ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Selective Antecedents of Competitive State Anxiety Dimensions During High Stakes in Elite Competition

This present study investigated the influence of competitive state anxiety antecedents on the intensity, direction, and frequency dimensions of elite athletes during high stakes in table tennis competition. Thirty-three (N= 33) purposively sampled elite table tennis players from Ghana completed the modified version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, incorporating the direction and frequency of intrusion subscales during breaks within competitive matches. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses on intensity dimension revealed that cognitive anxiety was significantly predicted by only the age factor while no predictors emerged for somatic anxiety. Self-confidence was significantly predicted by only competitive experience. For directional dimension, gender and age emerged as significant predictors of cognitive anxiety. However, none of the factors were found to significantly predict somatic anxiety and self-confidence. Regarding frequency dimension, cognitive anxiety was significantly related to competitive experience and age whereas no predictors emerged for somatic anxiety. Competitive experience factor was also significantly associated with self-confidence. Findings underscore the need to measure these anxiety dimensions concurrently because they are triggered by different antecedents. Psychological skills interventions should be idiosyncratic based, targeting more self-confidence management strategies in alleviating the effect of cognitive anxiety during competitive matches when demands are very high.

Source: UCC
Self Medication with Over-the Counter Topical Ophthalmic Medications: A Study of Undergraduates in Ghana

Aim of the current study is to determine the prevalence of self medication with over the counter topical ophthalmic medications among university students and the ocular symptoms for which self medication was practiced. This cross-sectional study included 469 undergraduate students of the university of Cape Coast, aged 18-34 years. Participants were randomly and systematically selected to complete questionnaires which elicited information on self medication with over the counter topical ophthalmic medication at most, three months prior to the study and ocular symptoms for which self medication was practiced. Information on participants’ age, gender, use of oral contraceptives (females only) and current history of alcohol consumption was also obtained. Out of 500 selected subjects 469 completed the questionnaires and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of self medication with over the counter topical ophthalmic medications was (25.2%; confidence interval [CI]:21.3%-29.0%). The prevalence of self medication was (32.7%; CI: 25.6%-40.4%) and (21.5% CI: 17.0%-26.0%) for females and males respectively. The difference in prevalence between females and males was statistically significant p=0.008. Itchy eye was the predominant symptom responsible for ocular self medication. Logistic regression analysis revealed: gender (OR 1.78 CI: 1.16 to 2.73, p=0.009) and oral contraceptive use (OR 4.15 CI: 1.32 to 13.10 p=0.015) were significantly associated with self medicating with topical ophthalmic preparations. A quarter of students probably practiced ocular self medication hence public education on the rational use of over-the-counter topical ophthalmic drugs is needed among undergraduates to improve outcomes. © 2015 iGlobal Research and Publishing Foundation. All rights reserved.

Source: UCC
Self- perceived academic and psycho-social effects of domestic abuse on the junior high school child in the moree community

The purpose of the study was to investigate the self- perceived academic, psychological and social effects of domestic abuse on the junior high school child in the Moree community. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population was junior high school students in the Moree community. The total population was 750 made up of 350 males and 400 females. A sample of 510 was used by employing a complete enumeration as against a sample selection. The instrument used for the study was a structured questionnaire for students. The questionnaire comprised 46 close-ended items. The researcher’s supervisors validated the instrument. Reliability was established with Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.74. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, Pearson product moment of correlation coefficient and the independent samples t-test. All tests were conducted at 0.05 significance levels. The findings showed that wetting of bed, feeling of insecurity and wanting to join a group that are rowdy were self-perceived academic and psycho-social effects of domestic abuse on junior high school children in the Moree community. The results of the study also revealed that fathers, uncles and mothers were the leading perpetrators of domestic abuse on junior high school children. It was recommended that teachers and professional guidance and counselling coordinators should provide extra motivation to pupils through talk shows. This would help pupils to do well at school. Moreover, there is the need for the government and chiefs to establish sterner policies that will seek to protect children at all ages.

