ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Addressing Sustainability Planning in Higher Education Research

In recent times, the term “sustainability” has come to gain significant popularity in policy-oriented research and has become part of our everyday lexis in higher education research. Yet, in an attempt to deal with the issue of sustainability planning in research project proposals, the term has been conceptualized to refer solely to financial sustainability as if to say other types of sustainability either do not exist or do not matter. This chapter addresses this issue of sustainability planning in higher education research. In the process, financial sustainability is elucidated, and through that two other categories/types of sustainability are identified and discussed crisply for rumination. Following up on this, steps to sustainability planning are outlined to set in context the contention of the chapter that sustainability planning in research project management requires long term planning to facilitate diverse donor engagements and for improving institutional capacity of target populations. Thereafter, and using an example of a research proposal which responds to Open Call for project proposals for funding from a renowned multilateral funding agency, the chapter exemplifies how sustainability planning in research project proposals can be addressed to help strengthen the proposals to attract research funding from potential donors.

Source: UCC
Addressing the Challenge of Iodine Deficiency in Developing Countries

Iodine deficiency causes stunted physical and mental growth as well as infertility, lethargy and cognitive impairment. Although iodine deficiency is endemic in most countries and is therefore a public health issue, it is preventable through adequate intake of iodine in diet. Recent global data estimated that 1.88 billion people are at risk of iodine deficiency with 241 million children taking inadequate iodine in diet. Majority of these children with inadequate dietary iodine intake lives in Africa and South/South-East Asia. Gains have been made towards the eradication of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) through the universal salt iodisation (USI) programme which has ensured greater coverage of iodine intake throughout the world. In developing countries however, the perennial problem of weaker institutions means that much needs to be done if the goal of eradicating IDDs are to be realized. This mini-review looks at what steps could be undertaken to maximize the odds of eradicating IDD through food fortification, strengthening of regulatory institutions, empowering small-scale salt manufacturers and conscientization of the populace to patronise not only iodised salt but also iodine-fortified foods

Source: UCC
Adequacy of pain management in oncology patients at a tertiary hospital in Ghana

Background: Although cancer pain is well documented, efficient management is largely inadequate in most patients especially in developing countries. This study evaluated the adequacy of pain management as well as potential social factors that may be associated with inadequate pain management. Methods: 204 ambulatory oncology patients (82% female; mean age 53.5) attending clinic at the Oncology Directorate, of a tertiary hospital in Ghana from January to December, 2015 were recruited and their pain severity and functional interference assessed with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The adequacy of pain management was computed as the pain management index (PMI) using the BPI. Results: Although 62% of respondents were prescribed high potency opioids, 56.9% of them exhibited significant pain while 34.9% required a stronger analgesic to manage their pain. Majority of patients (56%) were over-managed for their pain (had PMI score >0). Only 26.4% had optimal cancer pain management. Pain interfered mostly with patients’ sleep (46.2%) and general activity (42.5%). Patients with high pain intensity were more likely to have it affect their daily activity (P<0.0001). Men were more likely to have inadequate pain management than females. Conclusions: This study has shown that whereas pain management may be adequate, there is the tendency for opioid tolerance and abuse as over 50% of patients receive more analgesics than required. The tenets of the WHO 3-step analgesic ladder should be strictly adhered to achieve optimum cancer pain relief.

Source: UCC
Adequacy of the senior high school social studies curriculum in meeting the challenges of climate change

The primary purpose of this research was to examine the adequacy of the Senior High School Social Studies curriculum in covering climate related issues. The convergent parallel mixed method design was employed to execute this study. All the eighty-seven (87) Social Studies teachers were purposively selected from the 11 Senior High Schools as well as 19,155 students. A sample size of 320 Social Studies students were selected through the proportionate sampling technique and use the use of table of random numbers. All the 87 Social Studies teachers were included (census) in the study. The main instruments used for the study was questionnaire and semi structured interview guide. The data collected with questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, standard deviations, and percentages. Data from the interview were analysed through the thematic approach. The study revealed that there are inadequate climate change issues covered in the SHS Social Studies curriculum. The study concluded that the SHS Social Studies curriculum contained inadequate climate change issues. It was recommended that Social Studies curriculum developers for Senior High Schools in the country should seek to make sure that climate change is adequately covered in a very comprehensive manner in the Social Studies curriculum at the Senior High School level. Social Studies teachers and students should be encouraged to continually update their knowledge about climate by attending climate change conferences and workshops.

