ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Traditional medicines and alternative practice in the management of prostate diseases in southern Ghana

Objective: This study was aimed at identifying Ghanaian traditional medicines used for the management of prostate diseases and their constituents. Reviews of studies conducted on them are also presented.Methodology: This was a prospective study. Traditional Medicine samples from consecutive patients with either lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) presenting at the Urology Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra from January 2015 to June 2016 and had a prior treatment with traditional medicines, had the samples retrieved. Additionally, all the 58 licensed pharmaceutical shops in Okaishie, a whole sale and retail depot for medicines in the main business district of Accra, were visited and traditional medicines for the management of prostate diseases acquired. The products constituent as labeled were documented and entered once on a proforma. This study was part of a study on the management of benign prostate hyperplasia at the KBTH approved by the Medical Directorate.The findings were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics and presented as a table.Results: Eleven products were identified with the main indigenous medicinal plant identified being the root extract of Croton membranaceus. This was the constituent in four products (Uro 500®, UR-Quick mixture®, Prostacure® and prostat®60). Although studies on the basic pharmacology and animal studies have confirmed its effect on the prostate, only one clinical study was identified.Conclusion: Croton membranaceus was the indigenous traditional medicine identified for relieving LUTS due to prostate disease. There is the need for empirical evidence on its efficacy in treating Prostate cancer.Funding: Not declared.

Source: UG
Traditional medicines as a mechanism for driving research innovation in Africa

Abstract The outcomes from recent high profile deliberations concerning African health research and economic development all point towards the need for a mechanism to support health innovation on the continent. The mission of the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI), is to promote and sustain African-led health product innovation to address African public health needs through the assembly of research networks, and building of capacity to support human and economic development. ANDI is widely viewed as the vehicle to implementing some of these recommendations. There is tremendous opportunity for Africa, to leverage the expertise in natural products and traditional medicines in support of this objective to kick-start innovation. This report highlights key recommendations that have emerged through expert forums convened by ANDI on the challenges, opportunities and prospects for investing in this important area of research.

Source: UG
Traffic flow and microbial air contamination in operating rooms at a major teaching hospital in Ghana

Background: Current literature examining the relationship between door-opening rate, number of people present, and microbial air contamination in the operating room is limited. Studies are especially needed from low- and middle-income countries, where the risk of surgical site infections is high. Aim: To assess microbial air contamination in operating rooms at a Ghanaian teaching hospital and the association with door-openings and number of people present. Moreover, we aimed to document reasons for door-opening. Methods: We conducted active air-sampling using an MAS 100® portable impactor during 124 clean or clean-contaminated elective surgical procedures. The number of people present, door-opening rate and the reasons for each door-opening were recorded by direct observation using pretested structured observation forms. Findings: During surgery, the mean number of colony-forming units (cfu) was 328 cfu/m3 air, and 429 (84%) of 510 samples exceeded a recommended level of 180 cfu/m3. Of 6717 door-openings recorded, 77% were considered unnecessary. Levels of cfu/m3 were strongly correlated with the number of people present (P = 0.001) and with the number of door-openings/h (P = 0.02). In empty operating rooms, the mean cfu count was 39 cfu/m3 after 1 h of uninterrupted ventilation and 52 (51%) of 102 samples exceeded a recommended level of 35 cfu/m3. Conclusion: The study revealed high values of intraoperative airborne cfu exceeding recommended levels. Minimizing the number of door-openings and people present during surgery could be an effective strategy to reduce microbial air contamination in low- and middle-income settings. © 2017 The Author(s)

Source: UG
Training and development issues: Evidence form polytechnic libraries in Ghana

This study sought to assess training and development issues in Polytechnic Libraries in Ghana. The mixed method approach was used as the research design for the survey. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used for data collection. Out of one hundred and forty-four copies of questionnaire distributed to the Librarians/Directors and Library Staff, one hundred and ten were retrieved, representing 76.4%. All the Librarians /Directors of the Polytechnic Libraries were also interviewed. The study revealed that all the Polytechnic libraries did not have their own training and development policies. The study brought to light that, majority of the staff of Polytechnic libraries required skills in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enable them meet the changing needs of the profession. Besides, the study also revealed that training and development affects productivity but the pivot was motivation. Training and development was not systematic because the frequency was low especially in-house training. The study made some recommendations among which are: educating and orienting library staff on training and development policies, providing staff with adequate training in Information Communication Technology (ICT) especially library management software to enable them meet the changing trends in the profession, and providing adequate budgetary allocation for training and development of Polytechnic libraries in Ghana.

