ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Facilitating change processes in group-based behaviour change interventions in rural African contexts: practical lessons from Ghana

Evidence from implementation research suggests that group-based behaviour change interventions (GBCIs) can encourage the development of peer support, promote psychosocial skills, and facilitate collaborative therapeutic relationships. However, although the mechanisms of action that mediate the behavior change process have been extensively described in other settings, less is known about the implementation strategies and contextual factors that actuate the reported behaviour changes among programme participants in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa, more generally. We draw on insights from the literature and field experiences from designing, implementing, and evaluating GBCIs across several rural and peri-urban communities in Ghana to discuss a range of theoretical, methodological, and contextual factors that facilitate the behaviour change process in programme participants. We offer suggestions to guide researchers to envision and manage potential challenges with the programme development and implementation processes. We propose that intervention programmes designed to facilitate health behaviour change in the defined context should (i) have a context-relevant focus, (ii) be coherent and well-structured, (iii) have explicit techniques to facilitate inter-personal and intra-personal change processes, (iv) include appropriate mechanisms to monitor and assess the progress of the interventional sessions; and (v) be implemented by trained facilitators with a deep knowledge of the sociocultural values and norms of the target group and of the principles and theories underlying the intervention programme. We envisage that these insights could serve to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of contextually-tailored and potentially effective GBCIs that align with the needs, capacities, and circumstances of the local population.

Source: UG
Facilitating information and communication technology (ICT) adoption among research scientists in Ghana

This study examines the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on information provision for research officers in six selected institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. It determines the levels of awareness, access to, and use of ICT facilities and services by research officers; the extent to which research officers are given training in the use of ICT, and levels of skills acquired; and the effects of ICT use on the research activities of research officers. Questionnaires and interviews are used in the data collection. The questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents from a total population of 200 research officers. The respondents include the Directors and the Librarians who were interviewed as well. The study reveals that the levels of awareness, access to, and use of computers, the Internet, and databases by research officers was very high. The study also shows that generally, the level of skills acquired in the use of ICT are high. The research also reveals that the use of ICT enhanced the work performance of the research officers. The study recommends the need for librarians in CSIR to effectively publicize the ICT facilities and services available in their institutes in order to increase awareness and patronage. The study also recommends the need for adequate and continuous training for the research officers in the use of ICT facilities and services.

Source: UG
Facilitating the use of alternative capsid control methods towards sustainable production of organic cocoa in Ghana

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important foreign exchange earner for Ghana. However, production is constrained by a high incidence of pests and diseases. Based on farmers' needs, this study focused on the control of capsids, mainly Sahlbergella singularis Haglund and Distantiella theobroma (Distant) (both Hemiptera: Miridae). Annual crop loss caused by capsids is estimated at 25-30%. To control capsids, formal research recommends application of synthetic insecticides four times between August and December. However, farmers hardly adopt this recommendation, which they consider unsuitable for their conditions and context. Three alternative control methods were tested with farmers: mass trapping, using sex pheromones; applying crude aqueous neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) seed extract (ANSE) and using the predatory ant Oecophylla longinoda Latreille (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as a biological control agent. Contrary to most previous reports, studies on temporal distribution of cocoa capsids indicated that the population peaked in March. ANSE was effective against capsids and other cocoa insect pests and did not affect the predatory ant. When O. longinoda occurred in high numbers, capsid incidence was low. Shade did not influence ant or capsid abundance significantly. ANSE caused 100% mortality of capsids in cage and 79-88% in field experiments. The sex pheromone was as effective as ANSE or ants in suppressing capsids. All the three methods were effective and compatible; hence, they can be used in an integrated pest management strategy for cocoa, including organic production in Ghana. © 2007 ICIPE.

