ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring nursing care experiences of older adults in the cape coast metropolis

The purpose of the study was to explore the nursing care experiences of in-patient older adults in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region of Ghana. The study employed a qualitative research approach with a descriptive design and recruited sixteen older adults of ages 60 years and above. The findings of this study showed five major themes, namely: physical, physiological, psychological, social nursing care experiences; as well as the perception of older adults about their nursing care experiences. A good nursing care experience in physical and physiological nursing care was generally reported by participants. The participants, however, reported poor psychological and social nursing care experiences. Furthermore, the perceptions of the participants about nursing care experience were reported as good; as informed by the meeting of their expectation of regular medication administration by the nurses. The findings also suggest that nurses are more focused on providing physical and physiological care which gives more cognizance to the biomedical care than the biopsychosocial care to patients. Therefore, there should be a wake-up call for nursing educators, nursing administrators, health institutions and nursing practitioners in the Cape Coast Metropolis to ensure the provision of holistic nursing care to older adult patients

Source: UCC
Exploring Philosophical Underpinnings of Ghanaian Dance Education and Their Implication for Teaching

There is global importance of dance education. Dance contributes to the overall development of a person (Gilbert, 2018; Pickard & Risner, 2016). Amans (2017) maintains that dance helps to communicate a person’s values, thoughts and worldview. Nonetheless, since the introduction of dance education into the curriculum during the 20th century, the focus has been on pedagogy. In Ghana, the predominant body of literature is silent on the philosophy of dance education. Yet there is evidence to the effect that the philosophy of education informs how to formulate educational ideals and policies and provide guidance for interpreting the curriculum and instructional materials (Combs, 2010). Thus, using the interpretive paradigm mainly through interviews, focus group discussion and other relevant documents such as course outlines and handbooks, this study sought to explore the philosophical basis of dance education programmes in Ghanaian public universities and their implications for teaching and learning method. A total of 12 and 17 teachers and students respectively were sampled using the purposive sampling techniques. In the main, the study found a synergistic philosophy employed in the dance programmes at the three public universities studied. The teaching method was predominantly teacher-centred. Consequently, in order to help students have a strong foundational basis for the dance programme, teachers should be knowledgeable about the philosophies and make them explicit in their delivery and encourage co-creative input to improve creative autonomy of dance students.

Source: UCC
Exploring quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and its symptoms impose a substantial burden on the individual. Despite its chronicity and adverse outcome, allergic rhinitis remains neglected, unrecognized and mismanaged and there is scarce scientific knowledge on how allergic rhinitis impact on the quality of life of individuals in Ghana. This study explored the experiences of patients with allergic rhinitis on their quality of life. The study used descriptive qualitative study employing the purposive sampling technique to recruit patients diagnosed with Allergic Rhinitis at the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and the data gathered was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that patients with allergic rhinitis experience several signs and symptoms once they come into contact with the triggers and this condition has effect on their psychological and socio-economic wellbeing. Physically, the participants experienced excessive sneezing, itching eyes, nose and throat, running nose and blocked nose, headache and pain in the throat, coughing, fatigue, inability to smell as well as hawking of the throat. Psychologically, participants experienced sleep and emotional disturbances, labeling, anxiety and discomfort, strained relationship with family and poor concentration. Participants also experienced socio-economic effects such as decreased productivity at workplace, increased expenditure due to drug purchase, and unsociable life style. It is therefore recommended that ENT practitioners employ interventions to enhance patients’ quality of life.

Source: UCC
Exploring Researchers’ Contributions to the Study of Deaths from All Causes in Russia

