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A long essay or dissertation or thesis involving personal research, written by postgraduates of University of Ghana for a university degree.
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Item Blood Pressure Variability Indices and Self-Reported Quality of Sleep Among Adolescents Living with HIV(University of Ghana, 2023) Kofi,A.Background: Children and adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are highly prone to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in the future. Blood pressure is a predictor for future development of cardiovascular diseases. Ambulatory Blood pressure indices predicts changes in blood pressure better than Office blood pressure. However, most healthcare facilities in Ghana use Office BP and Ambulatory blood pressure has not been used a lot. Most research evaluating the relation between HIV and blood pressure (BP) measurements have mainly focused on the conventional sphygmomanometric method, which carries a significant risk of human error and inaccuracy and does not accurately reflect the blood pressure characteristics of HIV positive patients BP variability Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), is a key instrument for evaluating blood pressure variability (BPV) which is a predictor of hypertensive end-organ damage. This study is a novel study and there is scanty literature on evaluating Blood pressure variability among ALHIV. This study may provide data and literature on blood pressure variability indices and self-reported sleep to help in the management of cardiovascular risk among ALHIV. Cardiovascular disorders among children and adolescents may also be contributed by poor sleep quality. Blood pressure changes over a 24-hour period might occur in HIV positive patients who have sleep disturbances. Lack of sleep may cause sympathetic activity to rise, which could raise blood pressure. General aim of study: The study aims to investigate the relationship between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure variability indices and self-reported sleep quality among adolescents living with HIV. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed for this study. A cluster-randomized sampling technique was used to recruit health facilities and 122 adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). A 24-hour ABPM was performed using a validated portable ABPM 50 device with the BP readings set at 15 minutes intervals, from 7 am to 10 pm for daytime, and 20 minutes intervals during the night, from 10 pm to 6 am. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Questionnaire was used to assess the quality of sleep. Anthropometric measurement of participants was also conducted. Body weight (in kilograms) and height (in meters) were taken for the calculation of Body mass index (BMI). Variables such as Self-reported sleep quality, BMI, and ART regimen was held as independent variables while Beat-to-beat BPV variables and circadian variability variables were held as dependent variables Results: Ages of participants were from 6 years to 19 years; with a mean age of 13.6 ± 3.2 years. The males were (N=56(45.9%)) and the females were (N=66 (54.1%)). Most of the females (N=32(48.5%)) were aged 14 years and above. Females (N=21(31.8%)) had a healthier BMI compared to males (N=18(32.1%)). There was no significant relationship between gender and BMI of participants, p value= 0.25. Relationship between gender and antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen was not significant, p-value=0.304. For sleep quality comparison among genders, most females reported poor sleep quality, (N=18(27.3%)). Most females had good sleep quality (N=48(72.7%)). Hypertension was reported among (N=13 (10.6)) of which (N=2 (1.64%) reported Hypertension stage 1 (>=pct90 and (pct99+5 mmHg/ 0.05. The p-value for the association between self-reported sleep and circadian variability (Nocturnal dip, p value=0.984, BP surge, p-value = 0.695). Findings from this study showed a significant association between cardiovascular outcomes and blood pressure variability. Cardiovascular outcomes of ALHIV was determined by ambulatory systolic blood pressure and office systolic blood pressure levels. For Ambulatory BP levels, study showed Blood pressure variability; Awake SD BPV increases with increasing ambulatory and office blood pressure, at an R-Squared value = 0.038 and p-value =0.03. Conclusion: Blood pressure variability may have a relationship with cardiovascular outcomes among ALHIV. Findings from this study shows that, as blood pressure variability increases, there is a tendency for blood pressure to also rise. Self-reported sleep quality did not have any significant association with short term blood pressure variability and circadian variability. ART and BMI showed some association with blood pressure variability. The study showed that most ALHIV have elevated blood pressure.Item Consensus And Majoritarian Democracies: Problems With Under-Informed Single-Level Analyses(Human Affairs, 2021) Ani, E.I.I argue that when conceiving or assessing normative ideas about how we should organize society into the kind of ecosystem we desire, it is unwise to completely ignore empirical conditions. I also demonstrate that when evaluating empirical difficulties attending a social system, it is also unwise to do so in total oblivion to the normative idea or objective informing the establishment of such a system. Each of these assessments is an under-informed single-level analysis. By contrast, I advocate a multi-level analysis (by which we evaluate both the normative and empirical dimensions of an idea or a social system) or, at the least, an informed single-level analysis (by which we evaluate either a normative idea or an empirical system with an implicit awareness of the content of the other level). I demonstrate that these models of analysis would never yield the same conclusions as an under-informed single-level analysis. For my case studies, I focus on the various models of analysis used in the debate about liberal majoritarian and consensus/communal democracies.Item An examination of REDD+ readiness