Research Articles
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/22010
A research article reports the results of original research, assesses its contribution to the body of knowledge in a given area, and is published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal. The faculty publications through published and on-going articles/researches are captured in this community
Browse
202 results
Search Results
Item Career development experiences of policewomen: insights from Ghana(Career Development International, 2024) Quartey, S.H.Purpose – This study explores the career development experiences of policewomen in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – This study used phenomenology to explore the career development experiences of policewomen. The policewomen were purposively selected from the Ghana Police Service. The data were gathered from 23 policewomen. The data were thematically analyzed with the help of the NVivo 14 qualitative software application. Findings – Career leadership orientations, career support mechanisms and career environments shaped the career development experiences of policewomen. These major themes, with related sub-themes and codes, enhance our understanding of these experiences. Practical implications – The senior management of the Ghana Police Service can eliminate institutionalized gender biases against policewomen by formulating and implementing gender-inclusive and women-sensitive staff development policies. Originality/value – This study first highlights the importance of career leadership orientations, career support mechanisms and career environment in understanding the career development experiences of policewomen.Item Seed quality and relative lignan profiles of sesame prospected from northern Ghana(Heliyon, 2024) Sintim, H.O.The sesame seed contains oil, protein, dietary fibre, and several minerals and it is also a store of lignans. Lignans are key selection factors for sesame quality due to their health, nutritive and market value. In Ghana sesame growers rely on wild or undocumented planting seeds which are of mixed colouration and its lignan content is ambiguous. The objective of this study was to segregate street sesame seeds into component colour fractions and subsequently evaluate the consistency of lignans in the seed fractions. Sesame seeds were collected from street vendors in northern Ghana and were segregated into seed fractions based on the pericarp colour. The viability of seed fractions stored at different temperatures (ambient, 5 ◦C, 0 ◦C) over time and lignan contents of single or bulk mixed seeds were verified. The collected seeds were of mixed colouration with approximately 4 % debris, 40 % white, 36 % cream, and 20 % dark coloured seeds by weight. The viability of the seeds was 67–85 % depending on pericarp colour. White seed fractions which had the highest proportion by weight had a significantly (p = 0.0275) higher viability (85 %) than the dark seeds which had the least viability (67 %). The seeds lost viability over time. However, seeds stored at 0 ◦C maintained a viability of 77 % at the fourth year. There were differences in the relative abundance of lignans for both bulk seeds and, single seeds with different pericarp colours. The most abundant occurring lignans in the seeds were sesamin, ses amolin and sesaminol and its downstream glucosides. The source of seed or pericarp colour was not predictive of seed viability or lignan composition. These findings provide baseline data on seed quality including an improved storability under cold environments. It also gives an insight into how mixed seeds of variable pericarp colours can have distinct characteristics. Although the mixed coloured seeds had no implications for varied quality including lignan content, the in ternational market for sesame requires that seeds are of consistent colour.Item Hepatitis B virus (HBV) viremia despite tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-containing antiretroviral therapy in persons with HBV/ HIV coinfection(Journal of Clinical Virology, 2024) Ryan, P.; Odegard, E.; Lartey, M.; et al.Background: The goal of treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coin fection is suppression of both viruses; yet incomplete HBV suppression on tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is common. This study investigated TFV resistance-associated muta tions (RAMs) in individuals with HBV/HIV coinfection with viremia on TDF/lamivudine (3TC)-containing ART. Methods: Samples from individuals with HBV DNA levels ≥20 IU/mL in a cross-sectional study of 138 persons with HBV/HIV coinfection in Ghana were analyzed in the present study. HBV was sequenced for RAM analysis. TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was used to assess ART adherence level. Results: Nine of 138 participants (6.5 %) had detectable HBV DNA levels ≥20 IU/mL while on ART. Seven of the nine participants had TFV-DP concentrations commensurate with 7 doses per week, and six had suppressed HIV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that eight sequences were HBV genotype E, with one genotype E/A re combinant. Ten previously-reported TFV RAMs were present in the study samples; eight were wild-type for HBV genotype E. The non-genotype-E-wild-type point mutations M267L and K333Q were found in two and one pa tients, respectively. No 3TC RAMs were found. Conclusion: HBV viremia despite high adherence to TDF/3TC-based ART may be associated with the presence of TFV RAMs. These findings highlight the need for enhanced resistance monitoring and further research to examine the clinical significance of reported TFV RAMs. Individuals with HBV/HIV coinfection and TFV resis tance on TDF-based ART may need alternative treatment strategies.Item Repurposing university library spaces