ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitude and practices of HIV counsellors in HIV counselling and testing in the central region of Ghana

This study employed the descriptive survey to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of HIV counsellors in HIV counselling and testing in the Central Region of Ghana. In all, 140 HIV counsellors from the Central Region were sampled through the use of the purposive sampling procedure. The convenient sampling procedure was adopted to carry out the observation sections. Questionnaires and observation guide were used to collect the necessary data for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to illustrate the demographic profile of the participants and the data on five of the research questions. The thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Inferential statistics namely Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to compare relationship among variables. It was found out that HIV counsellors in the Central Region had a good knowledge on HIV counselling and testing, counsellors have developed a positive attitude towards HIV counselling and testing, the HIV counsellors adhered to good practices in their field of work, to a large extent, most of the respondents adhered to the basic techniques in counselling among others. It was recommended that periodic seminars and workshops must be organised for HIV counsellors, professional counsellors should be employed to solve the problem of shortage of staff. Also, test kits should always be made available at the health facilities at all times and finally, transportation and financial support should be available by the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service and National AIDS Control Programme to aid follow ups.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Post Exposure Prophylaxis of Hiv/Aids Among Students of Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Techiman

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is any form of preventive healthcare that is commenced as soon as the person comes into contact with a specific pathogen and before necessarily developing the disease. According to a report, 2 million out of 35 million health care workers are estimated to have exposure to infectious disease every year. Such an infection is HIV/AIDS that is in dire straits in Health care workers and student nurses in Ghana. PEP is useful in preventing HIV virus after exposure to contaminated substances; however student nurses may lack adequate knowledge about it. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of PEP for HIV among student nurses of Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Techiman and how this could be enhanced. This paper used a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative research design and the data source was a structured questionnaire with closed ended questions to be answered by 220 respondents. Descriptive analysis was done SPSS version 23. The existing level of knowledge of student nurses was low in terms of PEP; although, several students had some level of knowledge with a positive attitude and practice towards PEP. Furthermore, this study also showed a relationship with the level of the programme in knowledge about PEP. The results show that students’ knowledge of PEP in HIV is poor and short training before the preclinical attachment on PEP of HIV should be conducted to the students annually to improve their knowledge.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, attitude and practices of teacher trainees On the prevention of hepatitis b virus infection in the Kumasi metropolis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of teacher trainees in the Kumasi Metropolis on Hepatitis B and its prevention and also ascertained the relationship between teacher trainees’ level of knowledge and their practices on the prevention of hepatitis B. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Multistage sampling procedure was used to sample 300 teacher trainees in three Colleges of Education in the Kumasi Metropolis. Researcher generated questionnaire was the main instrument for the study. Frequency and percentages and Chi Square test of independence were used to analyze the data. The results revealed high knowledge, with positive attitude, and good practices, among teacher trainees in Kumasi metropolis. There was correlation between teacher trainees’ level of knowledge on hepatitis B and their practices. The study found that there is high knowledge, positive attitude and good practices among the teacher trainees in the Kumasi Metropolis and these are likely to influence positively the pupils they are going to teach, enable pupils dispense good attitude and will also help to reduce prevalence of Hepatitis B in the Kumasi Metropolis. It was recommended that there is the need to improve upon the knowledge level of the trainees who exhibited low knowledge about Hepatitis B. The study also recommended that screening in the Colleges of Education must be made compulsory with education attached, and free compulsory vaccination programme must be introduced among the teacher trainees to help reduce prevalence of the disease.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, attitude and practices related to cutaneous leishmaniasis in endemic communities in the Volta Region of Ghana

