Research Articles
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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
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Item Development of Strategies and Transformation Paths for Structured and Targeted Digital Change: The Case of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Trinity Congregation(Digitalization Cases, Management for Professionals, 2019) Asiedu, S.T.; Boateng, R.The situation faced: The Church, irrespective of its steady growth from 4 members in 1965 to 2910 members in 2015, struggles to reach out to larger (newer) communities and improve money collection. It struggles as well in reaching its local community especially its members at the right time with the right message. In brief, for the Church to engage its members and the public concerning worship service, publicizing its social activities (evangelism, donations to the needy, visits to prisons, etc.) and payment of voluntary contributions, it had to count on their physical presence in its premises. (b) Action taken: The Church developed an interactive online presence (website) with payment integration for payment of tithe, offertory, voluntary thanksgiving, etc. Social media accounts were established to help create an online community with the secondary objective of driving traffic to the website and engaging the congregation remotely outside church service hours. Mobile money and a point of sale (POS) device were used to facilitate cashless transactions. Supportive committees were set up while interconnecting existing ones. Some of the pastors upload videos to social media as a supplement to morning devotions. Events were promoted on the website and social media. (c) Results achieved: Amongst the lot, there is currently an increase in social media engagements through event posts, live streaming, images, and other post formats and also an increase in participation in church events by almost 50% on average as well as an increase in the number of website visitors from 2558 (901 unique visitors) in the first year after deployment to 11,612 visitors (5841 unique visitors) in the third year as of September 2017. Even though membership statistics surprisingly indicated a 638 decline in 2017, which is worth investigating. (d) Lessons learned: Although deploying the online system was successful, it came with its lessons drawn from challenges that cannot be ignored. These include trust in electronic payments, the need for a strategic framework in the adoption of technology, and the need to educate users. Other lessons include the need for management support and readiness of employees/volunteers and resource availability as a precursor to achieving strategic IS innovation objectives.Item Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among school-aged children in urban Ghana(BMC Obesity, 2017) Aryeetey, R.; Lartey, A.; Marquis, G.S.; et al.Background: Childhood overnutrition is a serious public health problem, with consequences that extend into adulthood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among school-age children in two urban settings in Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 3089 children (9–15 years) recruited between December 2009 and February 2012 in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Socio-demographic, dietary, and physical activity data were collected using pretested questionnaires. BMI-for-age z-scores were used to categorize anthropometric data of the children as thin, normal, or overweight/obese. Determinants of overweight were examined using multiple logistic regressions. Results: Seventeen percent of children were overweight or obese. Children who reported lower participation (< 3 times/week) in sports activity were 44% more likely to be overweight or obese (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.94). Maternal tertiary education (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.42), higher household socioeconomic status (AOR = 1. 56, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.06), and attending private school (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.32) were also associated with elevated risk of overweight and obesity. Conclusions: Physical inactivity is a modifiable independent determinant of overweight or obesity among Ghanaian school-aged children. Promoting and supporting a physically active lifestyle in this population is likely to reduce the risk of childhood overnutrition.Item Dietary patterns and associated risk factors among school age children in urban Ghana(BMC Nutrition, 2018) Ogum Alangea, D.; Aryeetey, R.N.; Gray, H.L.; et al.Background: Understanding dietary patterns in the study of diet-disease relationships is crucial for designing dietary behavior interventions. This study aimed to determine associations between dietary patterns and background characteristics among school-age children (9–15 years) in Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 487 urban-dwelling children aged 9–15 years was recruited using simple random sampling from 24 schools (12 private and 12 public) in the Ga-East Municipality in Southern Ghana. A 7-day food frequency questionnaire was used to record children’s consumption of