ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Social studies teachers’ competence in teaching and assessing learning outcomes in the affective domain in new Juaben Municipal Senior High Schools

The purpose of the study was to assess the competence of Social Studies teachers of senior high schools in New Juaben Municipality in Eastern Region of Ghana in teaching and assessing the affective domain. A census of 55 teachers was taken from eight public senior high schools in New Juaben Municipality. A 32-item questionnaire was used to collect data from these social studies teachers. Areas examined included teachers’ competence in formulating affective objectives, the extent to which teachers exhibit skills in teaching to achieve affective learning outcomes, differences that teaching experience make in teaching the affective domain as well as the techniques teachers employ in assessing affective learning outcomes. The results show that a large number of social studies teachers were not abreast of the formulation of the affective objectives. The teachersignored the affective domain entirely due to the fact that WAEC does not assess it in any way. The study also revealed that teachers lacked the skills in teaching to achieve the affective learning outcomes. They gave reasons that character, values and attitudes are difficult to transform. The study also showed that social studies teachers never used any technique for assessing affective learning outcomes. It is recommended that inservice training course is organised for the teachers to equip them on the task.The coordinators for second cycle teachers should monitor social studies teachers in teaching affective domain. The training institution should also strengthen the teaching of the use of techniques for assessing the affective domain.

Source: UCC
Social studies teachers’ content knowledge impact on students in the senior high schools in Ghana

The main objective of the study was to find out how Social Studies teachers at the Senior High Schools (SHSs) impact their content knowledge into students in the classroom. To achieve this objective, interview guide and questionnaire were used to elicit the views of respondents. In all, 54 Social Studies teachers were involved in the study. The simple random, cluster and convenient sampling techniques were used to select the respondents for the study. Frequency counts and percentages were used as statistical tools for analyzing the questionnaire data collected, and the data from the interview guide was transcribed, categorized, analyzed and discussed on themes and subthemes that emerged. The findings revealed that majority of the teachers used content knowledge of Social Studies they have acquired to impact in their teaching to develop attitude, skills, values and knowledge in students. Based upon the findings, it was recommended that, there should be courses on Social Studies content so as to develop teachers’ knowledge about the subject to enhance effective teaching.

Source: UCC
Social Support and Recovery of Hospitality and Tourism Smes in Cape Coast

Social support plays a critical role in the recovery of hospitality and tourism SMEs by providing encouragement, guidance and resources to help businesses overcome challenges and bounce back from setbacks. Researchers have argued on varied factors that influence the hospitality and tourism SMEs‟ recovery process but then there is a robust correlation between social support and business recovery. The study examined the role of social support in the recovery of hospitality and tourism SMEs in Cape Coast. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the respondents. The study sampled 142 respondents using a simple random sampling technique for the survey. In addition, 10 managers/owners of the hospitality and tourism SMEs were interviewed. The results of the study indicated that the hospitality and tourism SMEs experienced a sudden decline in revenue generation between 2020 and 2021, leading to other challenges. The study further established that social support was a key dimension in the business recovery process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The likelihood of business success and sustenance are hinged on the availability of social support. Thus, social support reduces the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitality and tourism businesses. The more robust the social support the higher the likelihood of a business achieving a good outcome. It is therefore recommended that managers/owners of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises adopt long-term, adaptable crisis management methods that take into consideration both financial and non-financial elements.

Source: UCC
Social Support and Religious Faith as Determinants of Help-Seeking Behaviour Among Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia at Homeopathic Centres in Greater Accra Region, Ghana

The study examined social support and religious faith as determinants of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) patients' help-seeking behaviour at homeopathic clinics in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was used for the study, and a questionnaire was used to elicit data from one hundred and forty-eight participants who were chosen through convenience sampling. The data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, multiple regression, simple linear regression, and mediation analysis with Hayes PROCESS. Among other aspects, the study showed that the association between social support and help-seeking behaviour of BPH patients was statistically significant. However, the association between religious faith and patients' help-seeking behaviour with BPH was not statistically significant. Again, the association between religious faith and help-seeking behaviour of BPH patients was not significantly mediated by social support. Based on these analyses, the researcher assumes that the variables significantly associated with BPH patients' help-seeking behaviour were support from family and significant others. The study recommended that patients living with BPH be sensitized and appropriately educated by practitioners on BPH related complications. These will lay the groundwork for health experts to offer client-centred and gender-specific assistance to clients, especially in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Social support for the mentally challenged patients in the psychiatric hospitals of Ghana