Source: UG
Training and development issues: Evidence from polytechnic libraries in Ghana

This study sought to assess training and development issues in Polytechnic Libraries in Ghana. The mixed method approach was used as the research design for the survey. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used for data collection. Out of one hundred and forty-four copies of questionnaire distributed to the Librarians/Directors and Library Staff, one hundred and ten were retrieved, representing 76.4%. All the Librarians /Directors of the Polytechnic Libraries were also interviewed. The study revealed that all the Polytechnic libraries did not have their own training and development policies. The study brought to light that, majority of the staff of Polytechnic libraries required skills in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enable them meet the changing needs of the profession. Besides, the study also revealed that training and development affects productivity but the pivot was motivation. Training and development was not systematic because the frequency was low especially in-house training. The study made some recommendations among which are: educating and orienting library staff on training and development policies, providing staff with adequate training in Information Communication Technology (ICT) especially library management software to enable them meet the changing trends in the profession, and providing adequate budgetary allocation for training and development of Polytechnic libraries in Ghana.

Source: UG
Training and development needs of medical record staff at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

The health sector in Ghana has been undergoing fundamental, broad-based and far reaching organisational reform. The principal mechanism for change has been the re-organisation of the Ministry of Health and the creation of a Ghana Health Service. Improved information management is perceived as a key strategy to support the reform itself and to underpin the successful provision of health care services in time to come. In the hospital setting, this brings into the spotlight the role of medical records departments which exist to collect, process, maintain, retrieve and distribute patient records. Records departments are charged to provide efficient and effective service. But efficiency of service provision is dependent on factors such as physical and financial resources and more importantly the calibre of personnel providing the service. Though the medical record services play an important role in health care delivery, indications are that the records function suffers from lack of attention. One of the key areas of neglect has been training and staff development. The study investigated the type and nature of training existing for medical records staff at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The questionnaire and interview were the main instruments for data collection. It emerged from the study that as far as training and staff development are concerned, the medical record service has suffered from lack of attention for many years. This neglect has far reaching implications for the quality of service required from the Ghana Health Service. The study has made a number of recommendations for improvement.

Source: UG
Training Ghanaian frontline healthcare workers in public health surveillance and disease outbreak investigation and response

INTRODUCTION: Beyond initial formal academic education, the need for continuous professional development through in-service workforce capacity improvement programs that are aimed at enhancing knowledge and skills of public healthcare workers has assumed immense priority worldwide. This has been heightened by the on-going Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, which is exposing the weak public health systems in West Africa. In response to this need, the Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Program organized a short-course for frontline health workers in the Greater Accra region of Ghana in order to augment their surveillance and outbreak response capacity.METHODS: Human and veterinary health workers were trained using Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program short course model. A two-week didactic course was conducted with a 10-week field placement. Evaluation of the course was done by assessment of participants' outputs during the training as well as pretest and posttest methods.RESULTS: A total of 32 frontline health workers from both the human and veterinary health services benefited from the two-week initial training of the 12-week course. There was a significant gain in knowledge by the participants after the training course. Participants developed concept papers and implemented their fieldwork projects. Overall assessment of the workshop by the participants was very good.CONCLUSION: Capacity of the health workers has been improved in the area of public health surveillance, outbreak investigation and response. We recommend a scale-up of this training course to other regions.

Source: UG
Training Teachers by the Distance Mode: Implications for Quality Teacher Performance in Pre-Tertiary Schools

This research examined the influence of the distance mode of teacher training on quality teacher performance at the pre tertiary level of education in Ghana. The study used the quantitative approach involving 304 participants who completed teacher training through the distance education mode and taught at the Kindergarten, Primary School, Junior High School, and Senior High School. Data were sourced via a survey questionnaire and follow-up in-class observations. Analyses were made analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The survey results revealed that, generally, the teachers engaged in quality classroom performance. Data from the in-class follow-up observations largely confirmed the teachers’ performance self-assessment as measured by the survey. It is hoped that the discussion stimulated by the findings will affect the general dis course on the impact of performance assessments on teacher learning and teaching practices at the pre-tertiary level in Ghana and beyond. Although this research is limited in generalizability because of its focus on only a Ghanaian context, it has some significant implications for teaching practices and the quality of teacher performance assessments across the globe.

