ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Serum immunoglobulin levels and malaria antibodies in Burkitt's lymphoma.

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
Serum iron levels and copper-to-zinc ratio in sickle cell disease

Background and Objectives: Altered copper and zinc homeostasis may influence the antioxidant defense system and consequently lead to oxidative stress and associated complications in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Iron levels have been reported to increase in sickle cell patients due to frequent blood transfusion, chronic intravenous haemolysis and increased absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract. These elevated levels of iron may also lead to extensive oxidative damage. The current study evaluated serum levels of iron, copper and zinc in SCD patients and "healthy" controls. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional one, comprising 90 SCD patients with Haemoglobin SS and Haemoglobin SC genotypes and 50 HbAA "healthy" controls. Serum levels of iron, copper and zinc were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Variant 240FS manufactured by VARIAN Australia Pty Ltd, VIC, Australia). Copper and zinc ratios were calculated and analyzed. Results: Serum levels of iron and copper were significantly elevated in the SCD patients, compared to their "healthy" counterparts (p < 0.001). These levels were further increased in patients with haemoglobin SS in vaso-occlusive crises (HbSS VOCs). Serum zinc levels were, however, significantly lower in the SCD patients, particularly during vaso-occlusion. The copper-to-zinc ratio was also found to be significantly higher in the SCD patients. Conclusion: Elevated copper-to-zinc ratio may be a biomarker of sickle cell oxidative stress and associated complications. The ratio may also be informative for the management of sickle cell oxidative burden. The significantly lower levels of zinc in the SCD patients may warrant zinc supplementation.

Source: UG
Serum levels of Cu, Se, and Zn in adult rural/urban residents in Ghana: paradigm shift?

Deficiencies in Cu, Se, and Zn impair one or more biochemical functions, and excess are associated with toxicity. Baseline studies on the Ghanaian population are scanty. The study was undertaken to determine whether significant rural/urban differences in the serum levels of Cu, Se, and Zn did exist. Forty males/60 females from rural and 50 males/50 females from urban Ghanaian communities were sampled. Serum Cu, Se, and Zn were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu level for rural and urban subjects was 997 +/- 333 and 979 +/- 290 microg/L, respectively (p = 0.68). However, Cu levels were significantly higher in the rural females (1,063 +/- 367 microg/L) than the rural males (898 +/- 249 microg/L; p = 0.0085). Se levels for rural/urban subjects were 97 +/- 36 and 87 +/- 31 microg/L, respectively (p = 0.03). Zn levels in the rural/urban subjects were 312 +/- 218 and 150 +/- 102 microg/L, respectively (p = 0.002). Additionally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 +/- 204 microg/L) than the urban females (166 +/- 103 microg/L; p = 0.0002). Finally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 +/- 204 microg/L) than males (172 +/- 116 microg/L; p = 0.0028). In conclusion, Cu, Se, and Zn were higher in the rural group compared to the urban group, and the generally low Zn levels were confirmed in another cohort follow-up study.

Source: UG
Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in Ghanaians with diabetes mellitus and hypertension

Both diabetes mellitus and hypertension alter lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and increase the risk of coronary artery disease. We have reported previously on lipid and lipoprotein levels in healthy Ghanaians, and this study deals with the levels of these biochemical parameters in Ghanaians with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Fasting serum lipoproteins were determined on blood samples drawn from healthy male and female Ghanaians as well as age-matched individuals with either diabetes or hypertension. Cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose were measured. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) were derived. Total serum cholesterol levels were 4.43 +/- 0.22 mmol/L and 4.67 +/- 0.26 mmol/L for diabetic males and females, respectively. High-density lipoprotein was 1.55 +/- 0.09 mmol/L and 1.50 +/- 0.09 mmol/L for male and female diabetics, respectively. Lipid and lipoprotein levels in the hypertensive patients did not differ from the above values. The levels of cholesterol and lipoprotein obtained in Ghanaians with hypertension and diabetes mellitus were similar to those of their age-matched healthy controls. These results suggest a reduced risk of coronary artery disease from the atherogenic effects of cholesterol in Ghanaians with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Source: UG
Serum lipids and lipoprotein in adult Ghanaians

