ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Lithium lon-selective electrodes containing topo: determination of serum lithium by flow injection analysis

Trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) acts as a neutral lithium carrier in lithium ion-selective electrode membranes. When TOPO was used with 1% potassium tetrakis(pchloropheny1) borate in NPOE – PVC membranes, the electrodes exhibited a nearly Nernstian response and had a lithium to sodium selectivity of 1 : 60, which is better than some electrode sensors reported earlier. TOPO was also added to 14-crown-4, ETH 1810 and UWXC 10 electrode membranes, and the lithium to sodium selectivity of the 14-crown-4 electrode was dramatically improved. However, TOPO had a negative effect on the selectivities of the ETH 1810 and UWXC 10 electrodes. Diluted serum samples were analysed for lithium using the 14-crown-4 -TOP0 electrode in an FIA system. A statistical analysis of the ISE and corresponding AAS results indicated that these two methods have no statistical difference at the 95% confidence level. Because of the improved selectivity of the electrode and the elimination of the dialysis membrane from our original FIA design, the precision and accuracy of this determination were both improved, and the measurement time decreased

Source: UCC
Lithological responses to sea erosion along selected coastlines between Komenda and Saltpond, Ghana

Understanding the processes of coastal erosion calls for several methods to assess its extent and impact. Geomorphological investigation into coastal erosion is based on the shape and size of particles. Its importance is manifested in its ability to interpret past and recent geological forms and processes and to envision paleogeographical environments. This study examined how the lithological makeup of the Coastline responds to erosion. It focused on the coastline between Gold Hill (Komenda) and Amisano (Saltpond) in the Central Region of Ghana. Cailleaux’s Indices of Roundness and Flatness were used to ascertain the responses of lithology to erosion along the coastline. Abrasion and attrition were the major erosional processes that left evidence for observation. Through these processes, the characteristic behaviour of rock types was established. It was observed that the roundness of schist is short-lived although it is attained quickly, while quartzite sustains its roundness for a longer time. Though the same erosional processes prevail, the shoreline retreats at different rates due to differences in lithology

Source: UCC
lithological responses to sea erosion along the coasline from gold hill (Komenda) to Amissano (Saltpond)

Sea erosion, attributed to sea level rise and human activity, has become a threatening phenomenon confronting many coastal settlements worldwide. It has caused destruction to many coastal resources. Measures employed to mitigate sea erosion have been to build defence walls, groynes and revetment. However, these structures only dissipate the wave energy and cause further erosion on the coastline. The eastern shoreline of Ghana is the most vulnerable as a result of the increase in fetch distance eastwards and other offshore factors. However, other portions of the country’s coastline are experiencing high erosion activity. There is therefore the need to understand lithological responses to sea erosion to inform policy makers about the processes of sea erosion. The study assessed the extent of sea erosion along the coast of Komenda to Saltpond in the Central Region of Ghana. Sampled beaches were observed for sea erosion activities. In addition, particle size analysis was done by means of the Trask's Sorting Index and the Cailleaux Roundness and Flatness indices on sand and pebble samples from selected localities. The analysis revealed that particle size reduced while erosion increased with increased fetch distance. A field measurement conducted on cliff profiles resulted in an estimated annual rate of erosion to be 4 cm-8 cm. As a consequence, the coastline of the study area, especially the sandy coastline, is expected to lie from 10 m to 15 m inland from the current shoreline, by the year 2100.

Source: UCC
Lived Experience of Family Caregivers of Patients with Prostate Cancer in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Family caregivers play important roles in the overall well-being of people with prostate cancer. However, these roles are less recognized and often shrouded with challenges along with significant impacts on quality of life. This study explored the lived experience of family caregivers of patients with prostate cancer. The study adopted a qualitative approach using a descriptive phenomenological overtone. Twelve family caregivers of patients with prostate cancer were recruited. Four core themes emerged that described caregivers lived experience: the effects of caregiving; (these include physical impact, psychological impact and social impact), challenges confronting caregivers of prostate cancer patients, difficulties encountered within the healthcare environment and coping strategies adopted by family caregivers of prostate cancer patients. Data were analyzed using technique consistent with analyzing phenomenological data. The results showed that caregivers were faced with issues such as sleeplessness, fatigue, altered eating pattern, anxiety, inadequacy, “care as an obligation” hopelessness. Turmoil, loss of livelihood, role/role adjustment as well as lack of preparedness, lack of knowledge about the condition, misconception and financial constraints were also found as challenges. In an attempt to cope with these difficulties, family caregivers relied on support systems available and actively planned. In view of this, it can be concluded that caring for a loved one with prostate cancer is demanding, thus, posing a lot of concerns and worries to the family caregiver as they suppress their own needs in order to support their sick loved ones. The findings of this study can be used to guide clinical practice in the care of prostate cancer patients/family caregivers.

