ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Banks novelties and financial performance of commercial banks in Ghana

The chief thrust of this work is to examine the stimulus banks novelties has on fiscal performance in Ghana profitable banks listed. This research selected these banks registered on the interchange market to avoid issues of subjective outcomes which may lead to sceptical issues later on. Specifically, the study sought to: look at, the influence bank innovations have on net interest margin in Ghana commercial banks, scrutinise the stimulus banks novelties has on earning per shares in Ghana viable banks and assess how innovations within the banks affect net profit of Ghana commercial banks. This research made used of explanatory study design and used Stata to process the data in the form of Panel ordinary least square. It was recognised that automated teller machine had momentous and adverse result on net interest margin but has no significant effect on the other performance indicator. It was further realised that, mobile banking decreases earnings per share of shareholders and increases net profit for the banks but has no effect on net interest margin. Finally, internet banking increases earnings per share of the banks but decreases both net interest margin and net profit of Ghana commercial. The banks size also increases net interest margin. Growth opportunities in banks also decreases earnings per share. The research resolved that, innovations had momentous influence on monetary performance in Ghana commercial banks. The research commended, for Ghana profit-making banks to increase its net profit margin, it must concentrate more on mobile banking services. They must pay attention to their bank size as well and ATM. It was further recommended that commercial banks must pay key attention to mobile banking in order to maximise their net profit.

Source: UCC
Barriers and Enablers to the Use of the Partographin Central Region, Ghana: A Qualitative Study Using In-Depth Interviews, Case Scenarios and Focus Group Discussions

The partographis a useful tool for improving the quality of care during labour (pictorial overview of labour progress, clinical audit, training of health care workers and facilitating the transfer of care). The WHO recommends its use especially in under-resourced settings. Several studies have reported under-utilization of the partographin such settings but there are limited studies to explore the reasons for this or factors to improve the use.

Source: UCC
Barriers and motivations for health insurance subscription in Cape Coast, Ghana: a qualitative study

One of the main objectives of the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme, at its establishment in 2003, was to ease financial burden of the full cost recovery policy, particularly on the poor. However, currently, majority of the scheme’s subscribers are individuals in the upper wealth quintile, as the poor in society rather have not subscribed. We explored the motivational factors as well as the barriers to health insurance subscription in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Methods: This study collected qualitative data from 30 purposively selected subscribers and non-subscribers to the National Health Insurance Scheme using an in-depth interview guide. Results: Major motivational factors identified were; affordable health insurance premium, access to free drugs, and social security against unforeseen health challenges. Encouragement by friends, family members, and colleagues, was also found to motivate subscription to the health insurance. The major barriers to health insurance subscription included; long queues and waiting time, perceived poor quality of drugs, and negative attitude of service providers both at the healthcare facilities and the health insurance office. The study underscores the need for the National Health Insurance Authority to conduct intensive education to change the negative perception people have regarding the quality of health insurance drugs. Efforts should also be made to reduce the waiting time in accessing healthcare with the National Health Insurance Scheme card. his would motivate more people to subscribe or renew their membership. Conclusions: The implication of barriers found is that people may not subscribe to the scheme in subsequent years. This would, therefore, consequently defeat the objective of achieving universal healthcare coverage with the scheme

Source: UCC
Barriers to Accessing Maternity Care among Expectant Mothers at Tamale Teaching Hospital

Maternal mortality remains a major challenge to developing countries. Access to maternal health services is crucial to ensuring safe motherhood care before, during and after delivery. This study sought to explore barriers to accessing maternity care among expectant mothers at a Teaching Hospital. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The systematic random sampling technique was used to sample 345 pregnant women for the study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from women regarding barriers to accessing maternity care. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Demographics (age, ethnicity, education, marital status, occupation) were summarized using frequency tables while the χ2 test used to determine associations between respective variables. Variables that displayed significant associations were entered into a multiple logistic regression model to ascertain the strength of association (Odds Ratios) between respective variables. At the 95% confidence interval, a p-value less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. The results showed that 89.6% agreed maternal health services were available at the Tamale Teaching Hospital but, over 66.4% could not access these services due to the judgmental attitude of health staff at the facility. About 72.1% could not access lifesaving care due to lack of means of transport especially ambulance service. Another barrier mentioned in this study was the deplorable road network which hindered 68.7% of participants from accessing maternal health care. The χ2 analysis revealed that age (p<0.05), religion (p<0.05), educational status (p<0.01), level of knowledge on obstetric risks (p<0.01), number of ANC visits (p<0.01), marital status (p<0.05), income level of participants (p<0.01) and cost of services (p<0.01) determined access to healthcare services and the choice of facility delivery among the study women. Generally, logistics, and refurbishment, building of more hospital at least two in each district and the training of more health workers with positive attitude toward clients are necessities in order to adequately address access barriers. Until road networks in the country are properly constructed and accessible to all parts of Ghana, the effort to reduce maternal mortality will be unattainable.