Source: UG
Facilitators and barriers of patient-centered care at the organizational-level: a study of three district hospitals in the central region of Ghana

Background: Improving patient experience of care has gained enormous attention from policy makers and providers of healthcare services in Ghana. In spite of the supposed support for patient-centered care as the means for improving patient experience of care, scientific evidence point to poor patient experience of care in Ghana. Moreover, there seem to be little evidence on organizational-level factors that facilitate or hamper patient-centered care. In this study we assess organizational-level factors that facilitate or impede patient-centered care in three district hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods: The study was exploratory research that used qualitative methods to collect data from seven senior managers and 3 junior managers in three district hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana. Data were collected with the aid of an interview guide and a checklist. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Two main Organizational-level factors were identified, namely, facilitators and barriers of patient-centered care. Facilitators to patient-centered care included: 1) Leadership commitment. 2) Leadership support. 3) Training and education for patient-centered care. Patient-centered care barriers identified in the hospitals were: 1) Leadership conceptualization of patient-centered care. 2) Lack of goals and sufficient activities for patient-centered care. 3) Communication related challenges.4) Ownership type. 5) Degree of centralization. 6) Financial constraints. Conclusion: Organizational-level factors that promoted patient-centered care were fairly present in the hospitals. Yet, several other factors negatively affected patient-centered care in the hospitals. A suitable patient-focused intervention is recommended for implementation at the health system and institutional-levels to improve patientcentered care. Hospitals managers should develop suitable goals and activities to stimulate patient-centered care with the full participation of hospital employees and patients and families.

Source: UG
Facilitators And Barriers To Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adolescents In Ghana

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
Facilitators and Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence among Ghanaian Patients: A Multi-Case Study

The only remedy to manage AIDS remains ART, making adherence to ART paramount in AIDS management. Non-adherence can impede the sustainability of programmes intended at successful HIV and AIDS care. We studied individual, social and service delivery factors influencing adherence to ART. Mixed method involving 133 participants was used, data were analysed using SPSS version 18.0. There were statistically significant relationship between availability of drugs, privacy, relations with health professionals, counselling services, and adherence to ART ((p = 0.008, p = 0.001, p = 0.008 and p = 0.018 respectively). Although age, gender, and perceived efficacy and need for ART were not significantly related to adherence (p > .05 in all cases), the qualitative findings indicated otherwise. For AIDS patients, ART is tantamount to life, thus, stakeholders should place priority on availability of ARVs and well trained personnel to deliver efficient and quality services to allay the fears of patients.

Source: UG
Facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among women in two regions of Ghana: A qualitative study

Abstract Although COVID-19 vaccines are available, evidence suggests that several factors hinder or facilitate their use. Several studies have found gender differences in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, with women less likely to vaccinate than men in many countries, including Ghana. These studies, however, have primarily been quantitative. This study used a qualitative approach to examine the facilitators and barriers to vaccine uptake among women in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative research design, 30 women in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana were conveniently sampled and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Fifteen (15) interviews were conducted in each region. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using QSR NVivo version 10 software. Among the key factors that facilitate COVID-19 vaccination are the desire to protect oneself and family against COVID-19, education about COVID-19 vaccines, seeing others receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccine being cost-free. On the other hand, long queues at the vaccination centres, fear of side effects, misconceptions about the vaccines, and shortage of vaccines were the main barriers against COVID-19 vaccination. The study results show that individual, institutional, and vaccine-related factors facilitate or hinder COVID-19 vaccination among women. Addressing these factors need continuous comprehensive health education, and ensuring vaccine availability at vaccination sites will improve women’s uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Source: UG
Facilitators and Barriers to Health Seeking among People Who Use Drugs in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana: An Exploratory Study

Drug use is one of the global public health issues, and its accompanying disorders have consequences on people’s mental, physical, and environmental health. Nevertheless, the majority of people who use drugs have never been treated for drug dependence and other health conditions whilst others discontinue their treatment for drug use disorder. Using the health belief model, the study aimed at exploring facilitators and barriers to health-seeking among people who use drugs in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana. A descriptive study design was used, employing a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 22 participants, including two key informants (male and female). The first group of participants was recruited from the ghetto (an area in the municipality where people who use drugs are usually located). The other group of participants was recruited using hospital-based records. The interview data were transcribed, coded, and analysed for the generation of themes with the aid of Nvivo version 12 pro. The results showed that people who use drugs face health challenges such as drug dependence, malaria, lungs and breathing complications, cardiovascular complications, and skin complications. People who use drugs experienced poor perceived quality of life and low health status. Health-seeking behaviours of interviewees were influenced by the perceived benefit, perceived severity, cues to action, among others. Multiple sources of healthcare were used by the people who use drugs. Whereas ease of communication, perceived severity, benefit, among others were facilitators to their health-seeking behaviours, cost, dwindling social support, lack of knowledge of the condition, and fear of arrest by law enforcement agencies also served as barriers to seeking healthcare at the orthodox health facilities. This paper suggests a holistic approach to help improve the health and health-seeking behaviours of people who use drugs. The researchers wish to indicate that an earlier version of this manuscript has been presented at the University of Ghana as a thesis.