Source: UCC
Lived Experiences and Coping Strategies of Female Survivors of Abuse in Sekondi-takoradi Metropolis, Ghana

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and coping strategies of female survivors of abuse in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region of Ghana. The phenomenological research design rooted within the qualitative approach was used in the study. Thirty female survivors of abuse who were all married were interviewed from the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and data collected were analysed using thematic analyses. The study found that the usual types of abuse experienced by the female survivors of abuse were emotional, physical, economic and verbal abuse. The study also showed that the abuses suffered by the female survivors were caused by multiple factors. These causes included immaturity on the part of their husbands, lack of respect for women, upbringing of men, negative peer influence, and alcohol and drug abuse by their husbands. The study further revealed that most of the respondents were living in constant fear and discomfort because of their abuse experiences. The main forms of support available to female survivors of abuse in their experience of abuse were their friends, families and agencies such as the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). It was recommended that Government should through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection provide financial and economic assistance for women who report abuse cases.

Source: UCC
Lived Experiences And Support Systems For Maternal Near- Miss Patients At The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

Maternal Morbidity (MMb) of which Maternal Near-Miss (MNM) is a major constituent, receives less attention compared with Maternal Mortality (MMt) despite its greater contribution to the global burden of poor maternal health of an estimated 27 million cases annually. The nature of Maternal Near-Miss (MNM) serves as proxy for the study of MMt and thus, for assessing quality maternal health, the experiences of MNM patients give an indication of the support system required to promote healthy life of the women concerned. This study explored the lived experiences and support systems available to MNM patients at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), as well as experiences of Primary Caregivers (PCGs), perspectives and experiences of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) of MNMPatients, and the support systems available to MNM patients. Using a phenomenological study design, 15 MNM patients, 5 HCWs and 13 PCGs were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic content analysis was done using the Collaizi’s seven distinctive steps. The main findings were that MNM patients experienced physical, psychological/emotional, social and financial consequences that disrupted the physical, psychological, social and financial domains of their lives. These were mediated by support from their families, spouses, HCWs/facilities, religious bodies and NGOs. It was observed that the various forms of support provided were not coordinated. Therefore, there is the need for the coordination of stakeholders’ support to ensure a quality support system for MNM patients. Results of the study suggest the need to strengthen healthcare activities on MNM and thereby ensure an improvement in support to MNM patients at the facility and community levels.

Source: UCC
Lived Experiences of Diabetics Living in Rural Areas in the Eastern Region

Descriptive Phenomenology was used to explore the lived experiences of diabetic patients living in rural areas of the Eastern Region. Thirty-one diabetes patients were conveniently selected from four hospitals in the Region, and interviewed using semi-structured interview guide. Analysis of the interview data was done in line with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Themes generated were symptoms identification, initial lifestyle, patient‟s perception, and knowledge of diabetes; psycho-emotional reactions; accessibility to health care facilities, encounter with health care providers; effects of the disease, challenges of living with the disease; and management strategies. Patients identified the disease through symptoms experienced (frequent urination, sweet urine, weight loss, frequent thirst and hunger, foot sore) and regular check-ups. They acknowledged that the disease was contracted mainly through poor lifestyle. Patients perceived diabetes as dangerous, “disease of the rich”, and often described it as “money will finish.” Generally, patients had limited knowledge about diabetes. Patients‟ psychological and emotional needs were not adequately addressed at the hospitals. Patients experienced difficulty accessing health care and they complained of meeting different doctors on clinic days. Diabetes had a debilitating effect on patients and they were financially burdened. Despite these challenges, patients adhered to bio-medical treatment. Based on the experiences shared by patients, a „stakeholder in diabetes care framework‟ is suggested to define the role of the various stakeholders in the care of diabetic patients in rural areas in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Lived experiences of inter-urban commercial bus drivers involved in road traffic crashes in Central Region, Ghana

