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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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Start date: 2000Has files: Yes

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    The Impact Of Interventions Of International Development Agencies In Ghana - A Case Study Of United States Agency For International Development (USAID) And Selected Hospitals In The Health Sector Of Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2020-06) Brew – Sam, A.M.
    Irrespective of the huge funds (aids) made available to African economies to foster developmental projects relating to health. good governance, agriculture among others. most of the economies really do not channel the funds towards that course which invariably lives them in a sorry state and appear to be in a stifled growth . The study proceeded to assess the impact of international development agency's (IDA 's) intervention in the Ghanaian health sector with focus on the United States Agency for International Development (USA ID). in addition to Lekma and Tema General Hospitals (ULT). Pertaining to the research objectives. the study identified the reason that account for the rapid development of ID As. examined the distinctive roles of IDAs, and investigated the challenges associated with IDAs to healthcare delivery in Ghana. As far as the study's execution is concerned, the researcher adopted quantitative research approach, and using sampling technique to select ULT respondents for their preferences in relation to the study. A questionnaire was adopted as the main survey instrument whiles Relative Importance Index (RII), Microsoft Excel, Descriptive Statistics, etc. were employed for the data analysis. Key findings of the study as postulated by ULT respondents in relation to the six reasons that account for the rapid development of IDAs from the Ghanaian perspective were a follow: capability of reaching the poor more than the government and private sector agencies, capacity to innovate and adapt to unforeseen emergencies and broadening channels through which resource and benefits can reach groups which otherwise be bypassed, displaying or ability to mobilize appreciable amount or funds/grant for developmental projects, and less prone to elitism just to mention a few. Additionally, in consonance with the distinctive role of IDA at ULT. six attributes were evident, namely: other (constructing. establishing and equipping health facilities), assisting in reducing disease burden assisting Ghana I lea lth Service (G I-IS) to immunize children. facilitating the training of health workers, malaria prevention and management, including efforts towards Guinea worm eradication. Likewise, in tandem with the challenges associated with IDAs to healthcare delivery in Ghana, six attributes were unearthed, specifically: inadequate source of funding, inadequate skilled personnel, unnecessary delay from state agencies, high illiteracy levels. in addition to abysmal community participation. Having noted the challenges associated with IDAs to healthcare delivery in Ghana, it is recommended that the Government of Ghana, including health-affiliated top agencies should endeavor to inculcate quality. management and motivational consideration into their scheme of things so as to manage the critical IDA challenges relating to healthcare deli very identified during the study.
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    Food Retail Environment And Nutrition Standards In Selected Basic Schools Within La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality Of Ghana.
    (University of Ghana, 2021-12) Zankawah, Z.
    Background: Unhealthy dietary behaviour is known to be a cause of overweight and obesity in children. Obesity, itself a non-communicable disease (NCD), predisposes children to a higher risk of other NCDs. The school food retail environment is recognized as having a great influence on children's /students ' eating behaviours. To promote and protect children's health, there is the need for comprehensive and robust approaches including regulating environmental food exposures. In certain jurisdictions especially in the developed countries , nutrition standards and guidelines are used to help regulate the food retail environment in and around schools as a means of contributing to the creation of a more healthy food environment. Such interventions are absent in most developing countries, including Ghana Objective: The study assessed the school food retail environment and existence of nutrition standards in selected basic schools within the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Methods: The study design adopted was descriptive cross-sectional. It involved 15 basic schools and all food retailers within the selected schools. Multistage sampling method was used to select the schools. In-depth interview was used to collect data from key informants in selected schools. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ghana Health Service, Ethical Review Committee. Permission was obtained from the Municipal Education Office and authorities of selected schools whereas consent was obtained from respondents prior to the study. Factors such as the number and type of food retail outlets within 250m along road network around schools as well as nutrition standards were examined. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2013. The results were presented in the form of tables and charts. Results: This study mapped 468 food outlets around selected schools (n =15) in the studied district. 40% of outlets were convenience /provision shops, and 53.6% of the outlets sold Sugar Sweetened Beverages, none of the schools had nutrition standards although all the School Heads thought that nutrition standards were necessary. Conclusion: Majority of the foods and beverages sold were sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and other sugary foods. Nutrition standards for the regulation of food retailing within the proximity of schools was non-existent in all the schools. Nonetheless, all the schools had a way of regulating food retailing within the school premises. Guidelines for regulating food retailing were not written and application of these guidelines was discretional. There is a strong expressed need for the formulation of nutrition standards to regulate food retailing within and around schools.
