Browsing by Author "Amoah, S.K."

Now showing 1 - 14 of 14

Child discipline practices in Ghanaian homes
(Journal of Public Health (Germany), 2019-05) Amoah, S.K.; Nortey, E.; Alhassan, A.
Aim This study sought to identify and discuss the major issues and emerging practices in child discipline in Ghanaian homes. Subject and methods Using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Round 4 dataset drawn from a nationwide sample of 8156 households, the analysis took into consideration the hierarchical structure of the data to provide in-depth analysis of the drivers and risk factors of child discipline in Ghana. Specifically, the study looked at the relationship between the key response variable and covariates investigated, along with the responses and context in which the measurements were done. Results Contextual effects on the variations in household responses across the different levels of the data structure were significant at the regional level, but not at the residence level (urban/rural settings). Conclusion There was strong evidence that household wealth index and number of children aged 2–14 in a household have a significant influence on household approval for the use of physical discipline in child upbringing.
Culture and Managerial Practices in Private and Public Universities in Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Amoah, S.K.
The study explored the influence of culture on managerial practices in Universities in Ghana. It specifically sought to (i) identify the cultural variables with implications for managerial practices in the study institutions and establish the nature of relationship that exists between the two; (ii) examine the implications of socio-cultural values for performance management practices; (iii) examine the relationship between socio -cultural values and managers‘ choice of leadership style; and (iv) find out how the possible conflict between different orientations (that of the larger society within which the manager operates, and his/her own goals and personal orientation) is handled by individual managers. The data for the study were collected using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Through a combined approach of survey and in-depth interviews of samples of 134 (out of 144) and 25 personnel respectively, ample data were gathered from private and public universities in Ghana for the study. The study found that the universities‘ management are modelled after Max Weber‘s bureaucracy of a hierarchical culture. They have standardized rules and procedures for carrying out every task. This notwithstanding the societal culture was found to shape the institutions and behaviour of their members. Managerial practices and behaviour in the universities are greatly influenced by elements of the sociocultural environment. Individuals working in these universities engage in constant negotiation, consultation, and sometimes compromise in adhering to formal rational structures while keeping non-rational informal relations running. The study found socio-cultural factors such as familism, ethnicity, respect for the elderly, authority and traditional leadership, religion and superstition, value placed on funerals, fear of the unknown, gender and plea for clemency (dwanetoa) to have implications for management practices and work relations in the universities. It also found a close relationship between choice of leadership style and managerial behaviour of the personnel on one hand and the socio-cultural variables identified in the study on the other. Some of the socio-cultural factors were further found to influence performance management practices in the study organisations. Among the many socio-cultural factors found to influence performance management practices are religious beliefs, the relational orientation, and the persistent plea for clemency (dwanetoa). Although several informal relations were found to influence management practices in the universities, those formed within the collegium and through religious associations or networks were found to be the strongest. The study recommends: (i) an overhaul of the appraisal tools of the two universities. The institutions should consider making the performance management tools scientific enough to relieve the individual manager of the subjective evaluation of personnel they supervise; (ii) an adoption of a socio-cultural approach to problem solving especially in dealing with problems resulting from socio-cultural relations; and (iii) tailoring of HR training programmes and services to suit the sociocultural environment.
Determination of the vibration perception threshold (VPT) in adult non-diabetic Ghanaians using a Neurothesiometer
(2012) Djankpa, F.T.; Adzaku, F.K.; Osunuga, A.; Amoah, A.G.B.; Antwi, D.A.; Osunuga, O. A.; Amoah, S.K.
Dietary patterns and type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian migrants in Europe and their compatriots in Ghana: The RODAM study
(Nature Publishing Group, 2018) Galbete, C.; Nicolaou, M.; Meeks, K.; Klipstein-Grobusch, K.; De-Graft Aikins, A.; Addo, J.; Amoah, S.K.; Smeeth, L.; Owusu-Dabo, E.; Spranger, J.; Agyemang, C.; Mockenhaupt, F.P.; Beune, E.; Stronks, K.; Schulze, M.B.; Danquah, I.