Societal changes have had effects on deaths from all causes in Russia. Up until now, deaths from all causes have been well researched, although several inconsistencies persist on the contributions of researchers. This study assessed research output, trends and topics that shaped deaths from all causes studies in Russia. Using bibliometric and topic modelling approaches, deaths from all causes in Russia published from 1914 to date was analysed using data on publications, citations, journals, keywords co-occurrence, year of publication, institutional affiliations, and country of origin from Scopus. Overall results indicate a steady growth of publications in Russia was documented after 1985. The h-index of some top 10 authors did not surpass single digits. A network visualisation map showed that ‘Russia’, ‘male’, ‘mortality’ and ‘human’ were the most commonly encountered vital terms. Of the ten most prolific authors, McKee M, Shkolnikov VM, Bobak M, Samorodskaya IV and Andreev E were the first five. Although the top 10 journals researching on death causes in Russia were Russian, these journals were not included in the most cited journals. The most prolific institutions studying deaths in Russia included; Tehran University of Medical Sciences, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University College London, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research and National Research University- Higher School of Economics. Findings suggest that deaths from all causes research attention in Russia increased in recent years, but the number of publications and research related engagements (e.g., networking and/ collaboration) does not match-up to other countries (e.g., UK, US, Germany). This research lag calls for more collaborative research between public health disciplines and networking among researchers (i.e., both national and international).

Source: UCC
Exploring Rts,S Malaria Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents/Caregivers In The Cape Coast Metropolis

Vaccine hesitancy is a global health challenge mostly associated with newly introduced vaccines such as the RTS,S malaria vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy negatively affects vaccination programmes. This results in low vaccination coverage as seen with the RTS,S malaria vaccination in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. Given this, this study sought to explore the reasons for RTS,S malaria vaccine hesitancy among parents/caregivers in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study was theoretically underpinned by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study used a qualitative method of research and an in-depth interview was used to collect data from 11 participants. Data were analysed using a guide developed by Braun and Clarke. The study revealed that parents hesitated to the RTS,S malaria vaccine because there was a low perceived risk and severity of malaria, fear of adverse events following RTS,S immunisation, perception of vaccine being ineffective, dissatisfaction over RTS,S being piloted in some selected districts, unknown vaccine side effects and low vaccine education from the healthcare professionals. It is recommended that Cape Coast Health Directorate should use outreaches, door-to-door and social media as means to educate parents on the RTS,S vaccine. Cape Coast Health Directorate should encourage nurses to educate parents on the risks and benefits of RTS,S malaria vaccination. Cape Coast Health Directorate should use vaccine-accepting parents to educate vaccine-hesitant parents. Ghana Health Service should administer the RTS,S malaria vaccination nationwide. Ghana Health Service should add RTS,S vaccine to the list of vaccines in the child health record book.

Source: UCC
Exploring Self-Management Practices Among Patients with Diabetes in Government Hospitals in the Upper West Region of Ghana

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic progressive metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia mainly due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin hormone. The study aimed at exploring the level of self-management practices among diabetes patients receiving care in public hospitals in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The research was a cross-sectional survey adopting stratified sampling technique to select 201 respondents. A questionnaire was used in the study for data collection with a reliability coefficient of 0.8. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 21. Adherence to proper selfmanagement practices was high with a mean percentage of 64.7%. Demographic factors of diabetes patients did not have any effect on their Self-Management Practices (p>0.05). There were differences in Self-Management practices among group of diabetes patients receiving care at different hospitals (p<0.05). In conclusion, most diabetes patients in the Upper West Region adhered correctly to self-management practices. However, they needed to improve upon the management on monitoring of blood sugar level and foot care. There was a difference in self-management practices of diabetes patients who received care at Wa and Lawra. It was also found that sex, gender, district of location, occupation, and income among others did not have influence on self-management practice.

Source: UCC
Exploring students perceptions of teaching, social, cognitive presences, effectiveness for teamwork and learning outcomes

The three elements of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Model which is known as teaching, social and cognitive presences can lead to successful educational experiences in a computer mediated online environment. However, current research has shown mixed-findings and little empirical evidences in supporting these elements leads to deep and meaningful learning outcomes. This study aims at investigating the relationships among students’ perceptions of CoI elements, effectiveness for teamwork and students learning outcomes through pre-post-tests. Experimental research design consisting of experimental and control groups were conducted through the use of an e-collaboration environment and traditional-in-class-collaboration respectively by the two groups. Data was collected using CoI and effectiveness questionnaires, pre-test and post-test questions. The results from multiple regression and correlation analyses show that the values of the Pearson’s correlation of five variables, R and R 2 are positive and statistically significant. These results confirmed the statistical relationship among the five variables to be positive and significant. The results also demonstrated that the linear combination of the four predictors’ variables strongly predicts the learning outcomes. These results have confirmed the relationship among the three elements of CoI, effectiveness for teamwork and student’s learning outcomes