over 100 unique food items. Principal component analyses based on 14 food groups were used to describe emerging dietary patterns (DP). BMI-for-age z-scores segregated by sex were derived using WHO Anthro plus software. Linear regression was used to test associations between ‘diet factor’ scores, and weight status controlling for age. Results: Four DPs were identified that explained 53.2% of the variation in the diets of children: (1) energy dense; (2) starchy root staples and vegetables; (3) cereal-grain staples and poultry; and (4) fish & seafood. Energy-dense DP characterized by processed meat, fried foods, and sugary foods was associated with child overweight/obese status after controlling for age, sex, SES, and school type [F(5, 484) = 6.868, p < 0.001]. Starchy root with vegetable DP was negatively associated with overweight/obese status, private school attendance, and higher SES after controlling for age at the bivariate level. However, the relationship between ‘starchy root staples and vegetables’ DP and overweight/obese status lost significance after controlling for other covariates. Conclusion: Our data identified energy-dense dietary patterns to be significantly associated with childhood overweight and obesity. Targeted dietary messages are required to address energy-dense dietary patterns among school-age children.Item Perceptions and experiences of Overweight among Women in the ga east District, ghana(Frontiers in Nutrition, 2016) Aryeetey, R.N.O.Overweight and obesity are a growing public health challenge among women of reproductive age. While cultural norms suggest a preference for an overweight body image, limited evidence exists regarding women’s beliefs and experiences of being overweight in Ghana. The current study explored beliefs, perceptions, experiences, and practices concerning overweight among women living in suburban Accra, Ghana. Methods Four focus group discussions, and 10 in-depth interviews (IDI) were implemented among 42 adult women (>18 years) seeking preventive child health services in Dome, Accra. All the women in the IDI were overweight. In addition to notes, interviews and discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed for systematic content and narrative analysis. Results Overweight was considered undesirable by most women. Overweight individuals were often stigmatized using uncomplimentary names, such as cargo, obolo, and so on. However, some weight gain was admired and expected by women and their family and friends. Weight gain that was considered beautiful was believed to “evolve naturally.” Weight gain that is either medically induced or perceived as excessive was not viewed positively. Weight gain by women was perceived as a sign of financial prosperity and good care by a spouse. Overweight was perceived to be linked with heredity, childbirth, gluttony, and contraception. Adverse experiences of overweight included poor self-image, declining social lifestyle, increased disease risk, and feeling tired always. Strategies that had been used to lose weight included skipping meals, avoiding carbohydrate-based foods, and drinking herbal teas. Conclusion There is admiration for some weight gain among women but when it is excessive, overweight is stigmatized. Misperceptions regarding partner expectations, determinants of overweight, and weight reduction strategies require effective behavior change interventions in Ghana.Item Contribution of scaling up nutrition Academic Platforms to nutrition capacity strengthening in Africa: local efforts, continental prospects and challenges(Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2017) Laar, A.K.; Aryeetey, R.N.O.; Annan, R.; et al.Addressing contemporary nutrition problems often requires the application of knowledge from multiple disciplines. The scaling up nutrition (SUN) movement harnesses multiple sectors for effective global and in-country planning and implementation. Although the role of knowledge networks (academia and research institutions) is recognized, the how of engaging knowledge networks in the current SUN architecture is only now becoming apparent. For relevant sectors to play their roles effectively, observed capacity gaps, particularly in developing country settings, need to be addressed. The present paper presents the work being undertaken by the Ghana SUN Academic Platform (AP), a local knowledge network, towards strengthening nutrition capacity in Ghana. The AP presently provides technical support, evidence, and capacity towards scaling up effective nutrition interventions in Ghana and beyond. The data presented draws heavily on the observations and collective experiences of the authors in practice, complemented by a review of relevant literature. The ultimate goal of the AP is to build a cap acity of professionals from nutrition and cognate sectors (including planning, agriculture, health, economics, research, and academia). This is an essential ingredient for effective and durable SUN efforts. The paper recognizes that both disciplinary and interdisciplinary capacity is required for effective SUN efforts in Africa, and offers an approach that utilizes cross-sector/inter-professional, peer-learning, and experiential learning initiatives.Item