Browsing by Author "Boateng, J."
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Item Acculturation inclinations and subjective health status of internal migrants in James Town, an urban slum settlement in Accra(University of Ghana, 2016-12) Tutu, R.S.; Boateng, J.; Ameyaw, E.E.; Busingye, J.D.Abstract The impact of acculturation on health status has been a subject of debate for over three decades. In this exploratory study, we use cross-sectional data to examine the relative effects of acculturation inclinations on self-rated health statuses among migrants in a poor, urban neighborhood in Accra. Much emphasis is placed on the role of the urban environment in disease outbreaks within the city, the patterns of communicable and non-communicable diseases, spatial health inequalities, and the distribution of sexual and reproductive illness risks in Accra. However, the ways by which acculturation inclinations and dimensions may exert positive or negative influence on health outcomes in such contexts have not been examined. We developed proxies for four main acculturation elements: assimilation, separation, integration, and marginalization. We used results from a semi-structured survey questionnaire with 296 migrants. After controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and social capital, findings from Ordinal Logistic Regression modelsItem Assessing the relationship between feedback strategies and learning improvement from a distance learning perspective(Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 2023) Attiogbe, E.J.K.; Oheneba-Sakyi, Y.; Kwapong, O.A.T.F.; Boateng, J.Purpose – Feedback is crucial in a learning process, particularly in an online interaction where both learners and instructors are distantly located. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the association between feedback strategies, embedded course syllabus and learning improvement in the Sakai Learning Management System. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a survey design to collect cross-sectional data from adult distance learning students. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a standard multiple regression model in Stata. Findings – The results show that feedback strategies (timing, mode, quality and quantity) and embedded course syllabus have a significant relationship with learning improvement. However, the feedback strategy – target – is not significantly related to learning improvement though it is the highest feedback strategy. Originality/value – This paper has contributed to the extant literature by providing empirical evidence to support the constructivism theory of learning from a distance learning perspective in a developing country. The study has shown that if the feedback strategies are well managed and applied, they would make a considerable impact on distance education students’ academic pursuits. Hence, the paper provides a pedagogical foundation for short and long-term distance learning policy.Item A Cross-Sectional Qualitative Study of Barriers to Effective Therapeutic Communication among Nurses and Patients(International Journal of Public Administration, 2020-02-28) Hammond, A.; Arkorful, V.E.; Basiru, I.; Boateng, J.; Doku, F.; Pokuaah, S.; Agyei, E.K.; Baoteng, J.A.; Lugu, B.K.Effective communication between patients and nurses is cardinal to health care The study seeks to explore barriers to effective therapeutic communication between patients and nurses in randomly selected health facilities in the Kumasi metropolis, Ashanti region, Ghana. The study employed an exploratory study to interview 60 respondents comprising 30 nurses and patients each, using an unstructured interview guide. In addition to nurses' and patients'perceived barriers, the study revealed the health environment–related barriers. Patients-related barriers include individual sociodemographic attributes, patient–nurse relationship, erroneous impression, and language barrier. Other identified nurses-related barriers include human resource challenges, patients' distrust in nurses’ competency, interference from patients’ relations, inadequate knowledge, patient’s dissatisfaction with output, patients’ emotional fluctuations. Health environment– related barriers also include excessive workload, unconducive environment, and environmental changes. Given the relevance of therapeutic communication to health service, the study, among other things recommends that efforts be exerted by sector actors to address the challenges and help promote quality in health-care service and delivery.Item Factors Inhibiting Illegal Miners in the Upper Denkyira East District in the Central Region from Registering With the Minerals Commission in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Parry, N. M.; Biney, I. K.; Boateng, J.; University of Ghana, College of Education, School of Continuing and Distance Education, Department of Adult Education and Human Resource StudiesHilson (2001) posited that illegal mining has been with us for many centuries. This is eminent as a historical trace of this phenomenon has been confirmed by various writers such as Allers, Ocansey, Yakubu and UNESCO. The rate at which this phenomenon is occurring has been increased despite its existence for centuries. In line with this, the Minerals Commission of Ghana (2013) indicated that 80% of small-scale miners within the Upper Denkyira East District have not registered. Based on this fact, the study sought to find out factors that inhibit miners from registering their activities. In line with this, the study sought to achieve the following objectives: 1. To discover the political factors that inhibits illegal miners from registering with the Minerals Commission. 