ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Incentives and endorsement for technology adoption: Evidence from mobile banking in Ghana

How can we encourage the adoption of digital financial services? We use an RCT with 115 microfinance groups in Ghana to understand the respective roles of individual incentives to adopt a technology and endorsement of the technology by a peer. We study mobile banking services, a technology which allows deposits and withdrawals between a mobile phone and bank account, dramatically lowering the transaction costs of saving in the bank account. We find that while individual incentives increase adoption of mobile banking services by 60% (6 percentage points) over 6 months, adding endorsement by a peer doubles the impact of the incentives alone. Peer endorsement significantly enhances confidence in dealing with fraud and increases peer support in using mobile banking. Those encouraged to adopt mobile banking by a peer save 30% ($4) more in the linked bank account 6 months later. Our study highlights the power of peers in encouraging technology adoption and facilitating formal financial inclusion.

Source: UG
Incentives for cocoa bean production in Ghana: Does quality matter?

This paper investigates the institutional factors that constrain farmers’ incentives to enhance the quality of cocoa beans in Ghana. Data were collected at three levels of aggregation in the cocoa bean value chain: village, district, and national level. Multi-stage cluster sampling was employed to sample 120 farmers and 12 purchasing agents of licensed buying companies from 12 villages in Assin Foso, Suhum, Dormaa and Wasa Akropong cocoa districts. Convenience sampling was used to sample key informants from relevant organizations and service providers at district and national levels. The study revealed that, even though quality is important to all categories of actors in the cocoa sector, interactions among them are hampered by problems of information asymmetry that result especially in farmers evading recommended practices. While cocoa sector policies ensure the export of premium quality cocoa, policies have not sufficiently alleviated the information problem especially in the relation between farmers and cocoa purchasing agents. It explains why Ghanaian farms have not been able to reach their full potential to produce more than 1,000,000 metric tons of premium quality cocoa annually. Amongst other options, self-selection policies, such as quality testing with price premiums, are recommended for testing as potential incentive mechanisms that address information

Source: UG
Incidence and management of malaria in two communities of different socio-economic level, in Accra, Ghana.

Two adjacent communities of differing socio-economic levels were selected, in Accra, Ghana, for the study of the home management of malaria. The youngest child in each selected household, each of which had a child aged < 5 years, was recruited for weekly follow-up, following informed consent. Malaria was the most common condition reported by the 'caregivers' (mothers of the subjects and others caring for the subjects) in each community, with 2.0 episodes of clinical malaria/child during the 9-month study. Most (89%) of the caregivers in the better-off community had been educated beyond primary-school level, but 55% of the caregivers in the poorer community had either received no formal education or only primary-school education. This difference was also reflected by the educational facilities provided to the children studied: 52% of the those in the better-off community attended nurseries, kindergartens or creches, compared with 8% of the children investigated in the poorer community. The proportion of caregivers who purchased drugs without prescription or used left-over drugs to treat clinical malaria in the children was higher in the poorer community (82% v. 53%), and a child from the poorer community was less likely to have been taken to a clinic or hospital to be treated for malaria than a child from the better-off community (27% v. 42%). During the follow-up period two children died, one from each community. Treatment of malaria in young children is likely to be less effective in the poorer community, where a lack of economic access to health services was demonstrated.

Source: UG
Incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital a baseline prospective study

Objective To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and any associated risk factors among preterm infants at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Design Prospective study. Setting Level 3 NICU of KBTH from June 2018 to February 2019. Participants Eligible infants with birth weight (BW) less than 2 kg or gestational age (GA) less than 37 weeks were examined at scheduled intervals until full maturity of their retina. Outcome measures The primary outcome measure was cumulative incidence of ROP and secondary outcome measure was risk factors associated with ROP. Results Of the 401 infants, 222 were females (55.4%), mean±SD GA was 32.3±2.4 weeks (median 32, IQR 31 to 34) and mean BW 1.6±0.4 kg (median 1.5, IQR 1.3 to 1.9). The cumulative incidence of ROP was 13.7% (95% CI: 10.5 to 17.5%), with 1.8% (seven infants) having type 1 ROP. Increased risk of ROP was observed in babies with supplemental oxygen exposure (p<0.001), BW less than 1.5 kg (p=0.019), confirmed neonatal sepsis (p=0.001), nasogastric tube feeding (p=0.03) and poor pupillary dilation (0.032). A reduced risk of ROP was observed in boys (p=0.004) and after delivery by caesarean section (p=0.019). Conclusion The rates of ROP at KBTH are comparable to other NICUs in sub-Saharan Africa. Birth weight less than 1.5 kg, confirmed neonatal sepsis, nasogastric tube feeding and poor pupil dilation were independently associated with increased incidence of ROP. ROP screening should be a part of the routine service for premature infants in Ghana.

