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UGSpace is the institutional repository of the University of Ghana. UGSpace is an open access electronic archive for the collection, preservation and distribution of digital materials to:
- facilitate the deposit of digital content of a scholarly or heritage nature
- and ultimately share, preserve and promote the intellectual output of the University in a managed environment.
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- Review books or articles provide a critical and constructive analysis of existing published literature in a field, through summary, analysis, and comparison, often identifying specific gaps or problems and providing recommendations for future research. These are considered as secondary literature since they generally do not present new data from the author's experimental work. Review articles can be of three types, broadly speaking: literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. It also the researcher to stay abreast of new literature in the field.
- Grey literature consists of research and information produced outside conventional publishing channels, such as reports, policy briefs, working papers, and conference materials. It offers valuable insights and data that complement peer-reviewed sources, supporting research, policy, and practice.
- The J. H. Kwabena Nketia Archives preserve Ghanaian and African cultural heritage through music, oral traditions, photographs, and audiovisual collections. Guided by Professor Nketia’s vision that African traditional arts must be collected, preserved, practiced, and continually inspire creative expression, the Archives serve as a living resource for scholarship, teaching, and innovation
Recent Submissions
Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Association between caregivers' time allocated to child feeding and adequacy of Infant and Young Child feeding of children between 6-23 months of age in Ga West Municipality.(University of Ghana, 2025) Alhassan, U.Background: Adequate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is critical for child survival, growth, and development. The Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD), a composite indicator comprising minimum dietary diversity and meal frequency, serves as a key measure of feeding adequacy. Time allocation, particularly the amount of time caregivers dedicate to child feeding, plays a critical role in determining the adequacy of infant and young child feeding (IYCF). Inadequate time for feeding may compromise a child’s nutritional intake, especially in resource-limited settings. This study examined the association between caregivers’ time allocation, particularly time spent on child feeding, and the adequacy of feeding among children aged 6–23 months in Ga West Municipality, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 caregivers with children aged 6–23 months. Data were collected at Child Welfare Clinics within the district using semi- structured questionnaires capturing socio-demographic characteristics, time use across various daily activities, household food security and IYCF practices. Feeding adequacy was assessed based on World Health Organization’s MAD criteria. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between time use and MAD, controlling for potential confounders. Results: Overall, only about a third (34.6%) of caregivers spent more than an average of 90 minutes feeding their children daily. Children of caregivers who spent more than 90 minutes on feeding were more likely to meet MAD, though the association was not statistically significant (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 0.75–2.51; p = 0.310). Statistically significant predictors of MAD included tertiary education (aOR = 15.3; 95% CI: 3.50–66.9; p < 0.001) and household food security (aOR = 7.22; 95% CI: 2.60–20.1; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Feeding time showed no significant relationship with dietary adequacy. However, education and household food security emerged as strong determinants of adequate child feeding. Interventions aiming to improve child nutrition should integrate caregiver education and household food access, alongside efforts to support responsive and adequate feeding practices.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Perception of and Attitudes towards Plagiarism among Graduate Students in Ghana(Library Philosophy and Practice, 2021) Anaman, A.A.; Agyei , F.This study investigated students’ perception of plagiarism, sources of information on plagiarism, attitude towards plagiarism, reasons for acts of plagiarism and knowledge of the consequences of plagiarism. A quantitative approach was used. Data was gathered using survey from a sample size of 319 graduate students of University of Ghana, selected using the stratified sampling technique. The main data collection instrument was the questionnaire and the data were analysed descriptively. Findings showed a universal awareness of plagiarism with lecturers as their major source of information. Students generally had a basic understanding of the concept of plagiarism but have broadened the concept of plagiarism to encompass other forms of academic dishonesty. Although they believed they have control over plagiarism, they still plagiarized. Reasons for plagiarising included poor academic writing skills, laziness, lack of time management skills, poor understanding of plagiarism, ease of downloading other people’s work from the Internet and pressure to succeed. The study creates awareness of plagiarism and its consequences, and facilitates increased knowledge, and understanding of the subject among students. It also adds to knowledge and serves as an additional source of reference to researchers and students in this area of study.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Emergency Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents in the Ayawaso West Municipality of Ghana.