The Ho Municipality of the Volta Region is one of the most endemic areas for the neglected tropical disease (NTD), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), in Ghana. The knowledge on the perception of the disease by the inhabitants and its vector is essential to design effective prevention and management strategies. Such studies are limited in respect of CL in the Volta region of Ghana. This investigation was designed to administer a structured questionnaire to randomly selected individuals living in the endemic communities, based on previous reports on endemicity of cutaneous leishmaniasis, in the Ho Municipality; Klefe, Taviefe, Matse, Lume Atsyiame, Dodome Dogblome and Dodome Awuiasu. The results revealed that most (88.3%) of the respondents had a reasonable knowledge of the disease but not of the vector. Most of the respondents believed the disease is mainly cured with a particular type of herbs (Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit) identified by the botanist. Others thought that the use of bed nets (9.0%), weeding and spraying (23.4%) could be helpful in preventing bites from the vectors. Poor knowledge of the vector in the study population emphasize the need to initiate health education and awareness campaigns to minimize the risks of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the future

Source: UCC
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Related to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Endemic Communities in the Volta Region of Ghana

The Ho Municipality of the Volta Region is one of the most endemic areas for the neglected tropical disease (NTD), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), in Ghana. The knowledge on the perception of the disease by the inhabitants and its vector is essential to design effective prevention and management strategies. Such studies are limited in respect of CL in the Volta region of Ghana. This investigation was designed to administer a structured questionnaire to randomly selected individuals living in the endemic communities, based on previous reports on endemicity of cutaneous leishmaniasis, in the Ho Municipality; Klefe, Taviefe, Matse, Lume Atsyiame, Dodome Dogblome and Dodome Awuiasu. The results revealed that most (88.3%) of the respondents had a reasonable knowledge of the disease but not of the vector. Most of the respondents believed the disease is mainly cured with a particular type of herbs (Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit) identified by the botanist. Others thought that the use of bed nets (9.0%), weeding and spraying (23.4%) could be helpful in preventing bites from the vectors. Poor knowledge of the vector in the study population emphasize the need to initiate health education and awareness campaigns to minimize the risks of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the future.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, attitude, and perception of healthcare workers on hepatitis B infection in 37 Military Hospital

Hepatitis B (HB) infection remains an important occupational hazard for Healthcare workers (HCWs). This is alarming as HCWs are expected to be trained with the requisite knowledge about the virus, therefore assessing the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) of HCWs can highlight the measures needed in order to prevent or reduce risk of transmission among HCWs. A hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess KAP of HCWs concerning HB infection in 37 Military Hospital was undertaken amongst 50 purposively selected HCWs of 37 Military Hospital; were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi square analysis of patients’ demographic characteristics and for KAP of HCWs were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science (version 16). Of the 50 respondents, 77.6% were having adequate knowledge whereas 8.4% were of poor knowledge and 14% neither have adequate or poor knowledge. Also, 5.7% of respondents were of negative attitude whereas 89.7% showed a positive attitude and 4.7% were of neutral attitude. Again, 53% of respondents were of good perception whereas 17% were of poor perception and 30% was neither having good nor poor perception. Work experience and occupation of respondents showed significant relation with knowledge (p<0.01, p<0.05). Also, age, work experience and occupation were significantly associated attitude (p<0.05). Contrary, there was no association between demographic data and perception (p>0.05). It was concluded that there was adequate knowledge, positive attitude and good perception among HCWs concerning HB infection in Ghana. It is recommended amongst others that, intensified education be given to the HCWs of 37 Military hospital by the hospital management team to improve the perception towards HB infection.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, attitudes and barriers towards prevention of mother-to child transmission of HIV in Ghana

While awareness of HIV and AIDS is near universal in Ghana, the same cannot be said of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the disease. This paper assesses the level of knowledge, barriers and attitudes towards PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women, partners of pregnant women and people living with HIV (PLHIV). Data were gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) from research participants purposively selected from cities/towns of the three ecological zones in Ghana. The inclusion criteria were border towns, commercial/mining towns/cities and towns/cities that have been known for high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. The study found that most respondents were aware of MTCT but few knew about how it can be prevented. For pregnant women, the most prominent deterring factor is the fear of being diagnosed HIV positive and the associated stigma and discrimination. Therefore, creating community awareness on behaviours necessary to prevent MTCT is an essential step to improving participation, in and adherence to, PMTCT programmes

Source: UCC
Knowledge, attitudes and barriers towards prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ghana