Source: UCC
Self-collected vaginal sampling for the detection of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) using careHPV among Ghanaian women

Background: Detection of genital HPV DNA is recommended as an important strategy for modern cervical cancer screening. Challenges include access to services, the reliance on cervical samples taken by clinicians, and patient’s preference regarding provider gender. The objective of this research was to determine the acceptability, feasibility and performance of alternative self-collected vaginal samples for HPV detection among Ghanaian women. Methods: A comparative frequency-matched study was conducted in a systematic (1:5) sample of women attending HIV and outpatient clinics in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Participants were instructed on self-collection (SC) of vaginal samples using the careHPV brush and a clinician-collected (CC) cervical sample was obtained using a similar brush. Paired specimens were tested for HPV DNA (14 high-risk types) by careHPV assay (Qiagen) and by HPV genotyping (Anyplex II, Seegene). Results: Overall, 194 women of mean age 44.1 years (SD ± 11.3) were enrolled and 191 paired SC and CC results were analysed. The overall HPV detection concordance was 94.2% (95%CI: 89.9–97.1), Kappa value of 0.88 (p < 0. 0001), showing excellent agreement. This agreement was similar between HIV positive (93.8%) and negative (94. 7%) women. Sensitivity and specificity of SC compared to CC were 92.6% (95%CI: 85.3–97.0) and 95.9% (95%CI: 89.8–98.8) respectively. The highest sensitivity was among HIV positive women (95.7%, 95%CI: 88.0–99.1) and highest specificity among HIV negative women (98.6%, 95%CI: 92.4–100). Overall, 76.3% women found SC very easy/easy to obtain, 57.7% preferred SC to CC and 61.9% felt SC would increase their likelihood to access cervical cancer screening. Conclusions: The feasibility, acceptability and performance of SC using careHPV support the use of this alternative form of HPV screening among Ghanaian women. This could be a potential new affordable strategy to improve uptake of the national cervical cancer screening program.

Source: UCC
Self-collected Vaginal Sampling for the Detection of Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) using careHPV among Ghanaian Women

Detection of genital HPV DNA is recommended as an important strategy for modern cervical cancer screening. Challenges include access to services, the reliance on cervical samples taken by clinicians, and patient’s preference regarding provider gender. The objective of this research was to determine the acceptability, feasibility and performance of alternative self-collected vaginal samples for HPV detection among Ghanaian women. Methods: A comparative frequency-matched study was conducted in a systematic (1:5) sample of women attending HIV and outpatient clinics in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Participants were instructed on self-collection (SC) of vaginal samples using the careHPV brush and a clinician-collected (CC) cervical sample was obtained using a similar brush. Paired specimens were tested for HPV DNA (14 high-risk types) by careHPV assay (Qiagen) and by HPV genotyping (Anyplex II, Seegene). Results: Overall, 194 women of mean age 44.1 years (SD ± 11.3) were enrolled and 191 paired SC and CC results were analysed. The overall HPV detection concordance was 94.2% (95%CI: 89.9–97.1), Kappa value of 0.88 (p < 0. 0001), showing excellent agreement. This agreement was similar between HIV positive (93.8%) and negative (94. 7%) women. Sensitivity and specificity of SC compared to CC were 92.6% (95%CI: 85.3–97.0) and 95.9% (95%CI: 89.8–98.8) respectively. The highest sensitivity was among HIV positive women (95.7%, 95%CI: 88.0–99.1) and highest specificity among HIV negative women (98.6%, 95%CI: 92.4–100). Overall, 76.3% women found SC very easy/easy to obtain, 57.7% preferred SC to CC and 61.9% felt SC would increase their likelihood to access cervical cancer screening. Conclusions: The feasibility, acceptability and performance of SC using careHPV support the use of this alternative form of HPV screening among Ghanaian women. This could be a potential new affordable strategy to improve uptake of the national cervical cancer screening program.

Source: UCC
Self-concept and attittude of girls towards the study of science in the Cape Coast metropolis

The purpose of the study was to investigate the self-concept and attitude of girls towards the study of science. Purposive sampling was used to select two single-sex female and simple random sampling technique used to select two mixed sex senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. A total of 400 student girls drawn from four schools took part in the study. A 67-item questionnaire with reliability coefficient via Cronbach’s alpha as 0.75 was used for the data collection. Descriptive statistics and the independent t-test at alpha level 0.05 were used in the analysis of data. The study revealed that girls perceive science to be difficult and that parents and teachers influence greatly their self-concept and attitude towards science respectively. There was no significant difference between the self-concept of girls in single-sex and mixed schools. However, there was a significant difference (t = -5.187; p = 0.000) between the attitudes of girls in single-sex and mixed schools towards the study of science with girls in single-sex schools exhibiting a higher positive attitude towards science. The study recommended the need to educate parents to understand their role in building the self-concept and encouraging their children’s interest in science. The school, through the teacher should provide adequate direction and support to female science learners.

