ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Drivers of prenatal care quality and uptake of supervised delivery services in Ghana

BACKGROUND: In spite of the introduction of free maternal healthcare in Ghana, utilization of supervised delivery services continues to be low due partly to poor quality of antenatal care (ANC). AIM: The study sought to identify the determinants of perceived quality of ANC and uptake of skilled delivery services. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 363 expectant mothers were randomly selected in urban health facilities for interview. Logistic regression models were computed to examine the relative odds of reporting quality of antenatal as good and the intention to receive skilled delivery care. RESULTS: The odds of reporting ANC quality as good was high for women aged between 30 and 34 years. Perceived quality of ANC increases with increasing access to education but more likely to be higher for women attaining senior high education. Distance to the health facility influences quality perception, but the odds of reporting quality of care as good attenuated with proximity to the health facility. Finally, uptake of supervised delivery services was high for women aged between 35 and 39 years, women with at least junior high education; living close to the health facility and in their second and third trimester. CONCLUSION: Study's findings demonstrate the need to improve the quality of maternal health services in public health facilities to encourage women to deliver under skilled care providers

Source: UG
Drivers of repeat pregnancy among teenage mothers in Accra, Ghana

Given that repeat pregnancy is an issue of concern in many developing countries, this study focused on the phenomenon among teenage mothers in Ghana. The objectives of the study were to explore factors contributing to repeat pregnancy, contraceptive knowledge, and barriers to contraceptive use among teenage mothers with repeat pregnancy. A qualitative research design was utilized, and convenience and snowball sampling methods were utilized to recruit 41 participants for the study. This consisted of 33 teenage mothers and eight health workers from Mamprobi Polyclinic, Accra, Ghana. Data were collected using in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that factors contributing to repeat pregnancy were: low level of education, truancy, early marriage, poverty, peer pressure, and sexual coercion. Additionally, health facilities, families, friends, and schools played crucial roles in disseminating information on family planning. However, barriers to using contraceptives included: stigma, religious and cultural beliefs about contraceptives, lack of control over contraceptive decisions, and myths about contraceptives. It is concluded that many teenage mothers are at risk of repeat pregnancy. Thus, it would be useful for stakeholders to promote education on teenage pregnancy, family planning, and available support services.

Source: UG
Drivers of return migration of Ghanaian health professionals: Perspectives from doctors and nurses in urban Ghana

The purpose of this paper is to examine the trend of return migration of health professionals to Ghana and how it is impacting the delivery of health services in the country. It also highlights the challenges facing returnees to the country. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative exploratory case study approach was employed in the study. Data gathered were analysed using the sequential model of qualitative content analysis. Findings - It was found that while push factors dominantly influence out-migration, pull factors rather dominated reasons for return migration. Other determinants of return migration include social and financial benefits to the home country, achieving goals for travelling, skills' improvement and spousal consideration. The paper also highlights some of the challenges returnees usually encounter in the home country. Social implications - This paper makes reasonable recommendations regarding how return migration of Ghanaian health professionals might be smoother. Originality/value - The study brings to the fore, the necessity for the government to plan for health professionals, who returned to Ghana to contribute to the health system. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UG
Drones, the US and the New Wars in Africa.

Among the evolving challenges to global peace and security are the growing incidents of terrorism in Africa. With cases in Nigeria, Mali, Algeria, Somalia and Libya among others, the continent is fast earning a moniker as a major frontier in the US-led Global War on Terrorism. A key counterterrorism measure in this regard has been the controversial reliance on Drones. This paper examines terrorism in Africa and the US’ response in the context of drones. It argues that notwithstanding the politico-legal conundrums, drones are a useful complement to multidimensional strategies that can yield game-changing interventions in the fight against terrorism in Africa.

Source: UG
Drop attack during chest radiography: Case report

Chest radiography is the first line of thoracic imaging performed in patients with thoracic diseases. It is probably the most frequently performed type of X-ray examination. It is recommended to be performed in the full upright position except where the patient's condition will not permit. This is because the erect technique allows full expansion of the lungs, prevents engorgement of pulmonary vessels and also helps in fluid level evaluation. However, little is reported on the negative effects associated with erect radiography. Herein, we present a case of drop attack during erect chest radiography. © 2015 The College of Radiographers.

