ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Factors explaining the observed pattern in under-five mortality in the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2008

The study examined the risk factors of under- ve mortality in the Ghana Demo-graphic and Health Survey (DHS) 2008 data. The risk factors were investigated statistically by tting a logistic regression model and controlling for household e ects. The data was analyzed using the SAS 9.1 version for windows. Three factors (age of respondent, number of people in the household and ethnicity) were found to be the signi cant risk factors of under- ve mortality in the Ghana DHS 2008 data. The age of respondent was positively related to the risk of under- ve mortality while the number of people in the household was negatively related to the risk of under- ve mortality. Respondents from the Akan, the Ewe, the Gruma and the Mande ethnic groups were signi cant in terms of the e ect of ethnicity on under- ve mortality. The risk of under- ve mortality is higher in the Gruma and the Mande ethnic groups as compared to the "other" ethnic group while it was lower in the Akan and the Ewe ethnic groups as compared to the "other" ethnic group. It was also found that, household e ect was not a signi cant contributing risk factor for under- ve mortality in the Ghana DHS 2008 data.

Source: KNUST
Factors Explaining the Observed Pattern in Under-Five Mortality in the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2008

The study examined the risk factors of under-five mortality in the Ghana Demo- graphic and Health Survey (DHS) 2008 data. The risk factors were investigated statistically by fitting a logistic regression model and controlling for household effects. The data was analyzed using the SAS 9.1 version for windows. Three factors (age of respondent, number of people in the household and ethnicity) were found to be the significant risk factors of under-five mortality in the Ghana DHS 2008 data. The age of respondent was positively related to the risk of under-five mortality while the number of people in the household was negatively related to the risk of under-five mortality. Respondents from the Akan, the Ewe, the Gruma and the Mande ethnic groups were significant in terms of the effect of ethnicity on under-five mortality. The risk of under-ve mortality is higher in the Gruma and the Mande ethnic groups as compared to the "other" ethnic group while it was lower in the Akan and the Ewe ethnic groups as compared to the "other" ethnic group. It was also found that, household effect was not a significant contributing risk factor for under-five mortality in the Ghana DHS 2008 data.

Source: KNUST
Factors hampering the growth of SMEs in the pharmaceutical industry in the Kumasi Metropolis

The contribution that small businesses make towards the economies of the developing countries like Ghana emphasizes the importance of the small business sector. Regardless of the above roles most of these SMEs in the pharmaceutical industry are now collapsing as a result of not performing creditably well. It is in line with this that the study identifies the factors hampering the growth of SMEs in the pharmaceutical industry. A sample size of 237 respondents from SMEs in the pharmaceutical industry in Kumasi metropolis was determined to be studied in order to generalize their responses to mean that of all the workers, managers and owners of these SMEs. The study combined survey and case study methods of data collection and analysis. The study revealed among other things that: low level of education among workforce, lack of qualified personnel, high percentage of self-financing of SMEs, lack of access to credit, importation and dumping of substandard pharmaceutical products, as challenges affecting the SMEs in the pharmaceutical industry in Kumasi Metropolis. In view of challenges identified during the study, the researcher recommends; the setting up of a SMEs focused bank, banning of all the imported and dumped substandard pharmaceutical products, outsourcing of professionals to manage the accounts and documentation of the pharmacies, education on venture capital financing and training of the workers of the pharmacy. Finally, effective implementation of the recommendation could lead to growth of the SMEs in the Pharmaceutical industry in the country and eventually result in creation of employment as well as poverty reduction in Ghana and boosting the distribution of pharmaceutical products.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing cervical cancer prevention among health trainees in Kumasi, Ghana