While awareness of HIV and AIDS is near universal in Ghana, the same cannot be said of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the disease. This paper assesses the level of knowledge, barriers and attitudes towards PMTCT of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women, partners of pregnant women and people living with HIV (PLHIV). Data were gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) from research participants purposively selected from cities/towns of the three ecological zones in Ghana. The inclusion criteria were border towns, commercial/mining towns/cities and towns/cities that have been known for high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. The study found that most respondents were aware of MTCT but few knew about how it can be prevented. For pregnant women, the most prominent deterring factor is the fear of being diagnosed HIV positive and the associated stigma and discrimination. Therefore, creating community awareness on behaviours necessary to prevent MTCT is an essential step to improving participation, in and adherence to, PMTCT programmes.

Source: UCC
The Knowledge, Attitudes and Lifestyle Practices of Hypertensive Patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis-Ghana

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and lifestyle practices of hypertensive patients to help educate them to properly manage the condition and help reduce incidence among the populace. A cross-sectional descriptive survey. The Central Regional Hospital (Pedu), the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital (OLA) and the University of Cape Coast Hospital (UCC), between August 2014 and December 2014. We included 400 patients (158 males, 242 females; age range 20-89 years) with hypertension. Patients BMI’s were determined as well as information on their knowledge of hypertension, attitudes towards exercise and dietary practices. Barriers to maintaining healthy lifestyles were also identified. Out of the 400 patients, 282 (71%) were overweight and obese. The following barriers countered participants’ efforts to maintain healthy life styles; “lack of education”, “fear”, “financial constraint,” and “lack of commitment.” Logistic regression showed that participants’ occupation significantly influenced their knowledge levels positively with P=.012 at α-level of 0.05. More than 95% (n=383) of the study participants showed a poor level of knowledge in the causes, signs and symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment of hypertension. Participants’ who had occupations and worked were more knowledgeable about the condition than those who had no occupation and no regular jobs. Hypertension’s association with low levels of awareness, drug treatment, and blood pressure control identified in past studies still exist within current hypertension populations. Population-based prevention strategies, such as reduction in salt intake and integration of hypertension care into primary care need to be reviewed.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Of Occupational Health And Safety Measures Among Environmental Health Workers In The University Of Cape Coast

A sustainable robust economy requires that human resource may give high priority to occupational health and safety. This study sought to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures among Environmental Health Workers in the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The study adopted a mixed-method research approach. A stratified and systematic random sampling technique were used to capture 146 conservancy workers, 92 sanitary workers, and 52 cleaners, which made up a total sample size of 274 environmental health workers. In contrast, a purposive sampling method was used to capture the Head of the Environmental Health Section (EHS), including the other three sub-sectional heads (Conservancy, Sanitary and Cleaning) as the key informants. An interview schedule was used to collect data from the environmental health workers, while key informant interview guides were used to gather qualitative information from the key informants. The study revealed that majority of the respondents had a high level of knowledge on OHS issues since they agreed to the items used to measure respondents’ knowledge level towards OHS at the section. The study concluded that the EHS of the UCC faced OHS challenges including untimely release of funds, inadequate logistics, limited safety training and low wages for the workers. The main recommendation was that management of UCC should provide timely funding and adequate logistics for workers to carry out all the necessary safety OHS training.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Postoperative Pain Assessment and Management among Health Care Practitioners in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Postoperative patients experience moderates to severe pain within first 48 hours and this minimizes comfort. This study aims to establish level of nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of postoperative pain assessment and management in Cape Coast. A descriptive quantitative, cross- sectional research design was used. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 200 nurse anaesthetists and registered nurses from Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, Central Region, Ghana. The respondents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of postoperative pain management were evaluated using opened and closed-ended questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed, more than half of the respondents stated that postoperative pain is best told by the patients themselves but significant number 34% stated health care practitioners can best tell patient pain intensity. Less than half of the respondents observed the effect of pain medication on patients. Almost half of the respondents agreed patients would be addicted when they are given opioids analgesics. It was concluded that there were adequate knowledge of postoperative pain assessment and management among respondents but there is knowledge gap with regards to who best tell if patient experiences pain or not. Knowledge and practices of postoperative pain assessment and management were statistically significantly related and there is a strong relationship between knowledge and practice of postoperative pain assessment management. It was recommended that pain assessment and management should be done before and after administration of analgesia. Pain medications such as opioids should be given as and when necessary.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Postoperative Pain Assessment and Management among Health Care Practitioners in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Postoperative patients experience moderates to severe pain within first 48 hours and this minimizes comfort. This study aims to establish level of nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of postoperative pain assessment and management in Cape Coast. A descriptive quantitative, crosssectional research design was used. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 200 nurse anaesthetists and registered nurses from Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, Central Region, Ghana. The respondents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of postoperative pain management were evaluated using opened and closed-ended questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed, more than half of the respondents stated that postoperative pain is best told by the patients themselves but significant number 34% stated health care practitioners can best tell patient pain intensity. Less than half of the respondents observed the effect of pain medication on patients. Almost half of the respondents agreed patients would be addicted when they are given opioids analgesics. It was concluded that there were adequate knowledge of postoperative pain assessment and management among respondents but there is knowledge gap with regards to who best tell if patient experiences pain or not. Knowledge and practices of postoperative pain assessment and management were statistically significantly related and there is a strong relationship between knowledge and practice of postoperative pain assessment management. It was recommended that pain assessment and management should be done before and after administration of analgesia. Pain medications such as opioids should be given as and when necessary.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Postoperative Pain Management by Nurses in Selected District Hospitals in Ghana

