ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The effect of health financing reforms on incidence and management of childhood infections in Ghana: a matching difference in differences impact evaluation

Abstract Introduction: In 2003, Ghana abolished direct out of pockets payments and implemented health financing reforms including the national health insurance scheme in 2004. Treatment of childhood infections is a key component of services covered under this scheme, yet, outcomes on incidence and treatment of these infections after introducing these reforms have not been covered in evaluation studies. This study fills this gap by assessing the impact on the reforms on the two most dominant childhood infections; fever (malaria) and diarrhoea. Methods: Nigeria was used as the control country with pre-intervention period of 1990 and 2003 and 1993 and 1998 in Ghana. Post-intervention period was 2008 and 2014 in Ghana and 2008 and 2018 in Nigeria. Data was acquired from demographic health surveys in both countries and propensity score matching was calculated based on background socioeconomic covariates. Following matching, difference in difference analysis was conducted to estimate average treatment on the treated effects. All analysis were conducted in STATA (psmatch2, psgraph and pstest) and statistical significance was considered when p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: After matching, it was determined that health reforms significantly increased general medical care for children with diarrhoea (25 percentage points) and fever (40 percentage points). Also for those receiving care specifically in government managed facilities for diarrhoea (14 percentage points) and fever (24 percentage points). Conclusions: Introduction of health financing reforms in Ghana had positive effects on childhood infections (malaria and diarrhoea).

Source: UG
The effect of health shocks on agricultural productivity: Evidence from Ghana

While agriculture remains the major source of livelihood for rural households in many countries in the developing world, agriculture output continues to depend on the availability and quality of the labour force which unfortunately is hampered by health shocks and diseases. Reviewing the empirical literature, it appears however, that both micro- and macro-level studies have not provided clear evidence to show the linkage, due largely to methodological issues. The purpose of this study is to estimate the impact of idiosyncratic health shocks on farm labour use at all the stages of farming activities, use of non-labour inputs and on the end value of agricultural output. Using a two-wave panel data, our results show that family labour used in land preparation and farm management are very sensitive to ill-health. Households are only able to substitute lost family labour at the farm management stage. Substituted labour however does not completely replace the lost family labour. The effect on agricultural investments is also negative. We argue that preventive healthcare interventions intended to reduce the consequences of ill-health on agriculture must target the different stages of the agriculture process. More lasting health policies such as health insurance that reduces out-of-pocket payments would be an authentic option in reducing the effect of healthcare expenditures on agriculture investment.

Source: UG
Effect of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection on Lipid Profile in Ghanaian Patients

Background Worldwide, approximately 257 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with the highest infection rates recorded in Africa and Asia. Although HBV infection has been associated with dyslipidemia, which may lead to death via liver related complications, the effect of the virus on the lipid profile of patients remain unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chronic hepatitis B virus infection on lipid profile of sero-positive individuals from Ghana. Methods Blood samples were collected from chronic HBV infected patients who were recruited from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, and HBV sero-negative healthy volunteers who were used as controls. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Blood pressure and body mass index were determined, and HBV profile markers and lipid profiles of the patients were determined using a commercially available kit and a chemistry analyzer, respectively. Results Triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), and total cholesterol were used as indices of lipid metabolism disorder. Body mass index and diastolic blood pressures were significantly elevated in patients compared to healthy volunteers. Conclusion The observed high total cholesterol and LDL, with a significantly lower HDL levels compared to healthy controls suggest an increased cardiovascular disease risk index in the patients. There is therefore the need to regularly monitor HBV infected patients for signs of cardiovascular diseases.

Source: UG
Effect of HIV infection on TB treatment outcomes and time to mortality in two urban hospitals in Ghana-a retrospective cohort study

