ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Locally responsive interventionto improve municipal solid waste collection coverage in Accra, Ghana

The paper reports on a process that engaged stakeholders to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the city of Accra’s approach to raising solid waste collection coverage.Stakeholders, working with researchers, have made the evaluation using a combination of benchmark indicators, analysis of franchise agreements, process flow diagramming of collection trends, and statistical analysis of user answers to a survey. Informal services are growing while formal services are shrinking.A logistic regression model suggests that regular collection and affordable user charges significantly increases the levels of user satisfaction. The use of a participatory approach has led to an unusual alliance: formal service providers have agreed to work with informal providers as subcontractors and support them to formalize and increase collection coverage. The positive experience of participation leads the authors to advocate institutionalizing the use of a participatory approach through stakeholder platforms to evaluate interventions and develop plans for service improvement

Source: UCC
Locally responsive interventionto improve municipal solid waste collection coverage in Accra, Ghana

The paper reports on a process that engaged stakeholders to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the city of Accra’s approach to raising solid waste collection coverage.Stakeholders, working with researchers, have made the evaluation using a combination of benchmark indicators, analysis of franchise agreements, process flow diagramming of collection trends, and statistical analysis of user answers to a survey. Informal services are growing while formal services are shrinking.A logistic regression model suggests that regular collection and affordable user charges significantly increases the levels of user satisfaction. The use of a participatory approach has led to an unusual alliance: formal service providers have agreed to work with informal providers as subcontractors and support them toformalize and increase collection coverage. The positive experience of participation leads the authors to advocate institutionalizing the use of a participatory approach through stakeholder platforms to evaluate interventions and develop plans for service improvement

Source: UCC
Locational analysis of fuel stations in Sunyani municipality

Location of fuel stations are regulated by planning principles and standards. However, despite efforts of regulators to ensure that fuel stations are well sited for the safety of lives and properties, entrepreneurs continue to disregard the national standards of siting fuel stations to locate such stations anywhere they find especially in urban areas. This study assessed the locational of fuel stations in Sunyani Municipality. The crosssection research design with mixed method technique was used in this study. In selecting the respondents, cluster and purposive sampling techniques were respectively used for the residents and the regulators. The findings show that an overwhelming majority of the fuel stations are located along the road from Sunyani to Bomso and the stretch from Sunyani to Dormaa. All these fuel stations are mostly setup in and around the Central Business District (CBD) where brisk commercial activities take place. Factors influencing the siting of fuel stations in their present locations were the accessibility of the fuel station to the customers, location’s market sales attractiveness, fuel station’s location closer to other important facilities, sales revenue and SWOT (strengths opportunities and threats). Among these factors, the most influential ones are the accessibility of the fuel station location to customers and location’s market sales attractiveness. The regulators acknowledged that fuel stations bearing brands of major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) follow the laid down procedures based on Ghana National Spatial Development Framework (GNSDF) requirement legally acquire plot of land meant for such purposes. It is recommended that the regulators should work to ensure the thorough compliance of Ghana National Spatial Development Framework requirements by the current and potential fuel stations

Source: UCC
Locus of control, academic self-concept and academic performance of senior high school students

The focus of this study was to examine locus of control, academic self-concept and academic performance of Senior High School (SHS) students. A multistage sampling procedure was engaged in selecting a sample of 375 out of a population of 5914. A correlational design was adopted for the study. The study adapted Academic Self-Concept Scale (ASCS) and Locus of Control Scales (LCS) and tests were used to collect data. Statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, Pearson product moment of correlation, independent samples t-test and multiple linear regression were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that external locus of control was the best predictor of academic performance of SHS students in the Denkyembour District. The results further showed that academic self-concept had a positive significant influence on students' academic performance. The study, therefore, recommended that administrators and teachers of the various SHSs in the District develop and maintain a positive attitude toward students in order to help boost their academic self-concept by encouraging, assuring, and reinforcing them positively toward their academic work. This will motivate them to believe that they are academically capable and can do well if they work hard.

