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

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 1410
  • 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
    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
    Food Insecurity and Functional Disability Among Older Adults in Ghana: The Role of Sex and Physical Activity
    (Elsevier, 2022) Awuviry-Newton, K.; Amoah, D.; Tavener, M.; Afram, A.A.; Dintrans, P.V.; Byles, J.; Kowal, P.
    Objectives We examined the associations between food insecurity and functional disability among older adults in Ghana and, the roles of sex and physical activity on the relationship. Design A cross-sectional study design was employed. Setting and participants A total of 4446 older adults (50+ years of age) from the Study on Global Aging and Adult Health Ghana Wave 2, a countrywide study, was completed in 2015. Methods Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between measures of food insecurity and functional disability using data from Study on Global Aging and Adult Health Ghana Wave 2. Functional disability was assessed using World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 composed of 12 items in 6 domains of cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, life activities, and participation in society. Food insecurity was assessed from 12-month food sufficiency and experience of hunger over the last 12 months. Results Approximately 11% were identified as having functional disability. The prevalence of food insecurity was 23.8% for insufficient food intake and 18.3% for hunger. Adjusting for all variables, older adults who reported consuming insufficient food (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.57, 3.28), and those who experienced hunger (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.59, 3.46) had higher odds of functional disability, compared with those not reporting these issues. Sex differences modified the association between hunger and functional disability. Physical activity served as a protective factor (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.38, 0.95) on the association implying that older adults who engaged in physical activity were 40% less likely to experience food insecurity-induced functional disability. Conclusions and Implications Food insecurity is associated with functional disability among older adults. Results highlight the usefulness of tackling the social determinants of health and promoting financial/social security in older age in a changing Ghanaian society.
  • Item
    Are We Human Beings Like Others? Stigmatization and Discrimination Experiences of Women Living with Obstetric Fistula in the Northern Region of Ghana
    (Springer, 2022) Dako-Gyeke, M.; Kodom, R.B.; Ntewusu, J.
    This study aimed at exploring stigmatization and discrimination experiences of women living with obstetric fistula (WLOF) in the Northern Region of Ghana. Fifty-five women were identified purposively, and data were collected through focus group discussions and face-to-face in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The focus group discussion and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emerging themes that addressed the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that the WLOF had different views about that condition. In addition, it was found that the women experienced enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma. Evidence showed that many of the participants responded to their experiences by concealing their condition and living in isolation, which negatively affected their psychosocial wellbeing. The findings suggest the need for awareness creation about obstetric fistula, as well as psychosocial interventions that would enhance the dignity, wellbeing, along with the rights of WLOF.
  • Item
    Liberate Your Mind: Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah’s Influence on Contemporary Pan-African Consciousness in the USA
    (Springer, 2022) Frehiwo, M.; McGhee, C.; Aduako, H.B.
    This article interrogates the influence of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah on the development of contemporary Pan-African consciousness in the USA. The research occurred between December 2018 and January 2020 in Accra Ghana, Washington, DC, and the San-Francisco Bay Area. The study included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observation at Pan-African events such as Kwanzaa, PANAFEST, and African Liberation Day. The findings suggest the development of Pan-African consciousness is obtained through engagement and interaction with historical and contemporary Pan-African leaders. Two main themes emerged they are (1) Linkages exist between the development of Pan-African consciousness among the Diaspora and Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s historical role in the Pan-African Movement, and (2) Pan-African institutions that engage in political education contribute to exposing the Diaspora to Pan-African consciousness.
  • Item
    Human resource mobilisation and management in health systems of Africa: a comparative study of health insurance scheme and health facilities in Ghana
    (Inderscience, 2022) Kipo-Sunyehzi, D.D.
    This paper analyses the human resource mobilisation and management in the health systems of Africa. It compares five health organisations from public-private sectors in terms of how they mobilise and manage human resources in the implementation of Ghana's health insurance scheme. It adds to comparative research on HRM practices and organisational culture in a developing world context. It makes two unique contributions: from public-private organisational perspectives and employees/workers and clients perspectives on HR practices to improve workers skills/knowledge and meet clients' health needs. A multi-actor research methodology was adopted with in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, on-site direct observations and documents with a sample size of 107. The results reveal some ironies in public-private organisational behaviour, faith-based, profit-client oriented styles of HRM practices and how such factors affect clients' access to services. It found organisations with more bureaucracies/red tape and professionalism were the least preferred as clients experienced more waiting times.