Background Cervical cancer is preventable by screening and vaccination, yet 740 women die daily from it. Globally, there are 569,847 new cases of cervical cancer with 311,365 deaths recorded annually. This study seeks to determine factors influencing cervical cancer prevention among trainee nurses and midwives in Kumasi. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted by administering a structured questionnaire to female trainee nurses and midwives of Kumasi Nursing and Midwifery Training College between August and November 2018. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were carried out using Stata Version 14.2 to determine if Knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV, sociodemographic factors had any influence on cervical cancer prevention. All statistical tests were performed using two-sided tests at 0.05 level of significance. Result Knowledge of cervical cancer was good as 87.3% scored (≥13) on a 0-26 item scale but only 17.2% were able to state all the four listed symptoms of cervical cancer and fewer (4.2%) were able to select all the five listed risk factors of cervical cancer. Out of the 341 students recruited, 13.2% had screened for cervical cancer and only 0.3 had vaccinated against HPV. Multivariable analysis found previous employment (P≤0.04; AOR, 3.46, CI, 1.08-11.03) and area of residence (P≤0.04; AOR, 2.25; CI, 1.03-4.94) were significant factors associated with screening for cervical cancer. Conclusion Good knowledge of cervical cancer did not translate to high proportion of screening and vaccination. Previous employment and area of residence were found to have influenced cervical cancer screening among students but none of the factors investigated was found to influence vaccination. Free national cervical cancer screening and vaccination programme should be a priority.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing childhood immunization services uptake among caregivers with children under one in the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Immunization is a recognized health preventive intervention for controlling and eradicating deadly infectious diseases among children under 5 years. However, one of the major concerns surrounding the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is the failure to reach a satisfactory level of immunization coverage in rapidly growing urban areas. The main objective of this study was to determine the predictors of immunization uptake in Asokore Mampong Municipality. A cross sectional study was carried out in the Asokore Mampong Municipality. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on knowledge and attitude of caregivers towards childhood immunization, immunization practices of caregivers and factors influencing immunization uptake in seven selected facilities. More than 3 in 5 of the participants had good knowledge about immunization and mother’s attitude towards immunization was also positive. Socio-demographic factors such as child’s sex (p=0.013), level of education (p=0.017), religious affiliation (p=0.002) and marital status (p=0.002) were associated with immunization uptake. Mothers with good knowledge about immunization were more likely to immunize their child up-to-date (p=0.012). The main reason why mothers present their children for immunization was for child’s protection against diseases. The immunization uptake (26%) is low in this municipality, per the national uptake of 95%. There is therefore the need for an implementation of new strategies such as establishment of more outreach services, intensive client education about immunization during ANC visits so as to improve immunization uptake

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing childhood immunization services uptake among caregivers with children under one in the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Immunization is a recognized health preventive intervention for controlling and eradicating deadly infectious diseases among children under 5 years. However, one of the major concerns surrounding the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is the failure to reach a satisfactory level of immunization coverage in rapidly growing urban areas. The main objective of this study was to determine the predictors of immunization uptake in Asokore Mampong Municipality. A cross sectional study was carried out in the Asokore Mampong Municipality. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on knowledge and attitude of caregivers towards childhood immunization, immunization practices of caregivers and factors influencing immunization uptake in seven selected facilities. More than 3 in 5 of the participants had good knowledge about immunization and mother’s attitude towards immunization was also positive. Socio-demographic factors such as child’s sex (p=0.013), level of education (p=0.017), religious affiliation (p=0.002) and marital status (p=0.002) were associated with immunization uptake. Mothers with good knowledge about immunization were more likely to immunize their child up-to-date (p=0.012). The main reason why mothers present their children for immunization was for child’s protection against diseases. The immunization uptake (26%) is low in this municipality, per the national uptake of 95%. There is therefore the need for an implementation of new strategies such as establishment of more outreach services, intensive client education about immunization during ANC visits so as to improve immunization uptake.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing cervical cancer prevention among health trainees in Kumasi, Ghana

Background Cervical cancer is preventable by screening and vaccination, yet 740 women die daily from it. Globally, there are 569,847 new cases of cervical cancer with 311,365 deaths recorded annually. This study seeks to determine factors influencing cervical cancer prevention among trainee nurses and midwives in Kumasi. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted by administering a structured questionnaire to female trainee nurses and midwives of Kumasi Nursing and Midwifery Training College between August and November 2018. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were carried out using Stata Version 14.2 to determine if Knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV, socio demographic factors had any influence on cervical cancer prevention. All statistical tests were performed using two-sided tests at 0.05 level of significance. Result Knowledge of cervical cancer was good as 87.3% scored (≥13) on a 0-26 item scale but only 17.2% were able to state all the four listed symptoms of cervical cancer and fewer (4.2%) were able to select all the five listed risk factors of cervical cancer. Out of the 341 students recruited, 13.2% had screened for cervical cancer and only 0.3 had vaccinated against HPV. Multivariable analysis found previous employment (P≤0.04; AOR, 3.46, CI, 1.08-11.03) and area of residence (P≤0.04; AOR, 2.25; CI, 1.03-4.94) were significant factors associated with screening for cervical cancer. Conclusion Good knowledge of cervical cancer did not translate to high proportion of screening and vaccination. Previous employment and area of residence were found to have influenced cervical cancer screening among students but none of the factors investigated was found to influence vaccination. Free national cervical cancer screening and vaccination programme should be a priority

