ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Suicidal Behaviour among School-Going Adolescents in Saint Lucia: Analysis of Prevalence and Associated Factors

Suicide poses a debilitating threat to adolescents’ lives worldwide. Although suicide prevention efforts are evident globally, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and correlations of suicidal behaviour among school-going adolescents in Saint Lucia. We used a dataset from the 2018 Global School-based Student Health Survey to examine the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behaviour among 1864 students from schools in Saint Lucia. Prevalence rates of 25.5%, 22.1%, and 17.5% were found for suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt, respectively. After adjusting for other factors, being male and having understanding parents were protective against suicidal behaviour. However, suicidal ideation was predicted by being physically attacked and bullied, parental guidance, tobacco use, loneliness, and worry. Moreover, being a victim of physical attacks and bullying, having close friends, being lonely, and worrying were predictive of making suicidal plans among adolescents. Attempting suicide was predicted by cigarette smoking, current use of tobacco and related products, bullying, having close friends, being lonely, and worrying. School-based preventive interventions are required to help address triggers of suicidal behaviour among adolescents in Saint Lucia and to help attain the targets for suicide prevention in the global Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: UG
Suicidal behaviours among school‑going adolescents in samoa: a secondary analysis of prevalence, protective, and risk factors

Background Suicide has become a major threat to achieving Sustainable Development Goals three and four, especially for school-going adolescents worldwide. As part of efforts to prevent suicide, population-based studies regarding the prevalence and variables that predict suicidal behaviours are required to inform decisions. Despite this realisation, Samoa lacks empirical data on suicidal behaviours among adolescents. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2017 Global School-based Student Health Survey to examine the prevalence of suicidal behaviours (idea, plan, and attempt) of school-going adolescents in Samoa. Results The prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt was 24.1%, 23.8%, and 21.8%, respectively. Also, we found that having understanding parents was an important protective factor against all three suicidal behaviours among Samoan in-school adolescents. Suicidal ideation was predicted by cigarette smoking, having someone who smokes in adolescents’ presence, bullying, loneliness, and worrying about things they could not study. Also, cigarette smoking, bullying, having multiple sexual partners, and worrying increased the risk of having suicidal plans. Again, adolescents’ suicidal attempt was predicted by adolescent truancy, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, being bullied, having close friends, loneliness, and worry. Conclusions Rather than focusing on the school setting alone, suicide prevention interventions in Samoa should foster interdisciplinary collaborations to help reduce suicide.

Source: UG
Suicidal ideation and associated factors among school-going adolescents in rural Ghana

Suicidal ideation is a critical risk for attempted suicide and eventual suicide. Little is known about suicidal ideation among rural adolescents in most sub-Saharan African countries. We aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and to describe some of the common and gender-specific associated factors among in-school adolescents in rural Ghana. We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 1101 in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years in a rural district in Eastern Ghana. The Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised was used to assess suicidal ideation. Overall, 25.1% participants (95% CI = 22.5–27.7), representing 28.3% females (95% CI = 24.7–32.2) and 21.5% males (95% CI = 18.0–25.2) reported suicidal ideation during the previous 12 months. Females who experienced personal and interpersonal adversities mainly outside the family context were likely to report suicidal ideation, while suicidal ideation among males was associated with conflict with parents. Regardless of gender, adolescents who reported exposure to a friend’s attempted suicide were about two times more likely to report suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents in rural Ghana compares with in-school estimates from other countries within sub-Saharan Africa, but also underscores the need for targeted and universal prevention programmes and intervention efforts to mitigate the potential transition from suicidal ideations to suicidal attempts and eventual deaths by suicide among rural adolescents.

Source: UG
Suicidal ideations and coping strategies of mothers living with physical disabilities: a qualitative exploratory study in Ghana

Background Suicide is higher among adults with disabilities compared to their counterparts without disabilities and suicide is mostly preceded with suicidal ideations. For each successful suicide, there could be many ideations and attempts. Limited scientific data exist on the issue of mothers with disabilities and suicidal ideations. Therefore, this study explored suicidal ideations and coping strategies of mothers living with physical disabilities in Ghana. Methods Qualitative descriptive exploratory design was used and data was collected through individualized in-depth interviews. All participants were purposefully selected after informed consent was sought. Data was audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed inductively using content analysis technique. Results Almost all the women in this study reported suicidal ideations from time to time. Poisoning was the most predominant means which the women had considered to use if they ever attempted the suicide. Suicidal thoughts were precipitated mainly by discrimination. Their resilience and ability to cope were due to self-motivation, children, counselling, assistance from relatives and prayer. Conclusion We concluded that, it is crucial for all health professionals to explore and identify suicidal intentions among mothers with disabilities for them to be referred to the appropriate units for necessary help.