and implementation in Ghana(International Forestry Review, 2020) Nukpezah, D.; Alemagi, D.Ghana has participated in REDD+ negotiations since its inception and has been engaged in activities geared at implementing REDD+ in the country. In this paper, we examine initiatives that have been undertaken by relevant stakeholders to advance REDD+ readiness and implementation in Ghana. Results revealed that several aspects of planning and coordination were ranked high and some progress has been made in the arena of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) and audit; benefit sharing; financing; as well as demonstrations and pilots. That said, some challenges still prevail in the area of policy, laws, and institutions; as well as implementation of an emission reduction program. Therefore, some specific recommendations for advancing REDD+ readiness and implementation in Ghana can be considered going forward including the development of strong institutions for REDD+ implementation; clarification of carbon and tenure rights; capacity building for data collection; and institutional collaboration. Implementing these recommendations is a fundamental prerequisite for an effective and efficient implementation of REDD+ in Ghana.Item Postgraduate Students’ Perceptions of their Academic Reading and Writing: A Case of Teachers Studying at a Ghanaian University(International Journal of Literacies, 2020) Boakye, N.; Adika, G.S.Students’ literacy levels, in particular their academic reading and writing, have been an area of concern in education for many years. Students who have high academic reading and writing proficiency are usually successful, academically. Several tertiary students have shown low literacy levels, which have had an impact on their academic performance. These low literacy levels and consequently poor academic performance have led to high failure and attrition rates. In supporting students to improve their literacy levels and academic performance, a better understanding of their perceptions of their academic reading and writing is important. This is particularly important for postgraduate students, as the literacy demands at this level are more complex. The study aimed to determine how the cohort of postgraduate students at a university in Ghana, who are also teachers at the school level, perceive their academic reading and writing. To assist the postgraduate students in improving their academic literacy, as well as their ability to assist their learners, the Language Unit, which provides academic language support to students at the institution, undertook the current study. A questionnaire on a Likert scale was used to collect data, which were analyzed to determine the students’ perceptions of their academic reading and writing. The results of the descriptive study showed that although the cohort of postgraduate students perceived themselves to be competent in some writing activities, they had rather low perceptions of their academic reading, in particular their reading of academic journal articles. The results indicate the need to revise the literacy support course and to include a reading component. Recommendations were therefore made for a more tailored approach to improving the student's academic reading and writing.Item Hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers in Ghana’s health care institutions: an observational study(Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management, 2020) Abuosi, A.A.; Daniels, A.A.; Akoriyea, S.K.; et al.Objective To assess hand hygiene compliance in selected primary hospitals in Ghana. Design A cross-sectional health facility-based observational study. Setting Primary health care facilities in five regions in Ghana. Participants A total of 546 healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, midwives and laboratory personnel from 106 health facilities participated in the study. Main outcome measures The main outcome measures included the availability of hand hygiene materials and alcohol job aids; compliance with moments of hand hygiene; and compliance with steps in hygienic hand washing. These were assessed using descriptive statistics. Results The mean availability of hand hygiene material and alcohol job aids was 75% and 71% respectively. This was described as moderately high, but less desirable. The mean hand hygiene compliance with moments of hand hygiene was 51%, which was also described as moderately high, but less desirable. It was observed that, generally, hand hygiene was performed after procedures than before. However, the mean compliance with steps in hygienic hand washing was 86%, which was described as high and desirable. Conclusion Healthcare workers are generally competent in the performance of hygienic hand washing. However, this does not seem to influence compliance with moments of hand hygiene. Efforts must therefore be made to translate the competence of healthcare workers in hygienic hand washing into willingness to comply with moments of hand hygiene, especially contact with patients.Item The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and Diversity of Experiences of Different Categories of Migrants: A Qualitative Study(International Migration, 2021) Yeboah, T.; Kandilige, L.; Teye, J.K.; et al.While studies have drawn attention to the operationalization, and implementation challenges associated with the ECOWAS free movement protocol, our understanding of how different categories of migrants experience the protocol is far more limited. Drawing on data from interviews conducted with 23 ECOWAS migrants living or traveling to Ghana, immigration officials, and a trade union representative, this paper examines the diversity of experiences of ECOWAS migrants about the free movement protocol. The findings suggest that the experiences of ECOWAS nationals in areas such as awareness and knowledge of provisions in the protocol, border crossing, processes of acquiring residence and work permits and renewing permits, and rights of establishment differ remarkably by dimensions of social difference. The gender, social class, and nationality of migrants are fundamental and shape the experiences of ECOWAS migrants