ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impact of Primary Care Delay on Progression of Breast Cancer in a Black African Population: A Multicentered Survey

Background. Reports are scanty on the impact of long primary care interval in breast cancer. Exploratory reports in Nigeria and other low-middle-income countries suggest detrimental impact. The primary aim was to describe the impact of long primary care interval on breast cancer progression, and the secondary aim was to describe the factors perceived by patients as the reason(s) for long intervals. Method. Questionnaire-based survey was used in 9 Nigerian tertiary institutions between May 2017 and July 2018. The study hypothesis was that the majority of patients stayed >30 days, and the majority experienced stage migration in primary care interval. Assessment of the impact of the length of interval on tumor stage was done by survival analysis technique, and clustering analysis was used to find subgroups of the patient journey. Results. A total of 237 patients presented to primary care personnel with tumor ≤5cm (mean 3.4±1.2cm). A total of 151 (69.3%, 95% CI 62.0-75.0) stayed >30 days in primary care interval. Risk of stage migration in primary care interval was 49.3% (95% CI 42.5%-56.3%). The most common reasons for long intervals were symptom misinformation and misdiagnosis. Clustering analysis showed 4 clusters of patients’ experience and journey: long interval due to distance, long interval due to misinformation, long interval due to deliberate delaying, and not short interval—prepared for treatment. Conclusion. The majority of patients stayed longer than 30 days in primary care interval. Long primary care interval was associated with a higher risk of stage migration, and more patients reported misinformation and misdiagnosis as reasons for a long interval.

Source: UCC
Impact of prolonged rainy seasons on food crop production in Cameroon

This study set out to examine why agricultural production in differing agroecological zones of the same country responds differently to a common environmental event (an extension of the rainy season). We find that the heavy reliance of farmers in the drier agro-ecological zones on seasonal cycles make them more vulnerable to an extension of the rainy season than those in regions where rainfall is less relied on. Effects in these vulnerable regions include significant damage to crops as well as a shortage in local markets, which raises prices of basic food commodities. The difference between prices in low and high food producing periods is low for crops that can easily be preserved during rains (such as cassava at 58% from an average of 20% in previous years and yams at 82% from 65%). Crops that depend on sunshine for preservation experience greater differences between low and high periods (maize at 92% from an average of 31% in previous years, sorghum at 180% from 53%, and beans at 68% from 42%). In zones with a history of unreliable dry seasons, farmers are more adapted to coping with an extension of the rainy season and possess technology and skills which can be made available to others in vulnerable zones through inter-regional knowledge transfer of knowledge and skills. This study further reinforces the understanding that isolated climate shocks could be important in understanding and managing vulnerability. Also, vulnerability is quite variable even among communities in the same country, in which people practice the same economic activity and are exposed to the same shock

Source: UCC
Impact of Psychosocial Safety Climate on Employee Performance among the Basic School Teachers in the Nhyiaeso Constituency: The Mediating Role of Employee Engagement

The study investigated the mediation impact of employee engagement on Psychological Safety Climate and employee performance among basic school teachers within the Nhyiaeso Constituency in the Ashanti Region. The researcher employed descriptive and correlational methods for the phenomenon through survey questions for the data collection. The researcher distributed two hundred questionnaires, however, upon continuous follow-up, one hundred and twenty-eight (128) teachers answered the questionnaire. This represents 64% of the respondents for the study. The result shows that the teaching profession in the Nhyiaeso Constituency is predominantly occupied by females who are within the 21 to 30-year age bracket with 3 to 6 years of teaching experience showcasing a relatively early to mid-career stage as the prevailing norm. In addition, a significant portion of teachers hold a Bachelor’s Degree who are married or single, underscoring the predominant relationship status within the profession. In terms of the respondent's assessment of the psychosocial safety climate variables - Management Commitment, Management Priority, Organizational Communication, and Organizational Participation, the results revealed that most of the respondents were satisfied with the climate situations in their organization. Finally, the mediation analysis of the impact of employee engagement on the psychosocial safety climate and employee performance among the basic school teachers in Nhyiaeso, results revealed that employee engagement fully mediated the relationship between the psychosocial safety climate and employee performance. Necessary recommendations were made for stakeholders such as School Managers, Basic School Teachers, and future researchers.

