ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Psychological well-being of patients recovering from abdominal surgery: A qualitative study

Background Patients recovering from abdominal surgeries may experience several psychological issues which affect their well-being and adversely impact recovery. This study sought to explore the postoperative recovery experiences focusing on psychological well-being after abdominal surgery in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Methods The study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Participants aged 21-63 years were recruited using the purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews with 15 participants subject to data saturation. Each interview was transcribed, read repeatedly, coded, labeled, and grouped using a framework analysis approach. Results Psychological well-being was poor after surgery but improved with positive recovery experiences. Participants experienced compromised psychological well-being due to anxiety, depression, abandonment, and lack of concentration. The anxiety was associated with delayed wound healing, wound discharges, surgical site infection, and wound dehiscence. Some participants felt abandoned by family while social interaction with friends and loved ones gave others hope. Postoperative pain and the fear of barrenness after surgery made some depressed. Loss of memory and concentration also affected their cognitive well-being. Self-motivation, mastering self-care roles, adhering to treatment, and hope of recovery facilitated psychological well-being. Conclusions Psychological well-being after abdominal surgery affects postoperative recovery. Psychological assessment and informational support for patients recovering from abdominal surgery will facilitate navigating the recovery experience. Developing a comprehensive follow-up system of care to facilitate continuity of care and offering professional support needs to be explored.

Source: UG
Psychological working conditions and predictors of occupational stress among nurses, Salaga Government Hospital, Ghana, 2016

Introduction: occupational stress is a recognized health problem among nurses. Globally, its prevalence varies between 9.2% and 68.0%. It detracts from nurses' quality of life and efficiency of job performance. In Ghana, we do not know the important contributory factors to this problem. Our study sought to identify the important predictors of occupational stress among nurses. Methods: in January 2016, we conducted an institutionalbased survey among nurses of Salaga Government Hospital. They completed a five-point Likert type questionnaire adopted from the British Psychological Working Conditions Survey, and the Nurse Stress Index. Across 30 predictor variables, a mean score of 4.00 to 5.00 represented high to extreme occupational stress. We performed bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify important predictors of occupational stress at 95% confidence level. Results: of 167 nurses, 58.1% (97) were females. Respondents who experienced high to extreme stress levels had a 2.3 times odds of reporting sickness absence (CI: 1.03-5.14). Sources of occupational stress included: manual lifting of patients and pieces of equipment (OR: 16.23; CI: 6.28 - 41.92), the risks of acquiring infections (OR: 14.67; CI 5.90 - 36.46), receiving feedback only upon unsatisfactory performance (OR: 28.00; CI: 9.72 - 80.64), and inadequate opportunities for continuous professional development (OR: 63.50; CI: 19.99 - 201.75). Conclusion: the working conditions of nurses were stressful. The most significant predictors of occupational stress were poor supportive supervision by superiors, lack of adequate skills to perform routine tasks, uncertainty about their job role, and the lack of adequate opportunities for career advancements.

Source: UG
Psychologists in Ghana: analysis of the standing register

The maiden register of the Ghana Psychological Council published in September 2015 represents the first national official standing register of psychologists in Ghana. Drawing on this maiden register, this paper presents a seminal analysis of the distribution of psychologists in Ghana in terms of categories of specialisation, gender composition, areas of employment, location of practice, and institutions of training. A copy of the gazette of registered psychologists was obtained from the office of the registrar of the Ghana Psychological Council and quantitative content analysis was conducted on the list of registered mainstream psychologists. Among other things, the analysis shows that there are 166 (largely Ghanaiantrained) psychologists categorised into six main subfields in the country. Females represent the majority in terms of gender composition. Colleges/polytechnics/universities are the main areas of employment; the practising locations of 69.9% of the psychologists are in Accra, with no psychologist registered from the Brong-Ahafo and Upper East regions. Despite the challenges with the maiden register of psychologists in Ghana, the register does provide a good database for reflections on the availability, diversity and distribution of psychologists in Ghana.

