ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluating a multifaceted implementation strategy and package of evidence-based interventions based on WHO PEN for people living with HIV and cardiometabolic conditions in Lusaka, Zambia: protocol for the TASKPEN hybrid efectiveness-implementation stepped wedge cluster randomized trial

Background Despite increasing morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCD) globally, health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have limited capacity to address these chronic conditions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is an urgent need, therefore, to respond to NCDs in SSA, beginning by applying lessons learned from the first global response to any chronic disease—HIV—to tackle the leading cardiometabolic killers of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We have developed a feasible and acceptable package of evidence-based interventions and a multi-faceted implementation strategy, known as“TASKPEN,” that has been adapted to the Zambian setting to address hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The TASKPEN multifaceted implementation strategy focuses on reorganizing service delivery for integrated HIV-NCD care and features task shifting, practice facilitation, and leveraging HIV platforms for NCD care. We propose a hybrid type II effectiveness implementation stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial to evaluate the effects of TASKPEN on clinical and implementation outcomes, including dual control of HIV and cardiometabolic NCDs, as well as quality of life, intervention reach, and cost-efectiveness Methods The trial will be conducted in 12 urban health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia over a 30-month period. Clinical outcomes will be assessed via surveys with PLHIV accessing routine HIV services, and a prospective cohort of PLHIV with cardiometabolic comorbidities nested within the larger trial. We will also collect data using mixed methods, including in-depth interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and structured observations, and estimate cost-efectiveness through time-and-motion studies and other costing methods, to understand implementation outcomes according to Proctor’s Outcomes for Implementation Research, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, and selected dimensions of RE-AIM. Discussion Findings from this study will be used to make discrete, actionable, and context-specifc recommendations in Zambia and the region for integrating cardiometabolic NCD care into national HIV treatment programs. While the TASKPEN study focuses on cardiometabolic NCDs in PLHIV, the multifaceted implementation strategy studied will be relevant to other NCDs and to people without HIV. It is expected that the trial will generate new insights that enable the delivery of high-quality integrated HIV-NCD care, which may improve cardiovascular morbidity and viral suppression for PLHIV in SSA. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05950919).

Source: UG
Evaluating Academic Mentorship Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions: Proposed Framework and Metrics

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
Evaluating antidisease immunity to malaria and implications for vaccine design

Immunity to malaria could be categorized broadly as antiparasite or antidisease immunity. While most vaccine research efforts have focused on antiparasite immunity, the evidence from endemic populations suggest that antidisease immunity is an important component of natural immunity to malaria. The processes that mediate antidisease immunity have, however, attracted little to no attention, and most interests have been directed towards the antibody responses. This review evaluates the evidence for antidisease immunity in endemic areas and discusses the possible mechanisms responsible for it. Given the key role that inflammation plays in the pathogenesis of malaria, regulation of the inflammatory response appears to be a major mechanism for antidisease immunity in naturally exposed individuals.

Source: UG
Evaluating circulating soluble markers of endothelial dysfunction and risk factors associated with PE: A multicentre longitudinal case control study in northern Ghana

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

Source: UG
Evaluating correlates of adolescent physical activity duration towards National Health Objectives: Analysis of the Colorado Youth Risk Behavioral Survey, 2005

Background While numerous studies have examined the relationships among correlates of physical activity (PA), less attention has been given to identifying the correlates of low PA duration. The main objective of the current study was to examine correlates of low PA duration, team sports participation and smoking behaviors among adolescents. Methods Data from the 2005 Colorado Youth Behavioral Risk Survey were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. We evaluated associations between two measures of low PA duration, assessed as per Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) objectives and 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) for Americans, and smoking behaviors, participation in the physical education (PE) and team sports, controlling for age, gender and other behavioral characteristics. Results Forty percent and 70, respectively, of adolescents did not meet the 2008 PAG and HP2010 objectives. After adjustment, smoking remained associated with failure to meet the 2008 PAG. However, no significant relationship was found with low PA duration as per the HP2010 objectives. The risk of low PA was higher among girls for both outcome measures. Likewise, adolescents who reported no participation in team sports presented a 7-fold higher risk of low PA as per the 2008 PAG and 51 higher risk of low PA as per the HP2010 objectives compared with the group with team sports participation. Conclusions Regular participation in school PE and team sports may represent an important avenue for increasing PA duration and reducing smoking behaviors among adolescents. © 2011 The Author.

