Atwima Nwabiagya District Research Articles

Smallholder farmers’ perceived motivations for the adoption and implementation of climate information services in the Atwima Nwabiagya District, Ghana

This study investigated smallholder farmers’ perceived motivations for the adoption and implementation of climate information services (CIS) in the Atwima Nwabiagya District, Ghana. Specifically, the study answered the following research questions. (i) What is the perception of smallholder farmers on climate change and variability in the Atwima Nwabiagya District?; (ii) What are the CIS accessed and used by the smallholder farmers for farm management decisions?; (iii) What are the perceived motivations for the adoption and implementation of CIS by smallholder farmers?; and; (iv) What are the barriers confronting smallholder farmers in adopting and implementing CIS? Primary data was collected through questionnaire surveys with 200 farming households and four key informant interviews in four selected communities (Kobeng, Seidi, Wioso, and Nkawie Panin) in the study district. Results showed that smallholder farmers perceived climate change and variability through increased windstorms and thunderstorms, variable rainfall, and increased temperature patterns. The surveyed farmers also perceived that the climatic changes affect their agricultural activities adversely. However, the smallholder farmers accessed and used CIS including weather warnings (86%), daily weather forecasts (70%), and seasonal forecasts (60%) to manage climatic risks on the farm. Results also showed that the smallholder farmers were motivated by critical factors including improvement in the acquisition of proactive measures (92%), increased knowledge of climatic patterns that affect food stock (91%), and a reduction in loss of stock produced (88%) to access and use CIS. Despite this, the smallholder farmers were confronted with key barriers in their uptake and utilization of CIS. These were the timeliness of CIS (73%), a lack of weather symbols in the forecasts (65%), and inadequate information on seasonal forecasts for long-term planning (61%). The study concluded that the motivations for smallholder farmers using CIS in the study district may vary depending on their context, goals, and challenges. However, the general motivation is to enhance smallholder farmers’ farm planning and risk management by using weather and climate forecasts to make better decisions on crop selection, planting dates, input use, pest and disease control, irrigation, harvesting, and marketing.

Ethnobotanical Survey and Cercaricidal Activity Screening of Medicinal Plants Used for Schistosomiasis Treatment in Atwima-Nwabiagya District, Ashanti Region, Ghana.

This study focused on documenting and evaluating the cercaricidal activity of medicinal plants used for schistosomiasis treatment in an endemic area in Ghana. Through semistructured questionnaires, personal interviews with herbalists in communities surrounding the Barekese dam in the Atwima-Nwabiagya district, where the disease is endemic, were carried out. Thirty medicinal plants distributed in 19 families were reported to be used for schistosomiasis treatment in the survey. Information on the plants, including scientific names, common names, families, and the used plant part were recorded. The families Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae recorded the highest number of plants (14% each), followed by Asteraceae (10%), Loranthaceae (7%), and Rubiaceae (7%). In vitro cercaricidal activity of methanol extracts of nine out of the thirty plants was performed by exposing human Schistosoma mansoni cercariae obtained from Biomphalaria pfeifferi to various concentrations of extracts over a duration of 240 minutes. All the plants tested demonstrated time- and concentration-dependent cercaricidal activity. With lethality being set at <1000 μg/mL, the cercaricidal activity in order of decreasing potency was as follows: Withania somnifera (LC50 = 1.29) > Balanites aegyptiaca (LC50 = 7.1) > Xylia evansii (LC50 = 11.14) > Jathropha multifida (LC50 = 12.9) > Justicia flava (LC50 = 22.9) > Anopyxis klaineana (LC50 = 182.81) > Ximenia americana (LC50 = 194.98) > Loranthus lecardii (LC50 = 223.87) > Bridelia tenufolia (LC50 = 309.03) > Zanthoxylium zanthoxyloides (LC50 = 851.94). Phytochemicals, including alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, saponins, phytosterols, and flavonoids were identified in the plants. The result of this study gives scientific credence to the traditional use of these plants in the treatment of schistosomiasis and proves that the rich botanical knowledge of medicinal plants provides an incredible starting point for the discovery of new anti-schistosomal drugs for the local population.

