Browsing by Author "Nyarko, K."

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Academic achievement among University students in Ghana: The role of personality and motivational factors
(University of Ghana, 2015-04-17) Nyarko, K.; Amissah, C.; Ansah-Nyarko, M.; Dedzoe, B.Q.
Students' academic achievement at every level has become an issue of concern to stakeholders in the country. Whereas, several infrastructural and resource constraints at the societal level have been pointed out, little attention has been given to inherent personal characteristics of students that influence their academic achievement. This study examines whether students' personality characteristics and type of motivation significantly predict their academic achievement. A total of 273 undergraduate students were sampled from the University of Ghana, Legon. The cross-sectional survey design was used and the respondents were administered questionnaires measuring their personality characteristics, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The students reported their current Cumulative Grade-Point Averages (CGPA) as the criterion. Results from Multiple regression and Pearson correlation analyses showed that only conscientiousness significantly predicted students' academic achievement. Further analysis did not show any significant relationship between extrinsic motivation and academic achievement as well as intrinsic motivation and academic achievement. It is concluded that culture might be exerting a strong influence on personality characteristics and motivation and therefore, the associations should be interpreted within the cultural milieu of Ghana. Additionally, students' personality should be taken into consideration in providing academic guidance
Childrearing, motherhood and fatherhood in Ghana
(Parenting Across Cultures, 2014-09) Nyarko, K.
This study examines childrearing practices, motherhood, and fatherhood in Ghana. It looks at the contextual background of the country, ethnic groupings, family systems and childrearing practices, and the patrilineal and matrilineal systems. The evidence shows that mothers are oriented towards the permissive style of parenting, whereas fathers use an authoritarian style. However, it further shows that some mothers and fathers use an authoritative parenting style. The study also revealed that some parents accept corporal punishment as a method of disciplining children, while others frowned on its usage. The study underscores the importance of situating parenting within one’s culture.
Circulating tumor DNA is readily detectable among Ghanaian breast cancer patients supporting non-invasive cancer genomic studies in Africa
(Springer Nature, 2021) Ahuno, S.T.; Doebley, A-L.; Ahearn, T.U.; Yarney, J.; Titiloye, N.; Hamel, N.; Adjei, E.; Clegg-Lamptey, J-N.; Edusei, L.; Awuah, B.; Song, X.; Vanderpuye, V.; Abubakar, M.; Duggan, M.; Stover, D.G.; Nyarko, K.; Bartlett, J.M.S.; Aitpillah, F.; Ansong, D.; Gardner, K.L.; Boateng, F.A.; Bowcock, A.M.; Caldas, C.; Foulkes, W.D.; Wiafe, S.; Wiafe-Addai, B.; Garcia-Closas, M.; Kwarteng, A.; Ha, G.; Figueroa, J.D.; Polak, P.; Ghana Breast Health Study Team
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing studies could provide novel insights into the molecular pathology of cancer in sub- Saharan Africa. In 15 patient plasma samples collected at the time of diagnosis as part of the Ghana Breast Health Study and unselected for tumor grade and subtype, ctDNA was detected in a majority of patients based on whole- genome sequencing at high (30×) and low (0.1×) depths. Breast cancer driver copy number alterations were observed in the majority of patients.
Community service for misdemeanours in Accra: Preferences of offenders, victims, judiciary and community members.
(Taylor & Francis, 2017) Parima, F.; Osafo, J.; Nyarko, K.; Anakwah, N.
Taking religiosity into account, the study explored preferences for community service sentencing by victims, offenders, judiciary, and community members from Accra, Ghana. One hundred and ninety respondents were sampled (females = 38.42%, offenders = 5.26%, victims = 58.95%, law enforcement = 10.52%, members of the Judiciary = 4.74%, and general community members = 65.26%). They responded to the Attitude Towards Community Service Questionnaire, and the data were analysed utilising ANOVA between group difference tests. Offenders expressed a higher preference for community sentencing than victims and members of the judiciary. Religion aligned participants supported community sentencing. Community sentencing seems a preferred sentencing option by a cross section of Ghanaian community members for adult non-violent offenders.