Mental health remains largely ignored in many developing countries, including Ghana. Mental illness could be treated effectively through medication and psychotherapy. The study explored the availability of social support for the mentally challenged patients at the three psychiatric hospitals using both quantitative and qualitative methods in Ghana. Four hundred and nine in-patients (409) whose conditions had improved (lucid interval) participated in the survey. Twenty-three outpatients, 10 caregivers and 10 facility personnel were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. The results show that some of the patients received emotional, instrumental and informational support. Patients with less than 6 months' stay were more likely to receive support from the family and significant others than patients with more than 4 years stay at the hospital. Female patients were more likely to receive positive support whiles male patients were likely to receive negative support from parents and significant others. Inadequate funding of the psychiatric hospitals in the country had affected procurement of drugs and basic equipment for care. Lack of security to protect both patients and staff at the ward is a challenge. Public education by GHS/MOH of benevolent organisations in sustaining the provision of supports such as food, money and interaction with the mentally challenged is crucial. Ministry of Finance should release funding for the hospitals in order to pay debtors as well as get medications and necessary logistics for care. Ghana Health Service/MOH should recommend to Ghana Police Service for security to protect both patients and the staff at the psychiatric hospitals. District Assembly Common Fund s 2 percent to disables could also target mentally challenge at the psychiatric hospitals in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Social support systems for the aged in the Bawku municipality

The global ageing population is increasing in number and in proportion, although at different rates in different parts of the world. Ageing involves biological, psychological, economical and social change throughout the life cycle of an individual. The social status of the aged in a given society reflects the political, economic and traditions of that society. In Ghana, family-based support systems for the aged were very effective in the past. However, there are concerns on the effectiveness of it and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to adequately support the aged. The main objective for this study was to assess the existing social support systems for the aged in the Bawku Municipality. The purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 286 aged persons for interview. In addition, Executives of the Government and SSNIT pension Associations and the Municipal Director of SSNIT were interviewed. Ninety percent of the aged did not benefit from any formal penSIOn scheme and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The main sources of livelihood were incomes from self-engaged economic activities (44%) and remittances from children (42%). They depended on their children for psychological and social support. The aged in Bawku would also not want to stay in a home for the aged even if it was free. The aged still have faith in the ability of their children and other family members to take care of them. Therefore, the family should be supported in order that they would be able to take care of their aged relations.

Source: UCC
Social Support, Self-Esteem And Mental Wellbeing Of Senior High School Students In Atwima Kwanwoma District

This study sought to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem on social support and mental wellbeing of senior high school students in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. Five hundred and four students were sampled from a population of 1679 senior high school students in the District. The multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. Data were collected using Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, World Health Organization Well-Being Index, and Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale and analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Hayes PROCESS Macro and Multiple Regression Analysis. The study findings revealed that there was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between social support and mental wellbeing. There was also a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between social support and self-esteem. Further, the findings of the study showed that there was a statistically significant weak, positive correlation between self-esteem and mental wellbeing. Also, the findings revealed that self-esteem significantly mediates the relationship between social support and mental wellbeing. Finally, the study found that social support was a predictor of mental wellbeing than self-esteem. It was recommended that parents, family members and friends, as well as staff of the institutions should consistently provide the best of support to students. This can help improve their mental wellbeing since social support was found to significantly relate to mental wellbeing. Again, school heads should collaborate with guidance and counselling units in their schools to organise seminars and programmes that focus on helping students to build up their self-esteem.