Source: UG
Incidence of helicobacter pylori infection in Ghanaian patients with dyspeptic symptoms referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Helicobacter pylori has been linked with peptic ulcer disease, non-autoimmune gastritis, non peptic ulcer dyspepsia and gastric carcinoma and lymphoma. This study looked at the incidence of H. pylori infection in Ghanaian patients with dyspeptic symptoms referred for upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy and its relationship to various pathologies. Detection was by the CLO urease test. A hundred and thirty (130) patients were studied. 75.4% tested positive for H. pylori infection and the incidence peaks in the 5th decades. While 23.5% H. pylori positive patients had active duodenal or gastric ulcer, 18.8% of H. pylori negative patients also had the ulcer. Out of 43 patients with normal oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy, 74.4% were H. pylori positive, 66.6% of gastric malignancies tested positive for H. pylori infection. It remains to be confirmed that eradication of H. pylori will relieve the peptic symptoms in affected patients with no ulcer disease.

Source: UG
Incidence of Induced Abortion in Southern Ghana

Context: In countries such as Ghana, where the law restricts elective induced abortion, data to quantify the incidence of abortion are scarce. Existing data on induced abortions in Ghana come mainly from hospital records, which are unreliable because record-keeping is poor and induced abortions often are classified inaccurately. Methods: A multistage random sampling design was used to identify 18,301 women aged 15-49 from eight communities in four of the 10 regions in Ghana between January and March 1997. Of the identified women, 1,689 were pregnant. From March 1997 to March 1998, fieldworkers living in the pregnant women's communities monitored their health and pregnancy outcomes, including self-induced abortions. Results: During the study period, the rate of abortion in the study areas was 17 induced abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age. There were 19 abortions per 100 pregnancies (or 27 abortions for every 100 live births). The majority (60%) of women who had an abortion were younger than 30, and 36% were nulliparous. Forty-five percent had obtained their abortions before the seventh week of gestation, and 90% had done so before the 10th week. Only 12% of the women said they had obtained their abortion from a physician. Muslim women had decreased odds of obtaining an abortion. Women who lived in urban areas, who were educated or who had four or more children had increased odds of obtaining an abortion. Women who were self-employed had greater odds of obtaining an abortion than those who were employed by someone else. Conclusion: Ghana's abortion law does nothing to prevent many induced abortions from occurring. However, few Ghanaian women who seek abortions obtain them from physicians, and most appear to induce abortions themselves, often in collaboration with pharmacists.

Source: UG
Incidence of Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza among HIV-Infected versus HIV-Uninfected Individuals in Two Districts of Ghana, 2014 to 2016

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
Incidence of medically attended influenza among residents of Shai-Osudoku and Ningo-Prampram Districts, Ghana, May 2013 - April 2015

The Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.

Source: UG
Incidence of Sitophilus oryzae and other stored-product pests on cowpea in local markets in Accra: Management strategies employed by retailers

In recent times, the unusual presence of Sitophilus on cowpea has become an issue in Ghana as it constitutes a threat to food sufficiency and food security; this, by extension, necessitated the execution of this survey to establish the specific identity of the insect and its incidence, on stored cowpea in Ghana and consequently assess the level of awareness of traders and the management strategies employed. Using internal morphological identification techniques, the insect was identified as Sitophilus oryzae with an incidence rate of 12, 22 and 20% as against 50, 41 and 42% incidence rate of Callosobruchus maculatus after 30, 60 and 90 days respectively, of undisturbed storage of cowpea within the marketing systems in Accra, Ghana. Relatively low number of retailers (35.44%, N = 79) was aware of this occurrence, with 91.14% of this employing the energy-demanding and time-consuming sieving techniques as their main control strategies. This paper draws attention to the possible worsening of food insecurity already eminent in Africa for insects are no respecters of international or geo-political boundaries as they can spread to other countries, should this observation be left unchecked. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Source: UG
Incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic plasmodium falciparum infection following curative therapy in adult residents of northern Ghana.

