ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The level of knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self- examination among nurses in the Effia nkwanta regional hospital in the Sekondi Takoradi metropolis

The purpose of the study was to compare the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among nurses in Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region of Ghana. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The descriptive design was used to conduct the study. The accessible population consisted of 229 nurses working at the regional hospital in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis where the sample population were selected. A sample size of 130 nurses was considered representative enough for the study. The purposive sampling method was first used to select the category to be used for the study. The nurses who were chosen for the study have had not less than 3 years standing experiences. The instrument for the data collection was a researcher-developed questionnaire. It was observed that virtually all respondents had heard about breast cancer. In a similar manner, almost all respondents were aware that breast cancer can be easily detected. It was recommended that Emphasis should be laid on BSE in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, especially for nurses, as they are mostly involved in patient care and education.

Source: UCC
Level of participation University governance system and its influence on constituents' commitment to Universities in Ghana

The study investigated level of participation in university governance and its influence on constituents’ commitment to universities in Ghana. The study made use of the mixed method approach and collected data from 500 respondents made up of 35 leaders and 465 members of the various constituencies. The one-stage cluster random sampling procedure which makes use of the lottery method of simple random sampling technique was used to select 465 respondents while the 35 key informants were selected purposively. Questionnaire and an interview guide were the instruments used. The quantitative data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data were analysed manually using the axial coding system. The study revealed that senior member constituencies participated more in the governance of the university than other constituencies. Furthermore, whenever constituencies’ participate in the governance system of the university, it influences their respective constituents to be satisfied with the system which in turn makes them more committed to what the university stands for which translate into their commitment to the university in the long run. The study recommended that management of the universities should ensure that there is congenial participatory governance environment in their respective institutions to encourage and motivate constituents to be committed to the universities in the long run. This can be achieved when there is fairness and equality in the number of members that represents each constituency in the various statutory university committees

Source: UCC
Level of Tax Knowledge and Technology Adoption among Small Taxpayers in Ghana

This study examined the effect of the level of tax knowledge on technology adoption among small taxpayers in Ghana. To achieve the purpose of the study, the Generalised Ordered Logit, Multivariate Decomposition for nonlinear response models and the Probit Estimation Techniques were the main analytical tools used. The study used survey data collected by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) where a sample of 490 small taxpayers was analysed. The explanatory sequential mixed-method design informed the orientation of the study. The study found that more than half of small taxpayers have an average level of tax knowledge. The results also showed that sex, educational level, firms’ income, type of organisation, tax complexity, and tax education influence small taxpayers’ tax knowledge level. The study further found that the mean predicted gap in tax knowledge between male and female firm managers is huge and statistically significant, and 60% of it can be explained by differences in educational level, tax complexity and tax education. It was also found that the level of tax knowledge significantly affects the adoption of technology for tax preparation and reporting. On the other hand, the qualitative analysis revealed that lack of education, internet connection, organisational barriers, technological resources and trust serves as major barriers to the adoption of iTAPS. Based on the results, the study recommends that the Domestic Tax Revenue Division should adopt strategies like zonal tax education workshops and training, provision of tax awareness programs and design simplified tax rules for firm managers especially among sole proprietorships, female managed firms, firms with less income and firms in the Northern region and rural areas to improve their tax knowledge level. Government through the GRA should intensify the awareness and training on the use of iTAPS; ensuring simplified platforms, improved internet coverage, trust and incentive for its usage.

Source: UCC
Levels and risk assessment of residual phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and semi-volatile chlorinated organic compounds in toilet tissue papers

The presence of phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and semi-volatile chlorinated organic compounds (SVCOC) in toilet tissue papers may be detrimental to the health of consumers upon exposure. This study therefore, sought to investigate the levels of these toxicants in toilet tissue papers on the Ghanaian market and the associated risk of exposure. The study also sought to conduct source apportionments for analytes. A total of 32 composite toilet tissue samples from 8 diferent brands were analysed in replicates for PAHs, phthalates and SVCOCs. Analysis was conducted using Shimadzu GCMS QP 2020 with the MS operated in SIM mode. The results showed elevated levels of PAHs, phthalates, and appreciable levels of SVCOCs in the toilets tissue papers. The risk assessment conducted, showed an associated elevated cancer risk > 10−4 for PAHs in all samples and DEHP in samples NN, BB and SF. The risk associated with the levels of carcinogenic SVCOCs were found to be > 10-5 but < 10 −4 .The hazard indices (HI) calculated for non-cancer efects, showed risk levels < 1.0 for phthalates in most toilet paper samples except for samples BB and SF. The HI recorded for chlorophenols were all < 1. Cumulatively, these values suggested elevated cancer and non-cancer risk associated with the dermal use of the toilet tissue papers on the Ghanaian market. The PCA-MLR source apportionment suggested two significant sources of SVOCs in the toilet tissue papers. PAHs, phthalates and 2-chloronaphthalene were of one source (oil base source) whereas SVCOCs were of another source (bleaching process)