Source: UG
Drown the Female Child and Bring Home the Male: Interrogating Gender Tensions in Igbo Folktales

This project seeks to interrogate variegated gender representations, gender identities and ascribed gender roles in Igbo folktales with a view to arguing that oral tradition as a miniaturized depository of wisdom and knowledge for a people without established literary tradition, may have laid the foundation for the existence and sustenance of lopsided gender relations in the society. Although many of the folktales have gender definitive contents, no critical study has investigated gender relations in these tales. A few of the tales have been documented by ethnographers and creative writers while a large number of the tales are still in their oral forms. Using qualitative methods of field and library research, the work will advance beyond the anthropological, cultural and sociological study of folktales to critically analyze gender relations among the characters in the tales and identify characteristics, classifications and interactions that promote gender inequality.

Source: UG
Drug abuse and suicidal thoughts among employees: an emerging economy perspective

Purpose – Anchored with turbulence emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic, the work environment has become more stressful with debilitating effects on the well-being of employees. Employees rely on varying means of coping including drug abuse. However, the association between drug abuse and suicidal thoughts among employees in Ghana is unknown. Therefore, this study sought to examine the relationship between drug abuse and suicidal thoughts among employees in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – In a cross-sectional survey, this study purposively sampled 470 employees from three sectors of the Ghanaian economy (telecommunication, banking and manufacturing). The data was analysed using the multivariate analysis (MANOVA), Pearson’s r test and hierarchical regression. Findings – Analysis of data revealed a positive relationship between drug abuse and suicidal thoughts, indicating that drug abuse is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts. Besides, it was also revealed that banking sector employees have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts than employees in the telecommunication and manufacturing sectors. Practical implications – Managers of organisations need to redesign work to embrace the challenging circumstances brought about as a result of COVID-19 and post-COVID implications. The work environment needs to be more supportive to shield employees from the physical and emotional demands of work during and after this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today than ever, investment in the implementation of employee assisted programmes (EAPs) and employee well-being programmes (EWPs) to equip employees with the needed skills to cope with stressful conditions has been more than justified. Originality/value – From a broader perspective, this study identifies drug abuse as a key risk factor for suicidal thoughts among employees, thereby highlighting the fact that smoking cessation programs and drug management therapies are an integral part of well-being programmes aimed at establishing equilibrium and gradually creating a wide gap between employees and suicidal thoughts.

Source: UG
Drug resistance and vaccine target surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum using nanopore sequencing in Ghana

Malaria results in over 600,000 deaths annually, with the highest burden of deaths in young children living in sub-Saharan Africa. Molecular surveillance can provide important information for malaria control policies, including detection of antimalarial drug resistance. However, genome sequencing capacity in malaria-endemic countries is limited. We designed and implemented an end-to-end workfow to detect Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial resistance markers and diversity in the vaccine target circumsporozoite protein (csp) using nanopore sequencing in Ghana. We analysed 196 clinical samples and showed that our method is rapid, robust, accurate and straightforward to implement. Importantly, our method could be applied to dried blood spot samples, which are readily collected in endemic settings. We report that P. falciparum parasites in Ghana are mostly susceptible to chloroquine, with persistent sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance and no evidence of artemisinin resistance. Multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in csp, but their significance is uncertain. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of nanopore sequencing for malaria genomic surveillance in endemic countries.

Source: UG
Drug resistance mutations and viral load in human immunodeficiency virus type 2 and dual HIV-1/HIV-2 infected patients in Ghana

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Drying Characteristics and Physical and Nutritional Properties of Shrimp Meat as Affected by Different Traditional Drying Techniques

The influence of different drying methods on physical and nutritional properties of shrimp meat was investigated in this study. Peeled shrimps were dried separately using an air-oven dryer and a tunnel solar dryer. The drying profile of shrimp meat was determined in the two drying systems bymonitoringmoisture loss over the drying period.Changes in color, proximate composition, and rehydration capacity were assessed. The rate of moisture removal during solar drying was faster than the air-oven drying. The development of red color during drying was comparable among the two methods, but solar-dried shrimps appeared darker (𝐿∗ = 47.4) than the air-oven-dried (𝐿∗ = 49.0). Chemical analysis indicated that protein and fat made up nearly 20% and 2%(wb) of the shrimp meat, respectively. Protein and ash content of shrimp meat dried under the two dryer types were comparable but fat was significantly (𝑝 < 0.05) higher in oven-driedmeat (2.1%), compared to solar-driedmeat (1.5%). Although rehydration behavior of shrimp from the two drying systems followed a similar pattern, solar-dried shrimp absorbed moisture more rapidly.The results have demonstrated that different approaches to drying may affect the physical and nutritional quality of shrimp meat differently.

