ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and practice of family planning among married partners in Ledzokuku Krowor municipality in the Greater Accra region of Ghana

FP has received serious attention from international organizations. This emphasizes the recognition placed on FP as a strategy to curb the socio-economic implications and health problems that high population growth rate has on countries. Much of this phenomenon of increasing population growth and its consequences is manifested in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to determine the family planning knowledge, attitude and practice among married couples in the Ledzekuku Krowor Municipality. The study employed a household cross-sectional study design with quantitative approach to data collection to examine the knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among married partners. The study population comprised men and women who were married and were within their reproductive ages (15-49 years) with a total sample size of 206.The study adopted a convenience and purposeful sampling where people who are available and were willing to take part in the study were used. A descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. There was a positive correlation between the age of respondents and that of their spouse (r2=0.41). Regarding the knowledge of respondents on family planning, 77%, 55% and 86% cited the purposes as for child spacing, reduced family size and prevention of pregnancy respectively. The results showed positive attitude towards family planning since the majority support the use (88.5%), and partner’s use (78.0%). In terms of practice, 72% had ever used; partner ever used (52.5%) and discussed FP with partner (67.5%). Factors influencing include community acceptance (76%), no stigmatization (68.5%) and normal cost of contraceptives (65.0%). The good knowledge of FP reflected in attitude and practice of respondents towards Family Planning services and related issues. More education and information will further yield positive results.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers related to cervical cancer, screening and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination among female non-health professionals in the Offinso South Municipality, Ashanti Region, Ghana.

Cervical cancer, a largely preventable cancer, is the commonest cancer among women in Ghana and the leading cause of cancer mortalities. Prevention is through HPV vaccination and cervical screening. Developed countries, through effective screening programmes, have seen a remarkable decline in the incidence of and mortality associated with cervical cancer. This is in sharp contrast to what pertains in developing countries where the majority of cases are seen. The main objective of the study was to identify the factors that are associated with the patronage of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening services among female non-health professionals in the Offinso South municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Materials and A cross sectional descriptive study with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted from July to September, 2015 to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers related to cervical cancer, screening and HPV vaccination. A total of 301 randomly selected women participated in this study. Only 19.6% of respondents had adequate knowledge about cervical cancer, screening and HPV vaccination. 90% of them had a positive attitude towards the disease. Only 2% of the non-health professionals had previously been screened. 2 out of the 301 participants had received the HPV vaccine. Major barriers to these services are lack of knowledge about screening/HPV vaccination and where to access them. Their knowledge and attitudes were not significantly associated with their practice. Majority of the study participants are not knowledgeable about cancer of the cervix, screening and HPV vaccination. Despite their positive attitudes, very few of them had been screened or vaccinated.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge, availability and utilization of long lasting insecticide treated bed net among pregnant women in Kaneshie

Background: Malaria is a disease which is caused by the plasmodium parasites in the blood or it ssuesiofihumans. iIni2012, igovernmentiofiGhana idistributedibednetsitoipregnantiwomeniiniorder to reduce the transmission of malaria. Though there was a massive distribution alliover the icountry, ithe iconsistent iuse iof ithe iLong iLasting iInsecticide itreated iNet i(LLIN) iisilow. iThusithis istudy iwasidone ito ifind iout ithe iuse iof iLLIN iamong ipregnant iwomen iin ithe iKaneshie iPolyclinic iandifindioutiknowledgeiofitheipregnantiwomenionimalariaiprevention. iMethod: iA ifacility ibased icross-sectional istudy iinvolving i227 ipregnant iwas icarried iout iat iKaneshie iPolyclinic iin iApril ito iAugust i2019. i277 irespondents iwere isampled iusing ipurposive isampling ifrom iamong ithose iwho iattend iAnte-Natal iclinic iin iKaneshie iPolyclinic. iData iwas icollected iusing ia iquestionnaire idesigned iin iOpen iData iKit i(ODK)iand ianalysed iusing iexcel. iThe idataiwasipresentediinifrequencyitable. Results:iAitotal iofi227 irespondentsiwere iinvolved iin ithe istudy. iThe imean iage iofithe irespondents iwasi35 iyears. iThe imajority iofipregnant iwomen i(91.19%)i(204)i iwho iattended iANCiat iKaneshie iPolyclinic ihad iknowledge iabout itransmission iof imalaria. iMost iof ithem i(78.18%) ihad ivery igood iknowledge iabout iLLIN iuse iand ithat iwasisignificant. iSome iofithe iparticipantsi[38.33% i(87)] ihad imisconceptions iabout ithe iuse iof iLLIN. iDespite itheir ihigh ilevel iof iknowledge iabout imalaria itransmission iand iuse iofiLLIN, ithe ilevel iofiusage iofiLLIN iamong ithe ipregnant iwasilow i68.28%. iMajority iof ithe irespondents iwere iof ithe iview ithat ithey iuse ithe inet ibecause imalaria iwill inot ikill ithemianditheiriunbornichildiwillibeisafe. Conclusion:iIniconclusion, iaccessibilityioffiLLINiisiveryihighiyetiunitizationiwasiveryilowi

