ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Researching African women and gender studies: New social science perspectives

Research on African women and gender studies has grown substantially to a position where African-centered gender theories and praxis contribute to theorizing on global feminist scholarship. Africanist scholars in this field have explored new areas such as transnational and multiracial feminisms, both of which address the complex and interlocking conditions that impact women's lives and produce oppression, opportunity and privilege. In addition, emergent African-centered research on women and gender explores those critical areas of research frequently addressed in the global North which have historically been ignored or marginalized in the African context such as family, work, social and political movements, sexuality, health, technology, migration, and popular culture. This article examines these developments in African gender studies scholarship and highlights the contributions that new research on understudied linguistic populations, masculinity, migration, political development and social movements and the virtual world are making to global feminist discourse. © 2008 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden.

Source: UG
Researching empowerment: On methodological innovations, pitfalls and challenges

In this paper, we address the methodological challenges as well as innovations made possible by a mixed methods analysis of empowerment in a multi-lingual environment. The linguistic challenge of translating empowerment fully reminds us that the concept is both time and place specific. Combining a survey with intergenerational interviews allows us to uncover both whether or not Ghanaian women are empowered and equally importantly the context that makes this possible. Such an approach also allows us to assess the extent to which researchers and the researched share similar understandings of what empowerment means.

Source: UG
Researching our shared heritage: What do we want to see today?

Archaeology has contributed immensely to knowledge about Africa's cultural past. It has informed us about the foundations and character of behaviour among different communities of people, the processes by which humans and their culture have developed and transformed within variable temporal and spatial contexts, and about the nature and legacies of cross-cultural interactions and interconnections between Africans and other peoples of the world (Connah 2001; Phillipson 2005; Mitchell and Lane 2013). The discipline has become increasingly nuanced and sophisticated on the continent (Mitchell and Lane 2013; Connah 2013; Stahl 2004) with research results stimulating revisions and refinements of archaeological theory, methods and techniques globally. Some researchers who work on the African continent, including Ann Stahl (2004), Judy Sterner and Nicholas David (2008), andWazi Apoh and Kodzo Gavua (2016) have made appreciable attempts to reconcile their scientific research interests with the social, political, and economic issues of the nations in which they operate.

Source: UG
Researching Radio Audiences in an Emerging Pluralistic Media Environment: A Case for the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Method

The central thesis of this article is that the focus group discussion method of the qualitative research methodology has huge and largely unexploited potentials for use as a tool for audience research in a new democracy with a newly liberated media environment. It argues that the use of the method by Paul Lazarsfeld, Robert Merton and their colleagues at the Bureau of Applied Social Research at Columbia University to gauge audience responses and reactions to propaganda and radio broadcasts set the pace for its use in audience research. Through extensive use in, and adaptations to, different research environments, focus groups have demonstrated an ability to function as fully-fledged methods of data collection. The article examines literature on the history, development, and use of focus groups in many fields of study including media and communication to show that the method has advantages for audience research in a competitive media market. Through this perspective, and with reference to a number of studies carried out by the author in Ghana using this method, it recognises focus group research as an appropriate method for researching media, especially radio, audiences and recommends it to media owners.

Source: UG
Researching the sensitive issues - Identity in relation to one's sexuality

Societies have different ideas about who we are and how we should express ourselves. These ideas are translated into the norms and values of the society and affect people's sense of id entity. Due to the cultural setting, some aspects of the Ghanaian's life that are paramount to identity construction including sexual preferences, sexual orientation, and fertility are sensitive areas that are rarely discussed. As such, it is very difficult researching into these areas. This pa per therefore looks at the theories that underlie researching into these sensitive areas, the methods used in collecting data, and the ethical protocols that undergird them from an African perspective. The paper ends on a reflective note as it deals with our experiences researching these areas using urban Ghanaian samples

Source: UG
Researching the sensitive issues: Child sexual abuse in Ghana

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide phenomenon that transcends generations and the victims are increasingly found among society's most vulnerable populations. Children's knowledge of sexual abuse determines their ability to identify sexual behaviors that could expose them to abuse. This paper explores how children perceive sexual abuse from their communities and school environments. Using interviews and focus group discussions, data was taken from 17 sexually abused child ren from three communities and 80 students from four schools in Greater Accra. The findings showed that almost all the children in the communities did not have any knowledge about child sexual abuse. They perceived CSA as a sexual act where a child gets hu rt or pregnant. On the other hand, respondents from the school setting had all heard about sexual abuse but did not understand what it really meant. This paper ends by recommending some interventions to help curb the phenomenon of child sexual abuse in Ghana.

