ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Perception of Ghanaian mango farmers on the pest status and current management practices for the control of the African invader fly Bactrocera invadens (Diptera:Tephritidae)

The African invader fly Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White, generally considered as the most devastating pest of mango was detected in Africa (in Kenya, East Africa) in 2003. It was first detected in Ghana,West Africa in 2005. The perception of mango farmers from Dangbe West and Yilo Krobo districts in Ghana on the pest status and the current management options adopted for the control of this pest was sought by use of a Questionnaire. The survey results indicated that Ghanaian farmers rank B. invadens among the major pests of mango in Ghana. Farmers generally, believed that it is more damaging than other arthropod pest of mango. Possible losses such as loss of market value, rejection of produce at the international markets and quarantine restriction due to the presence of the pest were also reported by the farmers Several strategies are being adopted by farmers for the control of fruit flies (including B.invadens) in Ghana. These strategies include the use of insecticides, cultural control measures, and use of trappings to manage fruit flies. Some of the respondents use a combination of insecticides and cultural practices to reduce the menace of fruit flies. It was evident that farmers adopt multiple strategies to minimize the loses due to fruit flies in an IPM fashion.

Source: UG
Perception of Ghanaian mango farmers on the pest status and current management practices for the control of the African invader fly, Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The African invader fly Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White, generally considered as the most devastating pest of mango was detected in Africa (in Kenya, East Africa) in 2003. It was first detected in Ghana, West Africa in 2005. The perception of mango farmers from Dangbe West and Yilo-Krobo districts in Ghana on the pest status and the current management options adopted for the control of this pest was sought by use of a Questionnaire. The survey results indicated that Ghanaian farmers rank B. invadens among the major pests of mango in Ghana. Farmers generally, believed that it is more damaging than other arthropod pest of mango. Possible losses such as loss of market value, rejection of produce at the international markets and quarantine restriction due to the presence of the pest were also reported by the farmers. Several strategies are being adopted by farmers for the control of fruit flies (including B. invadens) in Ghana. These strategies include the use of insecticides, cultural control measures, and use of trappings to manage fruit flies. Some of the respondents use a combination of insecticides and cultural practices to reduce the menace of fruit flies. It was evident that farmers adopt multiple strategies to minimize the losses due to fruit flies in an IPM fashion.

Source: UG
Perception of nurses on the use of mobile phone text messaging for the management of diabetes mellitus in rural Ghana

Aim: This study aims to explore the perception of nurses on the use of mobile phone SMS for managing diabetes in rural Ghana. Design: Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative Design. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit (13) participants relative to data saturation after ethical clearance (REDACTED); using a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Participants believe SMS was useful in facilitating interaction between nurses, clients, family and statistically significant others; improving medication adherence and supporting blood glucose monitoring. The use of infographics was preferred to traditional SMS among digitally literate patients and voice calls for those who were illiterate. Participants had limited knowledge of downloadable diabetic applications. Participants were willing to accept and use SMS for the management of diabetes mellitus. Patient or Public Contribution: Thirteen nurses actively participated in the study

Source: UG
Perception of Personal Security and Its Influence on Tourism: The Case of Ghana

Tourism over the years has played a major role in many developing economies including Ghana. It competes with gold, cocoa and remittances as a key source of revenue for the state. For a successful and thriving tourism industry in any country, it there is the need to uphold tourists’ the safety and security as well as convince potential tourists of their safety and security at a destination. Thus, the state and other private tourist institutions have the responsibility to safeguard the perception of security through conventional and in contemporary times, through digital means so as to sustain and ameliorate tourist arrivals at a destination. However, in the last two decades, there has been a rise in global security threats especially in this era of sporadic terror attacks directed at tourists, pandemics, crime etc. The study sought to investigate the perception of personal security in Ghana by tourists as well as gather data on factors which influence their perception. Additionally, the study investigated measures put in place by the state and other private tourism organisations in mitigating the effects of security threats in Ghana. The mixed research method was put to use to gather empirical data to undertake the study. Structured questionnaires, comprising of open-ended and closed-ended questions were used as survey instruments to gather data. Interviews and observation techniques were employed to gain insight into the area of study. Findings suggested that generally, Ghana is perceived as a safe tourist destination, on the other hand, emphasis should be placed on improving the perception of Ghana as a safe destination within the West African Sub-region and for that matter Africa. This is due to the negative perception of Africa as a continent of insecurity and poverty. The study recommends increased private public partnership in order to overcome challenges crippling the industry and develop a booming tourism industry in Ghana. Finally, nation branding is crucial in boosting the image of a state. Ensuring nation branding is important since it can engender competitive advantage and several opportunities for that country especially in the area of effective tourism.