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Serum magnesium and calcium in preeclampsia: A comparative study at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Background: A large percentage (16% of maternal mortality in developed countries, compared to 9% in developing countries), is due to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The etiology of preeclampsia remains unknown, with poorly understood pathophysiology. Magnesium and calcium play an important role in vascular smooth muscle function and therefore a possible role in the development of preeclampsia. Aim: We aimed to compare serum magnesium and total calcium levels of preeclamptic and normal pregnant women at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Patients and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 30 normal pregnant and 30 preeclamptic women with >30 weeks gestation and aged 18-35 years, was conducted at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Magnesium and calcium were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Results: Mean serum magnesium and total calcium levels in preeclamptic women were 0.70±0.15 and 2.13±0.30 mmol/L, respectively. Mean serum magnesium and total calcium levels in normal pregnant women were 0.76±0.14 and 2.13±0.35 mmol/L, respectively. There was a statistically nonsignificant difference in serum magnesium and total calcium in preeclamptic women compared to normal pregnant women, with p-values of 0.092 and 0.972, respectively. Conclusion: Serum magnesium and total calcium, therefore, seem not to differ in preeclamptic women compared to normal pregnant women in Ghana. © 2017 Owusu Darkwa et al.

Source: UG
Serum polio antibodies in unimmunized preschool children in a rural village in Ghana: Before active immunization programme

The finding of the neutralizing antibodies against poliovirus in unimmunized preschool children confirms the endemicity of the disease in the rural community. The predominant polio antibody types were types 1 and 2. In children under 4 months of age, 82% were seropositive to type 1, 91% to polio type 2 and 55% to polio type 3; evidence of maternal transplacental antibodies. There were fewer seropositives in the age group 4-9 months, 28%, 44% and 12% to the types 1, 2 and 3, respectively. However, the percentages of seropositives to all three types increased for the rest of the age groups, indicating possible contact with the wild poliovirus in early infancy. Community spread of the virus is also supported by the intrafamilial clustering of the seropositives.

Source: UG
Serum Potassium, Sodium, and Chloride Levels in Sickle Cell Disease Patients and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra

The activity of Na+-K+ ATPase is altered in sickle cell disease (SCD), which affects serum electrolyte levels. This alteration is associated with several complications in sickle cell patients. This study evaluated the serum levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride in patients with SCD. The study was a case-control cross-sectional study involving 120 SCD patients in the steady state and 48 ‘healthy’ controls. The SCD patients were made up of 69 HbSS patients and 41 HbSC patients. Serum electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, and Cl−) were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Variant 240FS; Varian Australia Pty Ltd). Serum sodium levels were significantly lower in the sickle cell patients, compared with their ‘healthy’ counterparts (P = .0001). Although the study found significantly higher serum levels of potassium in the SCD patients (P = .0001), there was no significant difference in serum chloride levels between patients with SCD and the controls (P = .098). Serum sodium and chloride levels were not significantly different in both HbSS and HbSC patients (P = .197 and P = .553, respectively). The level of serum potassium in the HbSS patients was, however, significantly higher compared with those with the HbSC genotype (P = .0001). There is higher efflux of K+ from the intracellular into the extracellular space in HbSS patients, which may lead to red cell membrane dysfunction and associated complications.

Source: UG
Serum prostate-specific antigen levels in Middle Eastern men with subclinical prostatitis

Objective: To investigate the influence of subclinical or histologically diagnosed prostatitis on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients investigated for prostatic disease in Kuwait. Materials and Methods: Serum PSA was assayed in patients investigated for prostatic disease in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Kuwait, between December 2002 and December 2004. These included patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound with needle biopsy of the prostate gland and those who were treated with transurethral resection of the prostate or retropubic prostatectomy. The tissue was evaluated for prostatitis as well as the underlying disease, and the type and severity of prostatitis were compared with levels of serum PSA. Results: Of the 331 tissue specimens, 18 (5.4%) did not show prostatitis, while 233 (70.4%) with benign prostate and 80 (24.2%) with malignant prostate disease showed prostatitis. Of 270 men with known serum PSA levels, 198 and 72 had benign and malignant prostate disease, respectively. Of the 198, 77 (41%) with benign prostate disease and prostatitis and of the 72, 52 (76%) with malignant prostate disease and prostatitis had serum PSA levels >10 ng/ml. Conclusion: The data showed that although raised serum PSA is more commonly associated with prostate cancer, subclinical prostatitis is a significant source of high serum PSA in over 40% of men in Kuwait. That local factors may obscure the usefulness of serum PSA as a screening tool suggests the need for a locally applicable paradigm to identify prostate cancer.