Background/objectives: We aimed to study the associations of dietary patterns (DPs) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Ghanaian adults. Subjects/methods: In the multi-centre, cross-sectional RODAM (Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants) study (n = 4543), three overall DPs ("mixed", "rice, pasta, meat and fish," and "roots, tubers and plantain") and two site-specific DPs per study site (rural Ghana, urban Ghana and Europe) were identified by principal component analysis. The DPs-T2D associations were calculated by logistic regression models. Results: Higher adherence to the "rice, pasta, meat and fish" DP (characterized by legumes, rice/pasta, meat, fish, cakes/sweets, condiments) was associated with decreased odds of T2D, adjusted for socio-demographic factors, total energy intake and adiposity measures (odds ratio (OR)per 1 SD = 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.70-0.92). Similar DPs and T2D associations were discernible in urban Ghana and Europe. In the total study population, neither the "mixed" DP (whole grain cereals, sweet spreads, dairy products, potatoes, vegetables, poultry, coffee/tea, sodas/juices, olive oil) nor the "roots, tubers and plantain" DP (refined cereals, fruits, nuts/seeds, roots/tubers/plantain, fermented maize products, legumes, palm oil, condiments) was associated with T2D. Yet, after the exclusion of individuals with self-reported T2D, the "roots, tubers and plantain" DP was inversely associated with T2D (ORper 1 SD = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.69-1.12). Conclusion: In this Ghanaian population, DPs characterized by the intake of legumes, fish, meat and confectionery were inversely associated with T2D. The effect of a traditional-oriented diet (typical staples, vegetables and legumes) remains unclear. © 2018 The Author(s).
Food variety, dietary diversity, and type 2 diabetes in a multi-center cross-sectional study among Ghanaian migrants in Europe and their compatriots in Ghana: the RODAM study
(European Journal of Nutrition, 2017-09) Danquah, I.; Galbete, C.; Meeks, K.; Nicolaou, M.; Klipstein-Grobusch, K.; Addo, J.; Aikins, A.D.-G.; Amoah, S.K.; Agyei-Baffour, P.; Boateng, D.; Bedu-Addo, G.; Spranger, J.; Smeeth, L.; Owusu-Dabo, E.; Agyemang, C.; Mockenhaupt, F.P.; Beune, E.; Schulze, M.B.
Purpose: The importance of dietary diversification for type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk remains controversial. We investigated associations of between- and within-food group variety with T2D, and the role of dietary diversification for the relationships between previously identified dietary patterns (DPs) and T2D among Ghanaian adults. Methods: In the multi-center cross-sectional Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) Study (n = 3810; Ghanaian residence, 56%; mean age, 46.2 years; women, 63%), we constructed the Food Variety Score (FVS; 0–20 points), the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS; 0–7 points), and the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) variety component (0–20 points). The associations of these scores, of a “rice, pasta, meat and fish” DP, of a “mixed” DP, and of a “roots, tubers and plantain” DP with T2D were calculated by logistic regression. Results: The FVS was inversely associated with T2D, adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric factors [odds ratio (OR) for T2D per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase: 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–0.93]. The DDS and the DQI-I variety component were not associated with T2D. There was no association of the “mixed” DP and the “roots, tubers and plantain” DP with T2D. Yet, the “rice, pasta, meat and fish” DP is inversely associated with T2D (OR for T2D per 1 SD increase: 0.82; 95% CI 0.71–0.95); this effect was slightly attenuated by the FVS. Conclusions: In this Ghanaian population, between-food group variety may exert beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and partially explains the inverse association of the “rice, pasta, meat and fish” DP with T2D. © 2017 The Author(s)
Obesity and type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africans - Is the burden in today's Africa similar to African migrants in Europe? The RODAM study.
