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UGSpace is the institutional repository of the University of Ghana. UGSpace is an open access electronic archive for the collection, preservation and distribution of digital materials to:
- facilitate the deposit of digital content of a scholarly or heritage nature
- and ultimately share, preserve and promote the intellectual output of the University in a managed environment.
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- Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.
- Grey literature consists of research and information produced outside conventional publishing channels, such as reports, policy briefs, working papers, and conference materials. It offers valuable insights and data that complement peer-reviewed sources, supporting research, policy, and practice.
- The J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives preserve Ghanaian and African cultural heritage through music, oral traditions, photographs, and audiovisual collections. Guided by Professor Nketia’s vision that African traditional arts must be collected, preserved, practiced, and continually inspire creative expression, the Archives serve as a living resource for scholarship, teaching, and innovation
Recent Submissions
Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , State Of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Uptake Among Girls (15–21 Years) In Zambia: Analysis Of A 2024 National Survey(Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2026-03-25) Okyere, J.; Monze, M.Background: The World Health Organisation recommends that countries will achieve at least a 90% human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine uptake by the year 2030. Tracking the performance of Zambia is necessary to inform programme implementation and ensuring equitable coverage. This study estimates the prevalence of HPV vaccine uptake in Zambia, and examines its associated factors. Methods: Data from the 2024 Zambia demographic and health survey was analysed (n = 3,942 girls aged 15–21). Analyses accounted for the complex survey design using sampling weights, clustering, and stratification. Multivariable logistic regression was computed in STATA 14. The adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were reported. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall, 61.8% (95%CI: 59.8–63.5) of the participants had ever received HPV vaccine. Among respondents who reported ever receiving the HPV vaccine, 46.3% and 53.2% had received one dose and two doses, respectively. HPV vaccine uptake was higher among girls with primary education (AOR = 4.45; 95%CI: 2.91–6.79), those with secondary/higher education (AOR = 9.08; 95%CI: 5.86–14.05) compared with those with no formal education. Exposure to family planning messages was positively associated with vaccineuptake (AOR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.12–1.55). Initiation of sexual activity was inversely associated with vaccination, both for debut before age 15 (AOR = 0.79; 95%CI: 0.64–0.99) and at age 15 years or older (AOR = 0.77; 95%CI: 0.66–0.90). Higher odds of vaccination were found among girls from middle-wealth households (AOR = 1.27; 95%CI: 1.01–1.60). Rural dwelling girls had higher odds of HPV vaccination than their urban counterparts (AOR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.15–1.75). There were lower odds of HPV vaccine uptake in Copperbelt (AOR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.54–0.96), Lusaka (AOR = 0.70; 95%CI: 0.52–0.93), and Muchinga (AOR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.50–0.94), while higher odds were observed in Southern Province (AOR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.05–1.87) compared with Central Province. Conclusion: To ensure equitable coverage, the Zambian Ministry of Health must intensify vaccine availability and access, particularly among girls with no formal education, those residing in poorer households and girls in urban areas. Family planning education campaigns and mass media platforms can be leveraged to raise HPV vaccine awareness.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Sociolinguistic Coordination Devices In Cross-Cultural Co-Design Interactions(International Journal of CoCreation in Design and the Arts, 2026-04-22) Asafo, S.M.; Attah, D.A.; Snyder, J.; Collins, P.Y.; Ofori-Atta, A.; et al.Collaborative design methods are widely regarded as effective ways to involve diverse voices in the design process. Recent design- oriented research highlights disparities in the effort and types of engagement required by different stakeholder groups participating in collaborative design activities. This work inspired us to audit our own co-design practices in a multidisciplinary digital mental health project with faith healers in Ghana. We conducted a self-assessment of contextual interviews and co-design sessions with faith healers drawing on Clark’s sociolinguistic theory of common ground to identify verbal coordination practices and patterns. We offer insights about the nature of our own coordination practices as an example of the ways that attending to the trajectory of coordina tion throughout a collaborative design process can provide an important tool for multiple voices to contribute to complex high risk/high reward interventions. We discuss implications of this approach to self-assessment for our ongoing project and as a case study of coordination made legible to diverse stakeholders.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Psychological Distress And Its Management Among People Living With Hypertension In Ghana(Discover Public Health, 2026-04-27) Brinsley, T.Y.; Saah, F.I.; Amu, H.; Yacoub, K.E.; et al.Background: Hypertension affects a significant number of people globally, with the majority in low- and middle-income countries. Psychological distress such as anxiety, depression and stress, may occur as a consequence of hypertension. However, these distresses among people living with hypertension remain undiagnosed and untreated in Ghana. We assessed the prevalence and management of psychological distress among people living with hypertension, receiving care in selected health facilities in Ghana. Methods: The study employed a concurrent mixed-methods approach. A cross sectional study was used to assess the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among 500 participants living with hypertension, using DASS-21 and some self-developed questions. Indepth interviews with healthcare professionals explored management approaches of psychological distress. