Cape Coast Metropolis Research Articles

Designing for Unique Female Figures: A Study in the Cape Coast Metropolis

This study looks into challenges custom designers face in constructing garments for unique female figures and the satisfaction derived in terms of fit and comfort by the unique female figures, namely: 'A,' 'V,' 'H' and 'O' body shapes, in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. A total of 120 participants, comprising 60 custom designers and 60 unique figures, were purposively sampled and data were collected using observational checklists and structured interviews. The study reveals that garment shaping is the most challenging process custom designers face in garment making for unique figures. Unique figures were barely satisfied with the overall garment fit of their custom-made garments. The 'A' body shapes were most displeased, whereas the 'H' body shapes were most pleased with the fit of their custom-made garments. This study observes that custom designers' adjustment methods are not suitable for the shoulders, bust, waist, hip, buttock, thigh and armhole areas of the garment resulting in fit problems for their customers. Also, custom designers are not aware of some garment areas, such as the bust, armhole, sleeve length, waist, hip, thigh and buttock, which give problems to their clients. It is recommended that designers should always be abreast with how to manipulate patterns or incorporate adaptation techniques while cutting out fabric so that garments fit different body types.

Bacteriological Assessment of Beef and Surfaces of Equipment and Apparel Worn in the Kotokuraba Slaughterhouse

This study was conducted to determine the bacteriological quality of beef and contact surfaces of equipment and apparel worn in the Kotokuraba slaughterhouse in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Because of the high demand for the product among residents of the Cape Coast Metropolis, as well as economic crises in developing countries, including Ghana, beef producers enter the industry with little knowledge of hygienic and sanitation practices, resulting in bacteriological contamination from cow slaughter to beef handling and storage. Some of these pollutants have the potential to harm humans by creating diseases. This study, therefore, aids in the isolation and identification of harmful bacteria found in beef as well as other surfaces of equipment and apparel that come into contact with beef. Results revealed that, Staphylococcus spp. recorded the highest means in all the samples and the number of bacteria identified expressed in percentages had Staphylococcus spp. being the highest identified species in the samples taken. Bacillus subtilis had the least number with a percentage of about 21.05 %. The percentage occurrences of the various bacteria species were 31.58 %, 21.05 %, 23.68 %, and 23.68 % for Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Escherichia spp. respectively. This shows that Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently occurring species with Bacillus spp. being the least. That is, the dominant species isolated was Staphylococcus spp. followed closely by Micrococcus spp. and Escherichia spp. The presence of these bacteria in the beef and other contact surfaces is a clear indication of contamination of the beef and regular consumption of the beef is harmful to the health of the consumers.

Barriers to Basic School Teachers’ Implementation of Formative Assessment in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract Despite the identified benefits of formative assessment to teaching and learning, its implementation in the classroom remains a significant challenge to teachers. This has widened the gap between the theory and practice of formative assessment in the classroom to enhance students’ learning. This study investigated the potential resource-related factors that affect basic teachers’ adoption of formative assessment in their classrooms. A descriptive survey design with a multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 300 teachers from the six circuits in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive (mean values, SD) and inferential statistics (two-way ANOVA). Time, workload, overcrowded curriculum, class size, and the number of lessons were reported as barriers to the effective implementation of formative assessment. Findings also revealed no statistically significant interaction effect of gender and grade level on the resource-related barriers. Moreover, grade level and gender had no statistically significant main effects with respect to the resource-related barriers. Recommendations and implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.

Experiences of Children Living in Overcrowded Homes: A Case of Ghana

The study explored children's experiences living in overcrowded homes in Apewosika Community, a suburb of the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. The descriptive phenomenological research design was adopted for the study. A face-to-face interview was used to collect data from 10 participants aged 12-17 years. These participants were purposively sampled from 10 nuclear families based on the inclusion criteria. The thematic data analysis method was used in analysing the data collected. The themes that emerged from the data analysis are lack of privacy, sleep disturbance, difficulty studying at home, and the spread of diseases. The study concludes that enough space should be provided at home for children to have rooms to reduce the spread of infectious diseases among children and their family members, promote sleep, ensure their privacy and promote their studies at home. 
 Keywords: Children, Ghana, Housing, Overcrowded Homes