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing construction quality in Ghana: Comparison of designer’s and contractor’s perspectives

In the construction industry, projects are mostly anticipated to establish an equilibrium amongst project time, cost and quality. Achieving quality when carrying out construction project is the ultimate objective among others to every stakeholder. Quality of construction execution plays a crucial role in determining the acceptance of construction project by clients and resultant contractual payment levels. This has enlighten construction industry stakeholders to be conscious of quality as a relevant objective in attaining client satisfaction and achieving competitive advantage. In this thesis, by gathering relevant research findings, aims to investigate factors influencing construction quality in Ghana from perspectives of the designer and contractor. Four objectives were set on which literature review was conducted which includes: determining whether designers and contractors equally consider design quality important in setting the overall quality of project, identifying the causes of poor construction quality in Ghana, identifying whether there are difference in the perspectives of designers and contractors on the causes of poor construction quality and identifying potential solutions to improve construction quality. Quantitative method was adopted in which survey questionnaires were administered to respondents to gather primary data obtaining a sample size of 52. The analytical tool utilized was Descriptive statistics. The findings of the research indicated that both designers and contractors equally consider design quality important in setting the overall quality of project. Also, Out of the findings of the research conducted, it indicated that: Lack of proper supervision from architects, Use of low quality materials, Change orders, Poor communication among project participants and Poor planning and scheduling are the most significant causes of poor construction quality. More so, it was established that Good site working conditions with proper inspection, Constructability of design, Competence and experience of project team members, Quality materials in construction and Efficient teamwork and cooperation are the most significant potential solutions to improve construction quality. It was recommended that designers must be encouraged to put in their best during the designing stage of construction projects since design quality is important in setting the overall quality of a project. Moreover, contractors must also be engaged in designing stage of project to contribute to feasibility and constructability of project design.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing delivery by skilled birth attendants among women who have had previous births in the East Mamprusi Municipality in the North-East Region, Ghana

Background: Childbirth has been an important part of human race. It is a natural phenomenon, nonetheless it has been linked with a number of risks, which may result into untoward outcome such as maternal and neonatal mortality. The increased rate of unsupervised delivery in developing countries underpins the mortality surrounding childbirth. Maternal and neonatal mortality can be scaled down to 23–50% by 90% coverage of skilled delivery. Hence, delivery by skilled birth attendants puts women in better position to receive care and imparts positively on the delivery outcome of the mother and her child. Objectives: To assess factors influencing delivery by skilled birth attendants among women who have had previous births in the East Mamprusi Municipality in the North-East Region. Methods: Cross-sectional survey was conducted among 389 women within the East Mamprusi Municipality who have had previous births. A multi stage sampling technique was used for the study and primary data was collected with the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Approximately 96.8% of the respondents were cognizant that skilled delivery is a delivery process which occurs at a health facility under the supervision of trained midwife or doctor. Also 65.8% considered the attitude/behaviour of midwives, doctor, nurses or other health personnel during health facility delivery to be friendly. On the whole majority of the respondents, 311 (83.2%), showed satisfaction to ANC services provided at the health facility at the time they gave birth to their last child. Educational level (p <0.001), religion (p <0.001), number of children (p <0.001), husband level of education (p <0.026) and availability of NHIS (p <0.001) were statistically associated with use of skilled delivery. Most of the respondents were of the view that availability of TBA (58.0%), proximity to health facility (64.2%), night/ bad weather/ poor roads (73.5%), lack of transport to health facility (58.3%), realized or informed late (65.5%) and not having enough time to go (64.2%) are bottlenecks to delivery under skilled birth attendants. Conclusion: Women within the East Mamprusi Municipality have a high knowledge with regards to skilled delivery and posit that skilled delivery is very important. Educational level of woman, religion, number of children, husband level of education and possession of NHIS are factors associated with utilization of skilled delivery.