2. To identify the economic factors that inhibits illegal miners from registering with the Minerals Commission. 3. To find out the socio-cultural factors that inhibits illegal miners from registering with the Minerals Commission. 4. To find out the extent to which non-participation in policy formulation could inhibit the illegal miners from registering with the Minerals Commission of Ghana. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a qualitative case study research design. In furtherance to the methodology, the study employed purposive and convenient sampling procedures. Dunkwa-On-Offin and Kyekyewere communities were selected purposively. Also, two groups and thirty-two respondents were selected made of twenty-two miners, five owners (bosses), two officials from the Minerals Commission, an official each from the District Assembly, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Lands Commission. The study used focus group guide and interview schedules as instruments for data collection. Findings from the study revealed that the issue of bureaucracy, corrupt government officials, corrupt security officials, huge amount of money needed, huge size of land required, availability of buyers, lack of environmental education and noninvolvement in policy formulation were the major factors that are inhibiting them from registering their activities with the Minerals Commission. Based on the findings, the study recommends that various policy makers such as the Government of Ghana (GoG), Minerals Commission, Lands Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders should amend registration processes and policies with regards to mining activities in GhanaItem Leadership as a Motivational Tool for Employees’ Job Related Outcomes(International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 2015-01) Boateng, J.K.; Ndebugre, M. T.; Boateng, J.The study was aimed at examining ways leadership can be used as a motivational tool for improved job related outcomes using a cross section of employees from the Ghanaian rural banking sector. It tapped into the perceptions of employees to understand what they perceived to be the influence of certain leadership style on employee motivation, job satisfaction and job commitment. A survey was employed and it covered 50 employees. The measures of central tendency (mean) and measures of variability (range, and standard deviation) were used to describe results. The study found that employees are motivated by leadership that give precise directive and offers employees the needed support and room to operate. The study found giving employees responsibility improves employee satisfaction and that leadership that is task oriented and committed to relational behaviours would improve employee job satisfaction. The study finds that leadership has an effect on employee commitment. It found that employee participation in decision making in the organisation has an effect on employee commitment. The study concluded that, since leadership improves employee job outcomes, leadership could influence employees to improve service delivery. Further, leadership influences service delivery through improvement in motivation, satisfaction and enhanced commitment. Keywords: leadership, employee motivation, job satisfaction, job commitment, rural banking, job outcomes, Service delivery, employee satisfaction.Item Managerial and Usage Challenges Associated with the E-Zwich Payment System in Ghana(International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management :United Kingdom, 2015-02) Boateng, J.K.; Tetteh, I.; Boateng, J.The study investigated managerial and usage challenges associated with the e-zwich smartcard. It focused on four different population categories namely Bank of Ghana, Ghana Interbank Payment Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), Participating Commercial Banks and Users of the e-zwich system. The total sample size selected from these population categories was 102 users, five managers from five commercial banks, and two personnel from the Bank of Ghana/GhIPSS. Inadequate point of sale (POS) terminals was the most prevalent challenge confronting users of the e-zwich card. This was the view expressed by 27% of the respondents who used e-zwich cards. 13% of respondents held the view that complex processes for conducting payments was a challenge associated with use of the e-zwich cards. Other major challenges mentioned were: Lack of knowledge and skills in basic computing; lack of trust in non-cash payments and inadequate marketing (advertisement) campaigns. It was concluded that, significant progress has been made in the use of the e-zwich card, however, many challenges still remain. Project owners and stakeholders should invest in an extensive education campaign, provide training and support on usability issues, implement efficient regulatory mechanisms/policies to drive operation of the e-zwich payment system.Item Self-reported functional, communicative, and critical health literacy on foodborne diseases in Accra, Ghana(Tropical Medicine and Health, 2018-05) Gupta, S.; Tutu, R.A.; Boateng, J.; Busingye, J.D.; Elavarthi, S.Background Although