Assessing knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 among traders and sanitary workers in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Background Since its emergence, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected over half a billion people, killed over 6 million others, and ravaged the global economy on a scale that is unprecedented in recent history. In response, a global health emergency was launched that led to further disruptions in the ordinary way of life of people. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of people towards COVID-19 are central to infection control policies and the future course of the pandemic. Methods We employed an interviewer-administered, cross-sectional survey to examine the KAP of salespersons in a local market and sanitation workers of a public institution within the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Results were analysed by frequencies of responses for each KAP item on the questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables that predicted good knowledge of COVID-19 or preventive practices were determined using adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Results Out of the 206 participants, 123 (59.7%) obtained a knowledge score ≥16.75 out of a total of 21, which was the threshold for good knowledge, while 41.3% were classified as possessing poor knowledge. On good attitudes towards COVID-19 prevention, 141 participants (68.4%) scored ≥10.69 out of 12 to pass the threshold, while 31.6% had poor attitudes. Being female (aOR=6.19, P<0.001) or possessing a high school education (aOR=0.25, P=0.009) significantly predicted high knowledge scores. Being in the 15-30 age group (aOR=6.91, P=0.003) significantly predicted poor attitudes, while possessing a high school education (aOR=0.11, P<0.001) significantly predicted good attitudes. Conclusions The findings of this study underscore the need for intensified, targeted educational campaign on COVID-19 as the world prepares to live with the disease for the long while.

Psychosocial experiences of caring by family caregivers of patients living with prostate cancer in a teaching hospital: A descriptive phenomenological study.

This study explored the psychosocial experience of caregiving on the family caregiver of patients with prostate cancer in the Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana. A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted through in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Twelve family caregivers of prostate cancer patients were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted until data saturation. All interviews were taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. The family caregiver's psychosocial experience associated with caregiving uncovered two significant themes with 13 sub-themes. 'Psychological impact' emerged as the first central theme, with anxiety, care as an obligation and feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, uncertainty, denial and concealment as the sub-themes. The second central theme was 'Social impact' with sexual concerns, role adjustment, loss of livelihood, turmoil and reduced leisure activities emerging as sub-themes. The findings demonstrated that caring significantly impacts the psychological and social well-being of the caregivers of prostate cancer patients. Therefore, there is a need for holistic assessment to include the psychosocial well-being of family caregivers to improve quality of life. Therefore, psychiatric nurses support family caregivers through education and psychosocial interventions to improve their quality of life and enable them to care for their loved ones more effectively.

Culture and pandemic control at cross-roads: navigating the burial guidelines for COVID-19-related deaths in a Ghanaian setting

BackgroundDespite the large volume of scientific evidence on the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated high morbidity and mortality, little is known about the sociocultural disruptions which ensued. The current study explored the nuanced navigation of the COVID-19-related death and burial protocols and its impact on traditional burial and funeral rites in Ghana.MethodsThis qualitative study was based on the ‘focused’ ethnographic design. Data were collected using key informant interviews from nineteen COVID-19-related bereaved family members and public health officials involved in enforcing adherence to COVID-19-related death and burial protocols in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Central region of Ghana. Recursive analysis was conducted to generate the themes and sub-themes from the data.ResultsThe overarching theme was “Uncultural” connotations ascribed to the COVID-19-related death and burial protocols. The COVID-19-related death and burial protocols were ubiquitously deemed by participants to be ‘uncultural’ as they inhibited deep-rooted indigenous and eschatological rites of separation between the living and the dead. This was fueled by limited awareness and knowledge about the COVID-19 burial protocols, resulting in fierce resistance by bereaved family members who demanded that public health officials release the bodies of their deceased relatives. Such resistance in the midst of resource limitation led to negotiated compromises of the COVID-19-related death and burial protocols between family members and public health officials.ConclusionsInsensitivity to socio-cultural practices compromised the implementation of the COVID-19 pandemic control interventions, particularly, the COVID-19-related death and burial protocols. Some compromises that were not sanctioned by the protocols were reached to allow health officials and families respectfully bury their dead. These findings call for the need to prioritize the incorporation of sociocultural practices in future pandemic prevention and management strategies.