Youth Employment Paths in a Ghanaian Rural Community

Rural youth engage in different employment activities. Due to the scarcity of literature on the employment activities and aspirations of youth in rural communities especially in Africa, the study examined the past, present and future employment of the out-of-school youth in Amankyea, a rural community in the Atwima Nwabiagya district of Ashanti Region in Ghana. Three (3) focus group discussions and interviews with 20 rural youth who were purposively selected were conducted. Questionnaires were also administered to 270 randomly selected young people in the rural community. The data analysis revealed that the rural youth engage in farming, formal employment, employment in informal enterprises, informal self-employment and family employment. Although the majority of young people were farming, most of them indicated their interest in informal self-employment as their future employment aspiration. The study recommends that farming should be made more attractive for the rural youth to choose as an employment aspiration. Rural youth should also be given skills training to enable them pursue self-employment. Keywords: rural youth, employment, aspirations, Ghana

Study Habits and Academic Performance of Basic School Learners of Atwima-Nwabiagya District of Ashanti Region, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate study habits and academic performance of basic school learners. The design used was descriptive survey. The accessible population was 3,150 learners, made up of 1,514 boys and 1,636 girls. The sample was 355 basic eight learners of the schools. Computer random number method of proportionate simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample, which was made up of 171 boys and 184 girls. Questionnaire with a generated reliability coefficient of 0.827 was the instrument used. Both primary and secondary data were used. Means, standard deviations and linear multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that learners do not study at least for three hours each day after classes and also, they do not attend extra classes. Again, learners’ parents do not help them in managing their private time to study at home. Learners’ study habit contributes 64.1 percent significantly to their academic performance. It is, therefore, recommended that headteachers and teachers of basic schools should ensure that learners develop and maintain positive attitude towards learning and that they will make use of appropriate study habits in the school. Parents should also help learners to manage their private time judiciously and effectively in studying to boost their academic performance.

The impact of land use and land cover changes on socioeconomic factors and livelihood in the Atwima Nwabiagya district of the Ashanti region, Ghana

Land use and land cover change (LULCC) is a general term for the human modification of Earth's terrestrial surface. These modifications come by direct and indirect activities of human actions when securing essential resources. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze these land changes for the best management of natural resources and to ensure better livelihood of the inhabitants.The influx of population from the Kumasi metropolis and peripheral areas coupled with urbanization is causing rapid changes to LULC in the Atwima Nwabiagya District. This has put pressure on the land cover especially in the forest cover areas and has affected the socioeconomic activities in the district. In view of this problem, this research sought to map and analyze the spatio-temporal LULCC patterns using multi-temporal satellite images from 1986-2019 and to identify the socioeconomic factors and their impact of LULC on the study area. Seven LULC classes were identified including; bare land, closed forest, cropland, open forest, savannah, settlement, and water. The results showed that during the period under review (1986-2019) there have been losses of 4178.5 hectares (7%) in closed and open forest and bare land whilst crop land and settlement have seen an increase of 21685.3 hectares (37%). In all, settlement establishment as a result of population increase, commercial activities, and porous land tenure system was identified as the main factors for LULCC in the Atwima Nwabiagya District.

Treatment Outcomes and Associated Factors in Tuberculosis Patients at Atwima Nwabiagya District, Ashanti Region, Ghana: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study.

Introduction Tuberculosis poses a great threat to public health around the globe and affects persons mostly in their productive age, notwithstanding; everyone is susceptible to tuberculosis (TB) infection. To assess the effectiveness and performance of the tuberculosis control program activities, the percentage of cases with treatment success outcome is key. To control tuberculosis, interrupting transmission through effective treatment cannot be overemphasized. The study was conducted to determine factors associated with TB treatment outcome, in the Atwima Nwabiagya District from 2007–2017. Method A Retrospective review of routine/standard TB registers was carried out in five directly observed therapy short-course (DOTS) centres at the Atwima Nwabiagya District from January 2007 to December 2017. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes were assessed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine the predictors of successful treatment outcome. Results Of the 891 TB client's data that was assessed in the district, the treatment success rate was 68.46%. Patients, aged ≤ 20 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.74, 95%CI = 1.75 − 12.83) and 51-60 years (aOR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.12 − 3.39), having a pretreatment weight of 35-45 kg (aOR = 2.54, 95%CI = 1.32 − 4.87), 46-55 kg (aOR = 2.75, 95%CI = 1.44 − 5.27) and 56-65 kg (aOR = 3.04, 95%CI = 1.50 − 6.14) were associated with treatment success. However, retreatment patients (aOR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.11 − 0.84) resulted in unsuccessful treatment outcome. Conclusion Successful treatment outcome among TB patients was about 20.00% and 30.00% lower compared to the national average treatment success rate and WHO target, respectively. Active monitoring, motivation, and counselling of retreatment patients and patients with advanced age are key to treatment success.