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is currently causing more deaths than Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) globally. Ghana as one of the 30 high burden TB/HIV countries has a high annual TB case-fatality rate of 10%. The study sought to assess the effect of HIV infection on TB treatment outcomes and assess the time to mortality after treatment onset. Methods: we conducted a review of treatment files of TB patients who were treated from January 2013 to December 2015 in two urban hospitals in the Accra Metropolis. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to measure the association between HIV infection and TB treatment outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to plot survival curves. Results: seventy-seven percent (83/107) of HIV infected individuals had successful treatment, compared to 91.2% (382/419) treatment success among HIV non-infected individuals. The proportion of HIV-positive individuals who died was 21.5% (23/107) whilst that of HIV-negative individuals was 5.5% (23/419). Being HIV-positive increased the risk of adverse outcome relative to successful outcome by a factor of 2.89(95% CI 1.76-4.74). The total number of deaths recorded within the treatment period was 46; of which 29(63%) occurred within the first two months of TB treatment. The highest mortality rate observed was among HIV infected persons (38.6/1000 person months). Of the 107 TB/HIV co-infected patients, 4(3.7%) initiated ART during TB treatment. Conclusion: the uptake of ART in co-infected individuals in this study was very low. Measures should be put in place to improve ART coverage among persons with TB/HIV co-infection to help reduce mortality.

Source: UG
Effect of HIV-Related Stigma and HIV-Related Stress on HIV Disclosure Concerns: a Study of HIV-Positive Persons on Antiretroviral Therapy at Two Urban Hospitals in Ghana

Limited research has examined HIV disclosure concerns and the role that HIV-related stigma and HIV-related stress play in disclosure in HIV care in Ghana. We explored HIV status disclosure concerns among 235 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and attending two general hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyse the data. Our results showed that PLHIV who experienced higher levels of perceived HIV-related stigma reported greater levels of HIV disclosure concerns, and therefore were more likely not to disclose their HIV-positive status. In addition, we found that PLHIV who reported experiencing higher levels of HIV-related emotional stress also reported greater levels of HIV disclosure concerns. HIV-related instrumental stress was negatively associated with HIV disclosure concerns, suggesting that PLHIV who reported having greater access to money, food, transport, healthcare system, treatment, and antiretroviral medication were less likely to experience HIV disclosure concerns. The current data demonstrate that interventions that help to reduce HIV-related stigma and HIV-related stress may increase HIV status disclosure, thereby improving the psychological health of PLHIV in Ghana

Source: UG
Effect of HIV/AIDS on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Recent Evidence

This paper examines the effect of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using data from 46 SSA countries spanning the period 2000–2015. Results based on the system-generalized method of moments estimation showed that a 1% increase in the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in SSA decreased the growth in per capita income by 0.47%. The impact of HIV/AIDS on economic growth was felt most in Eastern Africa followed by West Africa, although the prevalence rate was highest in Southern Africa. In particular, a 1% increase in the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Eastern Africa and West Africa retarded growth in per capita income by 0.64% and 0.47%, respectively, over the study period. The paper suggests that for SSA to minimize the impact of HIV/AIDS prevalence on growth, African governments should take a cue from the southern African countries by making anti-retroviral drugs more accessible and affordable to persons living with the disease.

Source: UG
Effect of hookworm infection and anthelmintic treatment on naturally acquired antibody responses against the GMZ2 malaria vaccine candidate and constituent antigens

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
Effect of hormonal contraceptives on lipid profile and the risk indices for cardiovascular disease in a Ghanaian community

Background: Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) have been shown to alter lipid profile among various population groups with different patterns of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular (CV) risk. The study aimed at determining the lipid profile pattern and CV risk in a Ghanaian cohort. Methods: Purposive random sampling was done. Forty-seven and 19 cases were on oral contraceptives (OCs) and injectable contraceptives (ICs), respectively; five were on subdermal implant. Twenty-four non-users served as controls. Biodemographic and lipid profiles were determined. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and very-low-density lipid lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLC), were determined. Castelli index I and II were calculated. Results: The mean age difference between the HC and control groups was insignificant. However, diastolic blood pressure (BP) differences were significant (P=0.006). The body mass index (BMI) of the OC and IC groups were significantly different from the control group (P=0.003 and P=0.008, respectively). TC levels for the control and case groups were 3.35±0.62 mmol/L and 4.07±0.91 mmol/L, respectively (P=0.002). LDLC levels for the control and case groups were 1.74±0.57 mmol/L and 2.38±0.84 mmol/L, respectively (P=0.003). Castelli index I (TC/HDLC) and II (LDLC/HDLC) were significantly different between the control and OC groups (P=0.026 and P=0.014, respectively). Spearman’s rho correlation showed significant influence of HC use on TG (P=0.026), TC (P=0.000), LDLC (P=0.004), and VLDLC (P=0.026) over time. Conclusion: HC use is associated with significant increases in BMI, diastolic BP, TC, LDLC, and Castelli index I and II. These changes carry a potential risk in the development of CV disease.