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Incidence, causes and correlates of maternal near‐miss morbidity: a multi‐centre cross‐sectional study

To explore the incidence and factors associated with maternal near‐miss. Cross‐sectional study with an embedded case‐control study. Three tertiary referral hospitals in southern Ghana. All women admitted to study facilities with pregnancy‐related complications or for birth. An adapted version of the WHO Maternal Near Miss Screening Tool was used to identify maternal near‐miss cases. These were compared with unmatched controls (uncomplicated deliveries) in a ratio of 1:2. Incidence of maternal near‐miss, maternal near‐miss‐maternal mortality ratio, and cause of and factors associated with maternal near‐miss. Out of 8,433 live births, 288 maternal near‐miss cases and 62 maternal deaths were identified. 454 healthy controls were recruited for comparison. Maternal near‐miss and maternal death incidence ratios were 34.2 (95% CI:30.2 ‐ 38.1) and 7.4 (95% CI:5.5 ‐ 9.2) per 1000 live births respectively with a maternal near‐miss‐mortality ratio of 4.6:1. Cause of near‐miss was preeclampsia/eclampsia (41.0%), haemorrhage (12.2%), maternal sepsis (11.1%), and ruptured uterus (4.2%). Major factor associated with maternal near‐miss was maternal fever within the seven days before birth (OR:5.95 95%CI:3.754 ‐ 9.424). Spontaneous onset of labor was protective against near miss OR:0.09 95% CI: 0.057 ‐ 0.141) For every maternal death, there were nearly five maternal near‐misses. Women having a fever in the seven days prior to delivery were six times more likely to experience a near‐miss than women not having fever. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
The Incidence, Intensity, and Risk Factors for Soil Transmissible Helminthes Infections among Waste Handlers in a Large Coastal Periurban Settlement in Southern Ghana

Soil-transmissible helminthes (STH) infections are among the most common sanitation-related public health problems in poor periurban settlements of tropical regions of low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, research studies documenting the incidence rate, intensity, and occupational risk factors of STH infections among adults are scanty. A prospective cohort study of 261 waste handlers was conducted to investigate this. Stool samples were collected after 90 and 180 days of treatment with albendazole (400 mg per dose). The geometric mean intensity of STH among waste handlers after 180 days of treatment was 2.8 eggs/gram (light intensity), with an incidence rate of 1.5%. The proportion of waste handlers with light intensity STH infections was 4.8%. The odds of STH infection among female waste handlers were 80% lower when compared with male waste handlers (aOR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.0–0.8). Waste handlers who used rubber gloves when working were 80% (aOR = 0.2: 95% CI: 0.2–1.9) protected from STH infections compared with those who did not use gloves. Infections with STH among the 261 waste handlers significantly correlated with the type of waste handling activities (LR χ2 =15.3; p = 0.033) with the highest proportion of infection found among transporters, 2 (40%). Waste handlers should receive periodic antihelminthic treatment, at least once every six months, practice adequate hand hygiene, and use suitable personal protective equipment during work.

Source: UG
Incidence, Prevalence And Risk Factors For Comorbid Mental Illness Among People With Hypertension And Type 2 Diabetes In West Africa: Protocol For A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis.

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
Incidence, Risk Factors For Metabolic Syndrome And Health Systems Capacity For Its Management Amongst People Living With HIV, Accra-Ghana: A Study Protocol.

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to the clustering of three or more metabolic disorders including high blood pressure, glucose impairment, abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoproteins. MetS is increasingly being considered an epidemic among People Living With HIV (PLWH) with reports of association between HIV infection and/or antiretroviral therapy (ART) usage and development of MetS. MetS predisposes PLWH to the development of cardiovascular, kidney diseases and diabetes, decreases the quality of life, and burdens the health system. This study aims to establish the incidence, time to development and risk factors for development of MetS and it’s components, and to assess the capacity of the health system to manage MetS and it’s components among ART naive PLWH in Accra, Ghana. Methods We will conduct a mixed methods study with quantitative and qualitative data collection. Our prospective cohort study would enroll adults of 18 years and above with none or less than three MetS components at baseline and follow them up at six months and one year. Demographic, lifestyle data, anthropometric, and laboratory data will be collected using an adapted WHO Steps Survey questionnaire. The WHO Service Availability and Readiness Questionnaire (SARA) will be adapted to collect information on capacity across the six WHO building blocks. Key informant interviews will be conducted with HIV coordinators at the national, regional, and facility levels. In-depth interviews will be conducted with PLWH from the cohort who develop MetS or MetS components during their follow-up. Data will be analysed using proportions, Kaplan Mier time to event analysis, fitting of Cox proportional hazard regression models for risk factors, and generation of themes from qualitative data. Expected outcome This study will generate data on the incidence, time to development, risk factors for MetS and MetS components development, and health systems capacity for MetS management among PLWH. Findings would inform revisions to the guidelines and policies for HIV care in Ghana, Africa, and beyond, ultimately improving MetS prevention and management among the vulnerable population of PLWH.