Communication barriers to formal healthcare utilisation and associated factors among poor older people in Ghana

ABSTRACT Background Successful interactions between healthcare users and healthcare providers are facilitated by effective communication, which is one of the functions of quality healthcare delivery. Whereas a lack of financial resources impedes healthcare utilisation, a lack of meaningful communication is also likely to create a barrier between healthcare providers and users. Method and materials In this study, we use bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses to model the likelihood of communication barriers to formal healthcare utilisation using socio-economic and demographic data collected from poor older people under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana. Results The study finds that participants aged 85 years or above are significantly more likely to encounter communication barriers to formal healthcare utilisation (AOR: 1.575, C.I: 0.927–4.452). The results show that non-Akan participants are significantly more likely to encounter communication barriers to formal healthcare utilisation (AOR: 1.206, C.I: 0.507–2.869). Furthermore, we find that participants with high school education are significantly less likely to encounter communication barriers to formal healthcare utilisation (AOR: 0.189, C.I: 0.051–0.700). Conclusions Based on the findings we conclude that the provision of location-specific language access services would improve communication and reduce healthcare disparities in minority ethnic groups who are coexisting with a majority ethnic group. Thus, the findings strongly suggest the need for policy makers to recruit language translators in healthcare systems to partly eliminate communication barriers to healthcare utilisation. From a broader perspective, the study offers valuable knowledge for health policy design and amendment aimed at lessening communication barriers to formal healthcare utilisation.

Predicting financial barriers to formal healthcare utilisation among poor older people under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Programme in Ghana

Poor older people surviving under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme continue to experience financial difficulties to formal healthcare utilisation despite the cash transfers aimed at alleviating poverty and improving their formal healthcare utilisation. However, little is known about prevalence, nature, and factors associated with financial barriers to formal healthcare utilisation among the poor older people under the LEAP programme. Here, we estimate socio-economic and demographic factors predicting financial barriers to formal healthcare utilisation among the poor older people using survey data from the Atwima Nwabiagya District. The study finds that females (AOR: 1.107; C1 0.45–2.75, P = 0.027), those aged 85 years or above (AOR: 1.438; CI 1.165–6.166, P = 0.009) and who receive no family supports (AOR: 1.631; CI 1.304–3.309, P = 0.016) are significantly more likely to encounter financial barriers to formal healthcare utilisation compared with their counterparts. The study further reveals that participants with a high school education (AOR: 0.312; CI 0.019–0.711, P = 0.040) and who receive a monthly income of GH¢ 201 (US$42.14) or more (AOR: 0.669; CI 0.256–1.046, P = 0.011) are significantly less likely to face financial barriers to formal healthcare utilisation. Our study suggests that there is a need for the LEAP programme implementers to incorporate gender and age group-specific measures aimed at improving the financial situation of poor older women and the least economically productive age groups. Based on the findings, we conclude that access to education at the early stages of life is likely to improve the financial situation and access to formal healthcare during old age.

Dynamics of health information-seeking behaviour among older adults with very low incomes in Ghana: a qualitative study

BackgroundExploration of health information-seeking behaviour among older adults with very low incomes is critical in shaping our understanding of how health information is sought in later life. Although studies have focused on health information-seeking behaviour among older people worldwide, subjective views of older adults, especially those with very low incomes in Ghana remain scant. Thus, this study aimed to fill this significant knowledge gap by exploring health information-seeking behaviour among older adults with very low incomes in Ghana.MethodsIn-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 30 older adults with very low incomes, 15 caregivers and 15 formal healthcare providers in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana. A thematic analytical framework was used to analyse the data.ResultsThe study revealed multiple sources of health information to include healthcare providers, family members, media and friends. The kind of health information sought by older adults with very low incomes consisted of information on diets, causes of chronic non-communicable diseases and medication dosage. The study also identified inadequate knowledge about the benefits of seeking health information, perceived poor attitude of healthcare providers and communication problems as the factors that limit older adults with very low incomes from acquiring health information.ConclusionAn adequate and reliable source of information is essential to promoting the health of older people. Their inability to secure the right health information could further worsen their health status. Thus, the study provides the need for appropriate health policy interventions on the sources and types of health information sought by older adults with very low incomes in Ghana. Healthcare providers are recommended to remain open, friendly and receptive to older people to allow them to seek and obtain health information as they [healthcare providers] constitute the most reliable health information source.

