ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of facilitative supervision visits in primary health care service delivery in Northern Ghana

Background: In Ghana's health delivery services, facilitative supervisory visit (FSV) as a system of management is new. This paper presents the standard evaluation results of FSV, which formed an integral part of the community-based health planning services (CHPS) initiative. Methods. The study was conducted in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The Project developed guidelines and tools for FSV for four different health system levels - regional, district, sub-district and community levels. Electronic data from all four levels representing quarterly results were compiled into their annual equivalents, and summarized graphically for comparison. Results: The data show that all the nine districts embraced the FSV concept even though they differed markedly with regard to the degree of adherence to some set benchmarks. Three DHMTs (Wa Municipal, Lawra and Jirapa) were graded as good while the remaining six DHMTs were adjudged as fair in relation to management of supplies, transport and equipment, information, meeting, and technical support. Conclusions: The data further suggest that there is much to gain both individually and institutionally from FSVs. Generally, FSVs are crucial to the delivery of primary health care services in especially rural areas. © 2013 Aikins et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Evaluation of field recognizable morbidity indicators of Schistosoma haematobium infection among primary school children in Ghana

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
An Evaluation of Financial Health of Non-Life Insurance Companies from Developing Countries: The Case of Ghana

The paper seeks to shed light on the contention regarding ascertaining the financial soundness of insurance companies using a developing country as the context. It examines the current model being used by the Ghanaian regulatory and supervisory body (the National Insurance Commission, NIC) on non-life insurance companies in Ghana and compares it with the CARAMELS model including other rival theories in determining the financial health of non-life insurance companies in Ghana. The motivation of the study was that the unique format of insurance companies' financials does not lend itself to traditional financial accounting analysis. Besides, assessing financial soundness in the insurance industry is a complex task since the overall financial position of an insurance company depends on many factors, some of which are difficult to quantify. Though, recommendations as well as conclusions from past studies concerning the financial health on insurance companies are mixed, results from the study suggest that, the framework being used currently by NIC on the financial health of non-life insurance companies is not comprehensive enough to give early warnings to the industry's stakeholders and that the CARAMELS model as proposed by other authors fits the Ghanaian context and helps to bring to the fore, the generally accepted insurance core principles in the financial behaviour of non-life insurance companies in Ghana.

Source: UG
Evaluation of Food Services Establishment inspections surveillance system in Greater Accra Region of Ghana, 2020

Background In Ghana, 77% of traceable foodborne diseases results from improper handling in Food Service Establishments (FSE). The FSE Inspection surveillance system instituted by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in 2010 inspects and license FSEs to ensure compliance to Good Hygienic Practices (GHP). We evaluated the FSE Inspection surveillance system to assess if the systems objectives were being met and to assess attributes and usefulness of the system. Method We evaluated the FSE surveillance system by interviewing 20 stakeholders in the Greater Accra Region (GAR) using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention updated guidelines for evaluating health surveillance systems. We reviewed systems records from 2017 to 2019 and made observations of surveillance activities. Microsoft excel was used for collation and analysis of data into frequencies and proportions and results were presented in tables and graphs. Result From 2017 to 2019, 36.5% (876/2400) FSE applications were received with 1206 inspections carried out within the evaluation period. About 14.8% (355/2400) FSE's accepted the system with 12 out of 16 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA's) represented in the surveillance system. Overall, sensitivity was at 60.5% with (530/876) of FSEs issued with a food hygiene permit (FHP). System restructuring or modifications barely affected the operational procedures. Timeliness was 54.3% (38/70) with almost half of FSEs inspected after the 40 days benchmark. Data completeness was 93.8% (333/355) for stored data. Conclusion The FSE inspection surveillance system was found to be useful in meeting its set objective of ensuring FSE compliance to GHP. The system was flexible, stable and sensitive but was not acceptable, fairly timely and had a poor representation in GAR. Introduction of an electronic application or web-based inspections and strengthening of collaboration among stakeholders are key to improving the systems timeliness and representativeness respectively.