Source: UCC
Barriers to and facilitators of nurses’ political participation in Ghana

All aspects of nursing practice are regulated by politics and affected by changes in public policy. For that reason, nurses need to be active in the political process through which they may influence public policies on health. However, nurses’ participation in political activities in many countries is either low or moderate at best. Studies that explore political participation among nurses are rare in Africa. We conducted this study to identify factors that may enhance or hinder nurses’ political participation. Through a cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 225 registered nurses sampled from three hospitals and two nursing training schools in Tamale, Ghana, using a structured questionnaire. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and correlations. The most frequently reported barriers to political participation were having little free time, lack of trust in politicians, fear of conflict/confrontation, lack of educational preparation, and lack of access to the right connections. The major facilitators of political participation were identified as availability of free time and money, civic skills, personal interest in politics, self-belief and confidence, and a strong party affiliation. These findings call for integration of political content into the nursing education curriculum and for professional nursing organizations to create opportunities for their members to learn about the political process

Source: UCC
Barriers to Communication: The Views of People with Learning Disabilities with Epilepsy and Their Careers

People with learning disabilities experienced more health inequalities compared with the general population. Under-diagnosis is common among people with learning disabilities leading to unmet health needs compared with the general population. Numerous communication barriers have been reported in the literature but little is known regarding people with epilepsy and learning disabilities. The presence of epilepsy may further compound the communication needs of people with learning disabilities. The study investigated communication barriers between people with epilepsy and learning disabilities and carers. Method: Exploratory qualitative approach was adopted. Pictures and photographs were used when necessary to facilitate and elicit responses from participants. The interviews were recorded with participant consent.Analysis: The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically (Miles and Huberman, 1994). Findings: Service users and carers reported a range of communication barriers. These included; Stigma, discrimination, lack of knowledge, impairments and lack of alternative augmentative communication methods

Source: UCC
Barriers to Communication: The Views of People with Learning Disabilities with Epilepsy and their Careers

People with learning disabilities experienced more health inequalities compared with the general population. Under-diagnosis is common among people with learning disabilities leading to unmet health needs compared with the general population. Numerous communication barriers have been reported in the literature but little is known regarding people with epilepsy and learning disabilities. The presence of epilepsy may further compound the communication needs of people with learning disabilities. The study investigated communication barriers between people with epilepsy and learning disabilities and carers.Method: Exploratory qualitative approach was adopted. Pictures and photographs were used when necessary to facilitate and elicit responses from participants. The interviews were recorded with participant consent.Analysis: The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically (Miles and Huberman, 1994).Findings: Service users and carers reported a range of communication barriers. These included; Stigma, discrimination, lack of knowledge, impairments and lack of alternative augmentative communication methods.

Source: UCC
Barriers to effective integration of computer technology into classroom instruction in the Keta municipality

It is an undeniable fact that the world is now being ruled by technology. Without IT, our lives in this modern world will be miserable. The purpose of the study was to find out the state of ICT infrastructure in our schools, what teachers believe are the barriers to computer technology use in their classroom instruction and what suggestions they had to offer in order to bridge the barriers. Descriptive survey design was used. Teachers in public JHS in the Keta municipality were used. The sample comprised 270 participants of whom 67 were heads of schools and the rest of them, 203, were classroom teachers. The simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection for the study. Data collected were analysed using IBM SPSS version 21. Frequencies and percentages were used. The study revealed that infrastructure for ICT was inadequate. Even though a lot of schools sampled had electricity, the number of computers and other ICT tools were insufficient in most schools. Respondents suggested that ICT infrastructure should be supplied to schools and teachers trained to use ICT in their classroom instruction. Parents should provide computers for their wards at home so pupils can use them to do projects and assignments. Provision of ICT infrastructure, training of teachers and provision of home computers for pupils were recommended.