Source: UG
Perception of politeness: Some perspectives from Ghana

This study gives an account of what Ghanaians perceive as politeness in their daily interactions by gathering data from interviews granted by residents of Accra, Kumasi and Ho. The residents selected as respondents are people whose ages are above fifty years and who have lived in any of the communities for at least twenty years. The study shows that among Ghanaians, politeness is the use of any communicative behaviour that expresses respect or deference. Some of such communicative behaviours identified are greetings, the use of titles and honorifics, the use of "please" and "thank you", the use of "a soft voice" and being silent as and when necessary. Although the communicative behaviours that manifest politeness usually involve speech, politeness can be also be achieved by employing paralinguistic and extralinguistic features like soft voice and silence. This confirms Culpeper's (2005) assertion that the communicative resources for politeness or impoliteness extend well beyond grammar and lexicon. © 2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.

Source: UG
Perception of quality health care delivery under capitation payment: a cross-sectional survey of health insurance subscribers and providers in Ghana

Background Ghana introduced capitation payment method in 2012 but was faced with resistance for its perceived poor quality of care. This paper assesses National Health Insurance Scheme subscribers and care providers’ perception of quality of care under the capitation payment method. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey of subscribers and care providers perception of quality of care in three administrative regions of Ghana using a 5-point Likert scale for the assessment based on a set of quality of care measures. We performed descriptive analysis to determine average perception of quality of care scores for each of the measures used. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were also performed to examine relationships between respondent’s characteristics and their perception of quality of care. Results In general, subscribers expressed positive perception about the quality of care though subscribers in Ashanti were less positive compared to those in the Central region. A chi-square analysis, however, showed significant differences in subscribers’ perception of quality of care by occupation (p = 0.002), region (p = 0.007) length of NHIS membership (p = 0.006), and age (p = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that different factors, other than region of residence, were significantly associated with perceived good quality of care. Analysis of health care providers’ responses also showed significant differences in their perception of quality of care by region (p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic model showed that health care providers in the Volta region (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.58) were significantly less likely to perceive quality of care as good compared to those in the Ashanti region. Conclusion Subscribers and care providers across the three regions have relatively good perception of the quality of health care in general though subscribers in Ashanti were less positive than those in the Central region. It is, therefore, plausible that capitation payment may have influenced the relatively low perception of quality of care in the Ashanti region.

Source: UG
Perception of Risk and Compliance With COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Healthcare Workers in Ghana

Although healthcare professionals are on the “frontline” of providing effective and quality healthcare delivery, they face several occupational risks when giving care, particularly during a global health crisis. This study examines healthcare workers’ compliance with COVID 19 safety protocols and identifies factors associated with their perceived risk of COVID-19. Between October and December 2020, this cross sectional survey utilized online and paper-type questionnaires in data collection. Non-probability sampling techniques were used in selecting clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers in various health facilities within 4 regions of Ghana. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the perceived risk of COVID-19. The results showed that healthcare workers are highly compliant with hand hygiene practices and wearing PPE. The category of health professional, number of working years, type of health facility, region of work, fre quency of COVID-19 test, and compliance with hand hygiene practices were significantly associated with healthcare workers’ perception of risk of COVID-19 at P<.05. Findings suggest that both individual and health system factors are significant in increasing the risk of COVID-19 among healthcare workers. Efforts at enforcing strict compliance with infection prevention should be implemented to protect all healthcare personnel.