Source: UG
The effect of host larvae on three Psyttalia species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), parasitoids of fruit-infesting flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Three species of fruit fly parasitoids, Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti), Psyttalia cosyrae (Wilkinson) and Psyttalia lounsburyi (Silvestri) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were reared on different host larvae to determine the effects of host species, size and colour on parasitoid development. Ovipositor, ovipositor sheath and hind tibia lengths were found to be different for progenies from preferred and non-preferred host larvae. Ratios of ovipositor-tibia and ovipositor sheath-tibia showed no difference when P. concolor was reared on a bigger host (Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae), whereas rearing P. cosyrae on a smaller host (C. capitata (Wiedemann) showed significant differences. Comparison of the linear measurements, ratios and number of flagellomeres of parasitoids reared on preferred hosts, separated the species into their natural groupings. When reared on a different-coloured host, P. lounsburyi lost its dark markings but other characters remained unchanged. Morphometric analysis also indicated differences between parasitoids reared on preferred host larvae and those reared on non-preferred host larvae. Rearing parasitoids on larvae other than their preferred hosts resulted in colour and size changes, and thus, these characters alone were not reliable for the identification of parasitoids. This is especially important in post-release sampling surveys to ascertain establishment of the parasitoids in new environments where they may adapt to new host species. © ICIPE 2005.

Source: UG
The effect of ICT-based market information services on the performance of agricultural markets: Experiences from Ghana

This study is concerned with how markets of agricultural commodities have responded to the improved ICT-based market information services in Ghana since 2005. The data employed are monthly prices wholesale from 2001-2010, covering four markets in the Northern and Greater Accra regions. The data was used to estimate a threshold autoregressive model to measure the level of spatial price integration between the four markets, and focusing on maize. In addition, data on market structure and conduct was collected from 486 marketers to explain performance indicators. The study finds that, the speed of price transmission in maize markets increased by 6 percent after 2005, however there has not been marked reduction in transactions costs. Despite increased use of the mobile phone, market-based exchanges still rely heavily on visual inspection. The implication is that more should be done to improve transport infrastructure and to ensure enforcement of standardization rules. © 2013 by IGI Global. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Effect of information sharing in supply chains: understanding the roles of supply chain visibility, agility, collaboration on supply chain performance

Purpose – Exploring ways to acquire, sustain and improve competitive positions in supply chains through information sharing, supply chain visibility, collaboration and agility have been essential for scholars and practitioners. Basing on the relational view, resource based view and the extended resource based view, this study assesses the critical role of information sharing in supply chains through emphasizing its effect on supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and supply chain performance. Particularly, the study proposes that information sharing, supply chain visibility, collaboration and agility collectively have crucial direct and indirect influences on supply chain performance which lead to superior gains, competitiveness and flexibility. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a survey research design, a quantitative approach and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in making data analysis and interpretations due to its suitability for predictive research models. Findings – The results indicate information sharing positively and significantly influenced supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and performance. Supply chain visibility presented significant effects on collaboration, agility and performance, while supply chain collaboration and agility had significant impact on supply chain performance. The study findings connote that information sharing is key to enhancing competitive gains and superior supply chain performance. Originality/value – The study is among the few to probe on how information sharing as a variable interacts with supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and performance. Although, information sharing has received a lot of attention in supply chains, this study is among the first to capture the study variables in a single model and thus, exposes the vital need for information sharing in improving supply chain performance seeing that it ensured significant and robust impacts on the study variables. Keywords Information sharing, Supply chain visibility, Supply chain collaboration, Supply chain agility, Supply chain performance, PLS-SEM

Source: UG
Effect of Infrastructure and Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

This article investigates the effect of infrastructure and foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using panel data on 46 countries covering the period 2003– 2017. The data were analyzed using fixed effects, random effects, and system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation techniques. Based on the system GMM estimates, the results indicate that a 1 percent improvement in electricity and transport infrastructure induces growth by 0.09 percent and 0.06 percent, respectively. Additionally, FDI proved to be growth enhancing only when interacted with infrastructure. The interactive effect of FDI and infrastructure improves economic growth by 0.016 percent. The results suggest that public provision of economic infrastructure reduces the cost of production for multinational enterprises, thus providing an incentive to increase investment in the domestic economy to sustain economic growth. The results also suggest that the impact of FDI on economic growth is maximized when some level of economic infrastructure is available. Our findings thus provide ample justification on the need for a significant government investment in infrastructure to provide a less costly business environment for both local and multinational enterprises to improve economic growth.