Predictors of healthcare utilisation among poor older people under the livelihood empowerment against poverty programme in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana

BackgroundLike many other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the Ghanaian healthcare system remains poor which is likely to affect the utilisation of healthcare services, especially among poor older people who are faced with multiple health problems. Yet, factors that explain healthcare use among poor older people in LMICs, particularly Ghana remain largely unexplored. Understanding the predictors of healthcare use among poor older people could have a huge impact on health policies in LMICs including Ghana. This study, therefore, examined factors associated with healthcare use among poor older people under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana.MethodsCross-sectional data were obtained from an Ageing, Health, Lifestyle and Health Services (AHLHS) study conducted between 1 and 20 June 2018 (N = 200) in Atwima Nwabiagya District, Ghana. Sequential logistic regression models were performed to estimate the variables that predict healthcare use among poor older people. All test results were considered significant at 0.05 or less.ResultsThe fully adjusted model showed that respondents aged 85–89 years (AOR = 0.094, CI: 0.007–1.170), acquired basic education (AOR =0.251, CI: 0.085–0.987), received no family support (AOR = 0.771, CI: 0.120–0.620), with no past illness records (AOR = 0.236, CI: 0.057–0.197) and who were not diagnosed of chronic non-communicable diseases (AOR = 0.418, CI: 0.101–0.723) were significantly less likely to utilise health facility compared with their respective counterparts. Moreover, those with no disability (AOR = 19.245, CI: 2.415–29.921) and who consumed low fruits (AOR = 1.435 = CI: 0.552–8.740) and vegetables (AOR = 1.202 = CI: 0.362–10.20) had a higher likelihood to use healthcare.ConclusionThe study has outlined multiple factors influencing utilisation of healthcare among poor older people under the LEAP programme in Ghana. The results, therefore, validate the importance of social and behavioural determinants of healthcare use in the Ghanaian poor older population. We highlight the need for health planners and stakeholders to consider demographic, socio-economic, health-related and lifestyle factors when formulating health policy for poor older people in Ghana.

Barriers to formal healthcare utilisation among poor older people under the livelihood empowerment against poverty programme in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana

BackgroundEven though there is a growing literature on barriers to formal healthcare use among older people, little is known from the perspective of vulnerable older people in Ghana. Involving poor older people under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, this study explores barriers to formal healthcare use in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana.MethodsInterviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 30 poor older people, 15 caregivers and 15 formal healthcare providers in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana. Data were analysed using the thematic analytical framework, and presented based on an a posteriori inductive reduction approach.ResultsFour main barriers to formal healthcare use were identified: physical accessibility barriers (poor transport system and poor architecture of facilities), economic barriers (low income coupled with high charges, and non-comprehensive nature of the National Health Insurance Scheme [NHIS]), social barriers (communication/language difficulties and poor family support) and unfriendly nature of healthcare environment barriers (poor attitude of healthcare providers).ConclusionsConsidering these barriers, removing them would require concerted efforts and substantial financial investment by stakeholders. We argue that improvement in rural transport services, implementation of free healthcare for poor older people, strengthening of family support systems, recruitment of language translators at the health facilities and establishment of attitudinal change programmes would lessen barriers to formal healthcare use among poor older people. This study has implications for health equity and health policy framework in Ghana.

\u201cLet\u2019s talk about money\u201d: how do poor older people finance their healthcare in rural Ghana? A qualitative study

BackgroundOlder people utilise more healthcare services and are likely to incur higher healthcare expenditure, however, data on their healthcare financing mechanisms are scarce in low-and middle- income countries including Ghana. In this study, we aimed at exploring how poor older people finance their healthcare in rural Ghana.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 60 study participants comprising 30 poor older people, 15 healthcare providers and 15 caregivers in Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana. Data were analysed using thematic analytical framework and presented based on an a posteriori inductive reduction approach.ResultsThe study revealed that poor older people finance their healthcare through personal income, family support, Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty grants and National Health Insurance Scheme subscription. It was also found that poor older people spent between GH¢ 20 and 250 on drugs, laboratory test and hospitalisation anytime they access a healthcare facility.ConclusionThe findings contribute to our understanding of how poor older people finance their healthcare in rural Ghana. We argue that health stakeholders should strengthen healthcare financing mechanisms for poor older people for optimal healthcare use.