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    Utilization Of Maternal Health Care Services Among Young Women In Gr A: Evidence From The 2014 Ghana Demographic And Health Survey.
    (University of Ghana, 2020-10) Kuntu-Anaman, S.
    Introduction: Though maternal health has been an important global public health concern, maternal mortality is still globally, especially in low-and middle-income countries like Ghana. Using Anderson and Newsman's framework, this study sought to examine the factors associated with maternal health service utilization among young women aged 15- 24 in Ghana. Methodology: The study analysed data on 920 young women aged 15-24. Data analysis was done using Stata version 14.2. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression models were used to measure association between maternal health service usage and some independent variables at significance level of p-value <0.05. Results: Prevalence of antenatal care, health facility delivery and postnatal care were 83.3%, 72.7% and 69.0% respectively. Women in the Northern, Volta, Eastern and Western regions; as well as rural areas, women in the poor and middle wealth category had lower odds of antenatal attendance. Women aged 20-24, those with secondary/higher level of education, Christian and Moslem women, women with parity one and women who have subscribed to NHIS and young women who indicated that distance to health facility is not a big problem had higher odds of health facility delivery. ' . In terms of PNC uptake young women in the Brong Ahafo region, Eastern region, Central Region and Western region had lower odds of PNC uptake and young women with parity one, had lower odds of PNC attendance compared to those with parity three or more. In terms of education, those with secondary/higher level of education also had higher odds of PNC attendance compared to those with no education. Finally, young women who are exposed to radio had higher odds of PNC attendance compared to those who are not exposed to radio. Conclusion: There is relatively high utilization of ANC, skilled delivery and PNC among young women in Ghana. Both individual factors such as age, educational level, religion, parity, wealth status, NHIS subscription, exposure to family planning messages, pregnancy intentions and contextual factors such as region of residence and distance to health facility are associated with maternal health service utilization. Therefore, Ghana Health service, Non-Governmental organisations and all stakeholders seeking to improve the health of young women and women in general should consider educating women on the need to take up maternal health services. This will go a long way to reduce maternal mortality and also improve child health to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on maternal and child health.
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    Factors Associated with the Uptake of Preconception Services Among Women in- Fertility Age within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality
    (University of Ghana, 2023) Baidoe-Ansah, F.
    Background: Preconception services are interventions provided for women and couples prior to conception with the aim of improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Uptake of this service is poor in many developing countries which already have bad maternal and neonatal figures. Objective: The general objective of this study is to assess knowledge on preconception care services, uptake, and associated factors among women in fertility age within the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality. Method: This is a community based cross-sectional study of 281 women in fertility age within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipality. Simple random sampling was employed to recruit study participants. WIFA were recruited over a period from November 1st to December 30th 2022. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used for data collection, with face to face interviews. Data was cleaned and analysis done using Stata 16.0. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with uptake. P values less than 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence level. Results: The study found the uptake of preconception care to be 17.4% and that 37.7% of the women had adequate or good knowledge of preconception care services. Adequate knowledge of preconception care services was found to be positively associated with uptake of preconception care. (AOR) = 0.02; 95% (0.00, 0.19); p<0.001]. Conclusions: There is a low uptake and poor knowledge of preconception care services. Adequate knowledge of preconception care was positively associated with uptake of preconception services. It is therefore imperative for healthcare staff to increase education on PCC and integrate this service into other services.
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    Assessment Of The Quality Of Growth Monitoring And Promotion For Children Under Five Years At Chps Compounds In The Wassa Amenfi East District Of The Western Region.