Source: UCC
Impact of Psychotherapy on Quality of Life of Amputees in Ghana

The research investigated the impact of psychotherapy on quality of life of amputees in Ghana. The Ex-post-facto research design was employed and the census technique was used in selecting forty-two (42) amputee patients as participants. Seven hypotheses were tested using the Independent Sample t-Test, and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The research outcome indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the overall quality of life among the amputee group that received psychotherapy and the amputee group that did not receive psychotherapy. In addition, it was also found that there was no statistical significant difference between the amputee groups in relation to their quality of life (physical health, psychological well-being, social relation and environmental situation). Finally, the study also revealed that there was no statistical significant difference in gender and marital status on their quality of life. It recommended from the findings that, the number of psychotherapy sessions should be increased in addressing all facets of the problems related to the quality of life of amputees. In addition, psychologists should be involved in the earlier stages of the treatment plan of amputees. Finally, Ghana Psychological Council should organise regular in-service training for psychologists and create awareness for the public on the importance of seeking psychological assistance for amputees.

Source: UCC
Impact of Quality Improvement in Primary Schools (QUIPS) Programme on the Academic Performance of Pupils in New Edubiase Methodist Primary School in the Adansi East District of Ghana

Since the inception of Ghana’s Educational Reform Programme in 1987, so many interventions have been put in place by the government and various donor organizations. Among them is the Quality Improvement in Primary School (QUIPS) programme sponsored by the USAID, which started in 1997, aimed at improving teaching and learning at the basic level. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of improvement in academic performance of pupils in New Edubiase Methodist Primary School since the inception of the QUIPS programme. It was also to find out what impact the programme has had on the teachers in the school as well as the assistance that the programme has given to parents and the community. The sample for the study included teachers of the New Edubiase Methodist Primary School and the parents who have their children in the school, numbering 58. The instruments used to collect data were questionnaire and interview. In analyzing the data, frequencies and percentages were used. The study revealed the following: The introduction of the QUIPS programme has helped to improve academic performance of the pupils in New Edubiase Methodist Primary School; The teachers in the school have improved their professional expertise through in-service training organized during the intervention; The parents and the community have also benefited indirectly from the programme; and that the District Assembly has contributed towards the implementation of the QUIPS programme.

Source: UCC
The Impact of Risk Based Audit Approach on the Implementation of Internal Control System: A Case of Government Departments and Agencies in Kumasi Metropolis

The main aim of this study was to investigate the impact of risk-based audit approach on the implementation of internal control systems in government departments and agencies in Kumasi metropolis. The objectives of this study were to find out whether Risk-Based Audit Approach (RBAA) is used in implementing internal control activities, whether Risk-Based Audit Approach has influenced internal control activities of government departments and to explore the challenges encountered by RBAA in implementing internal control activities of government departments and agencies in Kumasi metropolis. Among the key findings of this study was that Risk Based Audit Approach is used in government departments and agencies in Kumasi. In government departments and agencies the strategies adopted are; use of risk register, definition of RBAA in the Audit charter, reporting to the committees on department risk exposures, and allocation of resources to internal audit activities, risk management and finance activities. It was also found that the challenges encountered in implementation of RBAA of internal control systems are; lack of relevant knowledge, experience, proper tools to identify risks and relevant principle or guidelines as the main challenges encountered in implementing RBAA. Based on the conclusions above, this research recommends that relevant training should be given to staff on RBAA to equip their knowledge level. Also, adequate proper tools should be provided to identify risks, and audit committees should be established with the mandate of monitoring and evaluating RBAA use and organization of workshops on RBAA activities in public departments and agencies to enhance awareness.

Source: UCC
The impact of rural bank credit facilities on rural development in Ghana. A case study of Amuga Rural Bank Ltd

The importance of the rural banking in the economic development of a country cannot be overlooked. Hence, banks and other financial institutions are considered to be a vital role for the development of the rural economy in Ghana. The Government of Ghana through the Bank of Ghana introduced and established Rural Banks in 1976 as one of the strategies to facilitate the development of rural communities. Aside inculcating the habit of banking in the rural dwellers, the Rural Banks were to mobilize funds and channel them to productive ventures in the rural areas. The rural banking sub sector has become a growing and a vibrant part of the whole banking industry and the Ghanaian economy as a whole. Aside the disbursement of credit facilities which has helped in improving the living conditions of the beneficiaries, the Rural Banks have also, created employment and has helped in inculcating the habit of banking in the dwellers of the rural communities. The study sought to determine the impact of rural bank financial facilities of the rural poor with respect to income, employment, occupation and savings. Questionnaires and interviews were used to elicit responses on socio-economic characteristics and other relevant variables from a random sample of seventy (70) respondents from the catchment areas of the bank. The analysis showed that the rural banks have positively impacted on socioeconomic development of the rural people and these have manifested in the areas of income, employment, occupation and savings.