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Results: We found out that the prevalence of psychological distress including symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress was 80.2%, 89.2%, and 70.6% respectively with 69.8% having multi-morbidity. Age [aOR = 0.19, 95%CI = 0.07–0.52], religion [aOR = 2.88, 95%CI = 1.16–7.13], ethnicity [aOR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.14–0.57] occupation [aOR = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.13–0.85, p = 0.023], and difficulty adhering to medication [aOR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.13–3.73] were factors associated with psychological distress. General assessment, family support, counseling, education and medication were the management approaches adopted by the health professionals. Conclusion: Psychological distress was highly prevalent among people living with hypertension with many individuals experiencing multiple conditions. Factors such as age, religion, ethnicity, occupation and medication adherence were associated with psychological distress. Strengthening psychosocial support, counseling and education is essential to improve mental health outcomes and advance progress toward SDG 3.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Stigma, Privacy Concerns, Sexual Behaviors, And Testing History Shape Willingness To Use HIV Self-Testing Among African Refugee Men Engaged In Sex Work In Italy – A Mixed Method Study—BGSH-023(BMC Public Health, 2026-04-02) Dakpui, H.D.; Saaka, M.S.; Wumpini, S.O.; Guure, C.; et al.Background: African refugee men engaged in sex work in Italy experience multiple barriers to facility-based HIV testing, including stigma, privacy concerns, and structural constraints within healthcare systems. HIV self-testing (HIVST), particularly oral fluid–based HIVST, may help address these barriers, yet evidence on willingness to use HIVST in this population remains limited. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design in partnership with a community-based organization. Quantitative survey data were collected from 150 African refugee men engaged in sex work, alongside qualitative data from 20 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions. Descriptive analyses summarized willingness, perceived facilitators, and barriers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with willingness to use HIVST, reporting adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Qualitative data were analyzed using summative content analysis to contextualize quantitative findings. Results: Among participants eligible for HIVST analysis (n = 115), 44.4% reported willingness to use HIVST. Commonly reported facilitators included convenience and privacy (47.1%), avoidance of stigma in healthcare settings (23.5%), and ease of use, while key barriers included concerns about test accuracy (27.0%), fear of receiving a positive result without support (20.9%), and limited access to HIVST kits (32.2%). In adjusted analyses, willingness to use HIVST was independently associated with belonging to a religion (aOR = 5.27, 95% CI: 3.77–15.83), having health insurance (aOR = 4.56, 95% CI: 2.78–9.92), experiencing immigration-related challenges in healthcare access (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.22–4.25), more frequent HIV testing (> once per year; aOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.98–5.21), awareness of HIVST (aOR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.36–6.29), and prior HIVST use (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.80–8.21). Qualitative findings highlighted occupational relevance, autonomy in health decision-making, and persistent fears of stigma if seen with HIVST kits. Conclusions: Willingness to use HIVST among African refugee men engaged in sex work in Italy was moderate and shaped by prior testing engagement, healthcare access, and structural vulnerabilities. Expanding HIVST education, reducing cost barriers, and integrating peer-led, stigma-sensitive support mechanisms may improve HIV testing uptake and strengthen HIV prevention efforts in this population.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , State-Of-The-Art Review On Nano Enhanced PCMs For Solar Energy Storage Application(Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 2026-05-16) Issah, I.; Noor, M.M.; Kadirgama, K.; Samykano, M.; et al.Solar thermal energy storage has emerged as a critical component in improving the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems. This review examines the role of nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCMs) in solar thermal energy storage systems, with emphasis on their thermophysical enhancement mechanisms, prep aration methods, and performance in applications. The study critically evaluates how nanoparticle incorporation improves thermal conductivity, heat transfer behavior, and thermal stability of conventional phase change materials. In addition, key preparation methods and their influence on material performance and scalability are discussed. The review further analyzes the application of NePCMs in solar thermal systems, including solar cookers, solar dryers, and solar-thermal-assisted power systems, alongside associated engineering challenges. Reported studies indicate that incorporating nanoparticles can enhance thermal conductivity by approximately 5% to 100%, depending on nanoparticle type, dispersion quality, and loading concentration. Overall, NePCMs demonstrate significant potential to improve the efficiency and reliability of solar thermal energy storage, though further research is needed to address costs, stability, and large-scale implementation.