Source: UG
Facilitators and barriers to the clinical administration of herbal medicine in Ghana: a qualitative study

Background: Herbal medicine administration in conventional health care services is gaining popularity lately. Much has not been documented on the perceived enhancers and challenges to herbal medicine administration at the hospital. The study sought to explore the facilitators and barriers to the clinical administration of herbal medicine in Ghana. Method: Qualitative descriptive exploratory design was employed. Fourteen participants among the consented and purposively sampled nurses were interviewed. Data was transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Results: The participants disclosed that facilitators to the clinical administration of herbal medicine include doctors’ prescription, affordability of herbal medications by patients, patients’ willingness to use herbal medicine and availability of herbal medicine. Barriers to the clinical administration of herbal medicine were inadequate knowledge on herbal medicine, lack of publicity, unclear integration, lack of collaboration and policies on herbal medicine administration at the hospital. Other barriers were negative mindset of patients and lack of national health insurance scheme (NHIS) coverage. Conclusion: Clinical administration of herbal medicine is faced with an array of challenges. Doctor’s prescription, nursing education on herbal medicine and NHIS coverage of herbal medicine are imperative to improve herbal medicine administration in hospitals.

Source: UG
Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the Girls' Iron Folate Tablet Supplementation program among adolescent girls in the Bono Region: a cross sectional survey

Introduction: iron supplementation is one of the primary cornerstone treatments for reducing anaemia in pregnant women, and its adoption is important for reducing anaemia to tolerable levels. About 33% of women of reproductive age worldwide are anaemic. As a result, women are more likely to enter pregnancy with less-than optimal iron stores, which may have negative consequences for them and their offspring, including an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, and low birth weight, as well as impaired physical and neurological development. This study aims to determine the challenges of implementing the Girl Iron Folate Tablet Supplementation (GIFTS) program among adolescent girls. Methods: this was a cross sectional descriptive study involving females at Fiapre Methodist and Saint Thomas Junior High Schools at Fiapre in the Sunyani West Municipality. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on anaemia, knowledge on GIFTS program barriers and facilitators of the GIFTS program using a face-to-face semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were done to determine knowledge on anaemia and GIFTS program while a Chi-square analysis was performed to determine factors influencing iron and folic acid (IFA) utilization. Results: a total of 138 participants were included in this study. Knowledge and compliance with the IFAS program among adolescent girls were good (84.1%). Lack of information, opposition from their family and fear of side effects of the tablets were seen as the major barriers to compliance. The Chi-square test of independence revealed no significant association between socio-demographic characteristics. Iron fortification of foods and/or changing composition of iron preparation to avoid side effects may also be considered in the future. Conclusion: knowledge and compliance with the IFAS program among adolescent girls were good. Majority of the respondents (70.6%) reported that they stopped taking the supplements temporary after they encountered problems as a measure. Including community leaders religious and community leaders, provision of education and counselling and reducing long waiting hours were to be the major promoting factors to the implementation of the WIFA program.