Source: UG
Inclusion of Ghanaian women in coastal natural resource management: The role of environmental attitudes and values

Coastal natural resources provide many benefits, some of which are economic and cultural benefits. Unfortunately they are often overexploited resulting in a loss and degradation in natural resources. The study reported in this book highlights the environmental attitudes and values of a very important group of stakeholders – women and the significance taking these into consideration in the management of local coastal natural resources. It investigates poverty-coastal natural resource linkages and how this knowledge can be used to improve Natural Resource Management in Ghana. It also examines the feasibility of using the paired comparison method as an alternative methodology in assessing environmental values in a developing country setting. The questions that guide the direction of this book are: · How women construct and perceive poverty in their community? · What are the linkages between poverty and natural resource use in coastal environments? · What kind of attitudes towards the current trends of natural resource degradation along the coast do women have? · What kind of environmental values do the respondents in the study areas have? · How do the environmental attitudes and values mean for coastal natural resource management in Ghana? · What are the existing institutional and legal frameworks with regards to coastal natural resource management in Ghana?

Source: UG
Inclusion of Men in Maternal and Safe Motherhood Services in Inner-City Communities in Ghana: Evidence from a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: There has been a growing realisation of the need to enhance men's inclusion in maternal and safe motherhood services, especially in low-income settings. However, empirical studies on the extent to which men are involved in maternal and safe motherhood services especially in poor inner-city communities are lacking. The purpose of this study was to describe the level of men's inclusion in maternal and safe-motherhood services in inner-city communities in Ghana, and to assess the barriers of men's involvement. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among a total of 256 randomly selected adult men in Chorkor, an inner-city fishing community in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. A multistage sampling strategy was used to select houses, households and respondents. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the data. Data analysis was done with the aid of SPSS version 20. Results: Although almost all (96.6%) respondents knew the meaning of family planning, as high as 236(92.2%) have never accompanied their wives/partners to clinics to seek family planning services. Also 242(94.5%) and 251(98%) of men, respectively, knew the importance of antenatal services and supervised delivery. However, only 114(44.5%) of men ever accompanied their wives/partners to seek skilled delivery services. Men's involvement was hindered by barriers such as attitude of health workers, long waiting time and socio-cultural beliefs. Conclusion: The study revealed a gap between men's awareness of the importance of maternal and safe motherhood services and their actual involvement in accessing these services with their female partners. There is a need to create a supportive environment that encourages men to be involved in maternal health services to help reduce maternal/neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Source: UG
Inclusion of the Informal Sector Pension: The New Pensions Act

The study was conducted to examine the extent to which informal sector workers understand new pension scheme of Ghana, together with its benefits, challenges and adequacy in guaranteeing their retirement income security. Primary data through interviews and focus group discussions, and secondary data through review of relevant laws were obtained. A total of 86 participants constituted the sample, made up of the regulator, regulated and cross-section of informal sector workers. There is generally low patronage by the informal sector workers which can be attributed to lack of trust in the trustees. Awareness creation and public education are still being embarked upon to win public trust and confidence. The adequacy of the pensions scheme is attained through investments in permissible ventures such as treasury bills, real estate, bonds and stocks.

Source: UG
Inclusions in Runner Steel During Ingot Casting

This paper reported the observation of inclusions in the steel of an ingot runner. Thermodynamic modeling was performed to study the formation mechanism and sources of inclusions. CFD modeling on fluid flow, heat transfer, solidification of molten steel was carried out and the entrapment of inclusions in runner steel was predicted and compared with the measurement. Al2O3-based inclusions were the main ones in the steel samples. MgOˑAl2O3 mainly stemmed from the lining refractory. The high MnO inclusions in the runner steel came from the runner slag. The effect of natural convection was very important for the cooling and solidification of the steel in the runner. Both the observation and the modeling show that > 50μm inclusions more accumulated on the upper area in the runner and < 50μm inclusions dispersed well and more accumulated on the lower area of the runner.

Source: UG