Source: UCC
LOCUS OF CONTROL, STIGMA AND CULTURE AS DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN GHANA

This study examined determinants of psychological health-seeking behaviour among students of selected public universities in Ghana. Specifically, the study investigated whether locus of control, stigma and culture have effects on the health-seeking behaviour of the respondents. The target population comprised 5,369 regular undergraduate students in four public universities in Ghana: University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University for Development Studies (UDS) and University of Cape Coast (UCC). A sample of 588 respondents was selected from the four public universities for the study which adopted the mixed methods research design, employed questionnaire and interview for data collection. Locus of control, stigma, culture and attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help short form (ATSPPHS-SF) scales were employed to explore the relationship between health-seeking behaviour and locus of control, stigmatization and culture. The independent t test, ANOVA and the Structural Equation Model were the statistical tools for the data analysis, whilst the software packages for data analysis, editing, coding and computation was the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 20). Findings revealed that age and gender have no significant influence on the health-seeking behaviour of the students, but geographical location has a significant effect. Also, each of the three independent variables (locus of control, stigmatisation and culture) significantly predicted the health seeking behaviour of the respondents. These findings call for counsellors to focus on anti-stigma campaigns, while paying critical attention to the cultural orientation and the personality profiles of their clients

Source: UCC
Locus of Control, Stigma and Culture as Determinants of Psychological Health-Seeking Behaviour Among Public University Students in Ghana

This study examined determinants of psychological health-seeking behaviour among students of selected public universities in Ghana. Specifically, the study investigated whether locus of control, stigma and culture have effects on the health-seeking behaviour of the respondents. The target population comprised 5,369 regular undergraduate students in four public universities in Ghana: University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University for Development Studies (UDS) and University of Cape Coast (UCC). A sample of 588 respondents was selected from the four public universities for the study which adopted the mixed methods research design, employed questionnaire and interview for data collection. Locus of control, stigma, culture and attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help short form (ATSPPHS-SF) scales were employed to explore the relationship between health-seeking behaviour and locus of control, stigmatization and culture. The independent ttest, ANOVA and the Structural Equation Model were the statistical tools for the data analysis, whilst the software packages for data analysis, editing, coding and computation was the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 20). Findings revealed that age and gender have no significant influence on the health-seeking behaviour of the students, but geographical location has a significant effect. Also, each of the three independent variables (locus of control, stigmatisation and culture) significantly predicted the health seeking behaviour of the respondents. These findings call for counsellors to focus on anti-stigma campaigns, while paying critical attention to the cultural orientation and the personality profiles of their clients.

Source: UCC
Logging and the environment: The social and economic effects in the Adansi East district of Ashanti region-Ghana

The study examined the perceptions of the various stakeholders in the forestry sector on how logging has affected the environmental and socio-economic life of the communities living around the logging areas in the Adansi East District. The following methods were used: field assessment, collection of field reports from the FSD District Office, aerial photographs of the Forest Reserves and administration of structured questionnaires. Forest Services Division staff in the District and communities living around logging areas. It was observed from the results that the socio-economic life of the people in the communities was affected negatively as their annual income has reduced due to logging. There was unemployment, and compensation for the destruction of farmer’s crops was not paid. The only positive socio-economic indicator was access roads where the loggers constructed roads from the communities to the bigger towns. However, their maintenance was left to the communities. Field visits revealed that logs were hauled through streams and even along the roads. The FSD staff had little funds and logistics to monitor the standards. The stakeholders were not aware of the standards set by the FSD. It was recommended that all stakeholders should be involved in monitoring the standards set by the FSD and also the management of the forest and wildlife resources to enable the nation’s citizenry realize both the environmental and socio-economic benefits of logging.

Source: UCC
Logistic regression analysis of determinant of neonatal mortality in Ghana

According to Black (2003), neonatal mortality accounts for almost 40 per cent of under-five child mortality globally. In Ghana, recent studies argued that mortality among infants and children has been declining. An understanding of the factors related to neonatal mortality is important to guide the development of focused and evidence-based health interventions to prevent neonatal deaths. This study aimed to identify the determinants of neonatal mortality in Ghana, from the Multiple Indicator Survey (MICS, 2006). Logistic regression, using a stepwise approach, was performed to estimate odds ratio for each of the independent variables associated with neonatal deaths, using community, socio-economic status and proximate determinants. This research utilized a conceptual framework that identifies the multi-level and diverse determinants of health inequalities. The study showed that, at the community level, the odds of neonatal death was significantly higher for infants considering the geographical settlement of the mother compared to the lowest with maternal education. A progressive reduction in the odds was found as the percentage of deliveries assisted by trained delivery attendants increased. At the socioeconomic level maternal religion indicated a high ratio-change on neonatal death. At the proximate variable level, maternal age at birth was outstanding predictor of neonatal death followed by knowledge of child weight at birth, size at birth and place of delivery respectively. As a recommendation, public health interventions directed at reducing neonatal death should address community, household and individual level factors; which were found to significantly influence neonatal mortality in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Logistic regression analysis of household income and expenditure patterns in Ghana