Source: UCC
Levels of heavy and essential trace metals and their correlation with antioxidant and health status in individuals occupationally exposed to municipal solid wastes

Recent studies have indicated an increased incidence of toxic neuropathies among waste management workers (WMW) possibly linked to increased detection of heavy metals in municipal solid wastes. The present study evaluated serum levels of some heavy and essential trace metals in relation to oxidant/antioxidant status of WMW. One hundred and twenty-six WMW and 84 non-WMW (control) were recruited. Metal/element concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and oxidant/antioxidant markers were determined using standard procedures. The WMW exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) decreased ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and higher levels of ceruloplasmin (Cp) and malondialdehyde. Iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) and higher (p < 0.001), respectively in WMW when compared with control while levels of other trace elements were not significantly different between these groups. Lead (Pb) and chromium levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) in WMW while mercury levels were comparable with those of control subjects. In WMW, Cp (r ¼ ÿ0.182; p > 0.05) and FRAP (r ¼ 0.277; p < 0.05) negatively and positively correlated with Pb, respectively, while a positive correlation was observed between zinc (r ¼ 0.230; p < 0.05) and Pb and between Cu (r ¼ 0.541; p > 0.001) and Fe. Overall, the decreased antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative stress observed in WMW in this study may be related to their blood levels of heavy and essential trace metals. Conscious efforts are required, therefore, to reduce risk and protect WMW from toxic neuropathies and other adverse health consequences of occupational exposure.

Source: UCC
Levels of Hg and Cd in selected biological species from the river Pra- a study of pollution of the river Pra estuary

This thesis determined the level of mercury and cadmium in selected biological species namely tilapia (Tilapia zillit), mudfish (Clarias slIbmargillatlls), prawns (Pellaeus //Iolladall) , crabs (Carcilllls 11laellas) and Molluscs Periwinkle (Gastropod) from the River Pra Estuary using. The samples were taken every fortnight from four sampling sites from Beposo to Shama Beach in the Western Region of Ghana for two months. That is form 10105/06 to 29106/06. During the period a total of eighty (80) samples were collected and analyzed and the levels of mercury determined in the muscles of the various biological species were between 0 and 0.00808 ± 0.0009hlg/g while the levels of cadmium were between 0.0010 I ± 0.00013 flg/g and 0.02024 ± 0.00263 flglg. But all the values are well below European Union acceptable limits of 0.05flg/g.

Source: UCC
The levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in individuals occupationally exposed to municipal solid waste in Ogun State, South West Nigeria

Airway inflammation and related respiratory complaints are common symptoms among waste management workers (WMWs). This study investigated the relationship between exposure to municipal solid waste (MSW) and the levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress among WMW of Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A total of 280 subjects consisting of 180 WMW and 100 controls were recruited. Ten millilitres of blood were collected from antecubital vein of the subjects for analysis. Results reveal that exposure to MSW is associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Significant (p < 0.001) elevation of ceruloplasmin (Cp) and C-reactive protein was associated with marked decreases in superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01), catalase (p < 0.001), and glutathione (p < 0.05) and significant (p < 0.001) increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and uric acid when compared with control. Haematological disorders include significant (p < 0.05) decreases in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume and significant (p < 0.01) increase in total leucocyte count. Apart from decreased albumin (p < 0.05) and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05) activity observed in WMW, other markers of hepatic (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol and triglycerides) and renal (urea and creatinine) functions did not change significantly (p > 0.05) when compared with the control. A positive correlation between leucocytes (r ¼ 0.195, p < 0.01), Cp (r ¼ 0.210, p < 0.01) and job duration and between Cp and MDA (r ¼ 0.200, p < 0.01) and Cp and leucocytes (r ¼ 0.260, p < 0.001) were observed in WMW. Overall, exposure to MSW predisposes to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress and Cp may be a useful biomarker for monitoring health status of Nigerian WMWs.

Source: UCC
Levels of mercury, cadmium, and zinc in the topsoil of some selected towns in the Wassa West District of the Western Region of Ghana

