Browsing by Author "Appiah-Agyekum, N. N."
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Item Abortions in Ghana: experiences of University students(2014) Appiah-Agyekum, N. N.Background: Students in Ghana and other developing countries remain the major vulnerable group most likely to have abortions and suffer abortion stigma. However there is a dearth of empirical information on the experiences of Higher Education students on abortion needed for evidence based policies and interventions. Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore some of the key experiences of University students on abortion in Ghana so as to provide information for evidence based interventions. Methods: Data was collected from 142 students of the University of Ghana through 18 focus group discussions [FGDs]. Questions asked during the FGDs were based on a modified version of the Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health’s abortion questionnaire and focused primarily on first-hand experiences of students. The results were recorded, transcribed and analysed qualitatively using the thematic analysis approach. Results: 66.9% of students had personally undergone abortion procedures with more than 50% having done so more than once. Further, majority of the abortions were self-induced and done in the first trimester of the pregnancy. Only 9.8% of students used safe abortion services despite being aware and having access to them. Quack abortion services were popular and patronised by a relatively significant number (26.1%) of students. Conclusions: Abortions, mostly unsafe, are common experiences among students. Immediate sensitization and education on the alternatives to abortions; unsafe abortions; contraception; and counselling and family planning services is necessary among students. Male partners play a significant role in the decision to abort, choice of method and also provide support during the abortion procedures; and must be actively involved in all abortion interventions among students. Particular attention and the necessary research by both state and non-state stakeholders on abortion must focus on the activities of quack abortion providers, self-induced abortions among students as well as reasons for the low utilization of safe abortion services among students in spite of their knowledge of and access to these servicesItem Perceived determinants of implementation success of the neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana(BMC Public Health, 2021) Otoo, D. D.; Appiah-Agyekum, N. N.; Adzei, F. A.Background: The importance of health policy implementation cannot be overemphasized in contemporary public health. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) have negatively impacted society, affect quality of life and make the poor societies poorer. Several policies and strategies have been put in place across the world including the neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana. Though chalked many successes, the programme continues to lag behind in the full attainment of various objectives. Several factors exist that determine how effective a programme is implemented. Identification of these factors on every programme is essential to determine where more programme resources need to be channelled. This study assessed the determinants of successful implementation of the neglected tropical diseases programme in Ghana. Methods: A qualitative approach with the case study design was employed. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify key programme officers at the national, regional and district levels of programme implementation. Eighteen (18) Key informant interviews were conducted at all the three levels of the Ghana Health Service NTDs programme. Data were thematically analysed and presented. Results: Findings from the study revealed that determinants that influenced the successful implementation of the NTDs programme include donor support, education and training, partnerships, reliability of the health structure, integrative nature of the programme and management commitment. These determining factors cut across the inner settings of the implementing agency and the external environment. Conclusion: Neglected tropical diseases continuously affect Ghanaians, especially the poor. It is important for both policy makers and implementers to identify the factors that ensure the success of the programme in the Ghanaian context. Though the factors are independently sufficient, they synergistically lead to improved programme implementation. Empowering all units involved (local to national level) and maximizing the enabling factors identified to would improve upon implementation and ensure sustainability.Item Stakeholder engagement in the pooled procurement program in Ghana(Oxford University Press, 2023) Domfeh, K. A.; Appiah-Agyekum, N. N.Objective: The article explores stakeholders’ engagement before the implementation of the pooled procurement program (PPP) and the challenges encountered by the National Catholic Health Service (NCHS). Method: The article used a qualitative research approach and a multiple case study design to solicit the views of healthcare service providers and policymakers within the NCHS. Key findings: The article revealed that the National Catholic Health Secretariat (the secretariat) advocated through the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference through the bishop responsible for health. Subsequently, the Diocesan Directors, managers, accountants, suppliers and storekeepers of all health facilities were engaged to understand their respective roles before implementing the PPP. The challenges faced came from all institutions that played a crucial role in the smooth running of the PPP. These institutions were the hospitals, suppliers, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the secretariat. The findings indicated that some managers in the hospitals were not committed to the program. Whereas, some suppliers purposely weakened the position of some other suppliers after awarding tenders by carrying their commodities directly to the hospitals and reducing the price marginally. The challenge from the NHIS perspective was the payment delays. The FDA was not proactive with post-market surveillance to check substandard commodities in the hospitals. However, in the secretariat, the deficiency was the weak systems to monitor real-time activities of the PPP at the hospitals. Conclusion: The article suggests that to ensure the right synergies to meet organizational objectives, the NCHS is advised to increasingly focus on identifying and sustaining the PPP by communicating with other stakeholders to achieve their mutual needs. Such a process would allow the more knowledgeable design of resource needs and allocation of scarce resources to their areas of interest