substantial progress has been made in reducing total mortality resulting from foodborne diseases, diarrheal illness are still the second most common illnesses among children. In Ghana, foodborne diseases have consistently been among the top 20 causes of outpatient illness over the last couple of decades. This study, therefore, examines health literacy on foodborne diseases and the relative effects of health literacy on self-rated health. Methods Foodborne diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality globally. A mixed-method approach was used for this study. A survey questionnaire and an in-depth interview guideline were administered to samples of 401 and 30 individuals, respectively. We undertook reliability and validity analyses. ANOVA and chi-square tests were undertaken to assess bivariate association between health literacy and demographic variables as well as health status. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the relative effects of health literacy on self-rated health status controlling for individual characteristics. Results The instrument was internally consistent (Cronbach alpha = 0.744) and valid. On health literacy, 40% of the respondents reported not to require help when they are given information on foodborne diseases to read by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Approximately 60% of respondents need help with completing or filling out hospital documents. Educational level was found to be positively related to functional health literacy. Ordinal logit regression models showed that health literacy is a predictor of self-rated health after controlling for demographic variables. Conclusion Functional literacy is relatively low in the community. There is a positive association between educational level and functional health literacy. The study has also demonstrated the direct positive relationship between health literacy and health status controlling for covariates. Subsequent studies will need to examine multiple level dimensions of health literacy with direct link between specific foodborne diseases and health literacy.Item “Togetherness in Difference”: Perceived Personal Discrimination and Acculturation Preferences among Internal Migrants in a Poor Urban Community in Accra(Journal of Asian and African Studies, 2018-01) Tutu, R.A.; Boateng, J.; Ameyaw, E.E.; Busingye, J.D.This paper assesses the relative effects of acculturation preferences (assimilation, separation, integration, and marginalization) on migrants’ perception of acceptability in James Town, a traditional urban neighborhood in Accra, Ghana. There is a paucity of academic work on the relationship between migrants’ acculturation inclinations and their assessment of the hosts’ attitude towards them in Ghana. Cognizant of the fluidity of acculturation strategies, the study focuses on individual inclinations towards acculturation. To examine migrants’ perception of acceptability by the host, we use perceived personal discrimination. We utilize results from a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 301 migrant individuals from different migrant households in James Town. Our findings suggest that migrants with assimilation preferences are less likely to have a higher rating on the extent to which they are discriminated against by the host population. Such an exploratory study is pertinent to understanding relationships (conflicts or “togetherness in difference”) in poor multi-ethnic settings.Item Understanding masculinities, empowering women: What have boys in Ghana got to do with it?(Global Empowerment of Women: Responses to Globalization and Politicized Religions, 2008-01) Ampofo, A.A.; Boateng, J.Since 1995, the first author has taught two graduate courses in African Studies that have been for her among the most satisfying in her career as a university teacher: ‘Gen- der and Culture in African Societies’ and ‘Gender and Development in Africa’. Although male students normally out-number females in these classes, a function of male/female ratios at the University of Ghana as a whole, in 2004, for the first time, the class on ‘Gender and Culture’ included only male students. Also, for the first time it focused on ‘Men and Masculinities’ and was co-taught with a male faculty member from the English Department.¹ The material we used came from the Social Sciences and Humanities and included novels as well as a significant number of works by male authors. Three variables had changed from earlier years – the class composition, the course focus, and the sex of the co-instructor – and it seemed that simultaneously so did the level of engagement of the male students with the idea of transformative gender relations. However, what was most enlightening for the instructors was how the link between the shift in focus from (a) gender relations and women’s ‘oppression’ (even though we do look at these issues in very concrete ways) to (b) one on how masculinity is constructed, and sometimes operates to ‘marginalise’ women, as well as oppress some men, was associated with a much greater level of commitment among the (male) students to the equal treatment of females. In other words, we presented a shift from a typical oppressor/oppressed concep- tualisation of gender relations. My colleague and I felt that such a binary construction was overly simplistic and not particularly helpful as it reduced masculinities to ‘good’ and ‘bad’ masculinities (Robinson, 2001).²