Source: UCC
Self-Efficacy Of Teachers In Integrating Technology In Teaching At The Senior High Schools In The La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality

The study examined teachers' self-efficacy in integrating technology in teaching in SHS at the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to assess the connection between teacher self-efficacy and technology integration in teaching. The population utilized consisted of senior high school within the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality in the Greater Accra Region. Purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data gathered were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Smart-PLS structural equation modelling was adopted to estimate the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. The study uncovered that teacher self-efficacy with computers significantly influences their self-efficacies with the internet and that of the Learning Management System (LMS) whiles their self-efficacies towards the internet significantly influences their online learning self-efficacies. The study also uncovered that, teachers‟ self-efficacy towards LMS has a relationship with their self-efficacy towards online learning. Moreover, findings of the study revealed that teachers‟ self-efficacies towards learning management system, computer, internet, and online learning, significantly influence their behavioral intention towards ICT integration in education. The study therefore recommended that teachers should receive ICT training as it is essential for them to feel confident using technology in the classroom.

Source: UCC
Self-Esteem Among Junior High Schools Students In The Central Region Of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to assess the overall level of self-esteem among junior high school students in two districts in the Central Region of Ghana. The sample comprised 109 students (59 males, 50 females), who were enrolled in the second and third year in two junior high schools in an urban and a rural district. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was utilized to measure their overall sense of self-esteem. Negatively worded questions were reverse-coded, and, as such, the higher the score for each question, the higher the level of self-esteem. “I feel that I have a number of good qualities” had the best overall score (M = 3.48, SD = 0.70), while “I wish I could have more respect for myself” scored the lowest (M = 1.89, SD = 1.01). The study’s results indicate a high level of selfesteem among respondents (M = 29.2, SD = 9.08) The independent sample t-test showed no statistically significant results between male students (M = 29.136, SD = 3.535) and female students (M = 33.143, SD = 26.785) in terms of their self- esteem, t (106) = -1.138, p = .258. There is no significant difference between students in the rural area (M = 32.412, SD = 22.829) and students in the urban area (M = 28.475, SD = 2.679) in terms of their self- esteem, t (106) = 1.084, p = .281. The study makes a significant contribution to new knowledge on self-esteem regarding urban, rural and gender in the formation and development of school children in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Self-esteem, Resilience and Quality of Life of Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis at Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-esteem, resilience, and quality of life of persons with rheumatoid arthritis. A cross sectional survey was the design used for the study. Data were collected from 117 persons receiving treatment for rheumatoid arthritis at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital using a purposive and convenient sampling technique. Rosenberg Self-esteem scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC-10), and World Health Organisation Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-Bref) were the scales used for the data collection. The findings from the study indicated that self-esteem, resilience, and quality of life levels in the participants were moderate to high. The results also revealed that self-esteem and resilience positively related to the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study also found resilience to be a significant mediator in the relationship between self-esteem and quality of life of persons with rheumatoid arthritis at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. It was concluded that a relationship exists between self-esteem, resilience, and quality of life. The study, therefore, recommended that policy makers on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and medical practitioners should not only focus on the physiological treatment of arthritis patients but should take into consideration their psychological and mental health since these could also affect the progression of the disease.

Source: UCC
Self-Management Recommendations for Sickle Cell Disease: A Content Analysis of Websites

This paper reports on the findings of a study designed to establish website-based self-management recommendations for sickle cell disease. Google and Yahoo search engines were used to search the World-Wide-Web. Purposive sampling was utilized to select 28 websites that met the inclusion criteria. Data were manually collected from health education materials and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Self-management was conceptualized as actions involving preventive health, self-monitoring, self-diagnosing, and self-treatment. The results show that the websites recommend more self-management actions for preventive health and self-treatment than for self-monitoring and self-diagnosis. Frequent oral fluid intake, limitation of overactivity, eating a healthy diet, avoiding extreme temperatures, and infections were the commonest preventive health recommendations. Daily pain monitoring and general bodily inspections were the most frequent sel-fmonitoring recommendations. Commonly cited self-diagnostic indicators were fever, persistent pain, enlarged spleen, and leg ulcers. The use of analgesics and nonpharmacological measures were regularly cited for self-treatment. Most recommendations were assessed as clinically safe as they align with standards for sickle cell management. Nurses and other professionals should teach patients how to assess the credibility of websites.

Source: UCC
Self-perceived determinants of academic underachievement of University of Cape Coast undergraduate students

This study was an attempt to identify the determinants of academic underachievement among University of Cape Coast students. Five hundred sixty five under performing respondents were purposively sampled out of 3,459 students from the 2002- 2003 year group for the study. A research questionnaire was designed and used to obtain the data for the study. The internal consistency method was used to establish a reliability coefficient of 0.82 for the questionnaire. Frequencies, percentages, chi square test, and t test were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that there were generally four self-perceived factors which influenced academic underachievement in the University of Cape Coast. These included lack of funding, poor library use, poor time management, lack of tutorials and absenteeism. To a limited extent, respondents with dependants accepted influence of marriage as determinant while male respondents alone accepted excessive religious activities and lack of accommodation as influential in determining academic under achievement. These determinants contributed directly to academic underachievement of students in varied degrees. Based upon the findings, appropriate recommendations were made.