Source: UCC
The impact of rural banks in developing SMEs in Sunyani Municipality (a case study of Fiagya Rural Bank)

The aim of this research was to examine the impact of Fiagya Rural Bank on SMEs profitability and growth. Through the stratified sampling method, a sample size of 156 respondents was selected to examine the impact of Fiagya Rural Bank on SMEs profitability and growth. The research design used in the study was descriptive research type. Data was collected through the administration of questionnaire. It was found out that overdraft and loans were the types of credit facilities available for SMEs in the Fiagya Rural Bank and these loans affect SMEs operating profit margin by increasing profit, speeding up operations, and making operational cost low. Additionally, loans and credit given by Fiagya Rural Bank to SMEs aids in expanding their businesses by securing raw materials on time, employ a lot of people, increase sales and growth rate. The findings also revealed a strong positive relationship between accessibility of credit and growth of SMEs. The study recommends that Fiagya rural bank should develop other special package for SMEs aside the overdraft and loans that they have been providing. Also, since loans and credit affect SMEs profitability and growth, Fiagya rural bank should increase the credit or loans allocated for SMEs.

Source: UCC
The Impact of School Feeding Program on School Attendance and Enrollment: A Case Study of Some Selected Schools in the Atwima Nwabiagya District.

In the pursuit to tackle social disparities in Ghana‟s education delivery in order to attain her Education for All (EFA) agenda, some pro-poor programs have been initiated. Among these is the Ghana School Feeding Program (GSFP) that targets among others, at providing safety nets for the poor, enhancing school enrolment in addition to making better domestic food production. While this program has been implemented since 2005, there is inadequate information on the experiences of beneficiaries. The question then is, to what extent have this investment been effective in reducing poor enrollment and absenteeism in poor households in the Ghanaian rural areas? This research examines how GSFP has affected school enrollment and attendance in Atwima Nwabiagya district in Ghana. The study sought to explore the experiences of beneficiaries of the program within the Atwima Nwabiagya district in Ghana, using interviews and observations. Combining literature with benefit incidence analysis, the results indicate that basic schooling in Atwima Nwabiagya district is generally progressive with an evident rise in enrollment and attendance numbers in pupils‟ participation in education as compared to periods prior implementation of GSFP. Challenges of program delivery documented included extended time spent on serving, eating and cleaning up, counter effective teaching and learning, pose a threat to education quality. There are disputes concerning funding, policy conflicts and issues about targeting and sustainability of the program.

Source: UCC
Impact of School Feeding Programme on Access to Basic Education: The Case of South Tongu District of the Volta Region, Ghana

The study examined the impact of the school feeding programme on access to basic education in the South Tongu district in the Volta Region, Ghana. A convergent parallel mixed method research design was employed to conduct the study. Stratified random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were used to select 213 respondents for the study. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion were used to collect the data for the study. Data gathered through questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies while interview data analysis was done using the thematic approach. The results of the study showed that the school feeding programme has a significant impact on increased enrolment, attendance and retention of pupils in the South Tongu district. However, the implementation of the programme has put pressure on teaching and learning materials as well as increased teacher-pupil ratio. The study recommended that plans and measures should be put in place by the government, implementation ministries and agencies on how to increase existing human, physical and financial resources for the school feeding programme to be sustained.

Source: UCC
The Impact of School Feeding Programme on Pupils’ Enrollment, Attendance and Retention in the Sekyere South District of the Ashanti Region

This study accessed the impact of School Feeding Programme on pupils’ enrollment, attendance and retention in the Sekyere South District of the Ashanti Region. The change theory was adopted for the study with the conceptual framework stemming from the researcher’s own construction. The study used a descriptive survey design embedded in the quantitative research methods. The target population were head teachers, teachers, and pupils from the beneficiary schools. Mixed method sampling was used to draw out two hundred and sixty-five (265) respondents the study. The secondary data was obtained from the Sekyere South District Education Office whilst the secondary data was obtained by the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using by employing graphs, simple frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviations. The study found that, schools within the Sekyere South District which are beneficiaries of the GSFP have recorded an increment in their pupils’ enrollment, attendance and retention from 2008-2022 and are projected to upsurge in the years ahead. Finally, before the programme was not run in the District, pupils’ welfare was not encouraging especially those from weak financial backgrounds thereby affecting their education negatively but after its implementation, significant changes were observed in pupils’ attitudes towards schooling which in turn boosted their academic success, coping well at school just to mention but few. Therefore, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ghana Educational Service should extend the program to all public basic schools to increase pupils’ enrollment, attendance and retention the former and to achieve the MDGs the latter. Conclusively, the implementation committees at the Sekyere South District should continue to monitor the quality and quantity of the daily meals provided for pupils since it is a factor motivating parents to enroll and keep their children in school

Source: UCC
Impact of School Monitoring on the Academic Performance of Pupils in Public Junior High Schools in the Akuapem North Municipality of Ghana.