Source: UCC
Barriers to Rural Community Participation in Solid Waste Management Programmes at the Asunafo North District in Brong Ahafo Region in Ghana

For many years now, solid waste problem has become of the major environmental issue which has confronted various Africa local authorities and Ghana has not been an exception. While various communities have been encouraged to participate in solving the problem. in Ghana. little or no success story about community participation in solid waste management (SWM) programmes can be demonstrated. This study consequently sought to investigate into the barriers to rural community participation in SWM Programmes at the Asunafo North district in Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Qualitative case-study method was employed with in-depth interviews and focus groups discussions techniques used to ascertain the opinions of the community members and environmental health officials themselves. Data were audio-taped. transcribed and later analysed. The study finding indicated that a number of barriers prevent community members from participating in SWM which include: lack of support. disillusionment, culture and poverty emanating from high cost of living and precarious nature of the communities' livelihoods. It is therefore recommended that for the communities to be motivated to participate in SWM propgrammes there should be practical supports in all kinds from the various stakeholders such as the municipality, community-based organisations, micro enterprises and local leaders

Source: UCC
Barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment among rural women in Ghana

This study sought to explore the barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment in the North Tongu district of Ghana. Methods. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted, while three focus group discussions were held among respondents. (e data were analysed with the R package for qualitative data analysis using a thematic analytical approach. Results. Low level of knowledge about the disease and screening services, personal or psychological convictions, and cost of screening and treatment coupled with a low level of income were the barriers at the individual level. Perceived health personnel attitude, perceived lack of privacy, and misdiagnosis were the barriers at the institutional level while the sociocultural belief system of the communities about the etiology of the disease was the barrier at the community level. Inadequate education about the disease, lack of funding and access to screening facilities also constrained screening and treatment at the policy level. Conclusions. Cervical cancer screening and treatment are constrained at multiple levels in rural Ghana. (is study underscores the need to address the low uptake of cervical cancer screening and treatment at the individual, community, institutional, and policy levels simultaneously

Source: UCC
Baseline malaria vector transmission dynamics in communities in Ahafo mining area in Ghana

Malaria vector dynamics are relevant prior to commencement of mining activities. A baseline entomology survey was conducted in Asutifi and ano (referred to as Ahafo) in the Brong-Ahafo geo-political region of Ghana during preparatory stages for mining by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited. Methods: Between November 2006 and August 2007, eight Centre for Disease Control light traps were set daily (Monday-Friday) to collect mosquitoes. raps were hanged in rooms that were selected from a pool of 1,100 randomly selected houses. ypes of materials used in construction of houses were recorded and mosquito prevention measures were assessed from occupants. Results: A total of 5,393 mosquitoes were caught that comprised Anopheles gambiae (64.8%), Anopheles funestus (4.2%), as well as Culicines, comprising of Culex (30.4%) and Aedes species (0.6%). he entomological inoculation rate in Asutifi (279 infective bites/person/month) and Tano (487 infective bites/person/month) demonstrate relatively high malaria transmission in Ahafo. he presence or absence of Anopheles vectors in rooms was influenced by the type of roofing material (OR 2.33, 95%CI: 1.29-4.22, p = 0.01) as well as the presence of eaves gaps (OR 1.80, 95%CI: 1.37-2.37, p < 0.01). It was also associated with bed net availability in the room (OR 1.39, 95%CI: 1.08-1.80, p = 0.01). Over 80% of the houses were roofed with corrugated zinc sheets. Over 60% of the houses in Ahafo had no eaves gaps to give access to mosquito entry and exit into rooms and mosquito bed net coverage was over 50%. Other measures used in preventing mosquito bites included; coil (22.1%), insecticide spray (9.4%), repellent cream (4.0%) and smoky fires (1.1%), contributed minimally to individual mosquito preventive measures in impact areas. Similarly, levels of protection; coil (16.9%), insecticide spray (2.8%) and repellent cream (0.3%) for the non-impact areas, depict low individual prevention measures. Conclusions: The survey identified areas where intensified vector control activities would be beneficial. It also demonstrates that transmission in Asutifi and ano is high even before the commencement of mining operations. This study serves as baseline information to assess impact of mining activities in relation to future vector control interventions