Studies into income, expenditure and standard of living of individuals and households are well documented in literature. Many of these studies cover different forms of poverty indicators and variables. The methods used in this analysis were mainly econometric models. The study is concerned with determining the indicators and variables that possibly influence income, expenditure and living standard of households. The objective here is to model the determinants of living standards or poverty status of households. To this end, secondary data were obtained from the Ghana Statistical Service. Some sections of GLSS 3 and GLSS 4 were used to develop the model. Nine variables were recorded and about 4500 respondents were used for each of the surveys, that is GLSS 3 and GLSS 4. Exploratory data analysis was employed in preliminary stages of the analysis. Logistic regression was used because this modeling technique is considered as the appropriate technique for modeling income and expenditure, since the outcome or response variable is dichotomous. It was found out that poverty was more prevalent and severe in the rural areas than the urban areas. In determining the poverty status of a household head, that is, whether he or she is poor or not poor; household size, locality, age of head, education and occupation played a significant role. The poverty status model developed was made up of the variables mentioned above. A household status could be determined by substituting the values of the variables in the model. The outcome (response) may be close to one or zero.

Source: UCC
Logistics and Disaggregated Trade among Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries

The improvement in technology and reduction in transportation cost as well as the liberalization of trade has led to the tremendous growth in global trade. However, the contribution of the sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) region to world trade is very low due to the high cost involved in trading. The SSA region is characterized by weak and inefficiencies in its logistic structures, among other factors, causing the region’s poor performance and contribution to global trade. To this end, the study employed the Stochastic Frontier Gravity Model (SFGM) to analyze the effects of logistics on disaggregated trade for a panel of 24 SSA countries over the period 2007 to 2018. The frontier estimates revealed that aggregated logistics performance has a positive and significant effect on all the disaggregated trade products. The results of the disaggregated logistics also revealed that all the individual logistics indicators are efficient for the trade-in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products for the selected SSA countries whilst international shipment, logistics quality, and competency, and tracking and tracing are efficient for the smooth trade of mineral products, and manufactured products for the selected countries with customs service, infrastructure, and timeliness being inefficient for the trade of these products.

Source: UCC
Logit analysis of socio-economic factors influencing people to become fishermen in the central region of Ghana

This study analyzes the socio-economic factors that influence people’s decision to become fishermen in the central region of Ghana. Using a well structured interview schedule, a random sample of 98 people from Elmina in the central region of Ghana was selected for the study. Results from the descriptive statistics analysis of respondents identified fishing as a family business, minimum skills requirement and ready market for fish demand as factors that motivated majority of the people into fishing. Lack of storage facilities, access to credit, lack of government assistance and unpredictable changes in weather conditions on sea were the main constraints to fishing activities. Results from the logistic regression model indicated that household size and access to credit were significant factors that positively influenced people’s decision to become fishermen. The regression analysis further revealed that engaging in other income generating activity and being educated significantly reduces the probability to start fishing business

Source: UCC
Loneliness among Senior High School Students in Ghana

The experience of loneliness varies across cultures. This study explored loneliness among students in two metropolitan senior high schools in Ghana. A sample of 244 students (40.5% males, 59.5% females; mean age =18.4 years) completed Revised University of California Los Angeles (R-UCLA) Loneliness Scale developed by Russell (1982). A series of one-way analysis of variance tests (ANOVA) were used to determine the existence of any significant differences among variables. The results of the findings indicate that the mean R-UCLA scores among the senior high school students fell in the lower range (N=244; M=45.81; SD=10.001). There were significant differences in gender F (1, 240) = 7.858, p = .005. ; In age, F (1, 240) = 4.958, p = .0027, and religious affiliation F (1, 240) = 9.030, p = .003. The results of this study indicate that varying degrees of loneliness is felt in different cultures because the way people live and approach problem solving in their social context are different. This paper explains why this new knowledge can be used to inform parents, school administrators and counselors appreciate the effect of other demographic variables on loneliness in the life of Ghanaian adolescents.