Source: UCC
Adherence To Principles Of Classroom Assessment Practices Among Junior High School Teachers In The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality

The study was to examine adherence to principles of classroom assessment practices among junior high school teachers in the Effia-Kwesimintsim municipality. The study employed a quantitative descriptive survey design. A sample size of 219 was used for the study. The 42-item questionnaire on teacher self-perceived assessment technique was used as the main instrument for data collection. Percentages and frequencies were used to answer research questions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Regression and independent samples t-test were used to test hypothesis 1 and 2 respectively. In relation to the principles of assessment practices, the findings of the study revealed that teachers 58.4% used a test specification table, 88.6% thought about the test's objectives before creating test items, 64.8% ensured good seating arrangements to prevent students from copying from each other, and 53.9% informed students in advance about the contents of tests, 71.6% scored essay tests item by item whiles 77.2 were not influenced by scores that were marked first. Teaching experience, academic qualification and age did not predict the assessment practices used by the teachers. The findings of the study did not show a statistically significant difference between the assessment practices of male and female teachers. It was recommended that headmasters in conjunction with the Ghana Education Service should organise periodic assessment training programmes for teachers.

Source: UCC
Adherence to rtesunate-Amodiaquine Therapy for Uncomplicated Malaria in Rural Ghana: Randomised Trial of Supervised ersus Unsupervised Drug dministration

To enhance effective treatment, african nations including Ghana changed its malaria treatment policy from monotherapy to combination treatment with artesunate-amodiaquine (AS+AQ). The major challenge to its use in loose form is adherence. Objective. The objectives of this study were to investigate adherence and treatment outcome among patients treated with AS+AQ combination therapy for acute uncomplicated malaria. Methodology. The study was conducted in two rural districts located in the middle belt of Ghana using quantitative methods. Patients diagnosed with acute uncomplicated malaria as per the Ghana Ministry of Health malaria case definitions were randomly allocated to one of two groups. All patients in both groups were educated about the dose regimen of AS+AQ therapy and the need for adherence. Treatment with AS+AQ was supervised in one group while the other group was not supervised. Adherence was assessed by direct observation of the blister package of AS+AQ left on day 2. Results. 401 participants were randomized into the supervised (211) and unsupervised (190) groups. Compliance in both supervised (95.7%) and unsupervised (92.6%) groups were similar (P = .18). The commonest side-effects reported on day 2 among both groups were headaches, and body weakness. Parasite clearance by day 28 was >95% in both groups. Discussion/Conclusions. Administration of AS-AQ in both groups resulted in high levels of adherence to treatment regimen among adolescent and adult population in central Ghana. It appears that high level of adherence to AS-AQ is achievable through a rigorous education programme during routine clinic visits

Source: UCC
Adjustable depth fractional radio frequency combined with bipolar radio frequency: a minimally invasive combination treatment for Skin Laxity

Increasingly, patients are seeking minimally invasive methods to tighten skin and remodel adipose tissue. A large treatment gap exists among 3 types of patients: (1) the younger demographic, who increasingly desire soft tissue tightening without traditional operations, scars, and downtime; (2) patients with soft tissue laxity who are not “severe enough” to justify an excisional procedure, but not “mild enough” to rely on liposuction with soft tissue contraction alone; and (3) those with recurrent laxity who already underwent traditional excisional procedures. In these populations, plastic surgeons risk under- or over treating with traditional methods. The purpose of this supplement is to describe the utility of radiofrequency (RF) microneedling (Fractora modified to Morpheus8 InMode Aesthetic Solutions, Lake Forest, CA) in combination with bipolar RF (FaceTite/BodyTite, InMode Aesthetic Solutions). By combining these procedures, the aforementioned treatment gap can be addressed. The RF microneedling allows for subdermal adipose remodeling and skin tightening. Addition of bipolar RF also tightens the skin by contraction of the underlaying fibroseptal network in addition to induction of neocollagenesis, elastogenesis, and angiogenesis at skin surface temperatures of 40° to 50°C. In our experience, these technologies have been effective and safe in these patient populations