Source: UCC
Self-refraction Accuracy with Adjustable Spectacles among Children in Ghana

To determine the accuracy of self-refraction (SR) in myopic teenagers, we compared visual and refractive outcomes of self-refracting spectacles (FocusSpecs) with those obtained using cycloplegic subjective refraction (CSR) as a gold standard. Methods. A total of 203 eligible schoolchildren (mean [TSD] age, 13.8 [T1.0] years; 59.1% were female) completed an examination consisting of SR with FocusSpecs adjustable spectacles, visual acuity with the logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) chart, cycloplegic retinoscopy, and CSR. Examiners were masked to the SR findings. Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired Student t test were used to compare measures across refraction methods (95% confidence intervals [CIs]). Results. The mean (TSD) spherical equivalent refractive error measured by CSR and SR was j1.22 (T0.49) diopters (D) and j1.66 (T0.73) D, respectively, a statistically significant difference ofj0.44D(p G 0.001, t = 15.517). The greatest proportion of participants was correctable to visual acuity greater than or equal to 6/7.5 (logMAR 0.1) in the better eye by CSR (99.0%; 95% CI, 96.5 to 99.7%), followed by cycloplegic retinoscopy (94.1%; 95% CI, 90.0 to 96.6%) and SR (85.2%; 95% CI, 79.7 to 89.5%). These proportions differed significantly from each other (p G 0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Myopic inaccuracy of greater than 0.50 D and greater than or equal to j1.00 D was present in 29 (15.3%) and 16 (8.4%) right eyes, respectively, with SR. In logistic regression models, failure to achieve visual acuity greater than or equal to 6/7.5 in right eyes with SR was significantly associated with age (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.28; p = 0.017) and spherical power (odds ratio, 0.017; 95% CI, 0.005 to 0.056; p G 0.001). Conclusions. Self-refraction offers acceptable visual and refractive results for young people in a rural setting in Ghana, although myopic inaccuracy in the more negative direction occurred in some children.

Source: UCC
Self-Regulation Skills Students’ Satisfaction, Students’ Readiness for E-Learning and Academic Performance in Selected Universities in Ghana

Traditional techniques of teaching and learning are no longer enough to deal with today's learning challenges. The focus of the study was to assess the mediation roles of self-regulation skills and students’ satisfaction on the relationship between students’ readiness for e-learning and academic performance among some selected universities in Ghana. The social cognitive theory and social presence theory were used to underpin the study. The study area comprised three universities (UCC, UG and KNUST) in Ghana that offer distance education programmes. The data collection instrument employed was questionnaire which was used to gather quantitative data from 400 respondents. The study found that students’ readiness for eLearning does not have any significant effect on academic performance but has a significant effect on self-regulation skills. Students’ readiness for eLearning has a significant and positive effect on students’ satisfaction. Self-regulation skills and students’ satisfaction has a significant positive effect on academic performance. Also, self-regulation skills and students’ satisfaction significantly mediate between students’ readiness for eLearning and academic performance. The study, therefore, recommends that management of tertiary institution organize symposiums, forums and conferences for students to encourage them on student self-regulation skills. Meanwhile, students could also adopt online learning tools in their studies.

Source: UCC
Self-Reported Adverse Reactions Associated with Topical Ophthalmic Medication Use: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The aim of this study was to investigate selfreported adverse reactions associated with the use of topical ophthalmic medications. A crosssectional survey, involving 500 ophthalmic patients recruited from three eye care facilities in the Central Region of Ghana was conducted. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants to collect data on demographics, name of drug, dosage form, and dosing frequency of ophthalmic medications used, as well as adverse reactions experienced. The pHs of frequently prescribed ophthalmic medications to the patients were measured. The prevalence of reported adverse drug reaction [predominantly burning sensation (55%), blurry vision (22%) and itching (13%)] was 44.8%. More Females reported adverse drug reactions than males (χ2=26.24, P<0.001). The aged reported more adverse reaction than others (P<0.01). Patients using cream ophthalmic medications reported more adverse drug reactions than those using other dosage forms (χ2=8.80, P=0.024). The pHs of the commonly prescribed ophthalmic medications measured ranged between 4.44- 7.37 (desired: 6.6-7.8). There is a high prevalence of reported symptoms of adverse drug reactions among this clinical population attributable to the acid/base status of the drug agent.

Source: UCC