Source: UG
Researching women's empowerment: Reflections on methodology by southern feminists

Women's empowerment has gained a central role in development literature and feminist discourses over the last few decades. It is a contested concept, claimed and used by different groups—policymakers, development practitioners, feminist academics, grassroots activists—all promoting different agendas. At present, feminists working in the area of gender and development have a broad consensus on the following understandings of empowerment. First, they largely agree that in mainstream development policy and practice, empowerment has been envisaged as individual, focused on entrepreneurship and self reliance rather than challenging power structures (Sharma, 2008; Wilson, 2008). There is an ongoing critique of this understanding and a call to move beyond this focus and emphasize that empowerment is a transformative process that is predicated upon group solidarity (Kabeer, 1994). Second, they point out that though in recent years there has been a general shift towards recognition of the intrinsic value of empowerment even by actors such as the World Bank in policy discourse1 (World Bank, 2012), the focus of development actors on women's empowerment is still instrumentalist. Third, both feminists and some policy actors agree that the understandings and meanings of women's empowerment are contextually based and that women's empowerment has multiple dimensions (Aziz, Shams, & Khan, 2011; Batliwala & Pitman, 2011; Kabeer, 1999; Malhotra, Schuler, & Brender, 2002; Parpart, Rai, & Staudt, 2002).

Source: UG
Reservoirs of Nosocomial Pathogens in Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review

Background: Nosocomial pathogens are known to exacerbate morbidity and mortality in contemporary critical healthcare. Hospital fomites, which include inanimate surfaces, have been identified as “breeding grounds” for pathogens that cause nosocomial infections. This systematic review aimed to deliver incisive insights on nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs) and the role of fomites as potential reservoirs for their transmission. Method: An extensive exploration of electronic databases, including PubMed and Scopus, from 1990 to 2023, was carried out between 25th and 29th May 2023, per standard PRISMA guidelines. Information were extracted from articles that reported on fomites in the ICU. Studies that did not quantitatively report the fomite contamination, and those that exclusively took samples from patients in the ICU were excluded from the analysis. Results: About 40% of the total samples collected on fomites from all the studies yielded microbial growth, with species of Staphylococcus being the most predominant. Other prevalent microbes were Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida spp., Enterococcus sp., and Enterobacter sp. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had the highest proportion of contaminated fomites. Among known fomites, the sphygmomanometer exhibited a 100% detection rate of nosocomial pathogens. This included E. aero genes, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa were commonly isolated on fomites in the ICUs. Conclusion: Many fomites that are readily used in patient care in the ICU harbour nosocomial pathogens. The most common fomite appeared to be mobile phones, sphygmomanometers, and stethoscopes, with Staphylococcus being the most common contaminant. Consequently, the need for rigorous disinfection and sterilization protocols on fomites in the ICU cannot be overemphasized. Additionally, heightened awareness on the subject among health professionals is crucial to mitigating the risk and burden of nosocomial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

Source: UG
Reshaping Strategies of University Libraries in Ghana towards Sustainable Development Goal 4

Ghana has a large and complex higher learning educational system, with an increasing enrolment each year. Given the global significance of the Sustainable Development Goals, this article aims to assess the roles of Ghanaian university libraries in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4. The article applied a qualitative research approach to examine the strategies deployed by libraries in Ghana and the purposive sampling technique was used to select interviewees. The findings indicate that university libraries in Ghana are at the forefront of providing information and library services to support capacity building. These libraries have ensured inclusiveness to quality education by providing equitable library services, information access, and unbiased information services to all clients without discrimination. The article identified poor public perceptions of these libraries, inadequate funding, and emerging technologies as challenges facing libraries in Ghana. It was revealed that the areas in which information and library services have contributed to Sustainable Development Goal 4 in Ghana are (1) teaching and learning, (2) cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders, (3) promoting sustainable information practices among stakeholders, and (4) information in specific (specialised) contexts. The article concluded that university libraries in Ghana have created an enabling environment, making them increasingly relevant to national and global development. Strategies deployed by these libraries towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 include creating awareness, conducting cutting-edge research, sustaining lifelong learning and quality education, and providing high quality teaching and learning.