Source: UG
Drying of ginger slices—Evaluation of quality attributes, energy consumption, and kinetics study

Ginger slices were dried with Freeze drier (FD), relative humidity convective drier (RHCD), infrared drier (IR), and microwave drier (MD) at a temperature of 60 C. The influence of the drying techniques on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activities, ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power capacity), and CUPRAC (Cupric ion reducing capacity), rehydration ratio (RR), color, enzyme inactivation (polyphenol oxidase, PPO and peroxidase, POD), energy consumption rate (ECR), microstructure, volatile compounds (aroma profile), and drying kinetics were assessed. The results showed that FD-ginger slices retained the highest antioxidant properties, ABTS (51.88 mgTE/g db), CUPRAC (95.51 mgTE/g db), DPPH (132.95 mgTE/g db), and FRAP (95.32 mgTE/g db), TPC (118.70 mg GAE/g db) and TFC (98.94 mg CE/g db), preserved microstructure and higher volatile compounds compared RHCD, IR, and MD. The RHCD-ginger slices attained the highest RR (3.6), lowest ECR (7.88 kWh/kg), lowest PPO (17%), and POD (22%) residual activity with preserved color properties than FD, IR, and MD. RHCD also enhanced the drying kinetics and lessened the drying time compared to FD, IR, and MD. Page model best fitted the experimental results of drying kinetics (R2 > 0.99). Practical application One of the world's most consumed and used spices is ginger and due to its high moisture content, drying is normally used for its preservation. Therefore, to attain dried ginger of better quality, an effective, safe, efficient drier that can preserve product quality and reduce processing time, as well as energy consumption, is required for commercial purposes as a poor selection can have an adverse effect on the product quality. The outcome of the current investigation will offer a better understanding of various drying techniques and also provide more information on the selection of the best drying technique for drying ginger.

Source: UG
Dsensane Alo Gbomei adesai ahe sane le - General History Translated from the German into the Akra-Language Volume 1

The Alphabet employed is the • Standard• Alphabet of Dr. R. Lepsius, (Berlin. The common letters have the usual Italian sounds e = German a., English aye. () = Scotch a or ase,in English law. g is always hard as in garden f represents a sound between (d), sh and f. n = ng s~=(d) or sh.

Source: UG
The DTML-Conversion Model

Conversion within quantities of same units and between quantities of different units is a thorny subject for students. Its treatment by tutors sometimes becomes very difficult such that some tutors handle the subject theoretically and/or in abstraction. As a result, most students find the topic difficult to comprehend. In view of this, the DTML-Conversion model (i.e. the D-Conversion model (i.e. distance), the T-Conversion model (i.e. time), the M-Conversion model (i.e. mass) and the Reverse L-Conversion model (i.e. litre)) was designed. The DTML-Conversion Model is created by the researcher to make the teaching and learning of conversion in measurement more manageable for tutors and less troubling for students. The presentation will demonstrate one component of the model (the Distance-conversion functions) and how it can be effective in the teaching and learning of unit conversions.

Source: UG
Dual effect of taraxacum officinale leaves: Anticholinergic and inhibitory effect on inflammatory cells in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs

Bronchospasm is an important characteristic of allergen-induced airway inflammation. Taraxacum officinale herb is believed to have several therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory properties. The anticholinergic effect of the T. officinale leaves extract (TOLE) was determined in ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized guinea-pig trachea. The test drugs (TOLE or prednisolone) were administered orally 1 h prior to aerosolized 2% ovalbumin challenge. Isolated ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pig tracheal was challenged with acetylcholine and OA in the absence and presence of TOLE. The blood samples were collected and neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes (eosinophils, basophils and macrophages) counts assayed. Prednisolone (2.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) orally) was used as reference standard. TOLE application showed significant antagonistic effect on contraction of trachea to both acetylcholine (35.10 ± 0.04) and OA (18.6 ± 1.5). Also, the extract reduced monocytes (0.62 ± 0.23), lymphocytes (3.4 ± 0.59) and neutrophils (3.65 ± 0.20) counts in OA-sensitized guinea-pigs. Thus, TOLE possesses anticholinergic and reduces neutrophil, eosinophil and basophil counts in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs.