Source: UG
Psychology in Ghana Revisited

The African has remained at the periphery of the study of human behavior. Theories propounded by Western psychologists and anthropologists have been applied to us with little attempts to understand the value of the African, whether in the African diaspora or in the African mainland. Foreign ideologies imply that the African is at the beck and call of Western psychological practices. As Africans (by that I mean continentals as well as diasporans), we have been thwarted by efforts to move forward. Part of this failure lies with psychology academics in the continent of Africa. Psychology has been taught certainly in Ghana, for example (it may not be the only place), as if one is sitting in a psychology classroom in New York, London, or Ottawa. Serious attempts have not been made to shift the discourse in our direction. About 3 years ago, I arrived at the shores of my birthplace and upbringing, Ghana, after having lived almost four decades in Europe and North America. I was asked to teach a course on Psychology of Personality. I started with the usual personality theorists (i.e., Freud, Jung, Adler, etc). In my fourth lecture, I decided to cover the topic, African-Centered Psychology, emphasizing the Akan concept of “okra” and “sunsum” (Akbar, 1996; Azibo, 1996; Gyekye, 1996; Sarfo, 2010). The enthusiasm with which the students received the previous topics suddenly dissipated; I was confronted with the harsh reality that these students were neither ready nor prepared to hear a lecture on “anything African.” Yet none of them questioned me on Freud’s id, ego, and superego or Jungian archetypes.

Source: UG
Psychology in Ghana: A review of research and practice

This chapter tracks the evolution of the development of psychology in Ghana from the colonial era to present. We focus on research trends and practice trends in the first two sections. In the final section, we present and discuss current and future challenges in developing psychology in Ghana, in terms of its theoretical and practical relevance to social and national development. Our discussion is informed by a review of published articles on psychological research in Ghana, supplementary material solicited from psychologists based in Ghana, Europe and the US and our own work in the areas of clinical psychology, cognitive and neuropsychology and social and health psychology. Peltzer and Bless (Psychol Dev Soc 1:53-64, 1989) along with a number of African psychologists have suggested that psychology in Africa is undermined by cultural, organisational and manpower/finance challenges. The future prospects of Ghanaian psychology are considered through this interpretive framework. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Psychometric assessment of HIV stigma in patients attending a tertiary facility: An initial validation of the Berger HIV stigma scale in a Ghanaian perspective

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

Source: UG
Psychometric properties and development of the Chinese versions of Gaming Disorder Test (GDT) and Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents (GADIS-A)

Currently, six instruments have been developed using the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) criteria for Gaming Disorder (GD). Two of these are the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT) and Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents (GADIS-A). The present study validated both the GDT and GADIS-A among a large sample of Chinese emerging adults. Via an online survey, 3381 participants (56.6% females; mean age = 19.56 years) completed the Chinese versions of the GDT, GADIS-A, Internet Gaming Disorder-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the Chinese GDT and GADIS-A. Pearson correlations were computed to examine the convergent validity (with IGDS9-SF) and divergent validity (with BSMAS) of the Chinese GDT and Chinese GADIS-A. The GDT had a unidimensional structure, which was invariant across sex and disordered gaming severity subgroups. The GADIS-A had a two-factor structure, which was also invariant across gender and gaming severity subgroups. Both the GDT and GADIS-A had significant associations with both IGDS9-SF and with BSMAS. Both the Chinese GDT and GADIS-A are valid instruments to assess GD among emerging adults in mainland China, enabling healthcare providers to adopt these tools in their efforts to prevent and examine GD severity among Chinese youth.

Source: UG
Psychometric properties of the Job Search Behaviour Index (JSBI) in recent university graduates: a Rasch analysis

School-to-work transition is a crucial period in the life of young adults, when they begin to realise their career aspirations. Yet, only a few young Ghanaian graduates find jobs one year after completing school. Understanding job search behaviour of graduates in Ghana would require a valid and reliable measure. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Job Search Behaviour Index (JSBI) using Rasch analysis. Data were from 429 recent graduates. Rasch analysis showed that the JSBI-7 was unidimensional and locally independent. There was no noticeable diferential item functioning across gender. JSBI-7 is a promising measure for use in Ghana.