Source: UG
Reshaping Strategies of University Libraries in Ghana towards Sustainable Development Goal 4

Ghana has a large and complex higher learning educational system, with an increasing enrolment each year. Given the global significance of the Sustainable Development Goals, this study aims to assess the roles of Ghanaian university libraries in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4. The study applied a qualitative research approach to examine the strategies deployed by libraries in Ghana and the purposive sampling technique was used to select interviewees. The findings indicate that university libraries in Ghana are at the forefront of providing information and library services to support capacity building. These libraries have ensured inclusiveness to quality education by providing equitable library services, information access, and unbiased information services to all clients without discrimination. The study identified poor public perceptions of these libraries, inadequate funding, and emerging technologies as challenges facing libraries in Ghana. It was revealed that the areas in which information and library services have contributed to Sustainable Development Goal 4 in Ghana are (1) teaching and learning, (2) cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders, (3) promoting sustainable information practices among stakeholders, and (4) information in specific (specialised) contexts. The study concludes that university libraries in Ghana have created an enabling environment, making them increasingly relevant to national and global development. Strategies deployed by these libraries towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 include creating awareness, conducting cutting-edge research, sustaining lifelong learning and quality education, and providing high quality teaching and learning.

Source: UG
Residency training in Ghana: the residents' perspective

Background: Prior to 1973, West African citizens completed postgraduate medical and surgical training abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom. In 2003, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons were established respectively and began to offer specialized training locally. The aim of this study was to obtain and evaluate the views of Medical and Surgical Residents of the GCPS on their training in Ghana. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken whereby a 25 item, self-administered questionnaire, was distributed to 170 residents of Korle Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals in Ghana. Information regarding the residents’ sociodemographic characteristics, level of residency, and satisfaction with the programs in terms of clinical supervision, didactic teaching, program duration and research training was collected. Results: 117 residents completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 68.8%. 59.8% were males and 40.2% females. The age of the residents ranged from 25 to 40 years with a mean age of 32.7+1.4 years. Majority of residents (92.3%) were satisfied with the duration of the programs . Slightly more than half of the residents (50.4%) were satisfied with the clinical supervision, however only a third of the respondents (33.3%) were satisfied with the didactic teaching and an even smaller percentage (17.1%) with research training. Conclusion: Whilst majority of residents were satisfied with the duration of the residency program, the perspective of the respondents was that trainees would benefit from additional didactic teaching and increased research exposure.

Source: UG
Residential Energy Demand Elasticity In Ghana: An Application Of The Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand Systems (QUAIDS) Model

The paper seeks to analyze residential energy use patterns and the price of and energy expenditure responsiveness of household demand for residential energy in Ghana, using GLSS 7 data, the multivariate probit model, and the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model. The study focuses on four main fuels: firewood, charcoal, and others (FCO), LPG, electricity, and kerosene. The results show that the demand for all household energy fuels in Ghana was significantly influenced by price, income, and social demographic factors. Household demand for electricity and LPG fuels are income-elastic with values greater than 1. while FCO and kerosene fuels are income-inelastic. The own-price elasticity also shows modern fuel (LPG and electricity) as the most responsive fuel to a price increase, even though all energy fuels are price-inelastic and negative. The complementary cross-price elasticity of all fuels estimated must be carefully interpreted in the context of cultural factors, socioeconomic factors, and the unique purposes of each fuel. After a robustness check was done to correct for bias arising from zero energy expenditure, the study finds that the own-price elasticity for modern energy fuel (LGP and ECG) reduced slightly, even though the demand for all energy fuel remains negative and prices are inelastic. The study includes implications forpolicies geared towards reducing the price of residential energy fuels and policies to ensure clean and efficient residential energy fuels are readily accessible for consumption

Source: UG
Residential Status and Perceived Attitude towards Children with Non-Communicable Diseases in Ghana

Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have become quite prevalent worldwide. In Ghana as in other developing countries, NCDs are major public health concern. Even though modern health services have been sought by patients suffering from NCDs, poor attitude to those suffering from them exist in Ghanaian society because of traditional beliefs about the causes of such diseases. This paper examines parents and care givers’ perceived attitudes of Ghanaians towards NCDs among children. Methods: The study was conducted among 700 participants in three regions (Greater Accra, Ashanti and Volta) of Ghana in both rural and urban areas, using a quantitative research instrument. All the major ethnic groups of Ghana- Akan, Ewe, Ga-Dagme and Mole-Dagbani- were captured in the three regions. The dependent variables are: 1) perceived embarrassment of having a child with non-communicable disease, 2) discrimination from close associates and 3) difficulty of taking a child with non-communicable to social gatherings. The independent variable is residential status (rural and urban) and the control variables are socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. Results: The findings indicate that the association between the background characteristics with perception of discrimination against families with children who have NCDs are significant according to the results of the Chi-Square test place of residence ( =10.678; p=0.005); level of education ( =19.389; p=0.036), and ethnic background ( =35.267; p=0.000). The results of the multinomial regression model show that those in rural areas have higher likelihood (92.0%) of perceiving that the family of a child with NCD will experience difficulty in going to social functions with the child compared with those in urban areas. Again, the rural dwellers are almost twice as likely (1.82%) to perceive that the family of a child with NCDs will feel embarrassed. Conclusion: Perceived attitude of society towards children with NCDs is generally poor in the study population. Perceived discrimination against families of such children suggests that the children may not be availed for treatment even as it is indicated that the parents/care givers will have difficulty in taking them out to public places. Rural residents have higher likelihood of such attitudes Health policies need to address such attitudes in Ghanaian society and must target rural residents while not neglecting urban dwellers.

Source: UG
Residential Status and Perceived Attitude towards Children with Non-Communicable Diseases in Ghana

Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have become quite prevalent worldwide. In Ghana as in other developing countries, NCDs are major public health concern. Even though modern health services have been sought by patients suffering from NCDs, poor attitude to those suffering from them exist in Ghanaian society because of traditional beliefs about the causes of such diseases. This paper examines parents and care givers’ perceived attitudes of Ghanaians towards NCDs among children. Methods: The study was conducted among 700 participants in three regions (Greater Accra, Ashanti and Volta) of Ghana in both rural and urban areas, using a quantitative research instrument. All the major ethnic groups of Ghana- Akan, Ewe, Ga-Dagme and Mole-Dagbani- were captured in the three regions. The dependent variables are: 1) perceived embarrassment of having a child with non-communicable disease, 2) discrimination from close associates and 3) difficulty of taking a child with non-communicable to social gatherings. The independent variable is residential status (rural and urban) and the control variables are socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. Results: The findings indicate that the association between the background characteristics with perception of discrimination against families with children who have NCDs are significant according to the results of the Chi-Square test place of residence ( =10.678; p=0.005); level of education ( =19.389; p=0.036), and ethnic background ( =35.267; p=0.000). The results of the multinomial regression model show that those in rural areas have higher likelihood (92.0%) of perceiving that the family of a child with NCD will experience difficulty in going to social functions with the child compared with those in urban areas. Again, the rural dwellers are almost twice as likely (1.82%) to perceive that the family of a child with NCDs will feel embarrassed. Conclusion: Perceived attitude of society towards children with NCDs is generally poor in the study population. Perceived discrimination against families of such children suggests that the children may not be availed for treatment even as it is indicated that the parents/care givers will have difficulty in taking them out to public places. Rural residents have higher likelihood of such attitudes Health policies need to address such attitudes in Ghanaian society and must target rural residents while not neglecting urban dwellers

Source: UG
Residents’ empowerment for sustainable ecotourism: insights from Ghana

Ecotourism can be sustainable and contribute to environmental preservation if community members are empowered. However, few studies have investigated the empowerment of community members for sustainable ecotourism, particularly in developing countries. To address this knowledge gap, this study employs a mixed-method approach to investigate the extent of residents’ empowerment in four communities at two eco-tourism destinations in Ghana. The study looked at six aspects of empowerment, which are social, political, psychological, environmental, human, and economic. The findings indicate the need to build the human empowerment of and enacting ecotourism policies to regulate ecotourism practices. The inclusion of human empowerment in the empowerment framework proved useful in analysing the strengths and weaknesses in the delivery of sustainable ecotourism objectives.

Source: UG