A Description of Physical Activity Levels and Overweight among Senior High School Children in the Accra Metropolis
(2017-04-26) Nyawornota, V.K.; Nyarko, K.
Physical activity is fundamental to energy balance and weight control. Globally, about 23 per cent of adults and 81 per cent of school-going adolescents are not active enough (WHO). Physical inactivity and the prevalence of overweight are rising at an alarming rate worldwide. It is considered the 4th risk factor for non-communicable diseases and specifically responsible for the increases in overweight among adolescents and adults. There is little evidence on physical activity and overweight among the adolescents in Ghana. This presentation focuses on overweight, obesity, physical activity and inactivity levels among adolescents in the Accra Metropolis. 500 students between the ages of 15 and 19 completed a structured questionnaire. Results indicated that there is a greater risk of overweight among the less physically active. The study recommended that mechanisms must bekk put in place to increase physical activity levels to reduce overweight and non-communicable diseases
Determinants of low birth weight deliveries at five referral hospitals in Western Area Urban district, Sierra Leone
(Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2021) Kargbo, D. K.; Nyarko, K.; Sackey, S.; Addo-Lartey, A.; Kenu, E.; Anto, F.
Background: Low birth weight (LBW) contributes significantly to infant and child mortality. Each year, about 20 1million deliveries are LBW with 96.5% occurring in developing countries. Whiles the incidence of LBW is reducing in other districts of Sierra Leone, it has been reported to be increasing in the Western Area Urban district. Determining the risk factors in a specific geographic area is important for identifying mothers at risk and thereby for planning and taking appropriate action. The current study sought to identify factors associated with LBW deliveries in the Western Area Urban district of Sierra Leone. Methods: A hospital-based unmatched 1:2 case-control study was conducted among mothers who delivered live singleton babies from November, 2019 to February, 2020 in five referral health facilities. Mothers were conveniently sampled and sequentially enrolled into the study after delivery. Their antenatal care cards were reviewed and a pretested questionnaire administered to the mothers. Data analysis was done using Stata 15.0 and association between maternal socio-demographic, socio-economic, obstetric and lifestyle factors and LBW assessed using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 438 mothers (146 cases and 292 controls), mean age: 24.2 (±5.8) and 26.1 (±5.5) years for cases and controls respectively participated in the study. Multivariable analysis revealed that being unemployed (AoR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.16–5.49, p = 0.020), having anaemia during pregnancy (AoR = 3.88, 95% CI 1.90–7.90, p < 0.001), having less than 2 years inter-pregnancy interval (AoR = 2.53, 95% CI 1.11–5.73, p = 0.026), and smoking cigarettes during pregnancy (AoR = 4.36, 95% CI 1.94–9.80, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with having LBW babies. Conclusion: Factors associated with LBW identified were unemployment, anaemia during pregnancy, < 2 years inter-pregnancy interval and cigarette smoking during pregnancy. Health care providers should screen and sensitize mothers on the risk factors of LBW during antenatal sessions. Keywords: Low birth weight, Case-control, Referral hospitals, Western area urban, Sierra Leone
The DTML-Conversion Model
(2017-02-22) Kumassah, E.K.; Nyarko, K.
Conversion within quantities of same units and between quantities of different units is a thorny subject for students. Its treatment by tutors sometimes becomes very difficult such that some tutors handle the subject theoretically and/or in abstraction. As a result, most students find the topic difficult to comprehend. In view of this, the DTML-Conversion model (i.e. the D-Conversion model (i.e. distance), the T-Conversion model (i.e. time), the M-Conversion model (i.e. mass) and the Reverse L-Conversion model (i.e. litre)) was designed. The DTML-Conversion Model is created by the researcher to make the teaching and learning of conversion in measurement more manageable for tutors and less troubling for students. The presentation will demonstrate one component of the model (the Distance-conversion functions) and how it can be effective in the teaching and learning of unit conversions.