(2016) Agyemang, C.; Meeks, K.; Beune, E.; Owusu-Dabo, E.; Mockenhaupt, F.P.; Addo, J.; de-Graft Aikins, A.; Bahendeka, S.; Danquah, I.; Schulze, M.B.; Spranger, J.; Burr, T.; Agyei-Baafour, P.; Amoah, S.K.; Galbete, C.; Henneman, P.; Klipstein-Grobusch, K.; Nicolaou, M.; Adeyemo, A.; van Straalen, J.; Smeeth, L.; Stronks, K.
BACKGROUND: Rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are impending major threats to the health of African populations, but the extent to which they differ between rural and urban settings in Africa and upon migration to Europe is unknown. We assessed the burden of obesity and T2D among Ghanaians living in rural and urban Ghana and Ghanaian migrants living in different European countries. METHODS: A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted among Ghanaian adults (n = 5659) aged 25-70 years residing in rural and urban Ghana and three European cities (Amsterdam, London and Berlin). Comparisons between groups were made using prevalence ratios (PRs) with adjustments for age and education. RESULTS: In rural Ghana, the prevalence of obesity was 1.3 % in men and 8.3 % in women. The prevalence was considerably higher in urban Ghana (men, 6.9 %; PR: 5.26, 95 % CI, 2.04-13.57; women, 33.9 %; PR: 4.11, 3.13-5.40) and even more so in Europe, especially in London (men, 21.4 %; PR: 15.04, 5.98-37.84; women, 54.2 %; PR: 6.63, 5.04-8.72). The prevalence of T2D was low at 3.6 % and 5.5 % in rural Ghanaian men and women, and increased in urban Ghanaians (men, 10.3 %; PR: 3.06; 1.73-5.40; women, 9.2 %; PR: 1.81, 1.25-2.64) and highest in Berlin (men, 15.3 %; PR: 4.47; 2.50-7.98; women, 10.2 %; PR: 2.21, 1.30-3.75). Impaired fasting glycaemia prevalence was comparatively higher only in Amsterdam, and in London, men compared with rural Ghana. CONCLUSION: Our study shows high risks of obesity and T2D among sub-Saharan African populations living in Europe. In Ghana, similarly high prevalence rates were seen in an urban environment, whereas in rural areas, the prevalence of obesity among women is already remarkable. Similar processes underlying the high burden of obesity and T2D following migration may also be at play in sub-Saharan Africa as a consequence of urbanisation.
Online health information-seeking experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown among social media users in four countries
(Psychology of Language and Communication, 2023) Sarfo, J.O.; Amoah, S.K.; Donyeh, P.S.; et al.
Most countries imposed lockdown restrictions on high-risk cities due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Although individuals adopted social media use during the lockdown, it is unclear how online information-seeking experiences affected their health and quality of life. We conducted an online survey among people living in cities in Ghana, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan that were affected by lockdown restrictions. Using Colaizzi's method, we thematically analyzed 166 participants’ (males = 93, females = 73) online text responses. We observed that uncertainties about COVID-19 and the feeling of boredom predisposed participants to become victims of misinformation. Once they were misinformed, they felt anxious about COVID-19. Consequently, some overused social media to obtain additional information while others decreased or avoided its usage entirely. Our study provides insight into a recent global phenomenon. There is a need for adequate psychological support services through social media to lessen the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Opposition to Women in Congregational Leadership: A Sociocultural Perspective
(Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2015) Amoah, S.K.; Safo, J.S.; Amoah, L.A.O.
Although many efforts have been made in time past in demonstrating that women are similar to men, there still appear to be a widespread persistent belief that w omen are indeed inferior to men even until today. What is even worrying is the theological backing that this sociocultural belief of society enjoys. One notices in the literature that God ordains, sanctions, and upholds the spiritual authority of women tod ay as he did in time past as his official spokespersons and leaders of his people. However, the evidence and discussion presented in this paper demonstrate that problems with women being accepted as leaders by congregations, gender differences in pay and p romotions, and the experiences and dissatisfaction of women clergy who feel constrained by these gender discrimination is widespread. The paper discusses this phenomenon and presents an often neglected perspective in the discourse – the sociocultural persp ective. It interrogates the various stands on women and leadership in congregations. In doing this, the paper explores the position of women in the Old Testament through to the New Testament and the centuries following.