Interurban commercial bus drivers are confronted with inherent risk of over speeding, road curvature, road geometry, and weather condition predisposing them to Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs). Lived experiences of inter-urban commercial bus drivers involved in RTCs in Ghana remains relatively underreported. This relates to their experiences and opinions on the causes of RTCs and the post-experiences as survivors. This paper is an exploratory qualitative study involving face-to-face in-depth interviews with 15 interurban commercial bus drivers who survived RTCs and still drive. The sample was a mix of purposive and snowball sampling techniques at the terminals/stations of interurban commercial bus drivers in Cape Coast, the Capital city of Central Region. The analysis revealed environmental factors (such as weather condition, road surface, road curvature) accounted for the RTCs. Survivors received poor pre-hospital trauma care and no welfare package. Measures to RTCs could include road/transport infrastructure improvements and survivors are to be provided with social welfare package

Source: UCC
The lived experiences of nurses in the emergency department: A study in selected hospitals in the Volta region of Ghana

Emergency care is care that must be rendered without delay. Though today’s nurses in emergency departments (ED) are faced with many challenges, little time is spent in teaching or learning the content of emergency nursing care during the basic, master’s or doctoral level nursing education program. The purpose of this research was to explore the lived experiences of nurses working in EDs in selected hospitals in the Volta Region of Ghana. The study is a qualitative research in which a phenomenological design was used. Purposive sampling technique was applied in selecting the hospitals and participants for the study. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview of 15 professional nurses who worked in EDs of selected hospitals in the Volta Region. Demographic results revealed 73.3 percent of respondents were between 25 to 29 years. Only 6.7 percent of respondents used knowledge of critical care nursing to practice emergency care in ED. Six thematic categories emerged after content analysis: encountering challenges in ED; ED as a place of learning and increased confidence for nurses; feelings of stress and joy in ED; social and physical consequences of ED on the life of nurses working in ED; nurses taking up jobs in ED that are inconsistent with their job description; clients receiving low quality care in ED. Formal education of nurses in the advance role of emergency care nursing is necessary to improve the practice of emergency care..

Source: UCC
Lived Experiences Of Patients With Cervical Cancer

The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of cervical cancer patients. The study engaged a sample of fifteen cervical cancer patients selected through purposive sampling. The interpretative paradigm was used to guide the study since the emphasis of the research was on lived experiences of cervical cancer patients. Semi-structured interviews facilitated data collection while the Interpretative Phenomenological Approach was adopted for data analysis. The study generally confirmed the Biopsychosocial-spiritual model (BPS—spiritual) of health and disease. Most women with cervical cancer, in this current study, were confronted with physical, psychological, social, spiritual and health system related problems which exacerbated their general being. The biopsychocial approach to health and illness is suitable in the management of symptoms and treatment of cervical cancer patients since the approach takes into account all the dimensions of human experience. Health professionals should step up educational programmes on cervical cancer and adopt a national health policy to immunize women and girls against human papillomavirus (HPV).

Source: UCC
Lived Experiences of People with Chronic Kidney Disease in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

About ten percent of the population worldwide has chronic kidney disease (CKD), the majority of whom are women. A leading cause of CKD in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is hypertension. People living with CKD undergo multiple experiences as a result of the disease and its treatment, which can lead to depression. This study aims to examine the experiences of people living with CKD, with a view to gaining an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. The study adopted exploratory qualitative approach in collecting and analyzing the data. Ten individuals aged 16 to 50 years were purposively sampled from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) for the study. Semi-Structured interviews were used to collect data and the content was analyzed thematically. Findings include limited knowledge of CKD, psychological and emotional challenges associated with CKD. Financial implications regarding the treatment of CKD were reported as a major concern to most participants. In conclusion, it was evident that CKD patients may benefit from information and education regarding CKD including treatment options.