in divergent ways. These findings have important implications for policies seeking to promote free movement in West Africa.Item The Conundrum of Birth Tourism and American ‘Jackpot Babies’: Attitudes of Ghanaian Urban Dwellers(AHMR African Human Mobilty Review, 2021) Allotey, A.A.; Kandilige, L.Some contemporary international migration literature highlights the practice of the acquisition of privileged citizenship by temporary migrants who give birth in a country other than their home country (birth tourists) and the inherent benefits that accrue to this category of migrants. However, scholars tend to rely solely on the subjective accounts of birth tourists to measure attitudes toward the practice of deliberately migrating to a preferred destination country at an advanced stage of pregnancy to secure citizenship rights for the child. This study employed concurrent triangulation design – a survey and semi-structured in-depth interviews – to collect data from 260 urban dwellers in three metropolises in Ghana – Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi – who were yet to give birth in the United States and 15 parents who already had a total of 25 American ‘jackpot babies’, to measure a broader spectrum of attitudes toward this phenomenon. This paper records a nuanced continuum of attitudes to the concept of American ‘jackpot babies’, ranging from favorable, to neutral/indifferent, to objection to this phenomenon among Ghanaian urban dwellers.Item Christianity, Citizenship, and Political Engagement among Ghanaian Youth(African Studies Quarterly, 2021) Kuperus, T.; Asante, R.This article focuses on how Christianity impacts youth's understanding of citizenship and political engagement in Ghana. Based on fieldwork carried out in Ghana in 2018 involving focus groups and church elite interviews, Ghanaian youth affiliated with mainline and charismatic traditions can articulate religious messaging regarding political engagement, but their notions of citizenship are informed independently. Second, infrequent churchgoers are more cognizant of their rights and notions of active citizenship compared with frequent churchgoers. Finally, some of the most engrained attitudes toward citizenship among African youth appear to be rooted in class rather than religion.Item Participatory approaches, local stakeholders and cultural relevance facilitate an impactful community-based project in Uganda(Health Promotion International, 2020) Donovan, J.O.; Opintan, J.A.; Thompson, A.; et al.Sanitation is a major global challenge often addressed at national and international levels, while community opinions and beliefs are neglected. To promote water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) we organized a cross-cultural knowledge exchange workshop to assess participatory methods for engaging local stakeholders. The workshop included 22 participants from all sectors of society. Practical solutions to sanitation challenges were identified and later shared with the local community. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to assess impact. They showed participatory methods were highly valued to encourage information sharing among widely varied stakeholders, and that video was a particularly successful approach when engaging with local communities. An 8-month follow-up survey of village members revealed excellent information recall, positive behavior changes, and a desire for future visits. Our evidence suggests that community-based participa tion helped identify solutions to WASH issues affecting rural communities in resource-poor settings. Engaging in a multicultural knowledge-share was particularly valuable as it enabled participants to recognize they have common challenges and allowed them to share low-cost solutions from their different communities. Our use of video was widely viewed as an ideal means of circulating findings, as it communicated information to people with a wide variety of community roles and all age groups. Its relevance was increased by adopting a culturally appropriate context by involving local communities in workshop activities. We recommend that research in low- and middle-income countries should be mindful of the environmental context in which WASH is implemented, and encourage acceptance by engaging with communities through the use of varied participatory methods.Item Creative Climate and Organisational Resilience in the Banking Industry: The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety(University of Ghana, 2023) Mumin, A.A.The research investigated the relationship between creative climate and organisational resilience among Ghanaian-owned and Foreign-owned banks in the Greater Accra region, the capital of Ghana. The research further investigated the mediating role of psychological safety in the relationship between creative climate and organisational resilience. The study utilised a convenient sampling technique to sample 397 employees of Ghanaian-owned and Foreign-owned banks. 200 of the participants sampled were from Ghanaian-owned banks, and 197 were from Foreign-owned banks. The study deployed a quantitative cross-sectional design, where participants were administered questionnaires in softcopy and hardcopy to investigate creative climate, organisational resilience, and psychological safety. The study utilised structural equation modeling (Amos) to analyse the collected data. The analysed data revealed that the creative climate had a positive impact on the organisational resilience of Ghanaian-owned and Foreign-banks. Psychological safety was found to mediate the positive impact of the creative climate on the organisational resilience of banks in Ghana. Based on the outcome of the study, banks in Ghana were recommended to implement policies that allow employees to establish solid networks and relationships characterised by trust and support among them, promote collective learning, cooperation, and information exchange among members of the organisation, encourage managers in all roles and business divisions to openly discuss risks and risk management strategies with their staffs to help determine the direction and alignment of goals, skills, among others.