Source: UCC
Long memory and arfima modelling: the case of CPI inflation rate in Ghana

In macroeconomic theory and economic policy, changes in the general price level or the rate of inflation plays an essential role. Hence, for example, one of the motives behind the adoption of Inflation Targeting policy (IT) by Ghana and the treaty espoused by the European Monetary Union, known as the Maastricht Treaty, was the convergence of inflation rates. On the other hand there is a controversy about which is the order of integration in the inflation rates, some authors arguing that this variable is stationary I(0) Whittle others saying it is nonstationary I(1). In this study we examine the CPI inflation rates of Ghana from a different perspective allowing for fractional degrees of differentiation. Thus, the methodology is based on long memory or long-range dependence processes, using fractional integration and employing techniques based on Whittle parametric and semiparametric methods and autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA) models. Standard I(0)/I(1) methods were also employed. Our findings indicate that long memory exists in the CPI inflation rate of Ghana. After processing fractional differencing and determining the short memory components, the following two models, ARFIMA(3,0.427,1) and ARFIMA(2,0.499,1) were respectively specified to describe the pre and post introduction of IT policy in May 2007. Consequently, the CPI inflation rate of Ghana is fractionally integrated and mean reverting. Long memory in financial time series has important implications for the critical explanation of financial time series behaviour, as it could provide an opportunity to earn speculative profits in financial markets and cast disbelief on the correctness of the EMH. For instance, when price changes exhibit long memory or long-range dependence, asset pricing models based on the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) may overestimate or underestimate investment risk. Furthermore, the presence of long memory in inflation rates can provide vital information about the likely impact of shocks (e.g. demand/supply) on the economy with respect to time. The results obtained in this study would be very useful in setting up monetary policies or consolidating previous policies such as IT in order to enhance economic growth. Moreover, estimation of long memory in inflation rates can serve as an evaluation tool to assess the performance of monetary policy under different dispensations. Lastly, the presence of long memory can assist in identifying inflationary pressures in the economy

Source: UCC
A Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship Between Mathematics-Related Affect and Achievement in Finland

In this paper, a nationally representative longitudinal data of mathematics learning outcomes in Finland is analyzed in order to determine the direction of causality between mathematics-related affect and achievement. First, the results indicated that students’ mathematical achievement, emotion, and self-efficacy were significantly stable over time. Different models were estimated to test the reciprocal relationship between students affect and achievement. The results indicated that mathematics achievement and self-efficacy have a reciprocal relation, where the dominant effect is from achievement to self-efficacy. The results indicate also a weaker unidirectional effect from achievement to emotion.

Source: UCC
Longitudinal Data Analysis of Secondary Prevention of Stroke in Northern Ghana

The purpose of the study was to apply an illness-to-death model that will enable us to observe the transition intensities of patients during rehabilitation at some discrete points in time. Finally, discover some risk factors of stroke and estimate the average length of stay of patients at different levels of disease states. A typical review of literature on stroke studies in many research works revealed that none of the articles estimated the possible probabilities of transiting from one disease state to another. To fill this gap, we employed Continuous Time Markov Model (CTMC) in Multi-state Models (MSM) to observe the transition rates of the patients at two monthly intervals for two years. Patient variables are age, sex, marital status, religion, educational status, occupation, location of the patient, comorbidity type, local treatment, smoking, alcohol intake, and hemiparesis. Results from our study reveal that the male sex, local treatment, and patients free from comorbidity contributed to early recovery in all states than the female sex, with no local treatment and one or more comorbidity. Patients with one or more comorbidity and alcohol intake decline in recovery. The outcome of the transition analysis indicated that patients with mild stroke remain in this state for about ten (10) months before recovery and will never become severe if the patient adheres to treatment. While old and older age groups have some chance of transiting to a less severe state and similar rates of transitioning from mild to a more severe state, the youth have better conditions in these states than these two groups. Further research should be carried out to investigate the role of traditional therapy in stroke rehabilitation.

Source: UCC