Source: UG
Evaluating groundwater recharge processes using stable isotope signatures—the Nabogo catchment of the White Volta, Ghana.

This study evaluates the source and evolution of groundwater in parts of the Nabogo catchment of the White Volta Basin in Ghana. Porewater δ18O and δ2H signatures of vadose zone material were used together with the isotope signatures of rainwater, groundwater, and surface water in the area to suggest an evolutionary model and the mode of fluid fluxes through the unsaturated zone material in the area. This study finds that the local precipitation in the study area presents a relatively isotopically heavier signature compared to the average signature of global meteoric water. This is because the local meteoric water line (LMWL) has shallower slope, intercept, and average deuterium excess values compared to the global meteoric water line (GMWL). On the other hand, the local groundwater in the area presents relatively enriched isotopic signatures. Stable isotope profiles suggest piston flow as the main mechanism of vertical water movement in the vadose zone, indicating that direct groundwater recharge from local precipitation is principally based on this mechanism of transport. There is a progressive decline in the deuterium excess data of porewater vertically down the soil profile. This observation is consistent with an evolutionary pattern caused by fractionation processes attending evaporation of infiltrating water. Mineral-weathering processes have not been noted to have an effect on the isotopic signature of groundwater in the area. However, there appears to be a significant impact of evaporation on the total dissolved solid content of surface water in the area. In the case of groundwater, field-measured electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDSs), and pH are, respectively, in the ranges of 30–2407 μS/cm, 15–1196 mg/L, and 5.35–8.36. The EC, TDS, and pH are, respectively, in the ranges of 30–139 μS/cm, 15–70 mg/L, and 6.52–8.66 in surface water in the area

Source: UG
Evaluating health service coverage in Ghana’s Volta Region using a modified Tanahashi model

Background: The United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals have reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to maternal, newborn, and child health, with further investments in achieving quality essential service coverage and financial protection for all. Objective: Using a modified version of the 1978 Tanahashi model as an analytical framework for measuring and assessing health service coverage, this paper aims to examine the system of care at the community level in Ghana’s Volta Region to highlight the continued reforms needed to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Methods: The Tanahashi model evaluates health system coverage through five key measures that reflect different stages along the service provision continuum: availability of services; accessibility; initial contact with the health system; continued utilization; and quality coverage. Data from cross-sectional household and health facility surveys were used in this study. Immunization and antenatal care services were selected as tracer interventions to serve as proxies to assess systems bottlenecks. Results: Financial access and quality coverage were identified as the biggest bottlenecks for both tracer indicators. Financial accessibility, measured by enrollment in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme was poor with 16.94% presenting valid membership cards. Childhood immunization was high but dropped modestly from 93.8% at initial contact to 76.7% quality coverage. For antenatal care, estimates ranged from 65.9% at initial visit to 25.1% quality coverage. Conclusion: Results highlight the difficulty in achieving high levels of quality service coverage and the large variations that exist within services provided at the primary care level. While vertical investments have been prioritized to benefit specific health services, a comprehensive systems approach to primary health care needs to be further strengthened to reach Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage objectives.

Source: UG
Evaluating low-cost permeable adsorptive barriers for the removal of benzene from groundwater: Laboratory experiments and numerical modelling

A B S T R A C T Permeable adsorptive barriers (PABs) consisting of individual (compost, zeolite, and brown coal) and composite (brown coal-compost and zeolite-compost) adsorbents were evaluated for their hydraulic performance and effectiveness in removing aqueous benzene using batch and column experiments. Different adsorption isotherms and kinetic models and different formulations of the equilibrium advection-dispersion equation (ADE) were evaluated for their capabilities to describe the benzene sorption in the media. The batch experiments showed that the adsorption of benzene by the adsorbents was favourable and could be adequately described by the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Particle attrition and structural reorganization occurred in the columns, possibly introducing preferential flow paths and resulting in slight changes in the final hydraulic conductivity values (4.3 × 10􀀀 5 cm s􀀀 1–1.7 × 10􀀀 3 cm s􀀀 1) relative to the initial values (4.2 × 10􀀀 5 cm s􀀀 1–2.14 × 10􀀀 3 cm s􀀀 1). Despite the fact that preferential flow appeared to have an impact on the performance of the investigated adsorbents, the brown coal-compost mixture proved to be the most effective adsorbent. It significantly delayed benzene breakthrough (R = 29), indicating that it can be applied as a low-cost effective adsorbent in PABs for sustainable remediation of benzene-contaminated groundwater. The formulated transport models could fairly describe the behaviour of benzene in the investigated media under dynamic flow conditions; however, model refinement and additional experimental studies are needed before pilot/full-scale applications to improve the fits and verify the benzene removal processes. Our results generally demonstrate how such studies can be useful in evaluating potential reactive barrier materials.