Source: UCC
Lived experiences of people with ostomies in the Accra metropolis

An improved quality of life is the utmost expectation of patients after any surgical intervention. However, people with ostomies have reported varying degrees of experiences with impacts on their activities of daily living. Ostomy surgeries are common in Ghana but little is known regarding the lived experiences of people with ostomy. This study gave insight into the lived experiences of people with ostomies in their homes in the Accra Metropolis. This study employed a phenomenological approach as its design. Recruitment was done at the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital. A face- to -face interview was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and the data gathered was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that ostomates did not have all the necessary information they needed for a smooth adaptation. Physically, participants experienced unpleasant smell, sound, and leakage of effluence from the ostomy. Psychologically, they did not know what to expect from the ostomy and this made them adjust the way they did things. Participants avoided social activities lest they inconvenience others and bemoaned the financial burden that comes with living with an ostomy. Support from family and friends helped them to cope with the condition. Participants had their religiosity affected whilst spirituality remained intact and they were hopeful for brighter days ahead. It is hoped that the findings will help healthcare providers tailor care towards the specific needs of people with ostomies.

Source: UCC
Lived Experiences of Road Traffic Accident Survivors

Road traffic accidents are on the ascendancy globally and contribute to several disabilities and even death. Survivors of road traffic accidents have been found to have varying challenges affecting their quality of life. Road accidents are common in Ghana too, but there is little knowledge on the lived experiences of the survivors. Hence, this study sought to explore the lived experiences of road traffic accidents survivors in Sekondi-Takoradi, specifically highlighting their physical, psychological, and social experiences as well as their coping strategies. This study used a qualitative phenomenological design using a semi structured interview guide to get responses from the participants. Participants were purposively sampled at Effia-Nkwanta regional hospital. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse results of the study. The study found that road traffic accidents survivors have physical challenges through injuries, pain, hospital environment and a lack of strength. Psychologically, most of them experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while few had depressive and anxiety symptoms. Survivors had to make some lifestyle adjustments to accommodate their new circumstances, they experienced financial hardships, and other social support problems like negative attitudes of some healthcare providers. It was also discovered that their relationships with significant others and friends were either strained or strengthened. Social support and spirituality were found to be the most used coping strategy in this study. In view of this, it was recommended that medical practitioners collaborate with clinical/health psychologists to regularly assess RTA survivors to improve healthcare.

Source: UCC
Lived experiences of women with obstetric fistula in the Wa Municipality

Obstetric fistula is one of the most devastating conditions associated with childbirth globally. It is more prevalent in developing countries including Ghana. Estimates are that over 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Yet little is known about this phenomenon in Ghana. The study explored the lived experience of women with obstetric fistula in the Wa Municipality. A qualitative approach using descriptive phenomenology design was adopted for this study. Twelve participants were interviewed and the data analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that women living with obstetric fistula experience negative physical, socio-economic and psychological problems. These problems include; leakage odour, genital sore and paralysis, social isolation, diminished religious activities, transport challenges, lack of love, and intimacy. Others include; reduced self-esteem, anxiety, stigma and divorce. Coping strategies reported by participants included; Support from loved ones and the use of perfumery and diapers. Obstetric fistula is a neglected health condition with significant impacts on quality of life. Women in deprived communities are most affected and are often untreated with no access to health care.

Source: UCC
Livelihood activities of migrants from Ghana’s northern regions resident in the Obuasi and Techiman municipalities

With migrationbeing one of the strategies adopted for poverty reduction, livelihood activities of migrants have become a topic of particular interest. One of the key issues relates to whether at destination migrants maintain the same livelihood activities of their places of origin or they engage in entirely different ventures. Using the DFID Sustainable Livelihood Framework, the paper examines the livelihood activities of Ghanaians who migrate from the northern parts of the country to two municipal areas in the south. Some 508 migrants who were heads of households (HH) participated in the study in two selected municipalities. The results indicated that prior to migration, the main livelihood activity of the migrants had been agriculture but at destinations they were mostly engaged in non-agricultural activities such as petty trade, employment in the civil service, and working in the mining sector. It emerged that the background characteristics of the migrants, to a greater extent, influenced their choice of livelihood activities at destination. The differences in terms of livelihood activities engaged in at the places of origin and those at destination could be attributed to differences in 'livelihood capitals' and levels of socioeconomic development between the northern and southern parts of the country. The findings of this paper have implications for population distribution, occupational mobility and patterns of socioeconomic development across Ghana.

Source: UCC