The Wassa West istrict of the western region of Ghana is noted or a large deposit of gold ores. s a result, there is a lot of mining activity in the district, which include both legal and illegal miners. large number of illegal (“galamsey”) miners employ mercury in the amalgamation of gold, whereas some of the mining companies use inc dust (with associated cadmium impurities) in the extraction of gold. ue to the otentially toxic and adverse effect of mercury and cadmium on humans, livestock, and aquatic organisms, this research seeks to determine the concentration of mercury, cadmium, and inc in the topsoil (up to 30cm), which constitutes the absorption one of most ood crops grown in the district, and compares these levels with literature values as well as control samples taken rom other non-mining districts, thus assess the ollution due to these metals. The results or mercury gave a eak average concentration of 2.8 mg/kg around boso and decreased to 0.41 mg/kg at ompem to the south and 0.33 mg/kg at uni Valley to the north. ll these concentrations were higher than those ound in the control samples as well as the standard (0.3 mg/kg) ound in literature. The contamination of control samples with mercury suggests aerial distribution of the metal. inc concentrations, however, did not show any trend that could be due to anthropogenic sources or natural deposition of the metal. owever, high concentrations of 387 mg/kg at boso, 170 mg/kg at Tarkwa, and 221 mg/kg at ompem give an indication of the use of inc dust in the extraction of gold. The research, however, did not detect cadmium above the detection limit of the instrument used

Source: UCC
Levels of platinum group metals in selected species (Sarotherodon melanotheron, Chonophorus lateristriga, Macrobrachium vollenhovenii and Crassostrea tulipa) in some estuaries and Lagoons along the Coast of Ghana

The use of some biota as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution has been demonstrated as particularly adequate due to their capacity of bioconcentration. This study evaluated the levels of platinum group metals (PGMs) in some selected species along the coastal belt of Ghana, using the neutron activation analysis (NAA) method. The result was processed to evaluate pollution indices in order to map the distribution of the metals in those species in the lagoons and estuaries along the costal belt of Ghana. The analysis showed significant levels of all PGMs in blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron Cichlidae), brown goby (Chonophorus lateristriga Gobiidae), shrimp (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii Palaemonidae), and mangrove oysters (Crassostrea tulipa Ostreidae) in the lagoons and river Pra estuary. However, the oysters showed an elevated mean concentration of 0.13 μg/g (dry weight) Pd. From the pollution indices, most of the sampling sites registered mean contamination factor (CF) values between 1.20 and 3.00 for Pt, Pd, and Rh. The pollution load index (PLI) conducted also gave an average pollution index between 0.79 and 2.37, indicating progressive contamination levels. The results revealed that anthropogenic sources, industrial and hospital effluent, etc., together with vehicular emissions, could be the contributing factors to the deposition of PGMs along the Ghanaian coast

Source: UCC
Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes) in some Ghanaian water body environments

Background and Objective: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are known to be possible carcinogens, teratogenic and endocrine disruptors producing neurobehavioral effects, reproductive abnormalities and thyroid disruption in infants. Despite the worldwide growing concern of these toxins, there were very little studies on the presence and health effects of PBDEs on the Ghanaian environment. The objective of study was to look at the levels, fate, assessment of their sources and possible health effects associated with PBDEs in water and sediments along the Western coast of Ghana. Materials and Methods: Water and sediment samples collected from six water bodies along the Central and Western coast of Ghana were extracted using SPE cartridges and Soxhlet for water and sediment samples respectively. Instrumental analysis for PDBEs in extracted samples (n = 46, include solvent blanks) were done using GC-ECD. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence level (CL) for triplicates of the water and sediment samples. Results: The mean total PBDE levels in water and sediment samples ranged from 37.2-170.5 and 19.8-70.6 ng kgG1, respectively. These levels indicated that the studied water bodies were polluted with PBDEs and may pose significant health risk to users. Two-way ANOVA conducted at 95% CL showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the water bodies with respect the PBDE levels and the sediment samples collected. Source assessment conducted using PCA showed two significant sources of BDEs with major source being deposits from deca-BDE formulations for the water and deca- and octa-mix BDE for the sediment samples. Conclusion: Most of these water bodies are being used in one way or the other, hence, the need to clean them

Source: UCC
Levels of serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase and urea in apparently healthy rural community in Ghana. A case study in Subin-Akrofrom and Trede in the Ashanti Region.

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels were assessed in 27 males (mean age 32.33 yrs) and in 34 females (mean age 27.85yrs) Ghanaian ru- ral dwellers to determine the functional status of their liver (ALT/AST) and kidney (Urea). No significant (P≥0.05) differences were observed between the sexes in all the assessed parameters. Mean values of 28.92 U/L, 31.64 U/L, 9.04 mmol/L for males and 30.09 U/L, 33.92 U/L, 8.72 mmol/L for females were obtained respectively for ALT, AST and Urea. The serum levels of ALT, AST and AST to ALT ratio indicated that both groups had normal functioning liver but the urea levels for both sexes appear to suggest renal impairment. Further investigations are needed to establish the underlying pathology.