    (University of Ghana, 2017-07) Asigri, J.
    Background: Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) is a preventive programme that targets the reduction of malnutrition in children in the early periods of their lives. GMP targets the caregiver and family decisions for positive child growth outcomes and has a great potential to contribute to improving child survival if well implemented. For a GMP programme to achieve its intended objective, the following conditions need to be met; proper implementation of GMP activities by skilled health workers, adequate nutrition education and counseling for care givers, and care giver understanding of information given by health care providers. Underweight rate among children under five years in the Wassa Amenfi East District remains high despite numerous logistical and technical supports by the Western Regional and the Wassa Amenfi East District Health Directorates to health facilities in the area of growth monitoring and promotion. Objective: This study assessed the quality of the growth monitoring and promotion programme administered by Community Health Nurses at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in the Wassa Amenfi East District and caregivers' satisfaction and perception of quality of the services they received under the programme. Methodology: The study was a cross sectional survey and involved both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on caregiver-child characteristics, caregiver child feeding practices, and caregivers' perception of quality of GMP. The weights of children were measured to determine their weight-for-age status. Key informant interviews were employed to assess the knowledge of Community Health Nurses (CHNs) on GMP and infant and young child feeding counseling and to collect data on institutional factors that affected the quality of GMP. An observation checklist developed based on the Ghana Health Service (GHS) guidelines on GMP was also used to assess the procedure of Growth Monitoring and Promotion at CHPS compounds. Multistage random sampling was used to select 8 CHPS compounds from the 8 sub-districts of the Wassa Amenfi East District. Proportionate sampling was used to determine the sample size for each CHPS compound. A total of 312 caregivers and 15 CHNs were recruited for the study. Data from caregivers were collected through exit interviews using systematic random sampling. Results: Frequent shortage of child health record booklets, insufficient CHNs at CHPS compounds, inadequate space and benches for caregivers and lack of refresher training for staff were identified by a majority of CHNs to be the major institutional factors that affected their ability to render quality GMP services. Community Health Nurses at CHPS compounds had poor knowledge in GMP procedure as well as infant and young child feeding counseling. GMP procedures observed in most CHPS compounds did not conform to the GHS standards, as a result, the service was rated poor in terms of quality. Nutrition counseling offered to caregivers was significantly associated with their child feeding practices as well as the nutritional status (weight-for-age) of their children (p<0.05) even though CHNs had poor knowledge in infant and young child feeding counseling. Conclusion: In order to improve the quality of GMP at CHPS compounds as well as improve the nutritional status of children in the Wassa Amenfi East District, there is the need for the District Health Directorate (OHO) to schedule GMP clinic days for facilities such that CHNs from other facilities and technical officers from the district health directorate can participate to support the few CHNs to provide the gamut of GMP services to caregivers.
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    Art Significantly Improves the Coagulation Profile of HIV Patients: A Case-Control Study at Mampong Municipal Hospital, Ashanti-Region, Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2023) Opoku, F.B.
    Introduction: Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes major morbidity and mortality through a variety of mechanisms, one of which is coagulation problems. ART has considerably lower rates of viral transmission, HIV-related illness, and fatality while simultaneously improving the quality of life of persons living with HIV. The study's goal was to ascertain how ART affected HIV patients' coagulation profiles. Methods: One hundred and two (102) HIV patients (52 on ART and 50 newly diagnosed, not on ART as controls) were enrolled in this case-control research from the antiretroviral clinic of Mampong Municipal Hospital. Blood samples were taken to measure the prothrombin time (PT), platelet counts, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), with the INR being computed from the PT values. Results: The mean platelet count (ART: 320.10 ±63.29 vs ART-naïve: 238.82 ± 75.18) was significantly higher in participants on ART compared to the ART-naïve participants (p<0.001). ART and ART-naïve participants had significantly prolonged PT (˃16sec), p=0.001 and p=0.025 respectively. Both ART and ART-naïve participants had high INR values above the biological reference interval of 0.80 – 1.30 (p<0.001 and p=0.005 respectively). APTT of ART participants was normal, whereas ART-naïve participants had significantly prolonged APTT (˃40sec) [p=0.001]. No significant differences were found between the coagulation profiles of ART patients taking drug regimen 1, R1[Tenofovir (TDF)+Lamivudine (3TC)+Efavirenz (EFV)], and those taking drug regimen 2, R2 [Tenofovir (TDF)+Lamivudine (3TC)+Dolutegravir (DTG)]. Conclusion: The haemostatic parameter where HIV has the most of an impact is prothrombin time (PT). ART combination (TDF+3TC+DTG) and (TDF+3TC+EFV) can enhance the coagulation profile in HIV-infected patients, by improving platelet count and APTT.
