ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Structured online neurosurgical education as a novel method of education delivery in the developing world

OBJECTIVE: Transmission of knowledge to neurosurgical trainees in any environment is challenging, more so, in the developing world. Online education has the potential to maximize the cooperation within the international neurosurgical community. Our objective is to describe a model of online education that is sustainable and effective in the developed and developing world using advances in online technology. METHODS: This article starts by discussing the currently available online education methods such as listservs, online libraries, and modular courses. Subsequently, we discuss an innovative method of instruction that allows for a more interactive method of education delivery and is applicable to the developing world. RESULTS: Early data from the teaching of two courses suggests strongly positive results, with participation of faculty and residents in the discussion forum. The course management system used for course delivery also allows for objective measurements of participation, making it possible to keep accurate data that can be used to evaluate student and faculty performance. CONCLUSIONS: Structured online courses in neurosurgery allow for dynamic feedback, and delivery of educational material in a "time-locked" curriculum. Curriculum design facilitates neurosurgical education in the developing world through the creation of courses that fill specific needs or identify educational objectives.

Source: UG
Structures and Available Processes to Support Perinatal Care in District Hospitals of Western Uganda.

Background: To emphasize the essence of high-quality care in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed standards to support planners. This study describes the structures and care processes that were in place to support perinatal care provided to pregnant women at three district hospitals in Bunyoro region, Uganda using the WHO standards as a benchmark. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using pre-tested structured questionnaires and an observation checklist among 61 facility managers and healthcare providers working in perinatal units. The data were collected on structures that focused on staffing, basic equipment, essential medicines and supplies, diagnostic capacity, and basic amenities. In addition, data were collected on the following processes: Supervision of perinatal care, in-service training for perinatal healthcare providers, transition in care, coordination of care, and continuity of care. Descriptive analysis was used for all the data using the STATA software, version 13. Results: Only 5 out of 18 doctors were designated to perinatal units. Each hospital had only one anesthetic officer. Two out of three of the hospitals did not have vital equipment in their postnatal units nor any communication equipment in all their perinatal units. No maternity unit had a designated waiting space for women in labor. The highest bed density for delivery and maternity beds was 6.6 per 1000 pregnant women. Refresher training was only offered once a year. Receiving units were not notified of the referral. Patient care records were paper-based using papers/exercise books as alternative documentation tools. Medications and laboratory or diagnostic findings were the least documented. Conclusion: There is a shortage of critical human resources, equipment, and delivery and maternity beds. There were gaps in the communication of referrals and documentation of pregnant women’s care. The presence of a robust infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and medicines is critical in the provision of quality care to pregnant women.

Source: UG
Student Satisfaction and Preferences Related to Virtual Streaming Facilities During the COVID-19 Lockdown

This paper reported how students used the virtual streaming technology and considered their satisfaction and preferencesrelated to video conferencing during COVID-19 lockdown. A case study was selected for an exploratory mixed-methods design to explore students’ (n = 89) lived experiences of the video conferencing facility during the COVID-19 lockdown. Thisstudy study has found that students preferred both Teams and Zoom as virtual streaming facilities during the COVID-19 lockdown. Students were satisfied with virtual streaming platforms as a teaching and learning supportive tool that facilitated their shift to online learning. Moreover, this study reported that using a web-based videoconferencing platform as a virtual streaming tool supports students in learning from home in critical times such as this pandemic. Further research is needed to determine students and lecturers’ digital literacy competencies using video conferencing forsuccessful online learning post-COVID-19 lockdown.

Source: UG
Student’s assessment of Balme Library’s use of information technology in providing quick and efficient library services

An academic library operates primarily in a university, college, or polytechnic to provide content, materials, and resources, both print and electronic, to assist with teaching, research, and recreation of the university community. Users of academic libraries possess different levels of skills and expertise and have varying expectations of information technologies used in their academic discourse. This study sought to identify the level of accessibility and availability of information technologies to users in the Balme Library as well as their skills and abilities in the use of IT. It also sought to determine if a relationship exists between the accessibility of information technology tools and facilities available in the library and learning and research outcomes of users. The positivist approach to enquiry was employed in this study. Questionnaires were used in collecting data from undergraduate and postgraduate users of the Balme library of the University of Ghana. Findings from the study revealed a significant positive relationship between the accessibility and availability of IT resources and learning and research outcomes.