Source: UG
Evaluating maize yield variability and gaps in two agroecologies in northern Ghana using a crop simulation model

The yield gap and variability in maize under smallholder systems in two agroecologies in northern Ghana were evaluated using a decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT). The model was used to assess (1) the potential yield of maize (YPOT), (2) water-limited exploitable maize yield (YWEX), (3) nitrogen-limited yield (YNI), (4) farmer practice maize yield (YCFP) and (5) proposed enhanced nutrient use yield (enhanced farmer practice; YEFP). Effect of supplementary irrigation was also assessed on YCFP and YEFP conditions. Yield gaps were determined as the difference between YPOT and YCFP or YEFP on the one hand, and between YWEX and YCFP or YEFP on the other hand. The yield gap based on potential yield ranged from 59% to 75% under CFP and narrowed to between 29% and 59% under EFP. With water-limited exploitable yields, the yield gap ranged from 53% to 65% under CFP, reducing to between 22% and 42% under EFP. The use of supplementary irrigation further reduced the yield gap. Improved fertiliser use and supplementary irrigation have the potential to increase yield and hence reduce the yield gap if effective policies and institutional structures are in place to provide farmers with credit facilities and farm inputs.

Source: UG
Evaluating Maternal Death Surveillance And Response System In Sunyani Municipality Of Bono Region In Ghana From 2017-2021.

Introduction: Maternal death rates in Ghana have decreased overall but remain high in rural areas. The Maternal Death Surveillance and Response System (MDSR) aims to eliminate preventable maternal deaths effectively. However, its effectiveness is less pronounced at district and subdistrict levels than at national and regional levels. Despite the requirement for periodic evaluation, there is a lack of evidence supporting these assessments. This study focuses on evaluating the MDSR in Sunyani Municipal. Methods: The evaluation was conducted using a cross-sectional design, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from the District Health Information Management Systems (DHIMS) and the maternal death line list from January 2017 to December 2021 on maternal deaths were reviewed. Stakeholders, including health profession als, were interviewed. The means, proportions, and other statistical measures were calculated using Epi Info Version 7. Qualitative data underwent content analysis, and the results were visually presented in tables and flowcharts to illustrate the flow of surveillance information. Results: Most respondents were female, constituting 51.4% (19/37), with midwives comprising the largest group at 32.4% (12/37). Approximately 75.7% (28/37) were able to explain how the surveillance data has been used for pub lic health action. The notification and reporting process was clear to 85% (17/20) of respondents. Although 94.6% (35/37) expressed willingness to notify and participate in audits at facility and community levels, the audits remained facility-based. All facilities consistently reported maternal deaths, but data storage equipment was lacking. Approxi mately 80% (20/25) of forms were reported within 24 h, and 88% (22/25) were investigated within seven days. Only 68% (17/25) of forms were filled out correctly, with no municipal and facility-level line list. All reported deaths came from healthcare facilities, with no community-reported maternal deaths. Conclusions: The MDSR system in Sunyani Municipal demonstrates high awareness and willingness to participate among healthcare providers but faces challenges in data accuracy and community engagement. Death audits remain facility-based, and the lack of community-reported maternal deaths and municipal-level line lists indicates gaps in comprehensive reporting and data management. To improve the system, it is recommended that community case searches be enhanced for better reporting and to address data management issues by ensuring proper data quality assessment.