Source: UG
Psychometrically Equivalent Fante Speech Recognition Threshold Materials by a Female Talker

Psychometrically Equivalent Fante Speech Recognition Threshold Materials by a Female Talker Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to create and evaluate digitally recorded speech materials for speech recognition threshold (SRT) testing among children and adults in Fante. Fifty-one (51) familiar trisyllabic words were chosen from a list of 107 widely used trisyllabic Fante words. They were digitally captured and edited to create the same root mean square as a 1-kHz calibration tone. Method: The study used a three-phase cross-sectional study method. Twenty native Fante speakers with normal hearing thresholds were selected at random for listener evaluation. For each of the words, the researchers used logistic regression to measure the slope, intercepts, and psychometric function slope at 50% and from 20% to 80%. In the study, the intensity of each word was modified digitally, so that the threshold at 50% of each word was equal to the mean pure-tone average (PTA) of the participants to increase the homogeneity of the thresholds of the selected words. Results: A final list of 25 familiar homogenous words with the same tone patterns of slopes greater than 7%/dB was finally selected and recorded for speech audiometry in Fante. Conclusions: Psychometrically equivalent trisyllabic words in Fante were successfully developed and evaluated for SRT testing in Ghana. There is a need for the development of speech audiometry materials in other Ghanaian languages

Source: UG
Psychosis in adolescents in Africa: A scoping review for current understanding and future directions

Research into psychosis in adolescents is important in Africa in view of the high burden of mental disorders and prevalence of risk factors such as child maltreatment implicated in the etiology of mental health problems. In this paper, we synthesized the existing literature on psychosis in adolescents in Africa to understand current developments and chart a pathway for robust research agenda on psychosis. A search was conducted on electronic databases, including Africa Index Medicus and Scopus and selected journals for papers. Google, Google Scholar, reference list of papers selected for inclusion in the review and study authors were contacted for additional papers and grey literature. A total of 11 articles were included in this review and discussed under the following thematic areas:(1) assessment of psychosis; (2) prevalence of psychosis; (3) demographic/psychosocial correlates of psychosis; (4) clinical correlates of psychosis; (5) substance misuse and psychosis; and (6) psychosis literacy and help-seeking behavior. A pathway for research into psychosis centering on the representation of psychosis, risk and protective factors, management/treatment of psychosis and aforementioned thematic areas was proffered

Source: UG
Psychosocial and physical experiences of haemodialysis patients in Ghana.

The chronicity of end-stage renal disease and the uncertainties surrounding the course of the disease and its treatment necessitate ongoing psychosocial assessment of these patients. This study explored the psychosocial and physical experiences of haemodialysis patients. A qualitative study was conducted in one medical unit of a teaching hospital in Accra, Ghana. A sample of 10 female and male end-stage renal disease patients, undergoing haemodialysis, were recruited. Interviews were audio taped. Data were transcribed verbatim and were analysed through content analysis, coding and categorisation. From the experiences narrated by the participants, four main themes emerged, which were divided into sub-themes. These included: psychological experiences (anxiety, depression, anger, worrying, and fear of death); social experiences (intentional isolation, inability to attend social functions, and effect of dialysis on marriage); economic encounters (difficulty in financing the treatment, loss of income, lowered productivity); and physical experiences (problems with sleeping, with fluid and diet restrictions, and with accessing the treatment site). Based on these findings, it is recommended that counselling centres should be attached to dialysis units in order to counsel patients and their families before haemodialysis commences. Future studies should capture how haemodialysis patients cope with their psychosocial experiences.