Source: UG
Students' perceptions and experiences of remote learning amid covid-19 pandemic in Ghana

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on students, instructors, and educational organisations all around the world. Remote learning was an emergency response by most universities in Ghana during this pandemic to ensure the continuation of their academic calendar. Conducting this study among Ghanaian undergraduate students is crucial because factors like socioeconomic status, technological resources, and individual learning preferences can significantly impact their experience and perception of remote learning, which may differ from studies conducted elsewhere. Objective: To determine the perceptions and experiences of remote learning among allied health sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 218 second, third, and final-year Allied Health Sciences students at the University of Ghana. A questionnaire was used to obtain data concerning health professions students' perception and experience of remote learning. The readiness of students in respect to the emergency remote learning, attitudes towards remote learning, perception of remote learning, satisfaction, and the level of anxiety were calculated using mean and mean percentages. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyse differences between programmes of study and the perceptions and experiences of remote learning. Results: One hundred and fifteen (53.1%) of the participants had moderate perceptions of independence and responsibility in their learning experiences, while 80 (36.7%) students reported that their satisfaction levels regarding remote learning was high. Seventy-seven (38.4%) students reported that they had a burden of anxiety. There was no statistically significant difference between anxiety level and programme of study. Conclusion: Ghana Allied Health Sciences students had positive perceptions and experiences towards remote learning. They could adapt to the new teaching method with appropriate technology integration. Despite a number of students who were anxious about using remote learning,. Adequate support towards Transitioning into the use of technology may be a good consideration.

Source: UG
Students’ Perceptions of Contraceptives in University of Ghana

Objective This study sought to explore University of Ghana Business School diploma student's knowledge of contraceptives, types of contraceptives, attitudes towards contraceptive users, preference for contraceptives, benefits, and side-effects of contraceptives. Materials and methods Data was conducted with three sets of focus group discussions. Participants were systematically sampled from accounting and public administration departments. Results Findings showed that students had little knowledge of contraceptives. The male and female condoms were the main contraceptive types reported out of the many modern and traditional methods of contraceptives. The main benefits of contraceptives were; ability to protect against STIs, abortions, unwanted pregnancy and psychological trauma. Whilst most respondents preferred future use of pills, side-effects of contraceptives were mostly reported for condoms than other contraceptive methods. Results showed that participants had bad attitudes towards unmarried contraceptive users. Conclusion Generally, our findings show that detailed knowledge about contraceptives is low. There is a little gap of information on contraception knowledge, timing, and contraceptive types among university diploma students. Reproductive and maternal services should be available and accessible for tertiary students.

Source: UG
Students’ Perceptions of their Teachers’ Teaching of Mathematics: The Case of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of their teachers’ teaching practices and how it impact on their learning experiences. The sample of the study involved 358 students from 12 Junior High Schools (12-14years) who were randomly selected to complete a semi-structured questionnaire. The study revealed that students’ perceptions of their teachers’ teaching varies as the results established that both teacher-centred and student-centred teaching approaches were used by mathematics teachers. The study also established that teachers’ actions and inactions impact positively or negatively on students learning experiences as majority of the respondents reported that their learning experiences are to a larger extent controlled by that teacher. Majority of the respondents indicated that their teachers normally tell them which questions to solve and which methods to use. Although the study was limited only to 12 schools, the findings provide a conceptual framework for further research into how students’ views could be used by both teachers and educational authorities in improving the teaching and learning of mathematics as students’ are in a better position to provide useful information regarding their teachers teaching and how it impacts on their learning. Among others, it is recommended that students’ ratings or evaluation of their teaachers’ teaching should be considered in evaluating teachers’ teaching and effectiveness.