Source: UG
Evaluating migration as successful adaptation to climate change: Trade-offs in well-being, equity, and sustainability

The role of migration as one potential adaptation to climate change is increasingly recognized, but little is known about whether migration constitutes successful adaptation, under what conditions, and for whom. Based on a review of emerging migration science, we propose that migration is a successful adaptation to climate change if it increases well-being, reduces inequality, and promotes sustainability. Well-being, equity, and sustainability represent entry points for identifying trade-offs within and across different social and tem poral scales that could potentially undermine the success of migration as adaptation. We show that assess ment of success at various scales requires the incorporation of consequences such as loss of population in migration source areas, climate risk in migration destination, and material and non-material flows and eco nomic synergies between source and destination. These dynamics and evaluation criteria can help make migration visible and tractable to policy as an effective adaptation option

Source: UG
Evaluating sustainable cropping sequences with cassava and three grain legume crops: effects on soil fertility and maize yields in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

Declining soil fertility has become a major constraint to crop productivity in the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of Ghana. We evaluated six crop sequences: pigeonpea, cassava variety ‘Ex-Subi’, cassava variety ‘Boakentemma’, cowpea-maize, groundnut-maize and maize-maize in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 cropping seasons to determine their effects on soil chemical properties and the productivity of subsequent maize. Maize grain yield was significantly (p<0.001) influenced by crop sequence. In the 2007/2008 cropping season, maize grain yield ranged from 2.0 t ha-1 with the continuous maize plot to 7.0 t ha-1 on plot previously cropped to pigeonpea. In the 2008/2009 cropping season, maize grain yield ranged from 1.3 t ha-1 with the continuous maize cropping to 2.3 t ha-1 with the plot previously under pigeonpea. High maize grain yield associated with crop sequences involving cassava and pigeonpea were more related to faster decomposition and nitrogen release of the biomass compared with the slower release of N by lower quality materials like maize stover. The study suggests that under the low input production systems of the smallholder farmers, rotation of maize with cassava and grain legumes, particularly pigeonpea, could be considered as an alternative cropping system that returns large quantities of crop residues to the soil and sustains maize yield.

Source: UG
Evaluating Teachers of Adult Learners in Reflective Practice

This study was concerned with Reflective Practice in the professional practice of university teachers. One hundred Teachers from the University of Ghana, and the Wisconsin International University College were evaluated for the extent to which they understood and engaged in reflective practice teaching adult learners in the university. Study instruments comprised seventeen items representing the diversity of available definitions of ways in which reflection is used in the literature on the professional development of university teachers. Opinions of teachers were sourced from their understanding of reflective practice and its relevance to their practice. A five-point Likert scale was used. Results showed that majority of teachers associated relevance of reflective practice to evaluating the effectiveness of one's teaching practice, examining teaching from the perspective of the learner, conscious and self-awareness deliberation on professional practice, making changes to one's professional practice in the light of experience and deepening their understanding in their role as professional teachers. Above all, they embraced teaching and learning support that is informed by an understanding of how learners develop knowledge and learning skills, allowing themselves to be challenged by some of their deeper, social, and cultural thoughts, feelings and reactions.

Source: UG
Evaluating the cost efficiency of Insurance Companies in Ghana

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of insurance companies in Ghana using a two‐stage procedure to ascertain whether insurance companies are cost efficient and also to examine the efficiency determinants of insurance companies. Design/methodology/approach – Using a cross‐sectional data set of 30 firms over the period 2006‐2008, the study evaluates the efficiency scores by applying a data envelopment analysis that allows the inclusion of multiple inputs and outputs in the production frontier. The study also employs a regression model to identify the key determinants of efficiency of the Ghanaian insurance industry. Findings – The empirical results in the first stage suggest higher average efficiency scores for life insurance business than non‐life insurance companies. In the second stage, the authors observe that the drive for market share, firm size and the ratio of equity to total invested assets are important determinants of an insurance firm's efficiency. Originality/value – The findings of this study provide insights into the cost efficiency of insurance companies in Ghana. This has implications for the efficient management of insurance firms in the country.

Source: UG
Evaluating the economic outcomes of the policy of fee exemption for maternal delivery care in Ghana

The overall goal of the department is to conduct research and provide solutions to nutritional problems in Ghana. In pursuance of this goal, the Nutrition Department since its inception has focused its research in the areas of maternal, infant and young child nutrition, food consumption and food security and micronutrient deficiency and interventions. These are priority food and nutrition problems in Ghana.

Source: UG