Source: KNUST
Knowledge, attitude and practices towards malaria

A clear understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a particular community can inform the design of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) campaigns to influence acceptance and use of any malaria control measures. Research to clearly determine what interventions to carry out has not been undertaken in towns and villages in Akuapim North Municipal Assembly. In this regard, a study was conducted guided by the following objective: To assess a comprehensive knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) level of the community towards malaria and associated factors in Akuapim Municipal, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted in between August and September 2019 in Akuapim North Municipal Assembly. Quantitative data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire covering all 21 towns and villages and subsequently were analyzed using SPSS software and Microsoft Excel. 42.16% of respondents had medium knowledge about malaria prevention and control, scoring either 3 or 4 out of a maximum 6 points (Mean score = 5.26 points, SD = 3.24). On the whole, respondents do recognize the threat posed by malaria as most (98.69%) agreed with the statement: “I think that malaria is a serious and life-threatening disease”. Despite most households (72.85%) owning mosquito nets, participants confirmed that some people do not use the nets because they associate them with breathing difficulties. (11.22%) of the respondents had poor practices towards malaria prevention and control. In general, most people had good knowledge about malaria prevention and control. Most of the respondents see malaria as a threat to their lives and community and majority had good practices towards malaria prevention and control but do not reflect to reality on the ground. Therefore interventions aimed at social and behaviour change are necessary to address the gaps highlighted by the study.

Source: KNUST
KNUST Sets Four World Records At A Pace

Could you believe that the Kwame Nkrumah university of Science and technology, Kumasi (KNUST), Ghana, set four records at a pace in 2009, and has not as yet received any detailed publicity? Though a report was made by posting the pacesetting programme and thesis on the internet, the four pacesetting records were not mentioned. Well, better late than never, as goes the axiom. It is better to attend late or to start late than never attempting at all. Jesus admonished humanity to let their light shine (Matthew 5:16). No matter how small the light is, it ought to be lit to shine, to brighten the corner where it is. The said four paces, though could not be said of as so enormous, but since it is a conglomerate pacesetter at the height of academic endeavour, it requires the attention of at least the global academia. Because the pace was set in the field of academia, it would be better to briefly dilate on academic research as prelude. In all fields of academic endeavour, a conducted research should include reasonable review of Related Literature and Fieldwork Research before data is analysed and interpreted, expounding the underpinning concepts or philosophies. In some programmes, practical research ought to be conducted, for example, at the Laboratory. The processes and analyses as well as interpretations ought to be involved in the practical aspect to support the Fieldwork, as philosophic presence is to be felt in the various sections, especially the Analyses and the Interpretations.

Source: KNUST
Kokofu Traditional Music in Kokofu Culture

Traditional music is the modern name for what used to be called “Folk music”. However the term "Folk music" was expanded to include a lot of non-traditional matter. The music is passed down orally; this is not universal, but there must be a strong tradition of oral transmission. The music derives from, or is related to, a particular people, region or culture and lacks copyright. The problem of this thesis was that, traditional music used to be very active in Kokofu community, and the younger generation has little knowledge about the traditional music in the Kokofu culture. The aim of this study is to identify the various traditional music types found in Kokofu community and discuss the functions of the traditional music in the religious, political, economic and social activities and its importance in the Kokofu culture. To elicit information for the study, 300 people were targeted and sampled. These include chiefs, health workers, teachers, students, children, market women, tailors and seamstresses, bankers and elders in the Kokofu town and its environs. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used and instrument for data collection include participation observation, questionnaire and structured interviews. Libraries were consulted to review literature.It was found out that traditional music performed in Kokofu community is indispensable in the political, social, religious and economic life of the people at Kokofu and it is important to the culture, most especially in the area of chieftaincy. It is also recommended that the old folks in the Kokofu community should teach the younger generation to ensure its continuity. In the nutshell, traditional music is important to Kokofu community and the youth must be encouraged and motivated to perform it to ensure its continuity. Though it has suffered because of modern education and some religious beliefs but due to chieftaincy and its activities, it has been able to survive the test of time.