for improved learning satisfaction: The moderating role of organizational size(Journal of Access Services, 2024) Owusu-Ansah, S.This paper investigates the moderating influence of library size on the relationship between library space attributes and learning satisfaction. Employing a quantitative methodology, a sample of 196 university library users in Ghana was selected to investigate the perceived impact of repurposed library spaces on learning satisfaction. The author conducted an empirical analysis to examine how organizational size (the total number of workers at a particular location) moderates the association between library space attributes (including access and linkages [physical location and proximity to campus resources], usage patterns [highlights the hours when users are most active and displays when a spe cific app is utilized during the day], sociability [the propensity and corresponding abilities to look for friendship, interact with others, and take part in social activities], and comfort [a state of physically ease and freedom from pain or constraint]) and the learning satisfaction of users. The research, administered through a closed-ended questionnaire, underscored the signifi cant influence of access and linkages, usage patterns, sociability, and the physical environment on users’ satisfaction levels. These four library space attributes together accounted for 13.1% of the variance in learning satisfaction, according to a multiple regres sion study conducted with SPSS version 27. Nevertheless, mod eration analysis showed that there was no statistically significant relationship (p¼ 0.3370) between the characteristics of the library space and learning satisfaction through organizational size. The paper recommends adaptations to library designs to better align with the evolving learning needs of university library users in Ghana. A notable suggestion is the transformation of university libraries into dynamic physical spaces known as "learning commons" on campuses.Item Gender and climate change linkages in the semi-arid region of Ghana(Springer, 2022) Mensah, M.; Vlek, P.L.G.; Fosu-Mensah, B.Y.Climate change is projected to have a serious impact on all sectors of the world. The agriculture sector is one of the most vulnerable sectors with implications for smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions of Africa in terms of poverty and food security. Several researches have been carried out on perception and adaptation with a little investigation to unpack the gender differences and how this influence adaptation strategies. This research investigates gender difference and gender-specific adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. A household survey was conducted from August to December 2014 using a pre-tested questionnaire where 150 males and 150 female farmers were randomly sampled from 14 communities within the Bolgatanga Municipality and Bongo district. Results show the existence of gender differences in the adaptation strategies. Both gender groups perceived climatic change and variability but only 49% male and 40% female headed household (HH) have adopted strategies to cope with increasing temperatures while 56% male and 49% female have adapted to decreasing precipitation. On the other hand, 62% male and 60% female HH have adapted to increasing drought spells. The main differences between male and female adaptation strategies are that males prefer to migrate and seek employment in other parts of the country whereas females prefer to engage in off-farm jobs such as trading, basketry and shea-butter processing. The age of farmers, access to extension services, credit, perceived loss of soil fertility, among other factors influenced farmers adaptation strategies. Policy decisions to promote adaptation to climate change and variability should take these factors into consideration.Item Validating a Sclera-Based Smartphone Application for Screening Jaundiced Newborns in Ghana(Pediatrics, 2022) Enweronu-Laryea, C.; Outlaw, F.; Brako, N.O.; Insaidoo, G.; Hagan-Seneadza, N.A.; Ani-Amponsah, M.; Nixon-Hill, M.; Meek, J.OBJECTIVES Reducing the burden of bilirubin-induced neurologic complications in low-resource countries requires reliable and accessible screening tools. We sought to optimize and validate a sclera-based smartphone application, Neonatal Scleral-Conjunctival Bilirubin (neoSCB), for screening neonatal jaundice.METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, consecutive eligible infants (aged 0–28 days, in the hospital, not critically ill) were enrolled in Ghana from March 2019 to April 2020. Jaundice screening was performed with neoSCB (Samsung Galaxy S8) to quantify SCB and JM-105 (Dräger) for transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB). Screening values were compared with total serum bilirubin (TSB) measured at the point of care.RESULTS Overall, 724 infants participated in the optimization and validation phases of the study. The analysis for validation included 336 infants with no previous treatment of jaundice. Single neoSCB image captures identified infants with TSB >14.62 mg/dL (250 μmol/L) with reasonably high sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve at 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91 to 0.97), 0.73 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.78), and 0.90, respectively. These findings were comparable to the sensitivity and specificity of JM-105 (0.96 [95% CI, 0.90 to 0.99] and 0.81 [95% CI, 0.76 to 0.86], respectively). The TcB/TSB had a larger correlation coefficient (r = 0.93; P < .01) than SCB/TSB (r = 0.78; P < .01). Performance of both devices was lower in infants with previous phototherapy (n = 231).CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic performance of neoSCB was comparable to