(University of Ghana, 2024) Asabagna, R.Introduction: Adolescents represent a critical segment of the population worldwide, facing unique challenges and opportunities in navigating their reproductive health . Barriers to emergency contraceptives impact on the reproductive health outcomes and overall wellbeing of sexually active adolescents. Objective: This study aims to investigate the use of emergency contraceptives among adolescents in the Ayawaso West Municipality of Ghana. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed using a quantitative data collection approach. A total of 431 female adolescents aged 10-19 years from the Ayawaso West Municipality participated in the study. Data were collected using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Chi square test was conducted to establish relationship between the dependent (Emergency contraceptive use) and independent variables (Sociodemographic factors; knowledge of EC, Sexual acitivity, Communication factors; educational level . Logistic regression with a generated odds ratios and their respective confidence intervals were used to identify predictors of EC use among adolescents. Knowledge levels were assessed through a series of awareness question, the results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Level of significance was set at p<0.05 and data were presented in figures, graphs and tables. Results: About 202 (46.9%) of participants were aged 10-14years whilst 229 (53.1%) were aged 15-19years. Approximately 19.26% of participants reported use of emergency contraceptives. 118 (27.4%) were sexually active. Of these 118, majority (57.6%) were engaged in sex with one sexual partner. The findings showed that a majority of the respondents 57.8% had heard of emergency contraceptives. Despite high awareness misconceptions and barriers related to cost (36.2%) and accessibility (41.5%) existed. Among sexually active adolescents, the odds of emergency contraceptive use was high ( OR=66.49, 95% CI=30.00-147.38, p<0.001) however, sexually active adolescent indicating one partner were less likely to use ECs compared to those with multiple sexual partners (OR=0.32, 95% CI=0.14-0.72, p<0.009). Conclusion: The study revealed a low prevalence (19.26%) of emergency contraceptives use among adolescents in the Ayawaso West municipality. Improving accessibility, education, and subsidizing costs can enhance contraceptive use among adolescents.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Knowledge and Willingness to Use HIV Self-Testing Among Health Facility Clients in La-Nkwantanang, Madina.(University of Ghana, 2024) Nkrumah, L. S.Background: HIV remains a significant global public health threat, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the burden of over 25 million cases. Despite various efforts, testing rates remain suboptimal, particularly among marginalized groups who face structural barriers such as stigma, concerns about confidentiality, and limited access to healthcare facilities. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has emerged as an innovative, decentralized approach that allows individuals to conduct private and convenient screenings. This method aims to overcome the obstacles associated with traditional facility-based testing. However, uncertainties regarding distribution methods, potential social harms, effective linkage to care, and quality assurance have hindered the large-scale implementation of HIVST. Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine knowledge and willingness to utilize HIV self-testing among healthcare providers and their clients in La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality, Ghana. Methodology: This study employed a mixed methods research design to determine knowledge and willingness to utilize HIV self-testing among health facility clients in La-Nkwantanang Municipality of Madina, Ghana. The quantitative part employed a cross-sectional survey administered among 390 outpatients of Madina Polyclinics (Rawlings Circle and Kekele). For the qualitative part, an in-depth interview was conducted among 9 healthcare providers (including ART Nurses, Laboratory Scientists, Dieticians, and General Nurses) from the two Polyclinics. Knowledge of HIV self-testing was assessed using 11 items covering legality, availability, testing methods, interpretation of results, confirmatory testing, and counseling. Scores were categorized as low (<50%), moderate (50–75%), or high (>75%) knowledge.. Chi-square tests were utilized to examine associations between each independent variable and the outcome. The level of significance was set at a p-value of 0.05, and the Confidence Interval (CI) was established at 95%. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were used to report the strengths of the associations. Thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data to explore the healthcare providers' perspectives on implementing the HIVST. Results: Among the 390 clients surveyed, 39.2% (153) were aware of HIV self-testing (HIVST), 49% had moderate knowledge, and 10% had high knowledge of HIVST. Most of the respondents (77.7%, n=303) expressed a willingness to use HIVST, and 69.0% (n=269) were willing to pay for the kit. Respondents aged 45 years and above were less willing than younger clients (AOR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.18-0.94, p = 0.036). Higher levels of education increased willingness, with participants having basic (AOR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.11-11.60, p = 0.033), secondary, vocational, or technical education (AOR: 5.47, 95% CI: 1.82-16.42, p = 0.002), and tertiary education (AOR:7.33, 95% CI: 2.15-25.03, p = 0.001) being more willing compared those with no formal education. Similarly, higher income (1600-2000 Ghana Cedis) was associated with increased willingness compared to lower income groups (AOR: 4.07, 95% CI: 1.05-15.83, p = 0.043) Sexual behavioural