Factors influencing the use of public and private health care facilities among poor older people in rural Ghana

The choice of a particular health care facility is premised on certain factors which remain largely unknown in rural settings in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to explore issues influencing public and private health care facilities use among poor older people in rural Ghana. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 30 poor older persons, 15 caregivers, and 15 formal health care providers in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A thematic analytical framework was used to analyze the data, which was then presented based on an a posteriori inductive reduction approach. Three key public health care facility use factors were identified: health insurance acceptance, perceived service affordability, and availability of well-trained professionals. For private health care facilities, five main use factors were found: distance and proximity, good interpersonal relationships, good quality health services, service responsiveness, and logistics availability. The findings of this study have implications for addressing attitudinal problems existing mainly in public health care facilities in Ghana. It also calls for policy intervention toward equitable access to public and private health facilities, especially for poor older persons.

Prevalence and Patterns of Health Care Use Among Poor Older People Under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Program in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana.

In spite of the growing literature on prevalence and patterns of health care use in later life globally, studies have generally overlooked subjective standpoints of vulnerable Ghanaian older people obstructing the achievement of the United Nations’ health-related Sustainable Development Goals. We examined the prevalence and patterns of health care use among poor older people in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ghana. Cross-sectional data were obtained from an Aging, Health, Lifestyle and Health Services Survey conducted between June 1 and 20, 2018 (N = 200). Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were carried out to estimate the differences between gender and health care utilization with significant level of less than or equal to 0.05. Whereas, 85% of the respondents utilized health care, females were higher utilizers (88% vs. 75%) but males significantly incurred higher health care expenditure. The majority utilized health services on monthly basis (38%) and consulted public health care providers (77%). While 68% utilized services from hospitals, most sourced health information from family members (54%) and financed their health care through personal income (45%). The study found that the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty grant played a little role in reducing health poverty. Stakeholders should review social programs that target poor older people in order to improve their well-being and utilization of health care.

Assessing Senior High School Science Students’ Planning Skills In Selected Topics From The Integrated Science Syllabus

The study was conducted to assess Senior High School Science Students’ proficiency level in planning practical activities for ‘Test of Practical’ with selected topics from the Integrated Science syllabus. A total of 180 respondents (90 male and 90 females) out of a population of 1029 were sampled from three senior high schools in the Municipal Education, Offinso. Computer generated random numbers were used to randomly select 30 males and 30 females from each school in the municipality. The study employed the performed task instrument. Three tasks on planning were developed with their scoring formats and scoring details. Task A was on ‘distillation’. Task B on ‘density’ and task C on ‘osmosis’. A pilot test was conducted in one of the seniorhigh technical schools in the Atwima Nwabiagya District Educationand the response dichotomously scored, internal reliabilityof the various tasks was assessed using Kuder Richardson 20. The reliability of the various tasks obtained were task A, (0.731); B, (0.945); and C, (0.86). the data obtained for the actual study were statistically analyzed using descriptive, (percentages and means) inferential statistics (Independent t-test and Analysis of variance(ANOVA)). The students exhibitedhigh proficiency on the planningskills. There were many similarities between the performances of female and male students of the various schools. The performance of students of school A were statistically significantly different fromschools B and C on task B. from the major findings of this study, it is recommended that ‘Test of Practical’ questions should be related to real life situations

Family Networks’ Support to Employment Paths of Rural Youth in a Ghanaian Community

The study examined family networks’ support to rural young people’s past and present employment as well as their employment aspirations since research on these issues especially in African and Ghanaian context is rare. The research analysed whether or not rural youth expect and receive employment support from their family networks. Mixed method approach for collection and analysis of data from young people in Amankyea a rural community in the Atwima Nwabiagya district of Ashanti region in Ghana was used. Three (3) focus group discussions and interviews of 20 young people who were purposively selected were conducted. Questionnaires were also administered to 270 randomly selected young people in the rural community. Social capital theory was used as theoretical framework for the study. It was found that majority of the rural youth did not expect, and receive employment support from their family networks. Though rural youth did not expect support from their family networks generally, female rural youth expected and received support from their male partners. The study recommends the need to encourage family networks through workshops and seminars to prioritize employment support to rural young people to reduce reliance on government of Ghana.