Source: UG
Trajectoire du féminisme radical africain : une analyse des romans de Calixthe Beyala

The proliferation of leanings within the feminist movement has influenced the writings of African women novelists such as Calixthe Beyala. This article attempts to assess the diverse facets of radical feminism as portrayed in Beyala’s thirteen novels. The analysis will bring to the fore the four major trends, namely belligerence, accommodation within aggression, impertinent frivolity and eroticism, that characterize her militant trajectory.

Source: UG
Trajectories and Contrasts of Policymaking Under Jerry John Rawlings

Known as one of the strongmen of sub-Saharan Africa, Jerry John Rawlings’ rule spanning both military and democratic regimes have witnessed significant policy shifts from his initial rhetoric. Proclaiming himself to be a populist, he declared his rule as a people’s democratic government, with the aim to involve the populace in decision making which culminated in a comprehensive program of decentralisation. However, his government also superintended the implementation of one of the most stringent economic policies under the direction of the WB and IMF, which introduced a fee for service popularly known as ‘cash and carry’ for various social services including education and health. Although bastardising the West he collaborated with the West extensively in various policy fields especially beginning with the Structural Adjustment and Economic Recovery Programs. His tenure in government has significantly shaped policymaking in Ghana. Most of his policies are still shaping Ghana’s policies today. This study, therefore, aims to examine the trajectories of policymaking under Rawlings spanning 1981 to 2000 to tease out the contrasts and the reasons behind the marked shifts that were observed. Methodologically, this is a qualitative study based on primary and secondary data. Primary data includes interviews already granted by Rawlings, which can be sourced from local and or international media houses and those available on Youtube. These will be complemented with published material comprising scholarly work and governmental reports.

Source: UG
Tramadol: a valuable treatment for pain in Ghana and Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: Pain management is unsatisfactory worldwide, particularly in developing countries where access to opioids is restricted and cost is an issue. It is a major concern in West Africa and we therefore undertook a survey of pain experts to obtain a better understanding of the problems in the region. METHODS: Medical practitioners involved in pain management, identified via professional networks, were interviewed to share their experience in treating moderate-to-severe pain in West Africa. The questionnaire was based on an existing version modified to meet African conditions. Additionally, informal focus group meetings with palliative care physicians and pharmacists were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 11 questionnaires were returned. All respondents were physicians who reported availability of opioids in their clinics, but access to morphine was challenging and not possible in some rural settings. Obligatory maintenance of detailed records was considered a burden. The main concern raised was the risk of misuse/addiction. Seven of 11 respondents reported that they would use tramadol as an alternative to strong opioids if required and, interestingly, 9 of 11 considered it to be an essential medicine. Based on personal experience, the respondents noted that some properties of tramadol make it a key pain treatment option in West Africa (strong/fast-acting, better tolerated than NSAIDs, less addictive than other opioids and relatively inexpensive). CONCLUSIONS: Most stakeholders who completed the survey indicated that tramadol was essential to provide optimal pain management in the absence of access to strong opioids.

Source: UG
Transaction costs and inter-organizational relations between farmers and farm product buyers in Ghana