Source: UCC
Social Wellbeing Of The Aged In Ghana

The rapid increase in the ageing population has been ascribed to several factors, key among them being reduced mortality and higb life expectancy. This demographic transition has impacted all spheres of society including the ancillalY domains of wellbeing of the aged. This study assessed the social wellbeing (social integration, social contribution, social acceptance, social coherence, and social actualisation) of the aged in Ghana. The pragmatist research philosophy and sequential mixed methods were employed using primalY and secondary data. Multistage cluster sampling and homogeneous purposive sampling techniques were used to select 1,927 and ten persons aged 60 and above respectively. Multilevel binary logistic regression and structural equation modelling (SEM) were applied for the quantitative analysis, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The multilevel regression results showed that high social wellbeing of the aged was associated with the ancillary domains of wellbeing (emotional (OR=0.94, 9S% CI= 0.71 , 1.24), physical OR= 1.90, 9S% CI= 1041 , 2.S7), psychological (OR=2.0S, 9S% CI= I.S6 , 2.69), and spiritual (OR= I.S6, 9S% C[= 1.19,2.05)). The SEM results showed the interdependence among the ancillary domains of wellbeing . 16(95% Cl = 0.03,0.29) and 0.27 (95% Cl = 0.24,0.30) which further influences the social wellbeing ofthe aged. The results on lived experiences of the aged showed that many of the aged belonged to social groups, were visited by friends, participated in voluntary services, trusted people in the community, felt safe when they were alone at home, and were happy. The study concludes that high social wellbeing is associated with the ancillary domains of wellbeing. Enhancement in the ancillary domains of wellbeing of the aged improve their social wellbeing. The aged are socially integrated, they make social contributions, they are socially accepted, feel safe and are happy. To improve the social wellbeing of the aged in Ghana, the study recommends that the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with Community Leaders should engage the aged in weekend walk and thought sharing moments to ensure high social integration. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with Care4Aged should help educate the aged on the direct influence of emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing on their social wellbeing.

Source: UCC
Societal perception of curbing indiscipline among basic school pupils in the Birem north district

Competition, misunderstanding and mistrust are likely to occur when people meet as a group which could ultimately result in conflict or indiscipline. Since the school is a miniature of a society, conflict and indiscipline are likely to occur too. In this regard, the researcher sought to examine the extent to which the authorities manage to curb the level of indiscipline in New-Abirem Junior High School in the Birem North District. The population for the study comprised guidance co-ordinators, teachers, parents and pupils of the schools in new Abirem Township. The sample size was 148, comprising 80 pupils, 4guidance co-ordinators, 24 teachers and 40 parents from the four selected schools in New Abirem. The instruments used were questionnaire and interview guide. The questionnaire was pre-tested using 1 guidance co-ordinator, 5 teachers, 10 pupils and 5 parents in a school outside of those selected for main study. The result of the study revealed that, the true meaning of discipline refers to the ability and readiness to respect authority and to observe the established laws of the society. It was established that, sexual problems and other societal influences are considered serious cases of indiscipline. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that, those in higher authority should co-operate with one another to maintain sound discipline among school pupils. Also, the use of compromise and arbitrations should be maintained in order to lower the level of indiscipline occurrence in the schools in the district.

Source: UCC
Socio-cultural context of child labour in fishing communities of Cape Coast metropolis: Implications for policy and school counselling

This qualitative study, using the grounded theory method in data collection and analysis, explored the socio-cultural context of child labour in fishing communities of Cape Coast Metropolis based on the lived experiences reported by 10 purposively and theoretically selected basic school students who engaged in child labour activities from two schools in fishing communities of the Cape Coast Metropolis. Six research questions guided the study. The trustworthiness of the data was grounded in the concepts of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held and inductive data analysis was used based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1990) paradigm model developed to guide grounded theory research analysis. The open, axial, and selective coding procedures were used to break and synthesise data. The study identified four defining characteristics which may be used in defining “child labour”. It found that factors that triggered off the experiences of child labour may be categorised as “push” and “pull” factors.. It was found that while anxiety and fear, abuse and relationship with fathers and friends were some barriers that constrained the child labour activities of participants, relationship with mothers, and school authorities were generally supportive. The study concluded that child labour, if managed properly, can impact positively on child labourers’ educational, and personal-social lives. Implications for school counselling, policy and theoretical value of the study were also addressed as issues of recommendations.