The effect of child abuse on children’s psychological health
(Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 2014-07) Nyarko, K.; Amissah, C.M.; Addai, P.; Dedzo, B.Q.
The study examines the impact of child abuse on children’s psychological health. Child abuse was defined as physical and psychological abuses against children whilst psychological health was defined in relation to children’s self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. 109 children were purposively sampled to partake in the study. The sample consisted of both males (n = 68) and females (n = 41) from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, whose ages were from 9 to 18 years. The research design used was a survey, and the independent samples t-test was used to analyze the data. Some of the participants have histories of abusive treatment (n=57) whilst others were without any such history (n=68). Among those who had suffered abusive treatment, 36 suffered physical abuse and 21 suffered psychological abuse. Standardized measures were used to rate each participant’s level of depression and anxiety. The analyses of the data show that both physical and psychological abuses lead to a significant increase in children’s depression and anxiety. These findings are discussed with reference to existing psychological literature and theories.
The effect of corporal punishment and math anxiety on math performance among junior high school students in Ghana
(IFE PsychologIA: An International Journal, 2013-09) Nyarko, K.; Kwarteng, A.B.; Akakpo, G.M.; Boateng, R.; Adjekum, N.
The study investigates the effect of corporal punishment and math anxiety on math performance at the Virgo Preparatory School in Adabraka, Ghana. Thirty four (34) participants were pre-tested and post-tested using the Mathematics Anxiety Scale for elementary school students. Analysis of the results shows that there is no difference in math performance between students who receive corporal punishment and those who are reinforced as well as those who receive neither reinforcement nor corporal punishment. Finally, no significant negative correlation was found between math anxiety and math performance; however, females were found to be more anxious of maths than males. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth Initiative Effects on Subjective Happiness among University Students
(Journal of Psychology in Africa, 2018-08) Kugbey, N.; Atefoe, E.A.; Anakwah, N.; Nyarko, K.; Atindanbila, S.
This study examined emotional intelligence and personal growth initiative influences on the level of subjective happiness among university students in Ghana Two hundred and sixty undergraduate students were participants (female = 69 8%; mean age = 21 72 years, SD = 3 61 years) They responded to measures of emotional intelligence, personal growth initiative, and subjective happiness After controlling for their demographic characteristics, and following hierarchical regression analysis, results indicate emotional intelligence and intentional behaviour domain of personal growth to predict students’ level of subjective happiness These findings suggest that students’ ability to manage and utilise their emotions, as well as their personal growth initiative contribute significantly to their level of happiness
English Reading Proficiency and Academic Performance Among Lower Primary School Children in Ghana
(SAGE Open, 2018-08) Nyarko, K.; Kugbey, N.; Kofi, C.C.; Cole, Y.A.; Adentwi, K.I.
There have been several issues about the reading skills and abilities of children in Ghana, and how reading proficiency might influence the academic performance of children. In view of the above, this study examined the influence of reading proficiency on the academic performance of lower primary school children in Accra. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 383 participants (Grades 1-3) were sampled in Accra. The children were administered questionnaires that measured their English reading proficiency, paternal involvement, maternal involvement, financial situation, and demographic characteristics as well as their academic performance. Results showed that reading proficiency was significantly and positively related with children’s performance on all standard performance tests after controlling for paternal involvement, maternal involvement, financial situation, and age. Type of school significantly affected academic performance, however, no gender differences were observed in the children’s academic performance. The implications for educational practice and research are espoused.