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of what motivates farmers to participate in inter-organizational relationships with farm product buyers. Interest in inter-organizational relationships in the Ghanaian agri-food sector has been stimulated in recent years by policies seeking to reduce farmers’ market risks while improving buyers’ access to commodity inputs. The decision of how to sell farm produce is an economic imperative for the farmer; therefore, the coexistence of spot markets and inter-organizational relationships suggests that the farmers who use them must be having some gains from them. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed binary logit regression using both qualitative and quantitative data and the transactions cost theory to understand the Ghanaian farmers’ motivation for participating in inter-organizational relationships. Findings – This study found that a farmer having better information regarding product buyers’ needs was an important motivator for participation. The farmers’ certainty about the price they would get and the quantity they would sell were also major factors that motivated farmers’ participation. Again, the motivation to engage in inter-organizational relationships with processors was also influenced by the nature of the crop. Fruit farmers, for example, were 3.7 times more likely to participate in these relationships than non-fruit farmers. Research limitations/implications – This study considered analysis at the farmer level. However, some farmers produced multiple crops. This means that the farmers who participate in inter-organizational relations with buyers for one crop enterprise may be nonparticipant with the other crop(s). Future studies could target analysis at the crop level while accounting for the associated transactions costs. Originality/value – This study explores how a combination of transaction costs theory and the different crops that farmers produce explains farmers’ decision to participate in inter-organizational relationships.

Source: UG
Transactional sex and associated factors among young women in a tertiary institution in Northern Ghana: evidence from a cross sectional survey

Background Transactional sex has gained public health attention in recent times because of its contributions to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. However, empirical data on the extent of this practice are lacking in Ghana. This study provides baseline information on the prevalence of transactional sex practice and associated factors among young women in a tertiary institution in Northern Ghana. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 340 sexually active young female students. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to sample respondents. Data were collected online using a pretested questionnaire. The prevalence of transactional sex and other socio-demographic characteristics were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. A logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of transactional sex and assess the links between transaction sex and other risky sexual behaviours. Findings Respondents were aged 18–31 years, and mean age was 24.94 (SD = ± 4.87). The prevalence of ever engaging in transactional sex was 23.8%, and 16.8% reported engaging in transactional sex in the past 12 months prior to the study. Nearly 65% of those who reported engaging in transactional sex in the last 12 months have done so at least four times. The odds of engaging in transactional sex were lower among older respondents (AOR: 0.140, 95%, CI: 0.032–0.605, p = 0.008); but higher for early sexual debut (AOR: 2.745, 95%, CI: 1.068–7.060, p = 0.036), area of residence (i.e. being peri-urban) (AOR: 8.300, 95%, CI: 1.655–41.617, p = 0.010), insufficient family support (AOR: 5.903, 95%, CI: 1.515–23.006, p = 0.011), and frequently using at least two social media applications (AOR: 3.893, 95%, CI: 1.276–11.877, p = 0.017). Respondents who engaged in transactional sex reported higher odds of contracting STIs (AOR: 3.580, CI:1.059–12.099, p 0.040), and having an abortion (AOR: 2.616, CI: 1.037–6.598, p 0.042) in the last 12 months. Conclusion Targeted comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights education interventions are needed on the campuses of institutions of higher learning to enable young women negotiate safe sex and sexual relationships. In addition, there is need to promote contraceptive use (especially those that offer dual protection) among young women on the campuses of tertiary institutions to minimise STIs infection and unwanted pregnancy. Economic empowerment programmes such cash transfers to identifiable impoverished female students, scholarships and grant opportunities and discounted fees would also be critical to preventing and/ or minimising the occurrence of transactional sex among young women.

Source: UG
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the management of calf muscle spasticity in cerebral palsy

This study sets out to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the management of calf muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. The study follows a one group pre-test–post- test design involving fifteen children with spastic cerebral palsy, presenting with calf muscle spasticity. Spasticity was assessed before and after a 30 min application of TENS to the bilateral calf muscles. The H-reflex (electromyography) of the calf muscles and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) served as a measure of spasticity. A goniometer was used to measure the range of motion (ROM) angles for ankle dorsiflexion. We report here no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the left and right H-reflex responses, MAS scores, and ROM scores recorded at baseline (pre-test). Correlation analysis show no correlation (p > 0.05) between the pre-test HA Max (maximum H-reflex amplitude)/MA Max (maximum M-Wave Amplitude) ratio and MAS scores of both the left and right calf muscles. However, TENS significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the HA of the left calf muscle and MAS scores of the left and right calf muscles. Additionally, TENS significantly increased the ROM scores of the left and right calf muscles. Our findings lend support to existing evidence that TENS is effective in reducing spasticity. The potential mechanism underlying this effect is a reduction in neuron excitability.

Source: UG