Source: UCC
Basic school teachers' level of computer literacy and attitude to the use of computers: A case study in Jomoro district

The purpose of this study was to investigate the basic school teachers' level of computer literacy and attitude to the use of computers. The sample of the study covered 30 basic schools (20 public schools and 10 private schools) in Jomoro District. In all 105 teachers participated in the study. Three research questions were formulated. In relation to the research questions, 4 other statistical hypotheses were also formulated and tested for the study. Descriptive statistics were adopted for presenting and analysing the data in this study. The patterns in the responses from the sample were summarized by the use of frequency tables and percentages. However, inferential statistics was used, where necessary, to determine if the patterns described in the sample can be applied to the population from which the sample is drawn. This formed the basis of the analysis. The study showed that teachers in basic schools in Jomoro District in the western region of Ghana lack fundamental concepts, knowledge and skills for applying technology in educational settings. Another finding of the study was that significant differences were found to exist between males and females in their familiarity with some types of ICT tools. The study also showed that teachers major subject area, and the amount of teaching experience had no effect on teachers' familiarity with ICT. Finally, the study also found that teachers who teach in Public schools did not differ significantly in their familiarity with ICT tools than Private school teacher.

Source: UCC
Basic school teachers’ perception of the leadership styles of their head teachers in south Tongu district

The important roles played by head teachers as the leaders of their respective schools cannot be over-emphasized as they are deemed by some people as the chief executive officers in their schools. It is indeed significant, therefore, to determine whether the leadership styles exhibited by head teachers as seen through teachers’ lenses influence their classroom activities. This largely was the purpose of the study. It was a descriptive survey and stratified random sampling procedure was employed to sample 269 (179 males and 90 females) public basic school teachers in the South Tongu District. Questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was .85 which was deemed to be reliable. The data was analysed using frequency and percentage counts, means and independent t-test with Predictive Analytical Software (PASW) version 18. Among other things, the study revealed that basic public school teachers have positive image about their head teachers in the South Tongu District. It was also indicated that there was no significant difference between male and female perception of the leadership styles of their head teachers. Moreover, the study found out that the kind of leadership exhibited by a head teacher has some influence on the performance of teacher classroom activities. Teachers were inclined to democratic, transformational, inspirational and distributed leadership styles. Per the findings of the study, it was recommended that all head teachers practice a mixture of leadership styles since no style is absolute. In conclusions, our educational institutions need dynamic and sensitive leaders to man these institutions. It was evident that leadership is very crucial if the educational enterprise is to achieve its purpose.

Source: UCC
Basic School Teachers’ Perceptions on the New Educational Curriculum Reform in the Atebubu Amantin Municipality

The study examined basic school teachers’ perceptions about the new reforms in the Ghanaian educational curriculum. The descriptive survey design, specifically, the cross-sectional design, with a quantitative approach was utilised in conducting the study. The study’s population was made up of all public basic school classroom teachers in the Atebubu Amantin Municipality, with a total number of 1,126. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in choosing the study’s respondents. Copies of Questionnaires were administered to 582 basic school teachers. Three hundred and fifty copies of the questionnaires were however filled and returned, this resulted in a (60%) response rate. Hence, all the analyses were based on 350 respondents. The data collected were analysed using means and standard deviations, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study discovered that basic school teachers within the Atebubu Amantin Municipality had positive perception regarding the implementation of the new educational curriculum. Furthermore, teachers encountered challenges concerning sufficient economic resources, suitable facilities, and large class sizes in their effort to apply the recent educational curriculum. The investigation concluded that curriculum developers did not provide sufficient financial support and suitable facilities such as tables, chairs and computers for the effective execution of the new curriculum. The Ministry of Education and instructional programme developers are therefore encouraged to provide sufficient economic resources as well as suitable facilities required for effectively implementing the new educational curriculum.

Source: UCC