Exploration of the Current State of Job Analysis in Ghanaian Organisations
(University of Ghana, 2014-06) Hommey, C.; Akuamoah-Boateng; Nyarko, K.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology
The purpose of the study was to explore the current state of job analysis among organisations in Ghana. This lead to identifying the methods employed, domains focused on and the sources of inaccuracies during the development of job analysis. The study further found out whether job analysis had any effect on performance indicators such as improved health and safety, training and development, performance evaluation and compensation. The study was conducted among organisations in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and participants selected for the study were purposively sampled. Eighteen (18) human resource managers responded to the open-ended questionnaires and 95 human resource officers and managers responded to the questionnaire on the quantitative section. The study design adopted was a mixed method. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed that organisations in Ghana who conduct job analysis employ methods such as Interview, Questionnaires, Curricula Vitae Analysis, Job Description Analysis, and Functional Job Analysis and they focus on domains such as Skills, Knowledge, Ability and other characteristics such as personality type, educational background and working experience. Sources of inaccuracies such as subjective judgment on the part of analyst and inaccurate information on curricula vitae were identified. Results from MANOVA analysis indicated that organisations which conduct job analysis experienced improvement on performance indicators such as training and development, performance evaluation, health and safety and compensation. The study recommends that future studies can pick on the findings of this exploratory study to validate using a different population.
Facing the Ills of Unemployment: The Role of Religiosity and Social Support
(Journal of Religion and Health, 2020-01-07) Amissah, C.M.; Nyarko, K.
The study examined the role of religiosity and social support in coping with mental health problems associated with unemployment among 362 Ghanaian youths. Through a cross-sectional survey, participants’ mental health (i.e., depression, cognitive distortions, and suicidality), religiosity, and degree of social support were assessed. The data revealed significant buffering effects of religiosity on mental health problems associated with unemployment. Social support had direct, but not buffering, effects on mental health. The findings highlight the need to promote religiosity as a coping mechanism for the adverse effects of unemployment, especially in the absence of immediate economic interventions.
The home environment as a predictor of mathematics achievement in Ghana
(International Journal, 2017-01) Butakor, P.K.; Nyarko, K.
This paper examined the significant role of the learner’s home environment in Ghanaian grade 8 students’ performance in mathematics in the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Applying multiple linear regression analyses on the TIMSS 2007 data from Ghana revealed a positive association between father’s educational level, watching of TV or videos regularly at home, reading books for enjoyment at home regularly, and doing homework regularly at home and mathematics achievement. On the contrary, a negative relationship was found between mathematics achievement and the number of books at home, home possessions, and the playing of computer games at home regularly. The paper concluded with the recommendation that the learner’s home background should be considered when designing policies and interventions aimed at improving students’ mathematics performance.
Illness Perception, Religiosity And Mental Health Of Diabetic Patients In Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Nuworza, K.; Atindanbila, S.; Nyarko, K.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology
This study examined the influence of diabetic patients’ perception of their illness and their levels of religiosity on their mental health problems. A sample of 194 diabetic patients (50 Type -1 and 144 Type-2) was drawn from two major hospitals (Korle-Bu Teaching and Tema General Hospitals) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The cross-sectional survey method was used and the participants were administered with the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Broadbent, Petrie, Main, & Weinman, 2006), Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (Plante & Boccaccini, 1997) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (Derogatis, 1993). Results from the analysis using Pearson correlation showed that the diabetic patients’ level of religiosity did not significantly relate with the mental health problems. However, illness perception correlated significantly and positively with their general mental health problem (GSI) and specific ones including levels of Somatization, Obsessive-Compulsion, Depression, Anxiety and Psychoticism. Further analyses using multiple regression analysis showed that level of general mental health problem (GSI) was significantly predicted by the perception of illness Coherence followed by perceptions Symptoms and Concern. Multiple regression analysis did not show any significant moderation effect of sex, age, duration of illness and level of education on mental health problem (GSI). However, MANOVA results showed that females report more mental health problem (GSI), Somatization and obsessive-compulsion but no significant sex differences in other specific mental health problems. Some of the findings from this study are consistent with some previous literature and inconsistent with some other earlier studies. The implications of these outcomes are discussed in relation to mental healthcare delivery, diabetic patients and the health sector. It is concluded that the diabetic patients’ perception of their illness plays a significant role in their experience of mental health problems and also, sex and level of education affect their mental health problems significantly and therefore require attention from the health officials for a holistic healthcare.