Source: UG
Suicide among men in Ghana: The burden of masculinity

In Ghana, some studies have reported a high rate for both fatal and non-fatal suicidal behaviors among men. The current study aimed at understanding the psychosocial circumstances involved in male suicides. We interviewed between two to seven close relations of each of 12 men who died by suicide. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of data indicates that experiences of shame related to loss of economic control, breach of patriarchal norms, and threats to sexual competence contributed to the suicides. Addressing socioeconomic issues, creating opportunities for men to disclose their emotions, and identifying sources of these emotions may help prevent suicide among men. © 2018 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UG
Suicide attempts and deaths in older persons in Ghana: A media surveillance approach

To explore the socio-demographic profiles and the key characteristics of nonfatal suicide attempts and suicide deaths in older persons in Ghana, content analysis was applied to 71 local media news reports between 2000 and 2017 on nonfatal suicide attempts and suicide deaths involving older persons. A disproportionately higher number of males (97.2%) aged 50–64 years with various agricultural occupational backgrounds died by suicide through the use of lethal means such as hanging, gunshot, and self-poisoning. Marriage and family problems; poverty and financial difficulties; evasion of dishonour and punishment; health problems; loss; interpersonal difficulties; and previous attempted suicide were the reasons for the behaviour. The findings are discussed within the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicide in older persons. The findings support the recent clarion call for a shift of research focus onto the mental health of (older) men in Ghana, and underscore the need to intensify general public education on recognising the warning signs of suicide and the lines of action to take to save older persons from suicide deaths.

Source: UG
Suicide in ghana: How could the community-based health planning and service (chps) effectively contribute to its prevention?

Suicide and suicide attempts are significant global public health challenge. Among the most com-mon means of suicide worldwide are pesticide self-poisoning, hanging and firearm use. Regard-ing methods of suicide, studies have identified strong association between suicidal behavior and mental disorders –especially depression and alco-hol use disorders. Further, many suicide cases happen spontaneously due to inabilities to handle life stress which emerge from financial difficul-ties, break-ups from relationships, chronic pain and illness or loss

Source: UG
Suitability of a rapid immunochromatographic test for detection of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus in Ghana, West Africa

In West African countries such as Ghana, efficient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is a priority in the fight against AIDS. A new immunochromatographic rapid test, Determine HIV-1/2 (Abbott Diagnostics, North Chicago, Ill.), that detects antibodies against HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and/or HIV-2 was evaluated using Ghanaian blood samples. Two hundred four serum and/or plasma specimens were tested. HIV screening was done by a particle agglutination test and confirmed by a Western blot (WB) test as the "gold standard." The results revealed 125 HIV-seropositive AIDS patients, 75 HIV-seronegative healthy individuals, and 4 individuals for whom the HIV-1 result was indeterminate. The results obtained by the Determine HIV-1/2 assay and Diagnostic HIV SPOT (Genelabs), which is currently widely used in many districts in Ghana, were compared with those of the WB test, excluding the four HIV-1-indeterminate samples. The sensitivity of the Determine HIV-1/2 assay was 100%, compared with 98.0% for the HIV SPOT assay. The specificity was 100% for both tests. Determine HIV-1/2 is a single-step assay and was found to be rapid and easy to perform without any special equipment. It was highly sensitive and specific. The kit can be applied without electricity and water supplies, making it suitable for the detection of HIV antibodies especially in the rural areas of Ghana, West Africa.