Source: UCC
Socio-cultural dimensions of buruli ulcer infection in the Upper Denkyira district

Buruli ulcer, a disease of the skin is endemic in some parts of Ghana and currently has no cure. Researches are still being conducted to get more information on the disease. This study assessed the perception of and reactions to the disease, the coping and supporting mechanisms among affected persons and other members in the households of affected persons. It also explored the socio-cultural dimensions of predisposing factors to the disease in the study area using a modified proximate determinants model. Data were collected through focus group discussions and field observation and interviewing 100 Buruli patients (51 females and 49 males), 100 relatives of patients and eight opinion leaders. Six hundred and sixty three (663) members from the households of 100 relatives (142 patients and 521 without the disease) were also interviewed. Results from the study indicated that intermediate factors such as injury, environmental contamination, nutrition, personal illness control, household size, education, occupation and income influence the contraction of the disease. The disease affected more women aged between 20-49 than men in the same age category. This is because by their traditional role, women were more exposed to the element of injury, making them more vulnerable to the disease. It was also observed that children less than 10 years of age were less at risk of Buruli ulcer infection as compared to those 10 years and above, as a result of differential contact within the physical environment. Peoples' perception of what constituted the causative agent influenced health-seeking behaviour. About 90 percent of the Buruli patients and their relatives have accepted the Buruli situation and were adopting innovative measures to treat it. The family (especially parents and sisters) is a major source of support to Buruli patients. As a disease of the environment, health education is very important in dealing with the spread and treatment of infection. To this end, audio-visual aids and demonstrations on preventive and treatment measures are needed to enhance health education. The Ministry of Health should implement concerns of Buruli ulcer in its policies and should monitor the implementation of free treatment of the disease in order to ease the burden of purchasing drugs outside the hospital. The District Assembly should take steps to ensure that funds from the Government's Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme are made available to assist endemic communities with poor access to health facilities. A proposed Buruli Ulcer Fund Initiative (BUFI) should be set up and contributions from religious bodies, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), companies and individuals put into it in the bid to assist Buruli patients.

Source: UCC
Socio-Cultural Factors affecting Parent Adolescent Communication on Sexuality in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana

Parents have the responsibility to teach their adolescent children how to deal with sexual problems confronting them by educating them on what they need to do to avoid risky sexual behaviours. This study explored the socio-cultural factors affecting parents’ role in educating their young children on sex and sexuality. The study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative design and employed focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews to explore the socio-cultural factors that affect parents’ presentation on sexuality to adolescents. Thirty-four parents made up of two mothers’ groups, one fathers’ group and a mixed group (mothers and fathers) took part in the FGDs. In-depth inte rviews were conducted with ten parents who were not part of the FGDs. The data was transcribed and analysed manually. The findings of this study indicated that parents blamed cultural taboos for preventing them from discussing sexuality with adolescents. Parents however supported school sex education for their children and indicated that it would benefit adolescents whose parents could not discuss sexual issues with them. Parents proposed that the school should involve them in school sexual education for them to be acquainted with what the children are taught in school in order to complement it at home. All the parents were worried about the negative influence that the media have on adolescents. In spite of obvious impediments to discussions on sexuality with adolescents, parents saw the need to discuss sexuality with adolescents because of the benefits of such education.

Source: UCC
Socio-cultural factors affecting parentadolescent communication on sexuality in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana

Parents have the responsibility to teach their adolescent children how to deal with sexual problems confronting them by educating them on what they need to do to avoid risky sexual behaviours. This study explored the socio-cultural factors affecting parents’ role in educating their young children on sex and sexuality. The study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative design and employed focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews to explore the socio-cultural factors that affect parents’ presentation on sexuality to adolescents. Thirty-four parents made up of two mothers’ groups, one fathers’ group and a mixed group (mothers and fathers) took part in the FGDs. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten parents who were not part of the FGDs. The data was transcribed and analysed manually. The findings of this study indicated that parents blamed cultural taboos for preventing them from discussing sexuality with adolescents. Parents however supported school sex education for their children and indicated that it would benefit adolescents whose parents could not discuss sexual issues with them. Parents proposed that the school should involve them in school sexual education for them to be acquainted with what the children are taught in school in order to complement it at home. All the parents were worried about the negative influence that the media have on adolescents. In spite of obvious impediments to discussions on sexuality with adolescents, parents saw the need to discuss sexuality with adolescents because of the benefits of such education.

Source: UCC