Source: UG
The effect of innovation practices on agribusiness performance: A structural equation modelling (SEM) approach

This study investigates how innovation practices including product, process, marketing and organizational innovation affect agribusiness performance such as innovative, production, marketing and financial performance in Ghanaian agribusiness companies. Data were collected through survey questionnaires from 1526 respondents mainly from inputs supplies, production and marketing agribusiness companies. Data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. We also employed the structural equation modelling (SEM) in determing the relationships between the variables. The results reveal the positive effects of innovation practices on agribusiness performance. Managerial implications are also discussed.

Source: UG
Effect of insulin on fever in endotoxic sheep

A study was conducted to determine the effect of intravenous (i.v.) administration of insulin on fever in sheep challenged with bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Six castrated male Suffolkcross wethers were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatment combinations i.v: Saline control (SAL+SAL); SAL + LPS (0.06 μg kg-1 BW) or various doses of insulin (I) (2, 6, 12 or 20 mU kg-1 BW) + LPS (0.06 μg kg-1 BW). Serial blood samples were collected at hourly intervals for 10 h after the start of i.v injections. Glucose concentrations in the plasma were measured. Rectal temperature was monitored at the same time as for serial blood sampling. Temperatures for the saline control sheep (SAL+SAL) remained relatively constant throughout the study period ranging from 38.9 ± 0.1 to 39.1 ± 0.1ºC. The SAL+LPS treated sheep had significantly (P<0.05) elevated temperatures compared to the saline controls from 1 to 8 h post LPS injection. The sheep injected with 12mUI +LPS had significantly (P<0.05) lower body temperature compared to the SAL +LPS treated sheep from 3 to 6 h post LPS injection. Within the insulin + LPS treatment combinations the 12mUI +LPS combination was found to significantly reduce (P<0.05) body temperature in sheep to levels similar to the saline controls from 5 to 8 h after LPS injection. Sheep on the SAL+LPS or I+LPS treatments had reduced (P<0.05) glucose levels than the saline control sheep from 5 to 8 h post LPS injection. This study demonstrates the ability of insulin to reduce fever in LPS challenged sheep.

Source: UG
The effect of internet services on child education outcomes: evidence from poa! Internet in Kenya

In 2016-2018 poa! Internet, a private internet service provider, distributed free internet services across schools in Nairobi, Kenya. Using inverse probability weighting (IPW) method, the study finds that the intervention significantly increases students’ internet use and training, receipt of information on educational content, and participation in information and communication technologies (ICTs) education programmes. However, the study does not find evidence that internet services increase school attendance. The results suggest that facilitating access to internet services in schools can significantly increase child computer and internet skills and training in developing countries, even if those investments have limited gains on school attendance.

Source: UG
Effect of lesion age, humidity, and fungicide application on sporulation of Alternaria alternata, the cause of brown spot of tangerine

Alternaria brown spot, caused by Alternaria alternata, causes yield losses and fruit blemishes on many tangerines and their hybrids in most citrus areas of the world where susceptible cultivars are grown. Although the conditions affecting infection and disease severity are known, little information is available on inoculum production on infected tissue. We found that sporulation on leaves began about 10 days after symptoms developed, was abundant from 20 to 40 days, and declined thereafter. Conidial production was far greater on leaf than on fruit or twig lesions. Spore production per unit area of leaf lesion was greater on the more susceptible hybrids, Minneola and Orlando tangelos, than on the less susceptible Murcott tangor. At 74% relative humidity, conidial production on leaf lesions was low, but it was abundant at 85, 92.5, 96, and 100%. Application of QoI or copper fungicides, but not ferbam, suppressed sporulation on leaf lesions for about 14 to 21 days after application. Additional applications did not appear to be more effective than a single spray in reducing inoculum production. © 2006 The American Phytopathological Society.

Source: UG