Source: UG
Psychosocial aspects of breast cancer treatment in accra, Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate psychosocial influences and effects of breast cancer treatment. DESIGN: Cohort questionnaire survey. SETTING: Surgical Outpatient Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana. SUBJECTS: Women previously treated for breast cancer, including those still on hormonal therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perception of quality of treatment and psychosocial support; and patients' felt needs for alternative treatment. RESULTS: Eighty nine women treated one to 22 years previously were interviewed. The majority (86%) had mastectomy. Chemotherapy was the most unpleasant aspect of treatment in 58 (65.2%), and 27 (30.3%) were not warned about complications of treatment. Thirty eight (42.7%) reported being afraid (frightened or terrified) at the diagnosis; other reactions were shock, devastation, weeping and depression. Twenty two (24.7%) received no counselling and 15 (18.5%) did not have opportunity to express their fears of death 55 (61.8%), mastectomy/deformity 27 (30.3%) and financial incapability 23 (25.8%). Forty four (49.4%) used alternate 'treatment', mainly prayer camps (25 cases) and herbs (22 cases), before and during hospital treatment. Use of alternate treatment led to delays in treatment in 23 women. They had complaints about the care they received: lack of sympathy and emotional support (16 cases), lack of information and communication (13 cases), lack of counselling (9 cases) and slow processes (8 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Many patients utilise prayer camps and herbs leading to delays in treatment. Breast cancer patients in Ghana (West Africa) are not receiving satisfactory emotional support, communication and counseling. Adequate psychosocial interventions need to be implemented.

Source: UG
Psychosocial barriers to female leadership: Motivational gravity in ghana and Tanzania

Women continue to be underrepresented in management globally, including the so-called "developing" countries, where gender diversity is especially crucial to business development. From Ghana, 120 experienced employees and 83 future managers from Tanzania's University of Dar-es-Salaam, read scenarios depicting male or female achievers, and predicted what proportions of co-workers and bosses would display encouragement, discouragement, or apathy. In Ghana, male respondents predicted encouragement from males towards male and female achievers but discouragement from females towards female achievers, while female respondents predicted more discouragementgenerally. In Tanzania, male respondents also predicted discouragement from females towards female achievers, while female respondents predicted the exact reverse. Such similarities and differences, across culturally diverse contexts in West and East Africa, highlight both global and local barriers to women in development.

Source: UG
The psychosocial burden of women seeking treatment for breast and cervical cancers in Ghana’s major cancer hospitals

Background Breast and cervical cancers remain the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer deaths in Ghana. Non-communicable diseases such as cancers, have been associated with psychological burdens such as anxiety and depression disorders as well as severe mental disorders such as bipolar disorder. As such the World Health Organisation has noted that mental health and well-being are crucial in reducing the NCD burden. Methods A convergent mixed method approach was used to ascertain the psychosocial burden of breast and cervical cancer patients who sought treatment in three major cancer hospitals in Ghana. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide from 298 breast and cervical cancer patients seeking treatment at the Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals as well as the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre. Qualitative analysis was done using thematic content analysis while quantitative analysis was done using logistic regression. Results The findings of the study showed that patients not only battled with psychological burdens such as anxiety, depression, pain, stigma, fear of death and loss of spouses but also struggled with physical, social, and dietary restrictions. Patients with low educational levels and income status, retired or unemployed, and/or had larger household sizes suffered more psychosocial burdens. Conclusion There is a need for liaison psychiatrists and health psychologists to assist oncologists to provide psychological support such as free and routine counselling services for cancer patients and their caregivers. Educational campaigns on mainstream and social media need to be intensified to demystify the stigma surrounding cancers in Ghana.

Source: UG
Psychosocial consequences of job loss after the financial sector clean-up in Ghana

The Central Bank of Ghana (regulator) revoked the licenses of nine commercial banks as a clean-up effort to protect customer and industry interests. Consequently, some individuals lost their jobs. This paper explored the psychosocial effects of job loss due to the banking sector clean-up exercise by the regulator. Using a phenomenology research design, together with purposive and snowball sampling strategies and experiences from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 affected employees were compiled and analyzed. Our findings showed nuanced dimensions of the negative psychosocial impacts of job loss on the participants. Thematically, the participants experienced largely negative psychosocial consequences (sub-themes: social identity) confusion, shame and embarrassment and harassment from customers) and familial consequences of group-level effects (sub-themes: effects on family of orientation, family of procreation), and individual-level effects (subtheme: spiritual father and fiancée). Our study suggests the urgent need to incorporate a psychosocial welfare takeover/merger policies to avert potential mental health crises in future retrenchment exercises

Source: UG