Illness perception, religiosity and mental health of diabetic patients in Ghana
(Am J App Psychol, 2014-02) Nyarko, K.; Kugbey, N.; Atindanbila, S.
This study examines the influence of diabetic patients’ perception of their illness and their levels of religiosity on their mental health problems. A sample of 194 diabetic patients was drawn from two major hospitals (Korle-Bu Teaching and Tema General Hospitals) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The cross-sectional survey method was used as the study design. Results from Pearson correlation show that the diabetic patients’ level of religiosity did not significantly correlate with their mental health problems. However, illness perception correlates significantly and positively with their general mental health problem (GSI) and specific ones such as somatization, obsessive-compulsion, depression, anxiety and psychoticism. Multiple regression analyses show that level of general mental health problem (GSI) was significantly predicted by perception of illness Coherence followed by perceptions Symptoms and Concern. Similarly, perception of coherence was the most significant predictor of both depression and anxiety among diabetic patients. The implications of the findings are discussed.
The impact of Safety climate on safety performance in a gold mining company in Ghana.
(TECHMIND RESEARCH, 2015-04) Froko, I.U-F.; Asumen, M.A.; Nyarko, K.
The study investigated the influence of safety climate on safety performance among employees in a multi-national gold mining company in Ghana. Safety climate was conceptualized and measured in terms of employee perceptions of management value for safety, supervisor safety practices, safety communication, safety training and safety system. Safety performance was conceptualized and measured in terms of employee safety compliance and safety participation, that is, how they make suggestions to improve safety in the mining environment. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 235 workers in the mines completed questionnaires on safety climate and safety performance. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analysis of the data indicated positive relationship between safety climate and safety performance as predicted. Safety systems predicted both safety compliance and participation. Safety communication and supervisory practices predicted safety compliance and safety participation respectively. The results are discussed in the framework of the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour.
The influence of authoritative parenting style on adolescents' academic Achievement
(ScienceHu, 2011) Nyarko, K.
The study was carried out to find out the influence of parental authoritativeness on adolescents’ academic achievement. As expected, the result shows that both mothers and fathers’ authoritativeness positively relate to the academic achievement of the students. The implications of the result are discussed.
Influence of childhood attachment on adolescents’ interpersonal relationship and self-esteem among undergraduate students of the University of Ghana
(British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 2014-11) Nyarko, K.; Addai, P.; Amissah, C.M.
Childhood insecurities may affect a wide range of personality development such as interpersonal relationship and self-esteem during adolescence. The present study explores the effect of childhood attachment on adolescents’ interpersonal relationship and self-esteem among undergraduate students of the University of Ghana. The study also examines gender differences in interpersonal relationship and self-esteem. A total of two hundred undergraduate students from the University of Ghana were selected using convenient sampling to complete the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, the Perceived Interpersonal Relationship Scale (PIRS) and the Childhood Attachment Inventory (CAI). Data were analyzed using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results reveal that adolescents who have secured childhood attachment have good interpersonal relationship and higher level of self-esteem than adolescents who have unsecured attachment. There was however no gender differences found in adolescents interpersonal relationship and self-esteem. Based on the findings, it is recommended that parents assess how they relate with their children and not to inculcate trepidation in their children since these have the tendency to affect personality development during adulthood.
The influence of motivation on the job satisfaction of Junior High School Teachers in Ghana
(Journal of education and practice, 2014) Nyarko, K.; Twumwaa, D.A.; Adentwi, K.I.
The study investigates the influence of motivation on the job satisfaction of teachers. The population of the study was Junior High School teachers in the Accra metropolis. The sample was drawn on two hundred Junior High school teachers in Accra with diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the teachers. The ages of the teachers range between twenty and sixty years and more than half of the teachers who participated in the study are trained teachers. As expected, the findings from the study indicate a positive correlation between teachers’ motivation and their job satisfaction. However, the study shows no significant difference in the level of satisfaction of teachers who are intrinsically motivated and those who are extrinsically motivated. Finally, the hypothesis that females will be more extrinsically motivated than males was not supported. The implications of the study are discussed