Prolonged ingestion of dietary cocoa attenuates hemoglobin glycation associated with diabetes mellitus in rats.
(IDOSI Publications, 2012) Amoah, S.K.; Osonuga, A.; Djankpa, F.T.; Osonuga, O.A.; Addai, F.K.; Affram, K.O.; Dennis, E.E.; Ayettey, A.S.
Cocoa contains numerous polyphenols with laudable antioxidant activity. Glycation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of complications of diabetes mellitus. We investigate the effect of coca on hemoglobin glycation in rats experimentally induced with diabetes. 21 female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 21 weeks were randomly divided into control "C" and diabetic - diabetics fed cocoa "DC" and diabetics not fed cocoa "D" - groups of 6, 8 and 7 rats respectively. All rats were fed rat chow; C and D groups were fed tap water while the DC group were fed 2% w/v natural cocoa powder in tap water ad libitum. Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous shot of streptozotocin (53 mg/kg body weight). Ten weeks post-diabetes, 1ml of blood aspirated from the left ventricle and stored in a plastic tube containing ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and used to determine the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration of each rat using a DCA 2000 plasma 1c analyzer. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and posthoc Bonferroni's Multiple Comparison Test of GraphPad Prism (3.0). Percentage hemoglobin glycation significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) reduced from 12.8±0.50 to 7.8±0.27 in D and DC groups respectively but did not attain levels observed in the controls (3.90±0.10). Cocoa powder and other cocoa products can be administered alongside current diabetes management protocols to improve patients' outcome.
Rationale and cross-sectional study design of the research on obesity and type 2 diabetes among African migrants: The RODAM study
(BMJ Open, 2014-03) Agyemang, C.; Beune, E.; Meeks, K.; Owusu-Dabo, E.; Agyei-Baffour, P.; De-Graft Aikins, A.; Dodoo, F.; Smeeth, L.; Addo, J.; Mockenhaupt, F.P.; Amoah, S.K.; Schulze, M.B.; Danquah, I.; Spranger, J.; Nicolaou, M.; Klipstein-Grobusch, K.; Burr, T.; Henneman, P.; Mannens, M.M.; Van Straalen, J.P.; Bahendeka, S.; Zwinderman, A.H.; Kunst, A.E.; Stronks, K.
Introduction: Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are highly prevalent among African migrants compared with European descent populations. The underlying reasons still remain a puzzle. Gene-environmental interaction is now seen as a potential plausible factor contributing to the high prevalence of obesity and T2D, but has not yet been investigated. The overall aim of the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) project is to understand the reasons for the high prevalence of obesity and T2D among sub-Saharan Africans in diaspora by (1) studying the complex interplay between environment (eg, lifestyle), healthcare, biochemical and (epi)genetic factors, and their relative contributions to the high prevalence of obesity and T2D; (2) to identify specific risk factors within these broad categories to guide intervention programmes and (3) to provide a basic knowledge for improving diagnosis and treatment. Methods and analysis: RODAM is a multicentre cross-sectional study among homogenous sub-Saharan African participants (ie, Ghanaians) aged >25 years living in rural and urban Ghana, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK (http://rod-am.eu/). Standardised data on the main outcomes, genetic and non-genetic factors are collected in all locations. The aim is to recruit 6250 individuals comprising five subgroups of 1250 individuals from each site. In Ghana, Kumasi and Obuasi (urban stratum) and villages in the Ashanti region (rural stratum) are served as recruitment sites. In Europe, Ghanaian migrants are selected through the municipality or Ghanaian organisations registers. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval has been obtained in all sites. This paper gives an overview of the rationale, conceptual framework and methods of the study. The differences across locations will allow us to gain insight into genetic and non-genetic factors contributing to the occurrence of obesity and T2D and will inform targeted intervention and prevention programmes, and provide the basis for improving diagnosis and treatment in these populations and beyond.