Source: UG
Perception of risk for glaucoma and eye screening behaviour among rural residents in Abokobi, Accra

Glaucoma is the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness. Although, it shows no signs or symptoms until later stages, knowledge about the disease is known to influence utilization of eye screening services. This study aimed at understanding knowledge about glaucoma, perception of risk and eye screening behaviour among residents of Abokobi. This was a cross-sectional study that employed quantitative data collection methods. A questionnaire was used to conduct interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge about glaucoma. Also, associations between socio-demographic factors and awareness, perception of risk, and eye screening behaviour were analysed using Chi-square test or Univariate Fisher's exact test. Out of a total of 300 respondents, 60.3% were females and 39.3% were aware of glaucoma. Majority (94.9%) of respondents who were aware of glaucoma also agreed the disease can result in blindness with only 26.3% affirming that blindness from glaucoma is irreversible. Nearly half (49.7%) of the respondents perceived themselves to be at risk of developing glaucoma. The results showed that age (p <0.0001) was statistically significant with glaucoma awareness and education was also statistically significant with perception of risk. Approximately, 20.7% of the respondents have had their eye screened with just a few (4.3%) screening for glaucoma. Given that the findings display inadequate knowledge about glaucoma and poor eye screening behaviour among the study population, there is need to effectively inform and educate people about the disease.

Source: UG
The perception of the locals on the impact of climate variability on non-timber forest products in Ghana

All biological products obtained from forests other than timber are considered non-timber forest products (NTFPs). NTFPs production levels in Ghana are affected by climate change. Over the past years, NTFPs have adversely affected by prolonged droughts and short rainfall in Ghana. In rural areas, where NTFP enhance livelihoods for rural dwellers, this adversely affects their food security. This study aimed to determine how rural dwellers in Ghana perceive the impact of annual variability in rainfall and temperature on their non-timber forest products. To better understand how residents perceive climate change’s effect on NTFPs, 732 residents were interviewed. Household information and perceptions regarding changes to the availability of NTFP (snails, mushrooms, honey, etc.) were recorded using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. As a result of the sharp rise in temperature and the decline in rainfall, combined with a prolonged drought, there has been a decline in the production levels of NTFPS in the forest areas of the country. The respondents reported a decline in the production levels of honey, snails, and mushrooms, as well as income generated. It is imperative that the Ghana government, through the Ghana forestry commission, educate rural dwellers about the importance of NTFP sustainable use and implement afforestation programs to help regenerate degraded forest areas that threaten some of the organisms required for the production of NTFPs. Embarking on afforestation programs will help improve the climatic conditions supporting the production of NTFPs.

Source: UG
Perception, experience, and indigenous knowledge of climate change and variability: The case of Accra, a sub-Saharan African city

Several recent international assessments have concluded that climate change has the potential to reverse the modest economic gains achieved in many developing countries over the past decade. The phenomenon of climate change threatens to worsen poverty or burden populations with additional hardships, especially in poor societies with weak infrastructure and economic well-being. The importance of the perceptions, experiences, and knowledge of indigenous peoples has gained prominence in discussions of climate change and adaptation in developing countries and among international development organizations. Efforts to evaluate the role of indigenous knowledge in adaptation planning, however, have largely focused on rural people and their agricultural livelihoods. This paper presents the results of a study that examines perceptions, experiences, and indigenous knowledge relating to climate change and variability in three communities of metropolitan Accra, which is the capital of Ghana. The study design is based on a three-part conceptual framework and interview process involving risk mapping, mental models, and individual stressor cognition. Most of the residents interviewed in the three communities of urban Accra attributed climate change to the combination of deforestation and the burning of firewood and rubbish. None of the residents associated climate change with fossil fuel emissions from developed countries. Numerous potential adaptation strategies were suggested by the residents, many of which have been used effectively during past drought and flood events. Results suggest that ethnic residential clustering as well as strong community bonds in metropolitan Accra have allowed various groups and long-settled communities to engage in the sharing and transmission of knowledge of weather patterns and trends. Understanding and building upon indigenous knowledge may enhance the design, acceptance, and implementation of climate change adaptation strategies in Accra and urban regions of other developing nations. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Source: UG
Perception, experience, and indigenous knowledge of climate change and variability: The case of Accra, a Sub-Saharan African city