Source: UG
Facilities and resources for diabetes care at regional health facilities in southern Ghana

In the fall of 1995, each of the five provincial hospitals in southern Ghana was visited and facilities and resources for diabetes care assessed. In addition, health facilities and standards of care questionnaires were completed. Only Korle Bu Teaching Hospital run a diabetes clinic and had diabetologists. Only two facilities had an eye specialist or trained dietician. None of the five facilities had a trained diabetes educator or chiropodist. Except for sphygmomanometers, basic equipment for clinical care were lacking. Basic biochemistry tests were available at all facilities. Creatinine clearance and 24-h urine protein, glycated haemoglobin, fasting triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were available at only one centre. None of the facilities measured C-peptide, islet cell antibody and urine microalbumin. None of the facilities had chronic haemodialysis service. Insulin supply was erratic at two institutions. Three regions had active diabetes associations. The facilities and system of diabetes care in southern Ghana revealed in this study are far from satisfactory. Training of health care personnel in diabetes management and education may enhance diabetes care despite the existing constraints. Furthermore, the development of international and regional gradelines for facilities and resources may facilitate implementation of international resolutions and clinical practice guidelines.

Source: UG
Facing the Ills of Unemployment: The Role of Religiosity and Social Support

The study examined the role of religiosity and social support in coping with mental health problems associated with unemployment among 362 Ghanaian youths. Through a cross-sectional survey, participants’ mental health (i.e., depression, cognitive distortions, and suicidality), religiosity, and degree of social support were assessed. The data revealed significant buffering effects of religiosity on mental health problems associated with unemployment. Social support had direct, but not buffering, effects on mental health. The findings highlight the need to promote religiosity as a coping mechanism for the adverse effects of unemployment, especially in the absence of immediate economic interventions.

Source: UG
Factor Analysis for G.S.M. Services Congestion The Case of MTN Nigeria

Congestion in GSM networks service provision in Nigerian are evidenced by escalating incidences of drop calls, lost calls and other service disruptions that affect the quality of services offered by GSM operators. Using MTN Nigeria as a case study, we investigated factors responsible for the congestion problems experienced in GSM services. Stratified random sampling techniques were used to select samples of six out of 36 states in the country to form the target population for the study. This is combined with automated machine generated data supplemented by unstructured interview to obtain data gathered for analysis. Six hypotheses were formulated and tested in line with the set objectives. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. The findings from our research showed that contrary to generally held opinion, calls peaked during the evening (between the hours of 7pm - 8pm) rather than during working hours and congestion is not totally positively correlated to the carrying capacity of the MTN infrastructure. The study identified other extraneous factors that contribute to congestion problem to include equipment vandalization: poor weather and high rise buildings in the line of sight between towers.

Source: UG
Factor Analysis of Customer Preference for Mobile Phone Network (A Case Study of Cape Coast Polytechnic

This research tries to determine the “hidden” factors which ultimately influence the choice of mobile phone network in Cape Coast Polytechnic (study area). Principal Component method of Factor analysis is used to achieve the set objectives. There are six mobile phone network providers (MTN, Vodafone, Tigo, Airtel, Globacom and Expresso) in Ghana. All these operators try to improve their marketing strategies in order to attract more customers or subscribers to increase their market share. A total of 500 respondents were drawn from students, teaching staff and administrative staff in Cape Coast Polytechnic by proportional allocation. There is no restriction in age and gender but it is required that a respondent belongs to one of these three groups. The study made use of research instrument in order to measure attributes of the networks. A 14 item likert scale was used with 5 levels of agreement in the questionnaire. The study shows that more male respondents participated in the study mostly are in the age group of 18-24 years old. Cronbach‟s alpha shows that the data collected is consistent (reliable), while the Kaiser Meyer Olkin test and Bartlett‟s test of sphericity show significant results that factor analysis is appropriate in the data gathered. Therefore, factor analysis is applicable. It is found that “long time usage” is the most important attribute followed by “wider coverage” and “good advert”. Surprisingly, “lower tariff” and “games of chance” happened to be the less important attributes. The most regularly used mobile phone network in Cape Coast Polytechnic is MTN followed by Tigo. Vodafone is the third most regularly used network, while Expresso is the least patronized network. Three factors were extracted, factor one is social responsibility factor (or customer care factor), factor two is reception benefit factor and factor three is relationship benefit factor. These three (3) factors identified, best summarizes the people‟s choice of mobile phone network in Cape Coast Polytechnic

Source: UG