Source: KNUST
Korle Bu Blood Centre, Korle Bu, Accra

Blood transfusion therapy can be defined simply as the transplant of a liquid minor tissue from one person (the donor) to another person, (the recipient). It is also concerned with Autologous transfusion which describes any transfusion of blood or blood components that have originated from the intended recipient. A blood transfusion service is charged with the responsibility of integrating and coordinating the use of blood and blood products within a defined catchrnent area. The hospital blood bank is therefore, responsible for organisation of an adequate panel of non-enumerated blood donors, screening, testing, and processing of the blood into safe blood and blood products for the hospital. There are two methods of blood donor organisation, which are, walk-in-phlebotomy, and mobile-phlebotomy. In the developed countries, walk-in-phlebotomy forms a greater proportion of blood collection. This is due to the fact that, general awareness, interest and need to donate voluntary blood are high amongst the population. On the other hand in developing countries, where traditional beliefs, culture and perception, highly mitigate against blood donation, mobile-phlebotomy constitute a major preparation of blood collection. It is generally an accepted fact that blood transfusion therapy is more prevalent in the developed countries than the developing ones. The annual draw units of blood may however, differ from one country, to another. This depends on the population, rate of accidents, level of surgery and anaemia. The provision of blood and blood products in developed countries within the past twenty years is organised in independent minor blood banks. The blood is then sent to a major blood centre to be processed into safe blood and blood products, for distribution to all hospitals and clinics practising blood transfusion therapy within the catchment area of that blood centre. This method of blood collection and processing is not only economical but also provides a more scientific approach to donor selection, a better and more accurate way of screening, testing and processing as well as a judicious way of blood management. Five major blood centre are to be developed simultaneously over the next five years in Ghana at Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi, Tamale, and Koforidua. Individual hospital blood banks will gradually cease to exist in their present form of operation, when the system is fully developed. The choice, number and location of the blood centres have been determined taking into consideration, the blood requirements of the clinics and hospitals

Source: KNUST
Kofi at the post office: a supplementary reader for Primary Schools

The post office serves as a very vital link in the communication network of all countries, including Ghana. However, in most rural areas of Ghana, the post offices are not being fully utilized. This situation might be linked to lack of proper understanding of their role by the rural folks. There is, therefore, the need to educate our up and coming generation (children) about the importance of post office in the day-to-day life of communities. There is, also, the need to encourage reading at the primary school level. This, in short, is the role of this booklet. Realising that children learn better from pictorial presentations, a text about the post office is interwoven with very interesting everyday occurrences. This story is illustrated to add more relevance of it to children. This is hoped, to be of interest to children so that they will read, understand and broaden their knowledge about the post office. Most of the information collected for this booklet is based on personal interviews conducted at the spots during my investigation.

Source: KNUST
Kotoko Football Complex, Kwamo

Soccer or Association Football is undoubtedly the most popular game in the world. It is a business, a passion and even a religion. One Ghanaian journalist is known to have quoted in Graphic Sports that “If soccer were religion only few Ghanaians would go to hell”. In some regions around the world it has caused assassinations. During 1994 World Cup held in the United States of America a Colombian footballer, Pablo Escobar scored an own goal and the result was his assassination by a football fan. In France Bernard Tapie, a multi-million businessman runs soccer as one of his main business and in dying need to chalk successes at the international level ended up in a bribery scandal. To the more positive side soccer has become the unifying element in countries stricken by civil wars. In Sudan it was soccer that brought the people together after a long civil war. It also improves the health of those who participate in the game and thus it can be concluded that it goes a long way to improve the health of a nation. But then the question still remains that “Does Ghana treat the game with the same seriousness as other nations do?” Obviously not! In a country where maintenance consciousness is non existent or at the duldwoms the country has seen so much deterioration in sports facilities. The two national sports stadiums among other problems have poor tartan tracks, poor grassing or playing field, no or poor lighting and so many wretched facilities. The Ministry of Youth and Sport’s budget to develop sports in the country is not making any remarkable impact. National Tennis Golden Rackets were treated to a disgracing 5-0 defeat by our former Colonial Masters, Great Britain in Accra last year and Poland defeated the team by the same margin. Poor funding is seen in the national soccer teams too i.e. Black Stars, Satellites and Starlets. This even came to light at the African Youth Championship held in Monrovia where the satellites, a favourite in the tournament were pushed to a mere fourth position. The reason was poor motivation. Thus the funding factor was clear. Until the teams in the country start treating the game as a business, go corporate as the professional league board is asking the teams to do the standard of football will continue with its downward trend. It is in this light that the putting up of Kotoko Football Complex is seen to be long overdue. The earlier soccer in the country is salvaged, the better.