Source: UG
Students’ perceptions on incorporating e-learning into teaching and learning at the University of Ghana

Technological advancement has led to significant changes in the way university education is being provided in the developed countries. Whilst their universities have made great strides in addressing issues of access, cost of higher education and quality through e-learning, Africans are in the 21st century still grappling with these issues. Although the University of Ghana has as one of its strategic directions, the introduction of e-learning, very little information has been provided on its policy direction. This study which is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), examines students’ perceptions on incorporating e-learning into teaching and learning. Using survey research, a total of 534 responded to the survey which relied on the questionnaire. Results from the study show that students entered the university with computer skills which are critical to the introduction of e-learning; male students were more likely to use the internet than female students; there was a relationship between the length of time students have been using the internet and frequency of use of the internet; students preferred mixed mode and web supplemented courses in the immediate future than web dependent and fully online courses. To make e-learning a reality there should some further strategies to improve access to personal computers, improve the broadband width. Special efforts should be made to target female students to use the internet to improve their computer skills.

Source: UG
Studies of Anopheles gambiae s.l (Diptera: Culicidae) exhibiting different vectorial capacities in lymphatic filariasis transmission in the Gomoa district, 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
Studies of Anopheles gambiae s.l (Diptera: Culicidae) exhibiting different vectorial capacities in lymphatic filariasis transmission in the Gomoa district, 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
Studies of host preferences of wild-caught Phlebotomus orientalis and Ph. papatasi vectors of leishmaniasis in Sudan

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
Studies on Organochlorine Pesticide Residue in Fishes from the Densu River Basin, Ghana

The study was carried out to determine the levels of organochlorine pesticide residue in five fish species Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Hepsetus odoe, Tilapia zilli, Heterotis niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus from the Densu river basin (Weija) in Ghana. The fishes sampled from the Weija fish landing site were selected on the basis of their importance to local human fish consumption. The detectable organochlorine pesticides were c-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), d-Hexachlorocyclohexane, aldrin and dieldrin. Others investigated were alpha endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, p,p’-DDT and its metabolite p,p’-DDE, endrin and its metabolite endrin aldehyde and endrin ketone. The total contamination levels of the individual fishes varied in the decreasing order of 9.19 ng g-1 (O. niloticus), 4.16 ng g-1 (T. zilli), 3.69 ng g-1 (C. nigrodigitatus), 3.68 ng g-1 (H. odoe) and 3.09 ng g-1 (H. niloticus). The highest organochlorine pesticide residue recorded in the study was alpha-endosulfan while dieldrin was the least pesticide observed. Analysis of variance indicated significant statistical differences for most organochlorine pesticide residues in the samples. The levels of organochlorine pesticides found in fish samples in the study were below maximum residue limit for food safety stipulated by EU, US FDA, FAO, Italy and Australia and thus safe for human consumption.

Source: UG
Studies on the feeding behaviour of larvae of the predaceous mosquito culex (LUTZIA) tigripes grandpre and chamoy (üIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Experiments were carried out to determine the factors that influence the feeding behaviour of Cnkx tigripes, a mosquito whose larvae are predators of other mosquito larvae. The results indicated that the efficiency of predatory activities of Cx tigripes larvae increased as they developed from 1st to 4th instar with regard to the number of mosquito prey larvae they consumed in a given period of time. Fourth instars of Cx tigripes are the most voracious of all the stages and are better adapted for catching and consuming all stages of mosquito larvae. The mean number of mosquito larvae consumed in 24 hours increased with increasing prey density. When offered a mixture of different prey species and larval stages, Cx tigripes larvae consistently selected 4th instars of mosquitoes over pupae and preferred Acdes negypti larvae to the larvae of Cx qiiinquefasciatns and Anopheles gambiae. Prey size, density and mobility were also found to influence prey selection by Cx tigripes. ©2000ICIPE.