Several recent international assessments have concluded that climate change has the potential to reverse the modest economic gains achieved in many developing countries over the past decade. The phenomenon of climate change threatens to worsen poverty or burden populations with additional hardships, especially in poor societies with weak infrastructure and economic well-being. The importance of the perceptions, experiences, and knowledge of indigenous peoples has gained prominence in discussions of climate change and adaptation in developing countries and among international development organizations. Efforts to evaluate the role of indigenous knowledge in adaptation planning, however, have largely focused on rural people and their agricultural livelihoods. This paper presents the results of a study that examines perceptions, experiences, and indigenous knowledge relating to climate change and variability in three communities of metropolitan Accra, which is the capital of Ghana. The study design is based on a three-part conceptual framework and interview process involving risk mapping, mental models, and individual stressor cognition. Most of the residents interviewed in the three communities of urban Accra attributed climate change to the combination of deforestation and the burning of firewood and rubbish. None of the residents associated climate change with fossil fuel emissions from developed countries. Numerous potential adaptation strategies were suggested by the residents, many of which have been used effectively during past drought and flood events. Results suggest that ethnic residential clustering as well as strong community bonds in metropolitan Accra have allowed various groups and long-settled communities to engage in the sharing and transmission of knowledge of weather patterns and trends. Understanding and building upon indigenous knowledge may enhance the design, acceptance, and implementation of climate change adaptation strategies in Accra and urban regions of other developing nations.

Source: UG
Perceptions about COVID-19 preventive measures among Ghanaian women

Though the advent of COVID-19 vaccines has significantly reduced severe morbidity and mortality, infection rates continue to rise. Therefore, adhering to COVID-19 preventive mea sures remains essential in the fight against the pandemic, particularly in Africa, where vacci nation rates remain low. However, the perceived risk associated with COVID-19 and public education and awareness campaigns has waned over time. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is consistently high among women globally. This study, therefore, assessed the facilitators, and barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among Ghanaian women. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted with women in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim into English. The data were analysed using NVivo 10 software. While some participants found the use of face masks as the easiest, others found it as the most difficult. In addition, institutional and policy decisions such as access to water and the use of public transport impacted individual level adherence to preventive measures. In conclusion, the fight against COVID-19 is not over; hence public education and the provi sion of facilities that would enhance compliance with preventive measures should continue to be prioritised.

Source: UG
Perceptions and Acceptability of Multihabitation as an Urban Low Income Housing Strategy in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Urban low income households have often used multihabitation as a housing strategy to find affordable accommodation in the urban centres. Several factors have contributed to the gradual shift from multihabited compound houses to single family dwellings. These concerns have influenced the level of satisfaction of multihabitation and deterred real estate developers from engaging in such housing markets. Moreover, the changing socioeconomic conditions in urban centres resulting in the individualisation of family systems in the twenty-first century have undermined the benefit of multihabitation in urban low income housing provision. It is on this basis that a study is conducted to examine the perceptions and acceptability of multihabitation in the twenty-first-century urban low income housing provision in Ghana. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, primary data on households' perceptions and acceptability of multihabitation in the twenty-first century urban low income housing provision was collected from households in five low income communities in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. From the study, it emerged that although there were challenges associated with multihabitation living arrangement, residents perceived that there were still social and financial capital advantages as well as psychosocial benefits such as security and stability that emerged from the close relationships fostered under multihabitation. Hence, it is suggested that governments should adopt multihabitation in urban low income housing provision in the twenty-first century but with design modifications. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Source: UG
Perceptions and aspirations: A case study of young people in Ghana’s cocoa sector

This article considers the question of young people's aspirations in agriculture in light of the renewed interest in the agricultural sector as a viable basis for development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and the perception that young people's involvement is important for the success of this project. Life choices and outcomes are affected in part by aspirations. The nature and formation of young people's aspirations therefore have direct implications for emerging visions and future models of agriculture to the extent that young people's aspirations inform the decisions they make in relation to agriculture. The article takes issue with essentialising policy narratives about rural youth in agricultural areas that obscure the diversity that exists within that group. We need to investigate such diversity and its significance for young people's aspirations. Using the case of the cocoa sub-sector in Ghana, we analyse how the differences in young people's backgrounds and experiences with cocoa influences their expectations of the role of cocoa farming in their future.

Source: UG