Source: UG
An evaluation of forest conservation perceptions after a decade of community conservation in Afadjato Agumatsa, Ghana

Perceptions of communities about natural resource conservation are important intermediate outcomes of conservation interventions. This is especially important in community-based natural resource management regimes, where they need to be assessed before the ultimate outcome of conserved natural resources and biodiversity. The assessments of these perceptions are also very important for conservation management purposes. Selected communities in the Afadjato Agumatsa area in Ghana, West Africa started community forest conservation in 1999 with technical support from a conservation organization as well as financial support from an international agency. At the beginning of the conservation action, forest conservation perceptions were assessed. In this study, we evaluated the changes in perceptions about forest conservation in three communities living in the Afadjato Agumatsa area in Ghana, between 1999 and 2009. The method we used was a qualitative pretest posttest evaluation. We also assessed which socioeconomic factors predicted peoples’ perceptions about forest conservation. The results suggest that there has been an overall increase in support for forest conservation in the area expressed by the cultural, natural resource and economic benefits and values from the forests since 1999. This increase could be influenced by the cultural and economic benefits that the conservation program introduced. However, some respondents continue to hold reservations about restrictions to the exploitation of natural resources that the conservation program has imposed. This concern has to be continually managed.

Source: UG
Evaluation of four exportable hybrid okra varieties in three different ecozones of Ghana

Four export okra varieties namely 'Najuka', 'Saloni' OH-152 and OH-016 were evaluated for their growth and yield in different ecozones of Ghana. The locations where the trials were carried out included: Param Farms, Akatsi, Tacks Farms at Akrade and Kpalime, Obuadum Vegetable Farmers Association Farms, Bunso, Agomanya Sweet Potato Farmers Association Farms, Somanya, Dhillion Farms, Weija, Abutia Youth Farmers Association Farms, Abutia near Ho and SOA Farms, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar and the Agricultural Research Centre farms, Kade. Two experiments were carried out. The first experimental studies were conducted at the University of Ghana Agricultural Research Centre Farms, Kade (Eastern Region) and Tacks Farms, Kpalime (Volta Region) to evaluate the four varieties in terms of their growth and yield characteristics while the second studies were carried out in some selected vegetable producers and exporters farms. Results obtained indicated that the varieties started flowering between 28-42 days after sowing in all the experiments. Saloni flowered earlier compared to the other varieties. In the first experiments at Kade and Kpalime, fruit number per plant ranged from 21-27. Yields of 123, 18.7, 19.98 and 20.22t/ha were obtained at Tack Farms, Kpalime for Najuka, Saloni, OH-016 and OH-152 respectively. In the second or commercial experiments, fruit number per plant ranged from 10-20 while the yield was between 3.73-6.26 t/ha. The number of fruits ranged from 623.3-1043.1 boxes/ha. However, the number of boxes exported was from 118.3-990.3 in the different varieties and a total of 4,570.2 boxes were exported. The total revenue generated from the total exports amounted to 159.96m. OH-152 proved to be one of the most preferred varieties in terms of growth, fruit number and yield as well as its dark green colour at all locations, followed by OH-016 and Najuka. In general the results look promising and okra has the potential to take the lead in sustaining the vegetable export trade in Ghana

Source: UG
Evaluation of groundwater recharge estimates in a partially metamorphosed sedimentary basin in a tropical environment: Application of natural tracers

This study tests the representativeness of groundwater recharge estimates through the chloride mass balance (CMB) method in a tropical environment. The representativeness of recharge estimates using this methodology is tested using evaporation estimates from isotope data, the general spatial distribution of the potential field, and the topographical variations in the area. This study suggests that annual groundwater recharge rates in the area ranges between 0.9% and 21% of annual precipitation. These estimates are consistent with evaporation rates computed from stable isotope data of groundwater and surface water in the Voltaian Basin. Moreover, estimates of groundwater recharge through numerical model calibration in other parts of the terrain appear to be consistent with the current data in this study. A spatial distribution of groundwater recharge in the area based on the estimated data takes a pattern akin to the spatial pattern of distribution of the hydraulic head, the local topography, and geology of the terrain. This suggests that the estimates at least qualitatively predicts the local recharge and discharge locations in the terrain. © 2014 Felix Oteng Mensah et al.

