age and education, distance and waiting time among others. To the best of our knowledge, no study has examined the effect of provider choice on overall satisfaction of health care in Ghana.

Source: UG
Determinants of COVID-19 Response Strategies in Selected African Countries

Using protection motivation theory as the theoretical framework, this study investigates the factors that motivate COVID-19 response in Ghana, Cameroon, Lesotho and Uganda. Through simple random and snowball sampling techniques, 651 participants were selected. The study collected data with the aid of a survey questionnaire, which was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show high perceived COVID-19 threats among the respondents. Consequently, response strategies, such as wearing of nose mask, hand sanitizer application and social distancing, which are perceived to be effective, have been adopted. It is evident that respondents’ demographics influence their COVID-19 threats and coping strategies. Nevertheless, the severity of COVID-19 impacts (p = .00), efficacy of response strategies (p = .00) and access to COVID-19 information (p = .02) were the significant predictors of COVID-19 response, even though the efficacy of COVID-19 response strategies (beta = .55) emerged as the best predictor. It is imperative for African governments to prioritize COVID-19 education to control the spread of the pandemic and minimize its impact.

Source: UG
Determinants of customer satisfaction with retail bank services in Ghana

Recent studies indicate high competitiveness of the Ghanaian banking industry, making it difficult for banks to satisfy and retain customers. However, little empirical knowledge exists on the determinants of customer satisfaction toward the services delivered by the banks. This article reports a study of the determinants of customer satisfaction of retail bank services in Ghana. An extensive review of the extant literature was used to identify the theoretical determinants of customer satisfaction in retail banking and their measurement scales. These were adapted to build a conceptual framework for the empirical investigation conducted. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered through personal interviews to 650 customers of retail banks, and the results were factor analyzed and regressed. The empirical results indicated that relational, core, and tangible dimensions of service were positively associated with customer satisfaction in retail banks in Ghana. The study discusses the strategic implications of the findings for the management of customer satisfaction for retail banks operating in Ghana

Source: UG