factors also played a role. Age at first sex was significantly associated with willingness to use HIVST. Respondents with sexual debut at 25 years or older were less willing to use HIVST compared to those aged 15-19 years (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08-0.56, p = 0.002). Clients who ever had sex with a stranger (AOR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.00-6.32, p = 0.049), ever had sex under the influence of alcohol (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.03-5.55, p = 0.041), had sex in exchange for money or gift (AOR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.03-7.11, p = 0.043) were more willing to use HIVST compared to those who did not. Perceptions of the kit also influenced willingness. Those who found the kits credible (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.06-0.411, p = 0.033), safe to use (AOR: 5.18, 95% CI: 2.27-11.83, p <0.001), convenient to use (AOR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.02-3.36, p = 0.045), easy to use (AOR: 4.39, 95% CI: 2.02-9.52, p <0.001), accessible (AOR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.19-3.99, p <0.001) were more willing to use it. Also, fear of stigma or discrimination in purchasing kits reduced willingness (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.21 0.62, p <0.001). Discussion of HIV with others positively influenced willingness (AOR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.19-3.99, p <0.001). Healthcare providers identified key barriers to HIVST implementation, including resource and logistical challenges, tracking of results, linkage to care, affordability, accessibility, literacy, and healthcare worker motivations. Conclusion: The findings highlight a high level of willingness to use HIVST among clients, influenced by sociodemographic, behavioural, and perceptual factors. Targeted interventions addressing educational disparities, income inequalities, and stigma concerns could enhance uptake. Addressing barriers identified by healthcare providers, such as resource limitations, accessibility, and linkage to care is crucial for the successful implementation of HIVST services in La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality. These insights are critical for policymakers and healthcare planners in designing effective strategies to promote HIVST adoption and integration into existing healthcare systems.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Assessing Virtual Reference Services in Selected University Libraries in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2025) Aduah, B. N.The integration of Virtual Reference Services (VRS) is becoming increasingly significant in academic libraries as they adapt to meet the evolving information needs of academic library users in a digital environment. However, in Ghana, the utilization and overall effectiveness of VRS remain underexplored. Despite the global shift toward virtual service delivery, there is limited understanding of how academic libraries in Ghana are implementing these virtual reference services (such as emailing systems, article request live chat services like “Ask the Librarian,” and instant messaging) to serve the graduate students information needs and how users perceive and engage with them. This study addresses this gap by assessing the awareness, accessibility, reliability, responsiveness, staff competence, management support, infrastructure, and challenges related to VRS in selected academic libraries in Ghana. The study was conducted in three public university libraries: the University for Development Studies (UDS), SDD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, and C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences. postgraduate students and library staff members were selected using a combination of sampling techniques. All PhD and MA/MSc students were included due to their small populations, while a proportionate and simple random sampling technique was applied to the larger MPhil student group. A multiple case design was employed which include was employed, using a sample of graduate students and library staff from selected academic libraries in Ghana. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires; qualitative data were gathered via interviews with library staff. The researcher also made an observation on the VRS system. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that while a slight majority of students were aware of and utilized VRS, a significant portion lacked awareness, which limited usage. Accessibility was generally viewed as adequate, though connectivity issues and outdated systems posed challenges. A strong positive correlation was found between awareness and utilization, indicating that increased awareness significantly influences service use. Library staff's responsiveness showed varying perceptions among graduate students. The findings reflect a broad spectrum of user experiences with the timeliness of virtual assistance, indicating moderate satisfaction overall, though concerns were raised about delayed responses in some cases. Staff were perceived as competent but in need of further ICT and customer service training. Management showed commitment through training and digital service support, but most libraries lacked a dedicated budget for VRS. Infrastructural deficiencies, especially outdated hardware and poor internet connectivity, hindered service delivery. The study found that although VRS are operational in academic libraries in Ghana, there are gaps in awareness, technological capacity, and strategic planning. It recommends targeted awareness campaigns, improved internet infrastructure, continuous staff training, strategic budgeting, and the use of user feedback to enhance VRS effectiveness. Future research should explore comparative studies, user experience, training impacts, longitudinal trends, and socio- cultural factors affecting VRS adoption.