Source: UG
Dual fortification of salt with iron and iodine in women and children in rural Ghana

Objective: To test the efficacy of double-fortified salt (DFS) on the anaemia and iodine deficiency (ID) status of women and their children. Design: Double-blind randomised controlled trial. Setting: Sekyere West District of Ghana. Subjects: In this eight-month trial, mildly anaemic or non-anaemic, non-pregnant, non-lactating women were randomised into three groups receiving: DFS plus weekly placebo (n = 61); iodised salt plus weekly 70 mg iron supplement (n = 65); or iodised salt (IS) plus weekly placebo (control group, n = 58). Correspondingly, their mildly anaemic and non-anaemic children aged 1-5 years were randomised into two groups receiving either the DFS (n = 23) or IS alone (control group, n = 59). Results: At the end of the intervention, prevalence of anaemia in women remained unchanged in the DFS or IS plus weekly iron supplement group, but significantly increased by 19.5% in the control group (P = 0.039). In children, prevalence of anaemia in the DFS group significantly decreased by 21.7% (P = 0.025) while no change was observed in the control group. ID decreased significantly in all groups of women (P < 0.001) and children (P < 0.05), with no difference among groups of women and children. Conclusion: While the use of DFS prevented anaemia in women, it had a significant role in both the prevention and treatment of anaemia in children. Both the DFS and IS significantly reduced ID in women and children to a similar degree.

Source: UG
The Dual-Specificity Kinase DYRK1A Modulates the Levels of Cyclin L2 To Control HIV Replication in Macropha

Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques.

Source: UG
Dumping Sites, Witches and Soul-Pollution: A Pastoral Reflection on Waste and the Church in Ghana

The generation of waste and how to manage it pose challenges to municipal and district authorities in many parts of the world. In the African context, poverty, bad management practices, and increasing consumerist culture have conspired to render the situation even more complex. Complicating the situation further is the addition of synthetic and electronic waste, non-biodegradable and, in several cases, hazardous. Drawing on personal first hand experiences in Ghana from the perspective of a pastor and a scholar of religious studies, the author reflects on contemporary waste and its (mis)management in Africa and how these affect the dignity and security of present and future generations. He draws on relevant theological motifs from Christianity and indigenous African religious beliefs and practices as well as insights from sociology and eco-theological ethics to analyse the challenge and explore ways in which African Christian public opinion may be mobilized to help address the challenge.

Source: UG
Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Subsequent Child Feeding Adequacy

Objective: Mothers of young children in Ghana believe that breastfeeding exclusively for six months impairs subsequent introduction of other foods. The current study was designed to determine whether feeding adequacy among 9-23 months old children is influenced by duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Design: We surveyed 300 mother-infant pairs attending child-welfare-clinic at the University of Ghana Hospital, Accra. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, morbidity, breastfeeding history, and maternal practices and perception on child feeding and temperament. Current child feeding was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Adequately fed children were defined as 9-23 month old children meeting three basic feeding adequacy thresholds: 1) was fed complementary foods, at least three times in the last 24 hours, 2) was fed from at least three food groups, and 3) received breast milk in the last 24 hours. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of child feeding adequacy. Results: About 66% of children were exclusively breastfed for six months and only 56% were adequately fed in the in the 24 hours preceding the survey. Child feeding adequacy was unrelated to duration of exclusive breastfeeding (OR=0.73; p=0.30). After controlling for child sex, age, and maternal education, the independent determinants of feeding adequacy included recent child morbidity (OR=0.41; p=0.03), number of caregivers who feed child (OR=1.33; p=0.03), and maternal perception that child does not like food (OR=0.25; p<0.01). Child temperament was unrelated to feeding adequacy. Conclusion: Child feeding adequacy is not affected by duration of exclusive breastfeeding. The study provides evidence to address misperceptions about exclusively breastfeeding for six months.

Source: UG
Duration of exclusive breastfeeding and subsequent child feeding adequacy.

Mothers of young children in Ghana believe that breastfeeding exclusively for six months impairs subsequent introduction of other foods. The current study was designed to determine whether feeding adequacy among 9-23 months old children is influenced by duration of exclusive breastfeeding. We surveyed 300 mother-infant pairs attending child-welfare-clinic at the University of Ghana Hospital, Accra. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, morbidity, breastfeeding history, and maternal practices and perception on child feeding and temperament. Current child feeding was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Adequately fed children were defined as 9-23 month old children meeting three basic feeding adequacy thresholds: 1) was fed complementary foods, at least three times in the last 24 hours, 2) was fed from at least three food groups, and 3) received breast milk in the last 24 hours. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of child feeding adequacy. About 66% of children were exclusively breastfed for six months and only 56% were adequately fed in the in the 24 hours preceding the survey. Child feeding adequacy was unrelated to duration of exclusive breastfeeding (OR=0.73; p=0.30). After controlling for child sex, age, and maternal education, the independent determinants of feeding adequacy included recent child morbidity (OR=0.41; p=0.03), number of caregivers who feed child (OR=1.33; p=0.03), and maternal perception that child does not like food (OR=0.25; p<0.01). Child temperament was unrelated to feeding adequacy. Child feeding adequacy is not affected by duration of exclusive breastfeeding. The study provides evidence to address misperceptions about exclusively breastfeeding for six months.

Source: UG