Analysing the effects of alternative livelihood on cocoa farmers in the Atwima Nwabiagya district

This study was conducted in the Atwima Nwabiagya district; and it provides an empirical example of how a community integrates alternative livelihood activities as part of their livelihood through their own initiatives. A qualitative case study approach was used in this study. Snowball sampling technique was used to select 20 respondents for this study. Interview guide was used to glean data from the cocoa farmers. This was augmented with observation. Results show that alternative livelihood activities have significantly improved household income and consequently increased household standard of living. The study also found that the benefits of alternative livelihood activities are distributed across all households within the community as all households were engaged in at least one alternative livelihood activity. Households benefit directly from alternative livelihood through access to cash. Access to cash opened up opportunities for households to venture into other livelihood activities within the study community; and also use part to maintain their traditional livelihood. The study recommends to the district assembly to provide technical back‐up support systems to enhance the long‐term effects of any planned alternative livelihood on farmers’ incomes. Again, any planned intervention must avoid the handout syndrome so as to ensure it sustainability.

Effort at Implementing ICT Policy in Basic Schools in Ghana: An Assessment of Available Facilities and Resources for Successful ICT Education within the Atwima Nwabiagya District in Ashanti Region

ABSTRACT : ICT ( Information and Communication Technology) has potential to make educational resources accessible entirely. Therefore, knowledge is not limited to a geographical area and instrumental in offering options for information sharing, archiving , and retrieving. Thus, governments have to prioritize ICT education by supporting schools with materials for teaching and learning. The study aimed to document resources and materials available for teaching and learning of ICT in Atwima Nwabiagya D istrict in Ghana . The study adopted case study design and a mixed method of data collection. In all, a total of 512 were recruited to be part of the study. The study found that the government of Ghana has failed to support schools with the needed resources for teaching and learning of ICT. Schools lack ICT labs, internet connection , and other resources needed to make teaching a success. The current resources available in schools will not make it possible for the country to achieve its objective with making ICT education possible for all children in basic schools in Ghana. Therefore, it is high time the government put in much resource in effort to make this policy a reality. KEY WORD: Information and Communication Technology ; E ducation ; S tudents and T eachers ; R esources S upport ; I mplementation of P olicy . RESUME : “Upaya Pengimplementasian Kebijakan TIK (Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi) di Sekolah-sekolah Dasar di Ghana: Sebuah Penilaian terhadap Ketersediaan Fasilitas dan Sumber Daya untuk Keberhasilan Pendidikan TIK di Kabupaten Atwima Nwabiagya di Daerah Ashanti”. TIK memiliki potensi untuk membuat sumber daya pendidikan dapat diakses sepenuhnya. Karena itu, pengetahuan tidak terbatas pada wilayah geografis dan secara instrumental menawarkan pilihan untuk berbagi, mengarsipkan, dan mengunduh informasi. Jadi, pemerintah harus memprioritaskan pendidikan TIK dengan mendukung sekolah menyediakan bahan-bahan untuk mengajar dan belajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendokumentasikan sumber daya dan bahan yang tersedia untuk mengajar dan belajar TIK di Kabupaten Atwima Nwabiagya di Ghana. Studi ini mengadopsi desain studi kasus dan metode campuran dalam pengumpulan data. Semuanya, sebanyak 512 orang direkrut untuk menjadi bagian dari penelitian ini. Studi menunjukan bahwa pemerintah Ghana gagal dalam mendukung sekolah dengan sumber daya yang dibutuhkan untuk mengajar dan belajar TIK. Sekolah kekurangan laboratorium TIK, koneksi internet, dan sumber daya lainnya yang dibutuhkan untuk membuat pengajaran sukses. Ketersediaan sumber daya saat ini di sekolah tidak memungkinkan bagi negara mencapai tujuannya untuk menjadikan pendidikan TIK memungkinkan bagi semua anak di sekolah-sekolah dasar di Ghana. Karena itu, sudah saatnya pemerintah memasukan banyak sumber daya dalam upaya menjadikan kebijakan ini menjadi kenyataan. KATA KUNCI : Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi; Pendidikan; Murid dan Guru; Sumber Dukungan; Implementasi Kebijakan. About the Authors : Maxwell Peprah Opoku and Eric Badu are the Lecturers at the Centre for Disability Rehabilitation Studies KNUST (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), Kumasi, Ghana. Beatrice Atim Alupo is a Lecturer at the Institute of Governance, Humanities, and Social Sciences PAU (Pan African University), Soa-Yaounde, Cameroon. Corresponding author is: abizep4@yahoo.com How to cite this article? Opoku, Maxwell Peprah, Eric Badu & Beatrice Atim Alupo. (2016). “Effort at Implementing ICT Policy in Basic Schools in Ghana: An Assessment of Available Facilities and Resources for Successful ICT Education within the Atwima Nwabiagya District in Ashanti Region” in SOSIOHUMANIKA: Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan , Vol.9(1) May, pp.183-194. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press and UPI Bandung, ISSN 1979-0112. Chronicle of the article: Accepted (December 1, 2015); Revised (February 15, 2016); and Published (May 20, 2016).