Source: UG
Studies on the mechanisms of adverse reactions produced by diethylcarbamazine in patients with onchocerciasis: Mazzotti reaction

The treatment of patients with onchocerciasis with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) can produce local or systemic reactions within a few hours - the Mazzotti reaction. In order to study the immunological mechanisms which could underly this reaction, three patients were studied who were undergoing treatment, and two normal subjects who had been treated successfully previously were controls. Blood eosinophils were vacuolated and a higher proportion than normal had Fc receptors. After taking 50 mg DEC orally, in parallel with the development of symptoms in the three patients, localised in two and generalized in one, there was a fall in blood eosinophil counts which were lowest at 12 h. Serum IgG levels fell slightly in all three patients, and the serum IgE level fell in one, but there were no changes in the titres of antimicrofilarial antibodies. Levels of circulating immune complexes were not elevated at any time, and complement levels did not alter during the reaction. From these findings and a review of previous work on the mechanisms of the Mazzotti reaction it is suggested that when microfilarae are damaged by DEC, an inflammatory reaction is produced which may be localised or generalized. The reaction does not appear to require the generation of circulating immune complexes, or systemic complement activation, even when the reaction is generalized. It is suggested that the clinical features of the reaction may be due to the effects of mediators secreted from inflammatory cells including eosinophils, in sites where microfilarae are being destroyed.

Source: UG
Studies on toxoplasmosis in Ghana. II. The prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies in a group of pregnant women and their neonates.

Toxoplasma antibodies were demonstrated in 76% of a group of pregnant women on a routine visit to the prenatal clinic of the Mamprobi Polyclinic, Accra. 2. Evidence is presented for the passive transfer of maternal Toxoplasma antibodies across the placental barrier. 3. Correlation of total pregnancy history and antibody titre level of individuals of the group seems to indicate that toxoplasmosis may not be a significant etiologic factor in abortions or other abnormal pregnancy outcomes in Ghana.

Source: UG
The study and practice of economics in Ghana

Against the backdrop of developments in the Ghanaian economy and the evolution of economics as a discipline, this chapter traces the evolution of the study and practice of economics in Ghana. The major thematic areas are the teaching of economics at the University of Ghana, economic research in Ghana, and economic policy-making. Under the theme of the teaching of economics at the University of Ghana, the chapter assesses the changes in the programmes of the Department of Economics, what motivated the changes, and the challenges of teaching economics in Ghana. Regarding economic research, we focus on the patterns, trends, and underlying factors. We also highlight constraints to economic research in Ghana, as well as the enhanced opportunities. The third thematic area examines the relationship between researchers in economics and policy-makers. This is done by examining the available institutional framework for facilitating such a relationship and the relevance of economic research to policy-makers. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
A Study Exploring The Influence Of Media Consumption On Body Image And Beauty Among Young Corporate Ghanaian Women In The Greater Accra Region

The ubiquitous nature of the media in modern times makes it quite easy for one to be unhappy with one's body as media portray all forms of "ideal" images through platforms such as movies, social media, advertisements, music videos, celebrity/gossip magazines, fashion programmes on TV. Contemporary trends infashion, such as hairstyles, clothing, makeup and accessories have been popularized through both new and traditional media. It has been estimated that young women now see more images of exceptionally beautiful women in one day than their mothers saw throughout their entire adolescence. Through survey, this study seeks to find out if, among young Ghanaian corporate women, the media had influence on their beauty perceptions, beauty choices and their self-body image. The study gathers that the majority of respondents (88.4%) believed that beauty portrayals in the media are attainable with a lot of them comparing themselves with media ideals and more than half (54%) having attempted to create looks of media icons. Peer comparison was another influential factor, which 46 % of respondents engaged in. It was recommended that media influence should not be overlooked when deciding on media content so as not to project idealised images which may be typical of "foreign" culture.

Source: UG
A Study of Alternative Measures in Resolving Cases of Child Sexual Abuse among the Ga Community in Accra, Ghana

Many children continue to be sexually abused worldwide. In Ghana, relatively high Figures of child sexual abuse (CSA) are reported by the police daily. Although there There are laws that seek to protect children from sexual abuse, in reality, there is a wide gulf between legislation and practice. This paper explores why this is so by examining the measures adopted in sanctioning perpetrators of CSA in the Ga community in Ghana. The study uses a qualitative approach to collect data from parents and guardians through in-depth interviews. The study revealed that, generally, traditional rather than legal sanctions are adopted in handling CSA cases. This paper thus interrogates the consequences of the obvious contraventions of the law as traditional interventions are resorted to. We posit that CSA can be minimised only when child protection laws are enforced by the police and victims are reoriented to appreciate the benefits of seeking legal redress. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Source: UG