Source: UCC
Exploring Teacher Characteristics for Effective Teaching of Physics in Senior Secondary Schools in Liberia

This study explores the characteristics of physics teachers that contribute to the effective teaching of physics in senior secondary schools in Liberia. It also examines how physics teachers’ perceptions vary based on years of experience, gender, and school type. To accomplish this objective, a triangulation mixed-methods design was implemented. Data was collected from 100 physics teachers using a census technique through a questionnaire and a focus group interview. Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages were used to analyze the quantitative data. The focus group discussion data, which provided further explanation of the quantitative data, was analyzed thematically. The study results revealed that physics teachers' characteristics in the Western Region of Liberia are prioritization of lesson preparation, instructional planning, innovative teaching methods, and assessment strategies. The study also found that there was a statistically significant difference in teacher characteristics across different teaching experiences. Furthermore, the study found no significant gender difference in physics teachers' priorities. Promoting gender-inclusive teaching practices and mentorship programs, schools should adopt adaptable teaching approaches that consider contextual factors and resource constraints for physics education.

Source: UCC
Exploring Teacher Trainees and their Tutors’ Receptiveness to Cultural Relevance of Mathematics in the Colleges of Education

This study explored the teacher trainees and their tutors’ receptiveness to cultural relevance of mathematics in the Colleges of Education. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used to explore the receptiveness of 1,160 teacher trainees and their 34 tutors to cultural relevance of mathematics teaching and learning. Participants were sampled from five Colleges of Education in one out of the five PRINCOF zones using convenient, purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. The data were collected through the use of questionnaires and semi-structured focus group interview guides. The quantitative data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics (percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (MANOVA). The qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented as narrative descriptions with illustrative examples. The findings showed that both teacher trainees and their tutors’ perceptions about mathematical knowledge, mathematics pedagogy, and the links between culture and mathematical knowledge indicated trends toward cultural-related perceptions. In addition, their perceptions about links between culture and mathematics pedagogy, and the links between culture and mathematics curriculum were also cultural-related, an indication that their views were generally cultural-related. Again, sex had significant effect on teacher trainees' and a non-significant effect on their tutors’ perceptions. Besides, the programmes of study and grade levels had significant effect on teacher trainees’ perceptions. Again, it was found that there was significant difference in the perceptions of teacher trainees and their tutors. The study recommends among others that teacher education institutions should leverage on the receptiveness of teacher trainees and tutors to promote culturally responsive pedagogies in Colleges of Education.

Source: UCC
Exploring temporal patterning of psychological skills usage during the week leading up to competition: Lessons for developing intervention programmes

Although sport psychology literature focuses on psychological skills use to promote proficiency, it is still puzzling that current research has focused on psychological skills use only during competition. There remains a scarcity of empirical evidence to support the timing, and content of psychological skill application during the time preceding competition. This study examined the extent to which psychological skills usage are dynamic or stable over a 7-day pre-competitive period and whether any natural learning experiences might have accounted for the acquisition of these skills across gender and skill level. Ninety elite and sub-elite table tennis players completed the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) at three different periods (7 days, 2 days, 1 hour) before competition. A MANOVA repeated measures with follow-up analyses revealed significant multivariate main effects for only skill level and time-to-competition with no interactions. Specifically, elite (international) athletes reported more usage than sub-elite (national) counterparts for self-talk, imagery and relaxation respectively. Time-to-competition effects showed imagery use decreased steadily across the three time points while reported usage of relaxation were almost at the same level on two time points (7 days and 1 hour) but decreased 2 days before competition. Findings suggest an implementation of formalized and periodized psychological skills training programs over continuous training cycles. This may foster a positive long-term athletes' psychological state prior to the onset of competition.