Challenges with implementing malaria rapid diagnostic tests at primary care facilities in a Ghanaian district: a qualitative study.

BackgroundRapid diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for malaria enable diagnostic testing at primary care facilities in resource-limited settings, where weak infrastructure limits the use of microscopy. In 2010, Ghana adopted a test-before-treat guideline for malaria, with RDT use promoted to facilitate diagnosis. Yet healthcare practitioners still treat febrile patients without testing, or despite negative malaria test results. Few studies have explored RDT implementation beyond the notions of provider or patient acceptability. The aim of this study was to identify the factors directly influencing malaria RDT implementation at primary care facilities in a Ghanaian district.MethodsQualitative interviews, focus groups and direct observations were conducted with 50 providers at six purposively selected primary care facilities in the Atwima–Nwabiagya district. Data were analysed thematically.ResultsRDT implementation was hampered by: (1) healthcare delivery constraints (weak supply chain, limited quality assurance and control, inadequate guideline emphasis, staffing limitations); (2) provider perceptions (entrenched case-management paradigms, limited preparedness for change); (3) social dynamics of care delivery (expected norms of provider-patient interaction, test affordability); and (4) limited provider engagement in policy processes leading to fragmented implementation of health sector reform.ConclusionLimited health system capacity, socio-economic, political, and historical factors hampered malaria RDT implementation at primary care facilities in the study district. For effective RDT implementation providers must be: (1) adequately enabled through efficient allocation and management of essential healthcare commodities; (2) appropriately empowered with the requisite knowledge and skill through ongoing, effective professional development; and (3) actively engaged in policy dialogue to demystify socio-political misconceptions that hinder health sector reform policies from improving care delivery. Clear, consistent guideline emphasis, with complementary action to address deep-rooted provider concerns will build their confidence in, and promote uptake of recommended policies, practices, and technology for diagnosing malaria.

Pattern of diarrheal diseases in Atwima Nwabiagya District-Ghana, 2009- 2013.

IntroductionDiarrheal diseases remain one of the most important public health challenges worldwide. In 2011, Ghana recorded average annual diarrheal cases of 2,218 per 100,000 populations for children under-five with Ashanti region recording the third highest. In the Atwima Nwabiagya District, summary statistics are done without detailed analysis. We analyzed diarrheal surveillance data to determine its pattern and to develop threshold levels for the disease in Atwima Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.MethodsDistrict level diarrheal morbidity data from January 2009 to December 2013 was extracted from District Health Information Management System II, cleaned and analyzed. Descriptive analysis was done and expressed as frequencies and relative frequencies. Description of the data was done in time, place and person. We calculated diarrhea threshold using the C2 method.ResultsOverall, 51,131 cases were reported with 55.2% being females over the five year period. The highest episode of diarrhea by age-group occurred in children under-five during the study period. Changes in disease occurrence did not conform to a seasonal pattern. District analysis showed one outbreak whilst sub-district analysis revealed more than one outbreak.ConclusionDiarrheal disease pattern did not show a seasonal trend. Only one outbreak was observed at district level but each sub-district, showed more than one outbreak. The highest number of episodes of diarrhea per year occurred in Children under- five. Data analysis should be done at lower levels to inform interventions. Interventions should be targeted towards children under-five years.