JM-105 and is a potential, affordable, contact-free screening tool for neonatal jaundice.Item Predictors of performance of foreign-trained medical doctors in the registration examination of the Ghana medical and dental council: A 5-year analysis(NLM (Medline), 2022-07) Lawson, H.J.O.; Seneadza, N.A.H.Introduction: Although the influx of foreign-trained medical doctors (FTMDs) can improve the doctor-to-patient ratio in Ghana, there is the need to ensure that the quality of training is maintained. We assessed the performance of FTMDs in registration examinations over a 5-year period. Methodology: Data were extracted from Ghana Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) records from 2015 to 2019. Chi-squared tests assessed the association between the selected characteristics and the final grades. A multivariate logistic regression analysis determined significant predictors of the failure. The data were analysed using the statistical software IBM SPSS (version 26). The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Of the 1356 doctors, majority (63.1%) were male, 64.3% were aged 21-30 years and 95.5% were Ghanaian. In all, there were 41 countries of training with majority training in China (35.4%) and Ukraine (31.9%). More than half (58.5%) failed the examination. Country of training, number of years from qualification to time of registration examination and number of previous attempts were statistically significantly associated with success at the examination. The logistic regression analysis showed that those who failed were more likely to have trained in Belarus (odds ratio [OR] = 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.50-6.82), Ukraine (OR = 2.47, 95% CI; 1.55-3.92), China OR = 2.06, 95% CI; 1.30-3.26) and Russia (OR = 1.98, 95% CI; 1.21-3.23) and were 0.58 times likely to have trained in Cuba. Conclusion: The performance at the examination is low. The significant predictor of performance is country of training. The authors recommend that the GMDC provides counselling services for students who leave for medical training abroad.Item Towards the establishment of national imaging practice guidelines: A preliminary study of the basic computed tomography imaging protocols in Ghana(Elsevier, 2022) Botwe, B.O.; Schandorf, C.; Inkoom, S.; Faanu, A.; Mensah, Y.B.; Antwi, W.K.Background There is a need to harmonize imaging practices in computed tomography (CT) imaging. This study, therefore, investigated the variability of the basic imaging protocols used for CT imaging of common indications in Ghana in order to generate recommendations for the development of national imaging practice guidelines in CT imaging. Method A cross-sectional study, utilizing a structured online questionnaire, was undertaken (between December 2018 to March 2019) to collect indication-based imaging protocol data (scan coverage, scan series, image quality requirement, slice thickness, reconstruction, scan mode and orientation, required window, AEC usage, scan and breath hold techniques etc.,) across the various CT facilities in the country. Data were analysed and with experts’ input, recommendations were made. Results The imaging protocols used across the CT facilities in the country were largely similar, with a few variabilities for similar examinations. These variabilities were found in scan coverages, series and slice thicknesses. In particular, for a brain tumour examination, 92% of the 25 facilities used both non-contrast and contrast phases while 8% preferred only the IV contrast phase. Seventy percent of all the facilities (n=10) performing pulmonary angiograms in the country also used a two-sequence scan, and others (30%) worked with only the angiogram phase. A majority (89%) of the 19 facilities that were engaged in CT-IVU procedures also used 3-4 scan phases, while 11% preferred a split-bolus technique. None of the facilities employed the low-dose or ultra-low dose protocol for kidney stone examination. Conclusions The study's outcome provides an important preliminary roadmap that could lead to the development of imaging practice guidelines to ensure harmonization of imaging practices to improve the protection and safety of patients across the CT facilities.Item Changes in origin of acute chest pain in a sub-Saharan African setting(SAGE, 2022) Tettey, M.; Edwin, F.; Doku, A.; Ndanu, T.; Entsua-Mensah, K.; Adzamli, I.Our aim was to demonstrate a shifting epidemiology of acute chest pain in Ghana. Efforts to increase physician awareness and best practices are urgently required. Patients presenting with acute chest pain to the two leading tertiary care centres in Accra were investigatedItem Evaluating the Viability of the Ghan Airport Cargo Centre as a Public-Private Partnership Project(Springer, 2022) Arthur, I.K.; Agyemang, E.; Nikoi, E.G.A.This chapter evaluates the viability of Ghana Airport Cargo Centre as a public-private partnership project and discusses its implications using desk reviews, interviews, air cargo data, and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analytical tool. The study found that safety and security, development of a state-of-the-art cargo terminal, competitiveness, and local expertise and technology transfer were key strengths of the partnership. Relatively low cargo volumes were found to be a weakness. Peace, democracy, and economic stability were also found to be opportunities, while potential political interference, the COVID-19 pandemic, and competition within the West African subregion were found to be threats of the partnership. The study concluded that the current partnership arrangement, whereby private equity is substantially high, and the government simply concentrates on providing the “enabling environment” and minimal investment, is a good venture that must be encouraged in Africa.