Implementing Nutrition Interventions In Ghana At District Level: Gaps And Opportunities(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2014) Gongwer, C.R.; Aryeetey, R.Malnutrition among women and children is an underlying cause of high morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Ghana is one of 36 countries with a high prevalence (> 20%) of chronic stunting in childhood. Although proven and inexpensive technologies and interventions exist to address maternal and child malnutrition, their implementation remains at a low scale in many developing countries, including Ghana. In Ghana, barriers to scaling up nutrition actions have been identified at the national level, yet little is known about the situation at the district and sub-district levels where nutrition interventions are directly delivered. The current study assessed district-level capacity and commitment to accelerating the implementation of effective nutrition interventions to address the high burden of maternal and child malnutrition. In June 2010, key informant interviews involving technical officers, clinicians, nurses, and administrative staff, and a desk review of program and administrative reports were conducted in the Omanye District (pseudonym). Using the framework from the WHO landscape analysis of readiness to scale up nutrition actions, interviews explored questions of commitment (financial, planning, collaborations) and capacity (human resources, job aids, skills) to implement nutrition actions in the district. Most key nutrition interventions were being implemented in the Omanye District including growth promotion, micronutrient supplementation, behavior change communication on infant and young child feeding, and a pilot project for community management of severe acute malnutrition. Interventions are challenged, however, by barriers including inadequate financial commitment, low prioritization of nutrition, inadequate personnel, and insufficient job aids. Because nutrition was relatively underfunded in the district, nutrition technical officers had been shifted to perform other or additional tasks. Insufficient investment and inadequate capacity prevent the delivery of quality nutrition services in the Omanye District. Interventions that prioritize and improve investment in nutrition actions are needed to optimize nutrition services at the district level in Ghana.Item Child development in rural Ghana: Associations between cognitive/ language milestones and indicators of nutrition and stimulation of children under two years of age(Canadian Journal Of Public Health, 2017) Ahun, M.N.; Aryeetey, R.; Colecraft, E.; et al.OBJECTIVES: Two studies aimed to assess the provision of nutrition and psychosocial stimulation in the home and to examine associations between mental development and nutrition and stimulation using a validated measure of development milestones. METHODS: The first study consisted of secondary analyses of health and nutrition data from 1081 mother-child pairs (the children aged 0–12 months) and their households in Ghana’s Eastern Region. For the second study, the Ghana Milestones Measure, consisting of items assessing cognitive and language development, was used to assess child development in a subsample (N = 330) of Study 1 participants one year later (children 10–24 months of age). This measure was mother-reported and had been validated in a separate community in Ghana. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Family assets and maternal education were identified as key factors of the family context. Both variables were positively associated with preventive health practices (r = 0.08 to 0.13, p < 0.0001 to 0.01), and dietary diversity (r = 0.15, p = 0.0001 to 0.0006), and negatively associated with maternal depressive symptoms (r = −0.19 to −0.12, p < 0.0001). Taller children had higher receptive (standardized beta = 0.16; p = 0.04) and expressive (0.21; 0.003) language, but not cognitive (0.15; 0.07) milestone scores, and psychosocial stimulation was positively associated with all three milestones (receptive = 0.13, p = 0.01; expressive = 0.21, p < 0.0001; and cognitive = 0.24, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study provides the first validated measure of children’s language and cognitive development in Ghana, finding associations with nutrition and stimulation. The Ghana Milestones Measure can be used to assess and help promote children’s mental development.Item Breastfeed4Ghana: Design and evaluation of an innovative social media campaign(Maternal & Child Nutrition, 2019) Harding, K.; Aryeetey, R.; Carroll, G.; et al.Although targeting health behavior change through social media campaigns has gained traction in recent years, few studies have focused on breastfeeding social media campaigns. Within the context of rising social media utilization and recent declines in exclusive breastfeeding practices in Ghana, we implemented Breastfeed4Ghana is a Facebook‐ and Twitter‐based breastfeeding social media campaign. This study determined the feasibility of implementing Breastfeed4Ghana and evaluated its impact on breastfeeding knowledge in Ghana. Key performance indicators of the campaign were monitored on