  • Item
    Experiences of Unaccompanied Child Migrant Workers from West African Countries Living in Ghana
    (Springer, 2022) Dako-Gyeke, M.; Kodom, R.B.; Sulemana, A.
    While independent migration among children is common in West Africa, it has not received much attention in research and policy. Guided by the ecological systems and coping theories, the study explored the experiences of unaccompanied child migrant workers from selected West African countries who reside in Ghana. The objectives of the study were to explore (a) challenges encountered by unaccompanied child migrant workers and (b) coping strategies adopted by unaccompanied child migrant workers. A qualitative research design was adopted, and utilizing both purposive and snowball sampling techniques, 41 children were recruited as participants for the study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted to gather data, which were analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that unaccompanied child migrant workers encountered challenges related to unstable and low daily income, lack of decent accommodation, labor exploitation and loss of income, as well as health issues. Furthermore, evidence showed that the unaccompanied child migrants used both problem-focused (assistance from social networks and support from migrant mutual aid groups) and emotion-focused (inner resources and distraction/avoidance) coping strategies to deal with the challenges they faced. Based on the findings of the study, conclusions and implications are discussed for policy and practice.
  • Item
    Does Job Security Affect Fertility and Fertility Intentions in Ghana? Examining the Evidence
    (Springer, 2022) Owoo, N.S.; Lambon-Quayefio, M.P.
    The tradeoff that women face between work and family depends largely on a country’s institutional settings. Provisions like stable employment, maternity benefits, and childcare services can affect women’s fertility behaviours. In Ghana, the majority of women work in vulnerable self-employment positions. Among paid female employees, the degree of job security also varies. Largely studied in the developed country context, job insecurity has been found to have important effects on women’s reproductive health outcomes. As yet, there is no consensus on the direction of effects. The relationship has been argued to be largely country- and context- specific. This paper examines the nature of the relationship for a developing country, Ghana, where female labour force participation is high, paid employment is scarce, and there are few affordable childcare services. We use 2017 data from the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS) and empirical techniques to control for self-selectivity. Initially, we find evidence consistent with the compensation hypothesis, an uncertain work environment encourages higher fertility. This is because becoming a parent and having more children can be a way to make the future safer and more predictable. This explanation is particularly relevant for settings like Ghana where fertility is valued. The observed strong, negative relationship between job security and fertility is however found to be largely attributable to self-selection of women into particular jobs. Career-oriented women self-select into more secure jobs, and have fewer children, given the higher associated costs; and, characterized by lower pay, family-oriented women self-select into less secure but more flexible jobs, in order to care for their children. In the absence of government or institutional policies, women face a difficult choice between family and work aspirations. Polices and institutions should therefore be put in place to reduce these work-family challenges.
  • Item
    A fishery in distress: An analysis of the small pelagic fishery of Ghana
    (Elsevier, 2021) Asiedu, B.; Okpei, P.; Nunoo, F.K.E.; Failler, P.
    The small pelagic fishery contributes substantially to Ghana’s fish production and plays important roles in food and nutritional security. However, the resource is under serious threat due to destructive fishing practices, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), overcapacity of fishing fleets, population growth and climate change. This paper aims to analyze the small pelagic fishery in terms of; mapping of the chain, landings, imports and export, role in food security and management measures to sustain the fishery. Annual landings and imports of five important small pelagic species were obtained from the database of the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana and analyzed for the period 1998–2018. In terms of production, 55% of small pelagic stocks are landed fresh by the artisanal canoes, while 26% come from the inshore fleet, 4% from the industrial fleet and 15% from imports. These are traded in their fresh (65%), frozen (17%) or processed (18%) forms to several actors along the supply chain on national and international markets. The round sardine and anchovy dominated landings while the Atlantic chub mackerel was characterized by a gradual decrease over the period. Per capita small pelagic fish consumption fluctuated over the period analyzed. Imports of small pelagic fish were relatively higher than exports. The decline of these stocks of commercial importance could lead to a domino effect that could diminish the overall contributions to the economy through reduced commercial exports, while at the same time increasing the need for imports, thus threatening the livelihoods and increasing the poverty level of millions of people engaged in the sector and the food security of the nation. Fisheries management authorities should, therefore, as a matter of urgency strengthen fisheries management measures by making clear and bold decisions to reverse the stock decline and to mitigate impacts on society.