Source: UCC
Levels Of serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase and urea in apparently healthy rural community In Ghana: A case study in sabin-akrofrom and trede in the Ashanti Region

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels were assessed in 27 males (mean age 32.33 yrs) and in 34 females (mean age 27.85yrs) Ghanaian rural dwellers to determine the functional status of their liver (ALT/AST) and kidney (Urea). No significant (P≥0.05) differences were observed between the sexes in all the assessed parameters. Mean values of 28.92 U/L, 31.64 U/L, 9.04 mmol/L for males and 30.09 U/L, 33.92 U/L, 8.72 mmol/L for females were obtained respectively for ALT, AST and Urea. The serum levels of ALT, AST and AST to ALT ratio indicated that both groups had normal functioning liver but the urea levels for both sexes appear to suggest renal impairment. Further investigations are needed to establish the underlying pathology

Source: UCC
Levels Of Serum Alanine/Aspartate Aminotransferase And Urea In Apparently Healthy Rural Community In Ghana: A Case Study In Sabin-Akrofrom And Trede In The Ashanti Region

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels were assessed in 27 males (mean age 32.33 yrs) and in 34 females (mean age 27.85yrs) Ghanaian ru- ral dwellers to determine the functional status of their liver (ALT/AST) and kidney (Urea). No significant (P≥0.05) differences were observed between the sexes in all the assessed parameters. Mean values of 28.92 U/L, 31.64 U/L, 9.04 mmol/L for males and 30.09 U/L, 33.92 U/L, 8.72 mmol/L for females were obtained respectively for ALT, AST and Urea. The serum levels of ALT, AST and AST to ALT ratio indicated that both groups had normal functioning liver but the urea levels for both sexes appear to suggest renal impairment. Further investigations are needed to establish the underlying pathology.

Source: UCC
Levels of serum eosinophil cationic protein are associated with hookworm infection and intensity in endemic communities in Ghana

Background The eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a cytotoxic protein mainly secreted by eosinophils granulocytes and plays a role in host defense against parasitic infections. Infection with Necator americanus (hookworm) is traditionally diagnosed by the Kato-Katz method which is inherently tedious, subjective and known to underestimate infection intensity. This study aimed to assess levels of serum ECP in relation to hookworm infection intensity. Methods Stool samples from 984 (aged 4 to 80 years) participants in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana were examined using the Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Serum ECP levels were measured by ECP assay kit and compared between 40 individuals infected with hookworm only, 63 with hookworm Plasmodium falciparum co-infection, 59 with P. falciparum infection and 36 with no infection. Results Hookworm infection prevalence was 18.1% (178/984). ECP levels were significantly higher in individuals infected with hookworm only (β = 2.96, 95%CI = 2.69, 3.23, p<0.001) or coinfected with P. falciparum (β = 3.15, 95%CI = 2.91, 3.39, p<0.001) compared to the negative control. Levels of ECP were similar between those with only P. falciparum infection and the uninfected control (p>0.05). Increased hookworm intensity was associated with a significant increase in ECP level (β = 4.45, 95%CI = 2.25, 9.11, rs = 0.193, n = 103, p<0.01). ECP threshold of 84.98ng/ml was associated with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 98% (95% CI = 92, 100), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 76% (95% CI = 62, 87) in classifying hookworm infection status with an AUROC of 96.3%. Conclusion Serum ECP level may be a good biomarker of hookworm infection and intensity and warrant further investigations to help improve current hookworm diagnosis.

Source: UCC
Levels of Soluble Endothelium Adhesion Molecules and Complications among Sickle Cell Disease Patients in Ghana

Abstract: Background: Soluble adhesion molecules are involved in the gathering and joining of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelium. Therefore, they serve as potential markers of endothelial dysfunction in vascular diseases including sickle cell disease (SCD). In Ghana, there are scarcely any report on the levels of adhesion molecules among SCD patients. The current study aimed to determine plasma levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-Selectin as markers of endothelial dysfunction in SCD patients in steady state, complications and controls. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study involving 60 HbAA controls, 46 HbSS steady state, 57 HbSS VOC, 18 HbSC VOC, 21 HbSS with leg ulcer and 11 HbSS with priapism. Blood samples were collected from all the study subjects (n = 213) and processed into plasma. The plasma levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-Selectin concentrations of SCD patients and controls were measured using a double sandwich ELISA technique. Demographic information was also collected from the study subjects. Results: Levels of all soluble proteins (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-Selectin) were significantly higher in HbSS steady-state patients compared to non-SCD controls (p < 0.001). Generally, SCD patients with complications had relatively higher levels of the soluble proteins compared to those in the steady-state. Of the SCD patients with complications, those with vaso-occlusion crisis (HbSS VOC) had relatively higher levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-Selectin at (62.42 ng/mL 26.09), (634.99 ng/mL 324.31) and (236.77 ng/mL 114.40) respectively; Conclusion: Although levels of adhesion molecules were high in all the SCD patients with complications, those with vaso-occlusive crisis had higher levels. This might reflect an ongoing endothelial dysfunction in these patients. SCD patients with vaso-occlusive crisis presents with a more severe pathophysiology condition.

Source: UCC