Source: UG
Suitability of dried chips of plantain, cocoyam, yam and cassava for the development of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the suitability of dried chips of cassava, yam, plantain and cocoyam for the development of Prostephanus truncatus. Substrate acceptability, suitability and susceptibility for egg bioassay and development were investigated. The tests were conducted using 2 varieties of each of plantain (apantu, asamienu), cassava (biafra, bosomensia), yam (pona, takyiman) and cocoyam (red, white) dried chips, where 100-200 unsexed adults were introduced into 500g shelled maize stored in a 1 litrekilner jars and covered with a metal screen which were remove dafter 2 weeks, the synchronized F1 progeny obtained were used for the experiments. Thebeetle successfully completed its life cycle on plantain and cassava dried chips and alsoachieved marginal success on yam and cocoyam chips. The mean developmental periodsof the beetle were 36.3-36.8, 35.5-36, 40-40.5 and 40.5-41 days on the plantain, cassava, yam and cocoyam chips respectively. Mean number of eggs laid on the dried chips of plantain, cassava, and yam ranged from 23.7-32.3, 34.3-44 and 11.3-12.7 while only10.3-11.3 eggs were recorded on dried cocoyam chips. Similarly, higher numbers ofadults were recorded on the dried chips of plantain and cassava than were recorded onthe dried chips of cocoyam and yam. Furthermore, higher per cent weight loss and quantities of frass produced were recorded on the dried chips of plantain and cassava than could be found on cocoyam and yam. These findings suggest that in the absence of the most preferred host (maize), the beetle can subsist on other dried chips especially plantain and cassava. It also means that dried plantain chips which have hitherto not been known to support the development of the beetle can serve as a satisfactory host for P. truncatus.

Source: UG
Suitability of IgG responses to multiple Plasmodium falciparum antigens as markers of transmission intensity and pattern

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-based intermittent preventive treatment, bed net use, and antenatal care during pregnancy: Demographic trends and impact on the health of newborns in the kassena nankana district, northeastern Ghana

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
The Sunyani-Domase (Ghana) Chieftaincy Dispute in Retrospect

This paper interrogates the historical background to the diarchy system of rule in the Odomase traditional area in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana. Relying on archival documents complemented by interviews, the research reveals that unlike chieftaincy forms in other traditional Ghanaian societies, the people of Odomase have a completely different practice in electing chiefs. The two royal houses have the endorsement of central government to elect two candidates to be installed concurrently as chiefs for the traditional area. The authors argue that the dual chieftaincy arrangement in Odomase, despite its seeming challenges, is the best solution to address the intractable conflict in the traditional polity of the area. © The Author(s) 2018.

Source: UG
Supernatural belief systems, mental health and perceptions of mental disorders in Ghana

Clinical psychology is an underdeveloped profession in Ghana, with insufficient empirical research to guide interventions. In the face of this, it is unclear whether individuals may benefit more from localized interventions that incorporate cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs, rather than solely Westernized interventions. To better inform interventions and advocate for improved mental health policy in Ghana, this study sought to explore possible relationships between depression, anxiety, somatization, general psychological wellbeing and spirituality. The study also explored Ghanaians' subjective self-assessments of spirituality and perceptions of the causes and treatments of mental illness using qualitative in-depth responses. Results from the adult sample of 448 Christians, Muslims and Traditionalists showed significant negative correlations between depression, psychological wellness and spirituality. Qualitative responses revealed that while spiritual interventions for mental disorders was most frequently stated, a large number of responses favored psychological interventions as treatment options as well. The implications of these for treatment and policy are discussed. © 2012 © 2012 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UG
Supernaturalism and the philosophical character of the traditional African thinker.

Owing to the prevalence of belief in spiritual beings and in the reality of some non-physical events in traditional cultures like those of Africa, the orientation of the people of Africa is normally regarded as generally supernaturalistic. But, while some anthropologists and philosophers see belief in the supernatural as irrational, others argue in ways that seem to suggest that supernaturalism limits the rational capacity of the African thinker. This paper rejects the positions held by these scholars and, using Akan traditional wisdom, argues for the possibility of extricating rationality from the domain of cultures – making rationality a matter of conceptual, noncultural objectivity.

Source: UG
Supervision and Productivity in Academic Libraries: Focus on the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS)

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of supervision of nonprofessional library staff in the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS) on their job performance and productivity. The research design for this study was the survey method, using both questionnaire and interview as instruments for data collection. As a result of the smallness of the population, the entire 109 libraty staff comprising 22 professionals and 87 para-professionals were sampled. Simple percentage was used for data analysis. A time-use study was also conducted during which the activities and services of the staff were repeatedly observed. Respondents showed a clear personal interest in supervision and productivity, and readily provided relevant information. A direct relationship was observed between supportive supervision and productivity. Effective and supportive supervision could help maximize staff output in the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS).