Source: UCC
Adjustment challenges faced by newly trained teachers in basic schools in the Awutu-Efutu-Senya District of Ghana

The study was designed to investigate challenges that newly trained teachers face at their first stations in basic schools. Since the role of the teacher in human resource development is very valuable, anything that adversely affects his/her performance should not be left to chance. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting both headteachers and the newly trained teachers for the study. All the eight educational circuits in the Awutu-Efutu-Senya District were covered. Questionnaires that were used to gather the data from the respondents consisted of both open-ended and closed-ended items. The research instrument was pilot-tested on newly trained teachers and their heads in the Agona Swedru Municipality. This miniature study assisted in detecting and removing ambiguous and irrelevant statements and the reliability of the instrument. The reliability co-efficient of the instrument was found to be r=7.25. The final data collected for the study were analysed using SPSS software package and presented in percentages and frequency distribution. The main findings that emanated from the study were that the newly trained teachers had adequate orientation in their respective schools and that they did not face social challenges. However, the new teachers faced some economic and professional challenges in their schools. It is, therefore, recommended that P.T. A.’s and S.M.C.’s should assist newly trained teachers in their schools financially and the G.E.S. should also pay such teachers’ travelling allowances to them. Again, heads of the basic schools should help new teachers to secure reference books to help make their teaching easy.

Source: UCC
Adjustment challenges faced by newly trained teachers in basic schools in the Awutu-Efutu-Senya district of Ghana

The study was designed to investigate challenges that newly trained teachers face at their first stations in basic schools. Since the role of the teacher in human resource development is very valuable, anything that adversely affects his/her performance should not be left" to chance. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting both headteachers and the newly trained teachers for the study. All the eight "educational circuits in the Awutu-Efutu-Senya District were covered. Questionnaires that were used to gather the data from the respondents consisted of both open-ended and closed-ended items. The research instrument was pilot-tested on newly trained teachers and their heads in the Agona Swedru Municipality. This mi11iature study assisted in detecting and removing ambiguous and irrelevant statements and the reliability of the instrument. The reliability coefficient of the instrument w~s found t6 be 1'=7.25. The final data collected for the study were analysed using SPSS software package and presented in percentages and frequency distribution. The main findings that emanated from the study were that the newly trained teachers had adequate orientation in their respective schools and that they did not face social challenges. However, the new teachers faced some economic and professional challenges in their schools. It is, therefore, recommended that P.T. A.'s and S.M.C.'s should assist newly trained teachers in their schools financially and the G.E.S. should also pay such teachers' traveling allowances to them. Again, heads of the basic schools should help new teachers to secure reference books to help make their teaching easy.

Source: UCC
Adjustment challenges, coping methods and solutions suggested by colleges of education students in Eastern Region, Ghana

The study explored adjustment challenges, coping methods and suggested solutions among Colleges of Education students in Eastern Region, Ghana. A 42- item questionnaire adapted from Baker and Siryk’s Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) was used with 320 respondents sampled for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse research questions and hypotheses. The three adjustment challenges found were worry about finances, intellectually demanding at college than high school and difficulty of being responsible. The study revealed that students adjusted better through study groups, motivation from colleagues, having prior knowledge about the college, support from family members. It was revealed that males and females do not differ in terms of the adjustment challenges they encounter. There was no significant difference in the coping methods used by students in Colleges of Education in Eastern Region of Ghana based on gender. There was significant difference among the three programmes of study. The B.Ed JHS programme differed from the other programmes of study due to more experience of adjustment challenges. In view of the above results, it was recommended that government should pay allowances on time to curb students’ worry about finances. Family members should also support their wards financially in colleges to ameliorate the worries students go through as a result of insufficient financial challenges. Group studies should be encouraged by tutors in the classroom/lecture halls to help students adjust better. School authorities and tutors should focus their attention more on ways to assist students on the B. Ed JHS programmes, to enable them better adjust to their studies in their respective Colleges of Education.