Source: UCC
Exploring temporal patterning of psychological skills usage during the week leading up to competition: Lessons for developing intervention programmes

Although sport psychology literature focuses on psychological skills use to promote proficiency, it is still puzzling that current research has focused on psychological skills use only during competition. There remains a scarcity of empirical evidence to support the timing, and content of psychological skill application during the time preceding competition. This study examined the extent to which psychological skills usage are dynamic or stable over a 7-day pre-competitive period and whether any natural learning experiences might have accounted for the acquisition of these skills across gender and skill level. Methods and results Ninety elite and sub-elite table tennis players completed the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) at three different periods (7 days, 2 days, 1 hour) before competition. A MANOVA repeated measures with follow-up analyses revealed significant multivariate main effects for only skill level and time-to-competition with no interactions. Specifically, elite (international) athletes reported more usage than sub-elite (national) counterparts for self-talk, imagery and relaxation respectively. Time-to-competition effects showed imagery use decreased steadily across the three time points while reported usage of relaxation were almost at the same level on two time points (7 days and 1 hour) but decreased 2 days before competition.

Source: UCC
Exploring the Challenges of Double-Track Schools and their Coping Strategies by School Management in Selected Senior High Schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

The Double-Track System of Education was introduced in the 2018/19 academic year in 400 senior high schools across the country. This was due to increase in enrolment as existing facilities in senior high schools could not accommodate the increase. The study thus, explored the challenges and coping strategies facing management of double-track schools in selected schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study employed the convergent mixed method research design. The target population for the study were management and second year students of three randomly selected double-track schools in the Eastern Region. Management were purposively and conveniently sampled and interviewed using interview schedule. The data was transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. The students were also randomly sampled, and given structured questionnaire to answer. The data was also coded and entered into IBM SPSS version 21, and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Drawing from the Job Demand Resources Model and Robert Merton’s theory on Adaptation, the study found out that double-track schools faced challenges with infrastructure, inadequate human resource, untimely release of funds, inability to go for vacation, as well as unwholesome and undersupply of food items. However, if the challenges are not timely met, they would affect effective delivery of education at the senior high school level. As a result of the effect of the challenges, management mostly adopted innovative strategies to cope with the situation. The study therefore recommended that government and other agencies should try to provide the needed resources.

Source: UCC
Exploring the dynamics of the Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict for peace-building

One of the key attributes of ethnic conflicts is that they could be complex and intractable. The Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict is one such conflict that presents traits of a complex conflict since the first violence was recorded in 1923. To understand such complexity, a qualitative research design was employed to study the conflict. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews of six key informants selected purposively from among conflict parties and mediators. Secondary data from 1923 to 2015 was collated from news reports and a temporal analysis was conducted on the secondary data whilst the interview transcripts were subjected to thematic content analysis to identify issues of dynamics. The study found that overall, the trend of the conflict indicates that violent incidents and the peace-building efforts have both increased but intervention efforts have generally superseded the violence, which is probably why this conflict has not blown out into a full scale war. The study also found that various dynamics related to land, ethnic mobilization and generational turnover are playing-out in the course of the conflict. These dynamics bring complexity to the Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict and these dynamics also make the conflict complex. The study recommends that state agencies and mediators adopt a modified peace-building approach that transforms the conflict, pays attention to original conflict actors and pursue the possibility of amicably setting aside the hurdle of previous court rulings. Further and wider research is also important for understanding the relationship between conflict complexity and protraction in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Exploring The Experiences Of Women In Sports Leadership Positions In Ghana

The study examines the experiences of women in sports leadership positions in the Ghanaian sports industry. The study adopted an interpretive research paradigm. The study further adopted the use of the phenomenological research design framework. A total of 13 respondents were selected using purposive, and snowball sampling approaches for the in-depth interviews. Eight participants were selected for the focus group discussions via convenience sampling. The data was collected using interview guides and analysed with the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). First, the data analysis identified that the barriers affecting women’s involvement in sports leadership are individual mindsets, structural barriers, and institutional barriers. Again, the study found that determination, work-life balance, access to opportunities, socio-cultural stagnation, and role incongruity characterise the nexus of personal, socio-economic and cultural factors that influence women’s participation in sports leadership. It was also realised that transcending perceived barriers of involvement, positive professional experiences, and career development opportunities sparked interest and inspired current Ghanaian women sports leaders. The proposed strategies to improve women’s participation in sports leadership include leadership training, and development, organisational support for leadership diversity, equal access to opportunities, and social support that targets youthful leadership in sports. The study recommends that policymakers should create a new National Sports Policy that capitalizes on the strengths of contemporary evolved sports culture, and current gender issues to mitigate the loopholes and concerns raised in past policy and legislation.

Source: UCC