Source: UG
Supplementation of conventional anti-diabetic therapy with alpha-lipoic acid prevents early development and progression of diabetic nephropathy

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Current pharmacological interventions only retard DN progression. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant with beneficial effect in other diabetic complications. This study investigates whether ALA supplementation prevents early development and progression of DN. Method: Fifty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to healthy control and diabetic groups and subjected to overnight fasting. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced in diabetic group by intraperitoneal administration of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). On day 3 after T2DM induction, diabetic rats received oral daily administration of ALA (60 mg/kg), gliclazide (15 mg/kg), ramipril (10 mg/kg) or drug combinations for 6 weeks. Untreated diabetic rats served as diabetic control. Blood, kidneys and pancreas were harvested for biochemical and histological analyses. Result: Induction of T2DM resulted in hypoinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and renal pathology. ALA supplementation maintained β-cell function, normoinsulinemia and normoglycemia in diabetic rats, and prevented renal pathology (PAS, KIM-1, plasma creatinine, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and urine albumin/ creatinine ratio) and triglycerides level compared to diabetic control (p < 0.001). Additionally, ALA supple mentation significantly prevented elevated serum and tissue malondialdehyde, collagen deposition, α-SMA expression, apoptosis and serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels while it markedly increased renal glutathione content and plasma HDL-C compared to diabetic control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: ALA supplementation prevents early development and progression of DN by exerting anti hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-apoptotic effects. Our findings provide additional option for clinical treatment of DN in T2DM patients.

Source: UG
Supplementing urban water supply with rainwater harvesting in Accra, Ghana

This article examines the challenges associated with rainwater harvesting and usage in peri-urban Accra. Data collected from 357 heads of household reveal that rainwater harvesting has the potential to supplement existing water sources in peri-urban Accra. However, high investment costs for rainwater harvesting facilities, short-term tenancy arrangements, the perception that rainwater is not clean, and the unique dry climate of the Accra Plains emerge as key challenges limiting domestic use of rainwater. Public education for house owners to invest in rainwater harvesting facilities and governmental support will be needed to increase investment in rainwater harvesting, purification and usage. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Source: UG
Supplementing urban water supply with rainwater harvesting in Accra, Ghana.

This article examines the challenges associated with rainwater harvesting and usage in peri-urban Accra. Data collected from 357 heads of household reveal that rainwater harvesting has the potential to supplement existing water sources in peri-urban Accra. However, high investment costs for rainwater harvesting facilities, short-term tenancy arrangements, the perception that rainwater is not clean, and the unique dry climate of the Accra Plains emerge as key challenges limiting domestic use of rainwater. Public education for house owners to invest in rainwater harvesting facilities and governmental support will be needed to increase investment in rainwater harvesting, purification and usage.

Source: UG
Supply and utilization of food crops in Ghana, 1960- 2000

Agriculture is the main economic activity of the majority of the population living in Ghana. It contributes over 40% of Gross Domestic Product and employs about half of Ghana’s labour force. Due to that much attention has been placed on sustainable management of agricultural resources in the country. About 13,628,179 hectares representing 57.1% of Ghana’s total land area of 23,853,900 hectares, is suitable for agriculture. However, total area under cultivation in 2000 was 5,808,600 hectares representing 42.6% of the agricultural area. Agriculture in Ghana is mainly on a smallholder basis, although there are some large farms and plantations, particularly for cocoa (1,200,000 ha); oil palm (285,000 ha); seed cotton (62,000 ha); tobacco (1,600 ha); and coconut, banana, kola, etc. (1,502,500 ha). The main system of farming is traditional with the use of hoe and cutlass. Even though there is little mechanised farming, subsistence farming is widespread, especially in northern Ghana. In the 1970s, Ghana was virtually self sufficient in the production of maize, cocoyam, cassava, and plantain. In 1981-1983, the demand for all these crops except cassava exceeded production. From 1969 to 1983, annual total agricultural production declined by almost 1% while per capita production declined almost 4%. Food supply per person dropped almost 30%. Supply (import and export) and utilisation (for food, feed, seed, farm manure, waste and other uses) of food crops have consequences for food production in Ghana. Using data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture Census, this paper assesses production, supply and utilisation of food crops in Ghana from 1960 to 2000. It also assesses the trend and pattern of population growth for the same period. Multiple regression models are used to ascertain the statistically significant predictors of food crop (rice, maize, millet, sorghum, cassava, yam and plantain) production in five periods, namely 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The analysis shows that wastage, food imports, growth in human population, the utilisation of certain food crops as feed, food and on farms as manure, significantly influenced the production of food crops in Ghana at one point in time or the other in the five decades.

Source: UG