social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter. An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted across three time points (n = 451) assessed breastfeeding knowledge, campaign exposure, and understanding and acceptability of Breastfeed4Ghana among Ghanaian adults. Modified Poisson models were used to assess the relationship between campaign exposure and breastfeeding knowledge, adjusting for survey time point, sex, and parenthood status. The campaign acquired 4,832 followers. Based on follower demographics collected from Facebook and Twitter analytics, the target population was successfully reached. Campaign exposure among survey participants was 42.3% and 48.7% at midline and endline, respectively. Campaign acceptability was high (>90%), and >44% of those exposed to the campaign also shared the campaign with others. However, 61.0% of those exposed did not know or could not remember the purpose of the campaign. Campaign exposure was not associated with higher breastfeeding knowledge (APR [95% confidence interval] = 0.96 [0.73, 1.26]). Breastfeed4Ghana was highly feasible. However, campaign understanding yielded mixed findings and may explain the limited impact on breastfeeding knowledge.Item Use of Dietary and Herbal Supplements among Elderly Ghanaians in the Keta Municipality(Journal of Human Nutrition & Food Science, 2015) Aryeetey, R.N.O.; Tamakloe, S.M.Background: Globally, dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) are used frequently by adults and especially the elderly to control and prevent chronic disease. However, little is known about DHS use in sub-Saharan Africa. We estimated the prevalence and frequency of DHS use among elderly residents of the Keta Municipality in Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was administered to 580 male and female elderly (65+ years) residents in the Keta municipal area in the Volta region. Respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling approach involving a random selection of sub-municipalities, communities, and individuals at each level. The survey tool developed for the study collected recall data on socio-demographic characteristics; DHS use behavior, health history, and reasons for using DHS. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent determinants of DSH use. Results: About 42% of respondents reported the use of a DHS in the last month. Almost 90% of users reported the use of multivitamins or mineral supplements. More than 90% reported taking their supplement daily and more than 65% of users took supplements at least twice daily. Elderly who have completed secondary school or a higher level of education were significantly more likely to use any DHS (OR=4.9; 95% CI: 2.08, 4.93). Those who were regularly taking medicines for any diagnosed disease were more likely to also take supplements (OR=17.9; 95% CI: 10.0, 32.0). The main reason for using DHS was to improve health (90.5%). About half of DHS users identified health workers as their prescribing source (59.5%). However, 30% of all users indicated self-prescription for DHS. Conclusion: Multivitamin supplements and to a lesser extent, herbal supplements are used regularly by almost half of elderly Ghanaians residing in the Keta Municipality. The public health system needs to recognize this frequent use of DHS and to assure safety in its use among this critical age group.Item State Of Dietetics Practice In Ghana(Ghana Medical Journal, 2014) Aryeetey, R.N.O.; Boateng, L.; Sackey, D.Objective: The prevalence of obesity and related diseases has increased in Ghana. Dietitians have essential skills to prevent and manage dietary diseases. However, little is known about dietetic practice in Ghana. This paper describes the history and current state of dietetics practice in Ghana. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 13 die titians and six dietetic interns in February 2012. The questionnaire collected data on perceptions about die tactics practice, career progression, and challenges in dietetics practice in Ghana. Key informant interviews (KII) on the history of dietetics in Ghana were also held with four retired dietitians and two dietetics educators. Additional KII were conducted with the Chief dietitian, two officers of the Ghana Dietetic Association, and three other dietitians. Most KII were conducted face-to-face but a few were only possible via telephone. Some of the KII were audio-recorded, in addition to handwritten notes. Following the transcription of audio-recorded interviews, all data were subjected to content analysis. Results: Dietetic practice in Ghana has evolved from a low-skilled cadre (catering officers) offering hospital-based meal services to the current era of available trained dietitians providing diet therapy in diverse settings. However, 80% of the 35 dietitians identified are working in Accra. In three regions of Ghana, there are no dietitians. There remain limited opportunities for continuous learning and professional career advancement. Additionally, there are many unqualified diet tians in practice. Conclusion: A huge unmet need for dietitians exists in all regions of Ghana, except Greater Accra. Bridging this gap is essential to increase access to dietetic care throughout Ghana.