Education has well-defined monitoring and assessment mechanisms that help school administrators in the day-to-day operation of the country's schools. Excellent monitoring in schools has always been critical to academic success, and research has demonstrated that effective schools include robust monitoring procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of school monitoring on the academic performance of pupils in the Akuapem North Municipality of Ghana. The study examined the measures used by school administrators in Akuapem North Municipality to increase effective monitoring and academic performance in the Public Junior High Schools. Based on the review of literature, the study employed the descriptive cross-sectional survey design for which a questionnaire was used to collect data from 311 teachers and headteachers across the nine (9) circuits of the Akuapem North Municipality. The study discovered that the majority of schools that placed a high premium on the six school monitoring measures did better. The study has then shown that Lezotte's (2010) tactics for effective monitoring are strong predictors of academic performance. In view of this, it is recommended that school authorities need to put much emphasis on effective monitoring strategies in schools.

Source: UCC
Impact of Self-Concept and Classroom Behaviours on Academic Performance of Junior High School Learners in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District, Ghana

This study examined how self-concept and classroom behaviour influenced junior high school learners’ academic performance in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District. This study used a descriptive design and adopted a quantitative approach. The accessible population comprised learners from six JHSs in two circuits of the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District. The study sampled 217 learners using a simple random sampling procedure where the “yes” and ‘no” were recorded on paper and placed in a container for learners to pick randomly to be selected. A 44-item questionnaire on self-concept and classroom behaviour with ‘r’ of .85 and .89 respectively was used to collect data. Frequencies, linear multiple regression, means, percentages, and standard deviations were used to analyse the data. The study found that JHS learners in the district have positive social, physical, and educational self-concepts. It was also found that the learners exhibited impulsive and aggressive behaviours in the classroom as well as timid behaviour. The study revealed that the social, physical, and educational self-concepts of the learners do not influence their academic performance. Finally, the study found that the impulsive, aggressive, and timid behaviours that the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District learners exhibit do not influence their academic performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that counsellors and policymakers should design appropriate programmes and therapies to strengthen the positive self-concepts learners possess.

Source: UCC
Impact of Serum Prolactin and Testosterone Levels on the Clinical Parameters of Dry Eye in Pregnant Women

Purpose. To explore the relationship between serum prolactin, testosterone level, and tear ﬁlm parameters. The potential impact of these hormones on the health of the ocular surface in pregnant women was evaluated. Methods. This was a hospital-based cross- sectional study in which ocular symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)), tear function (ﬂuorescein tear breakup time, Schirmer’s test 1), corneal and conjunctival staining, meibomian gland (MG) expressibility, and quality of secretion were measured. Lid margin ﬁndings including lid notching, thickness, and lid margin telangiectasia were also recorded. Venous blood was collected and the serum concentrations of prolactin and testosterone were determined using ELISA kits. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine predictors of dry eye symptoms and signs. Results. A total of 160 pregnant women participated in the study and their mean age was 30.1 ± 4.6 years (range 18–42 years). The correlation analysis indicated that testosterone concentration did not signiﬁcantly correlate with any of the clinical parameters hence it was not included in the linear regression analysis. However, prolactin serum concentration correlated signiﬁcantly with Schirmer’s test 1. Multiple linear regression was done to predict participants’ Schirmer’s test 1 score based upon their ocular surface staining score (oxford grading scale), meibomian gland expressibility, meibomian secretion quality, and serum concentration of prolactin. Only predictors that signiﬁcantly correlated with Schirmer’s test 1 in the correlation analysis were included in the linear regression analysis. A signiﬁcant regression equation was obtained (F (2, 157) � 5.119, p � 0.007) with an R square of 0.05. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that concentration of prolactin (ß coeﬃcient � 0.032, p � 0.044) and meibomian gland expressibility scores (ß coeﬃcient � 2.14, p � 0.016) were associated with Schirmer’s test 1 scores when adjusted for duration of pregnancy. Conclusion. The study showed that increased serum prolactin levels have a weak but positive impact on Schirmer’s test 1 scores whilst serum testosterone level has no association with the clinical parameters of dry eye in pregnant women.

Source: UCC