The Relational Orientation of the African and Performance Management Practices in Selected Institutions in Ghana
(Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2015-01) Amoah, S.K.; Afranie, S.
It is unsatisfactory to find that in the literature on employee performance appraisal management, enough attention has not been paid to the important factors in the socio-cultural context of the society in which organizations concerned are sited. Employing both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, the study explored the influence of certain socio-cultural values on performance appraisal practices in selected institutions in Ghana. Thus, the paper assesses some of the often neglected sociocultural factors and how they serve to moderate employee performance appraisal management in work organisations. It specifically discusses the relational orientation of the African and how it influences performance appraisal practices in organisations. Our hope is to enhance the understanding of researchers and human resource management practitioners of the realities of performance appraisal management within specific sociocultural contexts. The results reveal that in spite of the existence of established formal systems of performance appraisal in the universities studied, most of the officials in charge of appraisal face the challenge of objectivity and fairness due to their relational orientation. Virtually all the factors that pose this challenge to the officials are socio-cultural in nature. The express desire to maintain a good relation with subordinates and colleagues makes officials compromise on fairness and objectivity in appraising their subordinates. According to the study results, some managers believe that it is prudent to overrate one’s cordial relation with colleagues and subordinates over a strict adherence to institutional provisions provided one does not break any serious rule.
Social Mobilisation in the Midst of Social Change: The Case of Traditional Authorities in Ghana
(Journal of Educational and Social Research, 2016) Boateng, K.; Afranie, S.; Amoah, S.K.
This study examined the social mobilisation functions of chiefs as partners in socio-economic development. Data were sourced from Juaben Traditional Area in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A qualitative research method was mainly utilized in this study to have a deeper comprehension of the role of chiefs in social mobilisation in the midst of social change. Fifteen participants were purposively sampled and interviewed. A series of interviews and follow-up semi-structured interviews were conducted. The study revealed among other things that by providing the requisite leadership, the paramount chief and his Traditional Council mobilise labour, finances and natural resources in partnership with individuals, local government agencies and private organisations to embark on a number of projects that benefit people in the Traditional Area tremendously. The paper argues that despite their immense developmental roles, chiefs are relegated to the background in the decentralization process. It therefore calls for a greater integration and collaboration between chiefs and local government officials in the planning, execution and monitoring of projects in their communities.
Sociocultural factors and bureaucratic practices in universities in Ghana
(Journal of Arts and Humanities, 2014-05) Amoah, S.K.; Afranie, S.
Max Weber, one of the pioneers in bureaucratic organisational studies believes in the ultimate triumph of bureaucracy over the collegial culture of universities. This paper argues that rather than ultimate triumph of bureaucracy over the collegial culture of universities (Weber 1947), the interests of universities would be better served when the bureaucratic culture is designed to accommodate some core socio-cultural expectations of organizational members, without compromising productivity. The research examined the implications of some selected sociocultural factors for bureaucratic practices in selected universities in Ghana through a mix method approach. The findings show that, the authority structures of the two universities typify the Weberian Ideal type bureaucracy with hierarchical culture and standardized rules and procedures for carrying out every task. This notwithstanding, the societal culture was found to be influential in shaping the bureaucratic behaviour and conducts of organizations’ members. The paper aims at bringing to the fore the strength of the informal structures in reshaping bureaucratic culture and work behaviour, and the need to consider socio-cultural contexts in designing bureaucratic organizations.
Training Teachers by the Distance Mode: Implications for Quality Teacher Performance in Pre-Tertiary Schools
(SAGE Open, 2023) Salifu, I.; Chirani, F.; Amoah, S.K.; Odame, E.D.
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.