Source: KNUST
Factors Influencing Construction Worker Job Satisfaction In The Ghanaian Construction Industry

Workers of all organizations need to be motivated to facilitate their input towards the attainment of organizational goals. Construction workers like all other workers need this sort of motivation to enable them give off their best. The purpose of this study was to find out factors affecting construction worker job satisfaction in the Ghanaian construction industry and to study the relationship between demographic variables and worker job satisfaction. The study focused on workers working with contractors classified as D1K1. In all 35 sites were visited. Workers answered questions from a questionnaire. Percentages, mean and chi-square test were used to analyze data. The results indicate that workers were generally satisfied with their job. A study of 25 job satisfaction items showed that factors which influenced job satisfaction varied but predominantly among them was worker’s own characteristics and supervision. The results also found no significant difference between workers level of job satisfaction and worker’s site location, age, industrial experience, educational level and motivation to choose a career in the construction industry. However with respect to career choice there was a significant difference found. The study concludes that management of the various firms should sustain the current conditions and seek to improve areas of compensation to ensure continuous workforce availability.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing decision-making to accept elective caesarean section: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Elective caesarean sections (CS) that have medical indications contribute to better pregnancy outcomes but women have to consent for the procedure to be performed within reasonable time limits for the desired outcomes. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence women's decision-making and the duration of the decision-making process to accept primary or repeat elective CS in a district hospital in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 163 purposively-sampled postnatal women in a hospital, who had experienced a CS. A questionnaire was used to collect data after the women gave their consent to participate. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 and presented using appropriate descriptive statistics. Chi-square test of independence was done to determine the association between any two categorical variables. Major factors that influenced women's decision-making to accept elective CS were support from their husband/partner/relatives (39.3 %), their baby's life being at risk (24.5 %), history of previous CS and knowledge about the procedure (19.6 %). Age and parity had significant relationship with the influencing factors. However, age was only significant for the influence of husband/partner/relative in the decision-making to accept CS (p < 0.01). Age (R2 ¼ 0.19, p < 0.001); previous CS (R2 ¼ 0.14, p < 0.001) are the major predictors of the duration of the decision-making process. Women's decision-making in consultation with relatives is the main influencer to accept elective caesarean section. There is the need to involve relatives during the antenatal care period in order for younger women in particular to be readily supported to make timely decisions to avoid preventable complications and allay client's fears.

Source: KNUST
Factors influencing financial performance of teachers fund (2011 – 2015) .

The study investigated the factors affecting the performance of Teacher Fund, the effect of the Fund on teachers’ livelihood and the challenges affecting the management of the Fund. Primary data from fifty (50) teachers and ten (10) staff, and secondary data from the financial statements of the Fund were used for the analysis. Trend, regression and descriptive statistical analyses were used to present the findings. The findings revealed that only members’ contribution significantly influenced the performance of the Fund. Even though the Fund provided members with loan facilities, some complained about the cumbersome procedures, delays and ceiling on the loan. Other challenges were over-diversification, poor savings and investment culture among teachers, IT systems, fluctuating returns on investment and high service charges by Controller and Accountant General’s Department. The study recommended for the computerization of loan application system, increasing loan ceiling and increasing advertising to attract new members to the Fund.

Source: KNUST
Factors Influencing Credit Denial to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) In Ghana

In spite of the numerous policies and strategies to support and sustain the growth of SMEs in Ghana, SMEs are still faced with challenges especially in accessing credit from the financial institutions in the country. However, much is not known regarding the factors influencing credit denial to SMEs in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence SMEs credit denial by the financial institutions in Ghana. A sample of 400 SMEs was selected from Kumasi Metropolis using simple random sampling technique. Logistic regression model was applied to the data. The study showed that permanent place for business, age of firm, business plan, firm’s profit level, ownership structure, registration status, credit maturity period, availability of collateral, credit history and record keeping are the major factors that influence SMEs credit denial in Ghana. The study also found that, majority of SMEs reinvest the profit generated into the business for its sustainability. It is therefore recommended that SMEs should try as much as possible to have permanent place for business and also have business plan that will guide their operations.

Source: KNUST