Source: KNUST
Kumasi airport redevelopment

The Kumasi airport was built in 1947 as an emergency landing strip for the military at the close of World War II. After the war, it was found out that the site was available for use as a civilian airport after tests had been carried out by the Meteorological Department. It was taken over by the Civil Aviation Department and was used for civilian flights. At the advent of its inception, air transportation was not very popular in the country therefore no major changes was made. Air transportation has grown greatly in the past 20 years and more people are travelling by air and facilities at the airport are now inadequate. The government together with Asanteman Council has decided to either redevelop the airport on the existing site or move it to a completely new site. The initial aim of this thesis was to redevelop the existing site. After research and data collection it was realised that redevelopment on the old site was not feasible. A decision was made to relocate the airport. The airport has therefore been relocated at Aketebommo - where the most suitable site was found. A new terminal complex has been designed to cater for both domestic and. international flights. The complex comprises - a Check in Concourse, General Concourse, Departure and Arrival Rails for both Domestic and International flights. Bolding lounges, Administration Block for Civil Aviation and a Control Tower block. Provision has been made for Hangers, Fire Service and Maintenance. Circulation which is very important for efficient functioning of an airport has been carefully worked out to culminate in a smooth flowing design. The report is in 3 parts: Part 1 - Chapters 1 - 4 gives background information on transportation in general, airports in Ghana and the Kumasi airport. Part II comprising Chapters 5 - 8 considers site selection, site analysis and case stl2Iies of related airports. The third part describes the design in full. It is hoped that the Asanteman Council will be able to raise the necessary funds to either put up a new airport or renovate the existing one to meet the present standards of air transportation.

Source: KNUST
Kumasi Commercial Centre- Kumasi.

Commerce dates back to the early days of man, the art of buying and selling (commerce) has developed greatly over the years. This rapid growth across the world has resulted in congestion and chaos in the Central Business District (CBD). This in turn lead to long hours of waiting and doing business, increased waiting time in traffic and increased discomfort. This was true with France, the United States and the Britain until they confronted it. Kumasi, on the other hand is no different. The need to create a shopping facility that seeks to address the need of shoppers, shop owners and other users is important. There have being several attempts in the past to solve issues related to shopping in Ghana, these interventions however, have all being concentrated in the capital, Accra. Some examples of such facilities are Swanzy Shopping Mall, Abundant Life Shopping Centre (“A” Life Shopping Centre), Makola Shopping Mall and more recently, Accra Mall. Kumasi, as at 2004, had a population of 1,017,246 people with growth rate of 36% per annum. (Atta-Quayson, 1999). With this growth rate, Kumasi requires shopping facilities cited outside its Central Business District. The idea of concentrating all commercial activities in the Central Business District of Kumasi will further result in chaos, congestion and discomfort to users. However, creating satellite commercial areas off the Central Business District will ease the daily demand on it, thereby enhancing traffic situation and providing an effective means of shopping. This goes a long way to redistributing vehicular and human traffic among the satellite commercial areas surrounding it. This way, the problem of chaos, congestion, long hours in traffic can be reduced. The following methods were used to undertake the research: case study, literature review, administration of questionnaires and interviews, observation and photography.

Source: KNUST
Kumasi Inland Port

The economic recovery program of the government of Ghana had as an important component, the development of the transport sector with the aim of promoting international trade. In recent years, Ghana’s export base has broadened. Both traditional and non-traditional exports have had considerable increases in the balance of trade. The current port congestion and other related problems such as delays at the Tema and Takoradi ports has made it necessary to have an inland port in Kumasi to complement the activities of the sea ports. 1.1 WHY KUMASI? Kumasi was proposed for the sitting of the inland port because 1. Kumasi is centrally located in Ghana. It is a link between the northern and the southern sectors of the country. Kumasi is also a very vibrant commercial center in Ghana. 2. Relatively, Kumasi has a developed rail and road network which is a prerequisite for the efficient utilization of the inland port 3. .A very high percentage of imports is generated around the Ashanti region of Ghana and for that matter Kumasi. 4. Finally, Kumasi happens to be among the few areas in Ghana with export free processing zones. 1.2 DEFINITION OF THE PROJECT: a. An inland port as defined by this design thesis is a facility which would serve the import and export needs of the business community in the northern sectors of Ghana and the landlocked countries bordering Ghana such as Burkina Faso and Mali. b. It is also a facility which would decongest the sea ports of Takoradi and Tema and would make shipping facilities available at the door step of the business communities and reduce the cost of travelling long distances for such facilities in Tema and Takoradi. C. In short, the inland port would be a port without a sea, but with all other facilities which would enhance the government’s policy of economic recovery program and its essential component of improving the transport sector to promote international trade.

Source: KNUST