There is documented evidence pointing to the fact that there are numerous challenges with postoperative pain (POP) management globally. However, these challenges with POP management are more profound in developing countries. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of nurses concerning POP management in four selected district hospitals in Ghana. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was employed to evaluate nurse’s knowledge, attitude, and practices pertaining to POP management. Multistaged sampling was used to draw the respondents. An adapted version of the Nurses Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain instrument was used to test the knowledge, attitude, and practices of nurses and midwives. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data in order to present quantitative descriptions of variables in this study. Results: This study showed that nurses in the four district hospitals had knowledge deficits regarding POP management. Eighty-one representing 48% of nurses had low knowledge on POP management. An overwhelming majority of nurses (97.6%) relied on routinely rendered basic nursing skills to relieve POP and a few used pharmacological interventions. However, nurses had good attitudes toward POP management. Conclusions: POP is ineffectively managed by nurses in district hospitals in Ghana. Nurses and midwives in Ghana need to adhere to best practices in POP management by increasing their theoretical and practical knowledge, so that there will be tangible positive change in POP management in Ghana. Recommendations: Nurses must be empowered through continuous development programs to keep abreast with changing trends that pertain to POP management.

Source: UCC
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Postoperative Pain Management by Nurses in Selected District Hospitals in Ghana

Introduction: There is documented evidence pointing to the fact that there are numerous challenges with postoperative pain (POP) management globally. However, these challenges with POP management are more profound in developing countries. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of nurses concerning POP management in four selected district hospitals in Ghana. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was employed to evaluate nurse’s knowledge, attitude, and practices pertaining to POP management. Multi-staged sampling was used to draw the respondents. An adapted version of the Nurses Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain instrument was used to test the knowledge, attitude, and practices of nurses and midwives. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data in order to present quantitative descriptions of variables in this study. Results: This study showed that nurses in the four district hospitals had knowledge deficits regarding POP management. Eighty-one representing 48% of nurses had low knowledge on POP management. An overwhelming majority of nurses (97.6%) relied on routinely rendered basic nursing skills to relieve POP and a few used pharmacological interventions. However, nurses had good attitudes toward POP management. Conclusions: POP is ineffectively managed by nurses in district hospitals in Ghana. Nurses and midwives in Ghana need to adhere to best practices in POP management by increasing their theoretical and practical knowledge, so that there will be tangible positive change in POP management in Ghana. Recommendations: Nurses must be empowered through continuous development programs to keep abreast with changing trends that pertain to POP management.

Source: UCC