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    Human And Porcine Trypanosomlasis In The New Juaben Municipality In Eastern Region Of Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2011-07) Afakye, K.
    Introduction: Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic, vector-borne parasitic disease caused by species of the genus Trypanosoma (T.) and mainly transmitted cyclically by the genus Glossina (G.) (Tsetse fly). About 45,000 human cases are reported annually in Africa, and livestock production is decreased by 20-40%. In Ghana, 0.2% sero-prevalence has been reported in humans, and the prevalence in cattle ranges between 5-50%. In 2006, Trypanosome species were detected in pigs in the New Juaben municipality and there was a likelihood of their transmission into humans. We conducted epidemiological studies in Human African Trypanosomiasis and Animal African Trypanosomiasis in the New Juaben municipality to generate information for developing intervention strategies. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in New Juaben municipality, using simple random sampling to select study participants Tsetse flies were trapped and blood samples taken from humans and pigs for serology and parasitology respectively. We measured the prevalence of human and porcine Trypanosomiasis, identified the Trypanosome and Tsetse fly species and determined fly apparent densities. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for demographic and behavioural data, and to assess the general knowledge of participants. We performed descriptive statistics, univariate and bivariate analyses using EpiData and SPSS. Results: Of 352 human-participants 199(56.2%) were females. The dominant age-group was 11-20 years and majority (43.8%) was farmers. Participants' knowledge of Trypanosomiasis was good [269(76.4%)]. Most [128(37.5%)] of the 341 pigs were iv weaners, and all 2,141 Tsetse-flies caught were identified as Glossina palpalis palpalis with fly apparent-density of 14.46 Glossina/trap/day. Sero-prevalence in humans was 0.7%. In pigs, overall prevalence was 56.0% with T. vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei groups being the species identified. The biotope and sub-municipality in which pigs are reared were significant risk factors (95% CI:1.239- 10.925; OR=3.679) and (95% CI:1.351-10.149; OR=3.703) respectively. However, keeping piglets was protective (95% CI: 0.078-0.514; OR=0.2) Conclusion: More than half of the pigs are infected with Trypanosomiasis. The presence of T. brucei group and domestic pigs as potential reservoir poses great threat to public health in the municipality. We recommend intensification of health and veterinary education, and integrated control of Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis in Eastern Region.
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    Evaluation Of Healthcare Worker Compliance With The Implement A Tton Process Of Infection Prevention And Control Practices At The Ga West Municipal Hospital.
    (University of Ghana, 2020-11) Attah, M.A.
    Background: Hospital-acquired infections affects greatly many healthcare settings. Globally, Hospital - Acquired infections affects millions of patients every year, particularly in developing countries with an estimated occurring rate of 15.5 episodes for every hundred (100) patients. An effective Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice reduces the cost of healthcare on patients, health institutions, and also on the nation. The study aimed at evaluating healthcare worker compliance with implementation process of infection prevention practices at the Ga West Municipal Hospital. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional descriptive study involving all healthcare workers, housekeepers and cleaners at the Ga West Municipal Hospital. The study was conducted in August, 2020. A mixed-methods approach was employed with self-administered questionnaire and observational guide to collect data from respondents. Stratified Random Sampling method was used in selecting eighty-eight (88) participants for the study. Results: Findings of the study indicates healthcare workers' knowledge in IPC was high, with 78% having high knowledge and 22% having moderate knowledge in IPC. The "always" availability of materials/resources to workers at the facility was 59.3%. Overall compliance with IPC at the facility was high, 83%. Lack of IPC materials, lack of access to materials, lack of supervision, and self-efficacy were identified as leading factors that prevented compliance with IPC practices at the facility. Conclusion: The overall level of Compliance with the Implementation process of Infection Prevention and Control practices among healthcare workers at the Ga West Municipal Hospital was high. However, additional education and in-service training on infection prevention, especially waste management must be organized periodically by the IPC committee, In-service training and Environmental units for healthcare workers to ensure new staff members and permanent staff on rotation are updated and well equipped promoting compliance at the Ga West Municipal Hospital.