Source: UG
Evaluation of Heavy Metals Contamination of Soil and Vegetation in the Vicinity of a Cement Factory in the Volta Region, Ghana

Heavy metal mobilization in the biosphere by human activities has become an important process in the geochemical recycling of these metals. In this work, 34 soil samples and 29 Tephrosia elegans plants collected in the vicinity of the Diamond Cement Factory, Aflao, Ghana were analyzed for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn using energy dispersive XRF. The results of the metal analysis indicated that some metallic levels were in excess of natural background and critical limits for the soil and plants respectively. The results further revealed that the metal distribution were in a fluctuating manner considering various distances and directions from the cement facility. However, it was observed that the mean metal concentrations of the soil and plants decrease as distance from the cement facility increased for most metals. This indicated that the facility which is the only industrial source in the area is the major cause of the pollutants contamination in its vicinity. In an attempt to understand the pattern of metal contamination in the area, useful tools including enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index and pollution load index were employed to indicate the sources of soil contamination were anthropogenic in character. Recommendations for the need for other studies on environmental and human health around the cement and similar facilities to protect human life and the environment are suggested.

Source: UG
Evaluation of human and mosquito based diagnostic tools for defining endpoints for elimination of Anopheles transmitted lymphatic filariasis in Ghana

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
The Evaluation of Information Literacy among Medical Students at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to assess the information literacy of medical students at the University of Ghana. The convenience sampling technique was used to choose 206 respondents for the study, which yielded a response rate of 93.7 per cent. The study found that the majority of respondents needed information to acquire new knowledge in a subject area and to write assignments or project work. Moreover, most respondents rely on books, electronic books, and journals as their primary sources of knowledge. Furthermore, most respondents stated that they obtain their information via the internet. Additionally, most responders use the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Again, the majority of respondents are aware of the concept of plagiarism and will acknowledge the author of a book if they use a piece of it in their work or study. Last but not least, respondents’ major concerns about information access were low internet speed, high cost of books and other information materials, and information overload. Thus, it is strongly recommended among others that the CHS administration especially the CHS Library should manage and develop their collections in that required and relevant information sources will be available for students to use in their assignments and project works

Source: UG
Evaluation of Intussusception after Monovalent Rotavirus Vaccination in Africa

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Evaluation of iron levels and hematological indices among blood donors at the Southern Zonal Blood Center, Accra, Ghana

Background: Blood donation is essential for maintaining life-saving supplies, but screening often focuses only on hemoglobin, neglecting iron stores. While hemoglobin recovers quickly, iron takes longer to replenish, putting frequent donors at risk. Even without anemia, low iron can cause fatigue, reduced endurance, and cognitive issues, potentially leading to iron-deficiency anemia. Many programs overlook iron status, leaving regular donors vulnerable to chronic depletion. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the iron status and haematological indices of categories of blood donors. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 350 blood donors of which 146 were first-time donors, 146 repeat donors, and 58 hemoglobin-deferred donors from the Southern Zonal Blood Center, Accra, Ghana. For each participant, about 3 mL of blood sample was obtained to estimate FBC for haematological parameters and serum ferritin concentration for iron status. Results: The study involved 350 blood donors and found a median Hb of 12.4 g/dL and ferritin levels ranging from 11.8 to 500 ng/mL. First-time donors showed a positively skewed Hb distribution, while repeat donors had greater variation with outliers. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in Hb, MCV, MCHC, RDW, and serum ferritin were observed across the groups, though MCH showed no significant difference (p = 0.062). Iron depletion was present in 16.7 % of participants, whilst 8.3 % had iron-deficient erythropoiesis, and 75 % had normal ferritin levels. Conclusion: The findings of the study highlight the differences in iron reserves and hematological parameters among donor categories, emphasizing the impact of donation frequency on iron status. This study provides new evidence from Ghana on how blood donation frequency affects iron reserves and haematological indices.

Source: UG
Evaluation of KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 allelic polymorphisms in Kenyan children with endemic Burkitt lymphoma

ndemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) is a fast-growing germinal center B cell lymphoma, affect ing 5–10 per 100,000 children annually, in the equatorial belt of Africa. We hypothesize that co-infections with Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) impair host natural killer (NK) and T cell responses to tumor cells, and thus increase the risk of eBL pathogenesis. NK cell education is partially controlled by killer immunoglobulin-like recep tors and variable expression of KIR3DL1 has been associated with other malignancies. Here, we investigated whether KIR3D-mediated mechanisms contribute to eBL, by testing for an association of KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 genotypes with the disease in 108 eBL patients and 99 healthy Kenyan children. KIR3DL1 allelic typing and EBV loads were assessed by PCR. We inferred previously observed phenotypes from the genotypes. The frequencies of KIR3DL1/KIR3DL1 and KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Additionally, none of the study participants was homozygous for KIR3DS1 alleles. EBV loads did not differ by the KIR3DL1 genotypes nor were they different between eBL survivors and non-survivors. Our results suggest that eBL pathogenesis may not simply involve variations in KIR3DL1 and KIR3DS1 genotypes. However, considering the complex ity of the KIR3DL1 locus, this study could not exclude a role for copy number variation in eBL pathogenesis.

Source: UG
Evaluation of Laboratory Performance with Quality Indicators in Infectious Disease Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Background: In January 2010, the implementation of quality management systems toward WHO AFRO laboratory accreditation commenced in the Antiretroviral Treatment Laboratory of the In fectious Disease Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Quality improvement projects were instituted in 2011 in line with ISO 15189 requirements for accreditation of medical laboratory. In this study we eva luated the performance of the laboratory through some set of quality indicators (QI). Methodology: This was a retrospective study to evaluate laboratory QIs monitored from January 2011 to De cember 2013. The QIs were specimen rejection rate (SSR), turnaround time (TAT), proficiency testing performance (PTP) and client satisfaction survey (CSS). Data was collected into an excel file for analysis and percentage performance compared among years. SSR & TAT were evaluated with the Sigma scale. Results: A total of 7920 (2194 in 2011, 2715 in 2012, 3011 in 2013) speci mens were received for testing. 22 (0.28%) specimens were rejected and 81 (1.02%) specimens’ results were reported after the acceptable TAT, giving a Sigma level of 4.27 and 3.82 for SSR and TAT respectively. There was steady improvement in PTP: CD4+ from 67% in 2011 to 90% in 2013, hematology from 81% in 2012 to 83% in 2013, blood film reading 79% in 2011 to 83% in 2013 and chemistry from 90% in 2011 to 93% in 2013. HIV serology recorded 100% throughout. CSS increased from 59% in 2012 to 78% in 2013. However, there was no statistically significance dif ference reported for PTP and CSS over the years (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the need to continuously evaluate QIs and calls for more effort to improve on PTP and focuses on un derstanding and improving on clients concerns.

Source: UG
An evaluation of library automation in some Ghanaian university libraries

Purpose – The study was undertaken to find out which library processes have been automated in Ghana’s three older public university libraries namely, the Balme Library, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Library and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Library. Design/methodology/approach – Using data obtained through the use of questionnaires, the study examined areas of general automation, automation of specific library processes, networking, internet connectivity, training, and major constraints to library automation. Findings – The study found out that even though the university libraries realize the importance of library automation, they are hampered by lack of funds, lack of support from the university administrations, and lack of skilled staff to embark on automation of all library processes. It was also revealed that none of the libraries have on OPAC (online public access catalogue). Originality/value – The study concludes with recommendations that would enhance the university libraries drive towards automation of their library processes and ensure effective and efficient use of the new technology to raise the image of the libraries and give their library clients more services

Source: UG
Evaluation of management effectiveness of protected areas in the Volta Basin, Ghana: perspectives on the methodology for evaluation, protected area financing and community participation

Protected areas are widely recognized as an important strategy for biodiversity conservation. Most of the sites are, however, poorly managed as resource exploitation by fringe communities and low government funding, among other things, threaten their management effectiveness. We used the World Commission on Protected Areas framework for designing management effectiveness evaluation systems, with the Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Areas Management (RAPPAM) methodology as a tool, to evaluate six components of the management cycle at six sites in Ghana for their management effectiveness. We examined the robustness of RAPPAM as an evaluation tool in the African context. The results showed that most of the sites evaluated are vulnerable and exposed to various degrees of pressure and threats, including poverty in the nearby communities, adjacent land-use and encroachment. On RAPPAM, we noted that apart from inconsistencies in some of the assessment scores due to the biases associated with the self-assessment approach of the methodology, the management effectiveness framework places little emphasis on financing and community participation, though both play major roles in the management process. We proposed a modification of the framework within the African context, to address effectively the underlying courses of pressure and threats facing Ghana’s protected areas.

Source: UG