Source: UCC
Adjustment Levels of First Year Students in Public Universities in Ashanti Region, Ghana

The study assessed the academic, social, and emotional adjustment of first year students in public universities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and its implications for counselling. The descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The multistage sampling procedure was used to select 420 first year students for the study. The Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) was adapted to collect data for the study. Data was analysed descriptively (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferentially (independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance). The findings showed that some of the first-year students had high academic, social and emotional adjustment while others also had low academic, social and emotional adjustment. The study revealed a statistically significant gender difference in social adjustment of the first-year students. Statistically significant differences also existed in academic, social, and emotional adjustment of first year students based on the university campus they studied. It was observed that significant differences existed in academic, and social adjustment of first year students based on their residential status. It was concluded that gender is a key factor when it comes to social adjustment of first year students. It was recommended that counselling departments in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) should provide periodic academic, social and emotional adjustment counselling services to first year students to improve their adjustment on the university campus.

Source: UCC
Adjustment needs and coping strategies of international students of universities in Southern Ghana.

The study investigated the coping strategies that international students of the universities in southern Ghana adopted for the adjustment needs they encounter. The study further sought to find out if significant difference existed between the adjustment needs of male and female international students, and how the respondents cope with these adjustment needs together with the different coping strategies adopted by international students of public and private universities. The study also explored the adjustment needs and coping strategies of the young and mature international students. The single, married and those in relationships‟ adjustment needs, significant differences and their coping strategies were sought. The descriptive design of the quantitative research approach was employed in this study. The questionnaire was the research instrument used to elicit responses. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Independent samples t-test and Kruskal-Wallis H test). The findings were that there was no significant difference in the adjustment needs experienced by male and female international students. It was also revealed that coping strategies were not dependent on gender. It is recommended, among other things, that policy makers and management of the universities must take into account the reality of the adjustment needs that international students encounter and look for effective ways of making their stay in Ghana‟s universities less stressful.

Source: UCC
Administration challenges in the In-In-Out programme for teacher training colleges

The study was on administrative challenges in the in-in-out programme in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District of Western Region of Ghana. The main study was to unearth the administrative challenges associated with the implementation of the "out" segment of the in-in-out programme in selected schools in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District. In all twenty (20) Basic schools were involved in the study. One hundred and thirty-eight respondents participated in the study. The main research instrument employed to collect data was questionnaire. Simple percentages were calculated for summary of the different responses given. The major findings of the study were that the practice of offering "free" accommodation to teacher trainees was not sustainable. It became clear from the study that teacher trainees do not obtain adequate professional and academic support from their mentors. The study also revealed that the necessary logistics to support the programme were lacking. It was also evident from the study that Distance Learning Materials (DLM's) which were prepared to complement trainees' work -study conferences were not supplied in all subject areas. It was recommended that teacher trainees should be made to pay rent from thdr monthly allowances to support the programme. In order to encourage mentors to give of their best in mentoring the trainees, some kind of incentive package should be given to them. And for the programme to move on smoothly, the necessary logistics should be made available before it takes off.

Source: UCC
Administration of guidance and counselling in the Colleges of education in Ghana

The main purpose of the study was to examine the nature of guidance and counselling administration, to find out the types of guidance and counselling services administered in the colleges, the role of tutors as well as the challenges associated with the administration of guidance and counselling services in colleges. The research design adopted for the study was a descriptive research design. A total of 269 respondents made up of 224 students, 45 tutors including the guidance and counselling coordinators were sampled for the study. Questionnaires and interview guides were the instruments used in the study. The main statistical tools used were frequencies and percentages. The interview data from the guidance and counselling coordinators were however grouped according to themes based on the research questions. The main findings of the study were that guidance and counselling services are beneficial to students in the colleges. Tutors and students rated the guidance and counselling services as good. It was also observed that guidance and counselling coordinators in the colleges involved tutors in discussing issues related to students' academic problems. Orientation and counselling are the popular guidance and counselling service rendered to students in colleges. However lack of funds and qualified guidance and counselling coordinators were the major factors militating against the administration of guidance and counselling services. It is therefore recommended that the coordinators in the colleges should explain to students the need for guidance services and encourage students to avail themselves of these

Source: UCC