Source: UG
Servant leadership in crisis management: leadership response in the management of Covid-19 pandemic in Ghana

This paper examined the application of the servant leadership style–broadly defined as a leadership style that focuses on serving others and improving the lives of people, organizations, and communities-by President Akufo Addo in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic crisis in Ghana. The study employs a qualitative case study approach using content analysis to (1) analyze how servant leadership principles were applied in the management of the Covid-19 pandemic by President Akufo Addo, and (2) the effectiveness of servant leadership in crisis response and its potential implications for leadership theory and practice. The findings revealed that President Akufo Addo exhibited several key characteristics of the servant leadership approach throughout the period of the pandemic in Ghana. First, President Akufo Addo demonstrated persuasion and effective communication through regular updates to the public, explaining the situation and measures taken. Second, President Akufo engaged various stakeholders to coordinate the pandemic response. Third, the government implemented policies to support cit izens’ well-being’ such as electricity subsidies and food distribution programs for vulnerable populations. In addition, early implementation of preventive measures such as school closures and gathering restrictions were rolled out during the pandemic. These findings revealed that President Akufo Addo’s approach aligned closely with servant leadership principles that prioritize citizen welfare and the application of preventive and protective measures. These actions resulted in significant initiatives to mitigate pandemic risks, stabilize food security, and cushion the economic impact on basic services. This study fills the gap in current literature in the field of leadership responses by demonstrating the applicability and the effectiveness of the servant leadership style in crisis management within the specific context of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also extends our understanding of how servant leadership can be operationalized in response to complex and systemic challenges such as crisis.

Source: UG
Service innovation and customer satisfaction: the role of customer value creation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between service innovation, customer value creation (CVC) and customer satisfaction (CS) with specific emphasis to Ghanaian telecommunication operators. Design/methodology/approach Assuming a positivist philosophical approach with a quantitative data analysis technique, the study samples 510 registered adult customers of at least one telecommunication network in Ghana. An exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to assess and confirm the proposed scales validity and the relationships of the research model. Findings The study unveiled that a service firm’s ability to achieve CS is dependent on how telecommunication operators harness and deploy their service innovation activities. In addition, the study showed that CVC mediates the relationship between service innovation and CS. Thus, service innovation must create value for customers in order to enhance CS. Practical implications By relating the study findings to firms’ innovation strategies, managers can improve the strength of their service offerings to achieve CS by spending more on consumer research, market research and increased customer interactions. Originality/value Considering the uniqueness of this study in a Ghanaian context, the research draws on two influential theories, which are signaling theory and expectation disconfirmation theory to examine the differential role played by service innovation in enabling telecommunication operators in Ghana, to create customer value in order to achieve CS amidst the constraints in the business environment.

Source: UG
Service Needs of Sexually Abused Children in Ghana

Child sexual abuse is one of the cruellest acts against children, and its impact on victims is devastating. In order to adjust and lead a normal life again, these children need a range of coordinated services that are easily accessible to them. This study explores the range of services that children who have been sexually assaulted would require. These services were identified based on the experiences victims went through following the abuse. A total of 23 children who had been sexually assaulted, their families, and key informants participated in the study. Findings indicated that child sexual abuse victims require specialized medical care, therapy/counselling and legal services as well as financial support and sometimes housing to alleviate some of the consequences of the abuse. Recommendations included a national policy to support abused children in accessing the services they require.

Source: UG
Service quality and customer satisfaction in Ghanaian retail banks: the moderating role of price

Purpose Various models and scales exist in the literature to measure retail bank service quality without any attempt at integrating them and the moderators have often been under explored. The purpose of this paper is to integrate the SERVQUAL and BSQ models and moderated the resulting scale with price in order to examine service quality and customer satisfaction with retail bank services in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study is quantitative and the survey methodology was used to collect data from 560 retail bank customers. The result was analyzed through structural equation modeling. Findings The study provides an expanded model for measuring retail bank service quality as seven of the eight latent constructs emerged as service quality dimensions when moderated with price. It is significant to also note that five of the constructs – tangibles, reliability, assurance, empathy and price – from the direct relationship emerged as the dimensions of retail bank service quality that positively and significantly predicted customer satisfaction. Practical implications The study provides insight into customer behavior with the quality of retail bank services in Ghana. The resulting broader dimensions provide an integrated and expanded model as well as pointers to bank managers on service quality and customer satisfaction cues to enable them attract, serve and retain customers. Originality/value The study is the first of its kind to integrate two of the popular models to measure retail bank service quality and to use price as a moderator of this relationship. The resulting scale, which comprised of variables from the two models, provides support for the approach used in the current study.

