Lectures and Speeches

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    The Role of Mobile Phones in the Social Lives of Informal Micro-Women Traders in Accra
    (University of Ghana, 2019-10-17) Ussher, Y.
    This article explores the functional role of mobile phones in livelihood development of Ghanaian women in the informal economy. With a qualitative approach and the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) providing a guide to the study, women micro-traders in four markets were interviewed to ascertain the spill over effects of mobile phones in trading onto in their social lives. The findings of the study showed that the integration of mobile phones into trading activities reduced transaction and transportation cost as well as wastage which in turn led to earning of better incomes. With such better incomes the livelihood outcomes of these traders have improved as they have become financially empowered to the extent of becoming sole breadwinners of their families and households, gain recognitions in the groups/associations they belong to and enhanced their socio-economic status. Such financial empowerment has changed the previous traditional trend of men being financially in charge of their families and households. Mobile phone, as livelihood asset (physical asset) has therefore led to better livelihood outcomes through the livelihood strategies, (i.e. market trade) these women traders involved in. With good livelihood outcomes, these women have overcome vulnerabilities and marginalisation in the Ghanaian economy
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    Flux and strain in marriage contraction: The changing face of bridewealth in contemporary Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2019-10-03) Dodoo, N.D.
    : Despite many changes in African societal structures, bridewealth still occupies a central role in contracting marriages. In Ghana, among married women aged 15 to 49, a nationally representative survey in 2014 reported that 82% were in marriages that involved bridewealth. I use semi-structured in-depth interviews with traditional rulers and community leaders in Ghana to examine the current role of bridewealth in marriage and the implications of changes in the practice of bridewealth for unions. The results reveal that social, cultural, and economic changes have led to a breakdown of norms surrounding marriage contraction and the marriage process being more expensive than it was in the past. These have given the leeway for women to contribute to the bridewealth payment, leading to a shift in the power base of marriage, which may lead to marital conflict and instability. It is suggested that the role of love in modern marriages is explored and men are engaged in the process of developing healthy masculinities as avenues to counter the effects of these changes in contracting marriage
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    Community perceptions on sexual activity and stroke
    (University of Ghana, 2019-09-19) Sanuade, O.
    Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana and sometimes comes with multifaceted complications including sexual dysfunction. While evidence is clear that living with stroke can result in sexual dysfunction, there are contradictory views regarding the causal association between sexual activity and stroke. This study explores perceptions of Ghanaian local communities on the role of sexual activity on stroke causation. This was a cross-sectional qualitative study. Thirty (30) focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in five communities across Ghana (Ga Mashie, Tafo, Gyegyeano, Chanshegu and Agorve) between October and November 2017. Data were analysed through a thematic approach. Participants generally believed that sexual activity can cause a stroke. They mentioned that the dynamics through which sex can trigger a stroke include sex positions (i.e. having sex while standing and on the floor), high frequency of sex, having sex when older and engaging in indiscriminate sex. This study shows the need to pay critical attention to these community perceptions when developing intervention strategies for stroke in Ghana. This study also highlights that discussion about sexual activity in Ghana is more complex than the current health education programme allows, and so demands a ‘comprehensive sex education approach’ rather than a ‘disease-centered approach’.
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    Postpartum and Post-abortion Contraception and Sexual Inactivity among Single Adolescent and Young Adult Females in Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2019-04-25) Atiglo, Y.
    This study assesses the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and pregnancy-preventive behaviours among unmarried young women intending to delay childbearing. Using data from the 2014 Ghana DHS among 1,118 single women aged 15–24 years, the study assessed how childbirth and abortion are related with sexual inactivity and use of modern contraception. Postpartum women were thrice as likely as nulligravid women and twice as likely as post-abortion women to use contraceptives. Post-abortion women were least likely to be sexually inactive. Duration of sexual experience was positively associated with the likelihood of a met need, particularly among the postpartum, and negatively associated with sexual inactivity among the ever-aborted. Prior pregnancy outcomes have significant implications for secondary abstinence and contraceptive use among unmarried young women. Efforts must be strengthened towards increasing access to modern contraceptives for young women who present for abortions in Ghana
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    Contraceptive Use and Method Mix Dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa
    (University of Ghana, 2019-02-14) Bawah, A.
    Method mix refers to the distribution of contraceptive use among the sexually active population. The subject of contraceptive method mix has become of specific importance because it provides perspectives on both the demand and supply side determinants of contraceptive prevalence. This paper proposes to conduct extensive analysis of trends in contraceptive use and method mix dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa. The study examines how contraceptive method mix dynamics have changed over time, assesses trends by marital status, and investigates determinants of method choice and their changes over time. Preliminary findings and their implications are discussed.