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    Assessment Of Quality Health Care Among The Insured And Uninsured Patients In The Sefwi Wiawso Municipality Of The Western North Region, Ghana.
    (University of Ghana, 2020-10) Ameade, M.E.
    Background: In 2004, Ghana began the implementation of a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to minimize out-of-pocket expenditure at the point of use of service. Evidence suggests most health facilities are faced with challenges in the delivery of quality healthcare services. Objective: To assess the perception of quality of healthcare among NHIS insured and uninsured patients in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design that used mixed methods data collection approach. A total of 380 participants were selected for the quantitative approach using a simple random technique and [0 out of the 380 participants selected using purposive sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to gather data for the quantitative data and semi-structured interview guide was used in gathering data for qualitative data. In analysing the quantitative data, T-test was used to assess the difference in perception on the quality of care between insured and non-insured patients. Chi square was used to test for the association between the variables and multiple logistic regressions was used to determine the strength of association between the dependent and independent variables at a 5% probability level. In analysing the qualitative data, manual coding was used to generate themes that resonated with objectives of the study. Results: There was no statistical difference between the quality of care experienced by NHIS insured and non-insured. There was |.2times greater the odds of experiencing quality healtheare among those aged 51-60 years compared to those aged 18-30 years (COR = 9.88, 95% Cl= 1.30, 74.96). Also, there was a significant association between showing empathy and quality of healthcare (COR=4.05; 95%CI=1.71, 9.62). The quality of healthcare delivery Was confirmed by participants through the qualitative findings. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is no difference between the quality of healthcare among insured and uninsured NHIS users. The study also concludes that patients’ socio demographic characteristics such as educational level, employment status, monthly income and marital status influence quality of healthcare. Again, the study concludes that health facility factors such as thoroughness during consultation, adequate physical examination, show of empathy and short waiting time enhances quality healthcare. It is recommended for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to reconsider expanding the range of service coverage to cater for expensive medications and other complex surgeries to reduce the cost borne by patients.
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    The Morphosemantics of –Ni And –Foɔ Nouns in Akan
    (University of Ghana, 2022) Djan, G.A.D.
    This study aimed to establish the principles that motivate the formation of –ni and –fo nouns in Akan, as an alternative to previous accounts on the subject. Our primary objective was to examine the contributions –ni, -fo, prefixes and other key morphological units (i.e., bases) make, both structurally and semantically/functionally, towards the formation of –ni and –fo nouns in Akan, assuming principles of Lieber’s (2004) Lexical Semantic Model, which is decompositional in its approach to lexical analysis. From the current study, a base performs one of two functions in a morphological context. That is, it either denotes a collective (i.e., social) attribute, or an individual (human) attribute. -ni strictly references a member of a collective social unit. The morpheme –fo has two basic functional uses depending on the morphological context as indicated below. (a) When -fo is augmented on nominal and adjectival bases, it presents them as collective social attributes; and in this usage presents its (i.e., -fo’s) referents as members of the collectivity that these attributes connote in the real world. (b) -fo is attached to a verbal base to qualify it (i.e., the verbal attribute) as an individual human/personal attribute. Number (i.e., singularity and plurality) here is signaled by prefixes, ↄ- for the singular noun and a- for the plural. Where a verbal base has additionally achieved a collective reference, the singular is either realized with a -fo final, or a -ni final, and there is a single, lexically ambiguous plural form for the two singular forms.