Source: UG
Service quality in automated teller machines: An empirical investigation.

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify the dimensions of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) service quality and to evaluate customers’ perceptions of the relative importance of these dimensions. Design/methods/approach – A structured questionnaire gleaned from the literature and focused group studies was used to collect data from 530 ATM customers of 15 banks in Ghana. Descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, as well as multiple regression, were used to identify the relative importance of the dimensions of ATM service quality. Findings – The paper identified five dimensions of the “ATMqual” model. In order of importance, these dimensions are reliability, convenience, responsiveness, ease of use and fulfillment. Practical implications – The variables of the ATMqual scale provide practical levers for bank managers to improve customer experience with ATMs. The relative importance of the factors identified in the study also provide managers with a guide as to which issues to focus on in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the ATMs. Originality/value – The paper provides a theoretical basis for conceptualising ATM service quality. The resulting dimensions, referred to as the ATMqual, thus address the paucity of a robust research in conceptualising and testing the dimensions of ATM service quality. Apart from the improved theoretical insight, the dimensions identified also provide bank managers with better understanding of and means to better manage customers’ ATM experiences.

Source: UG
Service Quality in Health Care Institutions: Establishing the gaps for policy action

Abstract PURPOSE: The authors seek to examine two key issues: to assess patients' hospital service quality perceptions and expectation using SERVQUAL; and to outline the distinct concepts used to assess patient perceptions. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Questionnaires were administered to 250 patients on admission and follow-up visits. The 22 paired SERVQUAL expectation and perception items were adopted. Repeated t-measures and factor analysis with Varimax rotation were used to analyse data. FINDINGS: Results showed that patient expectations were not being met during medical treatment. Perceived service quality was rated lower than expectations for all variables. The mean difference between perceptions and expectations was statistically significant. Contrary to the SERVQUAL five-factor model, four service-quality factors were identified in the study. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings have practical implications for hospital managers who should consider stepping up staffing levels backed by client-centred training programmes to help clinicians deliver care to patients' expectations. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Limited studies are tailored towards patients' service-quality perception and expectation in Ghanaian hospitals. The findings therefore provide valuable information for policy and practice.

Source: UG
Service quality in health care institutions: establishing the gaps for policy action

PURPOSE: The authors seek to examine two key issues: to assess patients' hospital service quality perceptions and expectation using SERVQUAL; and to outline the distinct concepts used to assess patient perceptions. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Questionnaires were administered to 250 patients on admission and follow-up visits. The 22 paired SERVQUAL expectation and perception items were adopted. Repeated t-measures and factor analysis with Varimax rotation were used to analyse data. FINDINGS: Results showed that patient expectations were not being met during medical treatment. Perceived service quality was rated lower than expectations for all variables. The mean difference between perceptions and expectations was statistically significant. Contrary to the SERVQUAL five-factor model, four service-quality factors were identified in the study. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings have practical implications for hospital managers who should consider stepping up staffing levels backed by client-centred training programmes to help clinicians deliver care to patients' expectations. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Limited studies are tailored towards patients' service-quality perception and expectation in Ghanaian hospitals. The findings therefore provide valuable information for policy and practice

Source: UG
Service quality in healthcare institutions: Establishing the gaps for policy action

Purpose: The authors seek to examine two key issues: to assess patients' hospital service quality perceptions and expectation using SERVQUAL; and to outline the distinct concepts used to assess patient perceptions. Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaires were administered to 250 patients on admission and follow-up visits. The 22 paired SERVQUAL expectation and perception items were adopted. Repeated t-measures and factor analysis with Varimax rotation were used to analyse data. Findings: Results showed that patient expectations were not being met during medical treatment. Perceived service quality was rated lower than expectations for all variables. The mean difference between perceptions and expectations was statistically significant. Contrary to the SERVQUAL five-factor model, four service-quality factors were identified in the study. Practical implications: Findings have practical implications for hospital managers who should consider stepping up staffing levels backed by client-centred training programmes to help clinicians deliver care to patients' expectations. Originality/value: Limited studies are tailored towards patients' service-quality perception and expectation in Ghanaian hospitals. The findings therefore provide valuable information for policy and practice. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UG