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    Keeping Hope Alive on a Lonely Path: Perspectives of women with Infertility Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
    (University of Ghana, 2019-10-29) Kyei, J.
    Infertility remains a challenge for some couples globally. Evidence show that one in every six couples will face a fertility problem in their reproductive age. For the past four decades, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has been an alternative treatment for infertility in many countries, including Ghana. The complexities associated with the ART process underscore the relevance of coping throughout the treatment cycle. To understand the multiple factors negatively affecting couples undergoing ART, I used a convergent parallel mixed-method research design to investigate the phenomenon in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Overall, 223 women participated in the study. The Ways of Coping (WOC) validated questionnaire and interview protocols were used to collect the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Data were processed using Stata version 14.0 and Nvivo QSR version 10. The findings showed that couples, particularly women, attach importance to childbearing in many cultures in Ghana. But in an event where the expectation of procreation is unmet, psychological and emotional wellbeing become distorted. Mental health issues reported by women as consequences of infertility included depression, anxiety, self-stigma, and enacted stigma. All participants opted for ART as an alternative solution to their infertility. The process of ART also presented challenges to the women such as high cost of ART, long-distance to ART centres, and anxiety about treatment outcome. The women, however, adopted various coping strategies, including confrontation, distancing, self-control, social support, acceptance, avoidance, problem-solving, and positive reappraisal to deal with the ART challenges. The increasing demand for ART as an alternative treatment to infertility in Ghana calls for integration of ART services into the existing regular obstetric and gynecological services in public hospitals in Ghana. This could remove barriers to ART access for couples
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    Sustaining Hope: A Narrative Inquiry into Experiences of Hope in Nurses who care for People Living with HIV (PLWH)
    (University of Ghana, 2019-10-29) Puplampu, G.L.; Osafo, J.
    Hope is a behavioural phenomenon that is frequently referenced from the patient perspective. The health care providers are not considered hope deficient neither do their ability to sustain their hope with which they live their lives is deliberated about in their daily lives. Hope can be observed through actions in any setting such as in healthcare delivery. While hope is a vital force in the healthcare system particularly for those who deliver care or receive care in high mortality settings like HIV and AIDS, palliative care and infirmaries. There are few qualitative studies of hope in HIV management. The purpose of my study is to understand hope from the nurses’ perspective in HIV care practice. Narrative inquiry revealed contextual narrative threads of hope such as 1) Becoming a nurse for people living with HIV; 2) Experiences of practicing with hope; 3) Faith in God for which they gained strength; 4) Learning to live with hope from childhood. The emergent themes were not only experiences in the life that are related to the sustaining of hope but also internal beliefs that related to sustain the nurses’ hope such as faith in God. In conclusion nurses find hope vital in HIV care but this needs to be nourished.
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    Forces Influencing Family Centred Care Practice for Children Hospitalised Through Road Traffic Accident in Ghana
    (University of Ghana, 2019-03-26) Ohene, L.A.
    In Ghana, families perceive children as a gift from God; however, the day-to-today care of children largely depicts that of a free-range parenting. Evidence shows that children form the largest proportion of persons at higher risk of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) as pedestrians. Consequently, RTA is one of the leading causes of traumatic injuries and hospitalization of children in Ghana. The sudden hospitalisation of the injured child is associated with anxiety and stressful episodes for the affected families. Family Centred Care (FCC) is an internationally recognised concept in paediatric nursing, whereby families are perceived as recipients of care when a child is sick and admitted to the hospital. Thus, care for the sick child is planned around the family taking into consideration the peculiar needs of the family. As a result of the differences in social contexts, cultures, family norms and values, FCC models over the years have evolved as a social product. Therefore, this research posed one question ‘What forces influence FCC for children hospitalised through RTA in Ghana?’ The research question was explored qualitatively using grounded theory methods. Two major concepts emerged from parents and health professionals perspectives. The focus of this presentation is to unveil the research processes undertaken which led to a logical revealing findings. The findings as emerged from the research will enlighten the public about key processes of hospital systems, including the driving and restraining forces of FCC practice in hospitals. Health professionals will be informed about the pressing needs of families with injured children in the hospital. Implications for policy, practice and education as well as recommendations will be outlined.
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    Family Dynamics in the HIV/AIDS Care Cascade: An Insider Lens
    (University of Ghana, 2019-03-26) Dzansi, G.; Anim-Boamah, K.
    The narratives about HIV/AIDS at the initial stages of the disease was focused on preventing new infections, finding treatment and reducing mortality. Today, the improved access to treatment is increasing the number of people living with HIV/AIDS. The World health Organisation (WHO) noted that about 36.9 million people were living with HIV as at 2017 out of which 25.7 million were from Africa and 310, 000 from Ghana. Notably, Africa is a continent that places value on family life and social networks. While some families maintained strong bonds, other families faced with the menace of HIV/AIDS are at risk of losing family cohesion due to the negative perception and causality ideations about HIV/AIDS. Stigma is one of the major factors emanating from the internal and external environment of people diagnosed with HIV. The family is one of the social systems that facilitates or inhibits response and adjustment to difficult situations including the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness like HIV. It is for this reason that I explore how HIV/AIDS is affecting the family as a social institution. The presentation is a synthesis of information from professional, tacit and a scoping review lens. The questions pivoting the discussion include; How do people living with HIV/AIDS relate with their family members? What factors influence their family relations? What interventions would improve family life experiences for people living with HIV/AIDS? How are Nurses and Midwives positioning themselves within the HIV/AIDS care cascade in order to respond to the family dynamics? The family which is threatened by HIV/AIDS need information, motivation, care and support to navigate their experiences in a way that prevent maladaptation and family disintegration. Disintegration of the family contributes to existing socioeconomic burden; therefore, the clarion call is for all to arise and save the family through thinking through solutions, demonstrating a heart of love and a hand ready to care for a family living with an HIV reactive member.
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    Expressions of Perception and Cognition in Akan
    (2019-02-05) Eshun, E.
    This study gives a thorough description of the sensory signals of the body in Akan (Kwa, Niger Congo) within the Cognitive Linguistic Approach. The study shows how these senses capture our cognitive experiences as they relate with things in the world. The sensory signals of the body that this thesis focuses on includes seeing, tasting, smelling, hearing and touching under the broad concept of perception and cognition. The data collected for the study was based on natural discourses from 40 native speakers in Mfantse speaking communities. Data comprises of spontaneous spoken text of diverse genres and elicitation from stimuli. A significant feature observed from the cognitive perceptive verbs are that they do not only display physiological roles but also demonstrate diverse evidences of what is represented in the cognitive structure as the brain receives visual stimulus. It was noted from the study that though these two verbs differ in terms of their linguistic features; morphological, grammatical and semantic properties, they can co-occur in a sentence structure and can establish grammatical meaning. The study illustrates that hwε ‘look’ involves durative process but it depends on the event. On the other hand, hu is seen as a natural and instantaneous occurrence; a visual activity described as ‘on the spot’ or ‘inceptive’. In some situations, hu can take durative function where the visual line is directed towards activity of monitory and caring. Hwε is volitional while hu displays both volitional and non-volitional roles. These two cognitive perceptive verbs are classified under two domains, intra psychologinal and social psychological experiences. The intra psychological experiences captured visual notions connected to self-philosophies such as personal opinions/beliefs, principles and values. The visual experiences of the social psychological type involve purpose, assurance, examining, and interdependency. On gustatory (taste) expressions, it is revealed that taste distinguishes the various forms of flavours and preferences people have towards the food they eat or something they like. Apart from the physiological roles, majority of the meanings of taste expressions indicate metaphorical meanings. Findings from the study show that Akan realises five primary taste sensations in the language (sweet/pleasant, salty, sour, bitter, congealing) and a semantically derived form, tablabaa ‘devoid of taste’ (bland). From the ethno-cultural background, dέw ‘sweet’ can be descried as a type of pleasant taste that includes +/- sugary entities, and non-food related experiences and has wider usage than the other taste forms. The expression dέw, selects an animate argument [+/-human] as the percipient of the taste but the perceived objects can be either animate or inanimate [+/- human – bodily feelings]. Further, it is shown that Akan has different forms of expressing sour taste - kὰw, fém sé, yerὲyerὲw and nkekaankekaa. The choices for a specific taste display the perception people have for things. Taste, thus can be linked to the personal idiosyncratic frame of mind of the perceiver as well as their cultural background. Per the discussions on olfactory, auditory and tactile it is established verbs derive their core meanings from the word tse ‘to perceive’ show that perception verbs exhibit several senses of modalities in Akan. The study also revealed that though these senses derive their basic meanings from the basic word tse ‘to perceive’, the language also displays other ways of representing and interpreting basic and extended meanings of olfactory, auditory and tactile sensory information. This might not be the same for all cultures in the world since experiences differ in cultural milieu. Finally, in examining the senses in Akan, it came to light that the condition of synaesthesia is a feature of all the senses. In the Mfantse dialect of Akan, it is established that majority of the synaesthesia examples illustrate physiological meanings. And only few of the synaesthesia touched on metaphorical concepts. The study recommends that the idea of a sense revealing several senses be given further attention to find out whether it is a universal phenomenon among African languages.