Positive attitudes toward mathematics among senior high school students in Cape Coast Metropolis

The study involved 2,575 students selected through a combination of probability and non-probability sampling procedures. Explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. Participants completed the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scales (FSMAS) to provide the quantitative data for the research. The qualitative data were gathered through interviews. The arithmetic mean from the survey data for each of the students was used to shortlist 140 students for focus group interviews. The findings revealed that some of the impetuses that drive the respondents’ positive attitudes towards mathematics were mathematics as a compulsory subject, good teaching strategies by teachers, the utility of mathematics, career aspirations, and encouragement from parents, guardian or peers. The study recommended that stakeholders should encourage, enhance and promote these factors. Teachers, educators, and researchers are encouraged to dig deeper to unearth more of such factors.

The Impact of Performance Related Fitness on Shooting Accuracy among High School Basketball Players in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Basketball coaches in the Cape Coast Metropolis have long been struggling with their basketball players' shooting accuracy especially those in the senior high schools. This is because it does not compare well to the standards of players in the same age group because players in the metropolis have poor shooting rates. There is strong evidence from literature indicating that athletes with high levels of fitness, particularly performance related fitness, also known as skill-related fitness, do better than their peers in the various games and sport. The purpose of this study therefore was to find out the effect that performance related fitness training will have on shooting accuracy of senior high school basketball players in the Cape Coast Metropolis'. The researchers randomly sampled and assigned twenty (20) male and twenty (20) female basketball players to the experimental and control groups by same means. The males had a mean age of 17.15yrs, weight of 73.20kg, and height of 1.79m, and the females had a mean age of 17.15yrs, weight of 68.65kg, and height of 1.64m. The control group went through mini-clinic that concentrated on passing and dribbling as a placebo, while the experimental group participated in a series of drills over a twelve-week period intended to improve their performance related fitness. Standardized tests were employed for the performance related fitness tests and the researchers modified the tests used by Uzicanin et al. for shooting accuracy. Data was analyzed using the t test. There was a statistically significant difference in the shooting accuracy of the male experimental group between Pretest and Week six t(9) = 0.568, P = < 0.001. Pretest mean (M) = 3.67, SD = 1.19; Week six mean (M) = 5.06, SD = 1.13). There was also a statistically significant difference in the shooting accuracy between Pretest and Week nine t(9) = 0.685, P = < 0.001 Pretest mean (M) = 3.67, SD = 1.19; Week nine mean (M) = 6.67, SD = 0.77). Statistical significant difference was also observed between Pretest and Week twelve t(9) = -13.062, P = < 0.001, Pretest mean (M) = 3.67, SD = 1.13; Week twelve mean (M) = 7.06, SD = 0.68. Nonetheless, There was no statistically significantly between Pretest and Week three (t(9) = -0.844, P = 0.388; Pretest mean (M) = 3.67, SD = 1.19; Week three mean (M) = 3.96, SD = 1.37). A similar finding was found for the female as well. Between the experimental group of male and female the researchers found no statistically significant differences them after the twelve weeks of intervention. Basketball coaches should as part of their plan design a program that intends to improve on their players' performance related fitness, particularly during the conditioning phase of preparation for tournaments. They should also conduct regular assessment of the players throughout the season to identify when fitness especially performance related fitness begin to go down to find ways of improving on it.

Determinants and Constraints of Agro-based SMEs Access to Finance: Evidence from Ghana

This study explored the determinants and constraints of the access to finance of Agro Based SMEs in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. The research utilized primary data using a structured questionnaire. Sixty (60) SMEs in the Metropolis were selected using the simple random sampling technique. To ensure data reliability and validity, a pilot test was conducted for confirmation. Results show that Agro-based SMEs prefer personal savings as the first means of finance. Also, collateral, owner’s gender, sector of business, availability of audited financial statements, firm’s performance and firm size are the determinants of Agro-based SME’s access to financing. The major challenges faced by Agro-based SMEs in financing their businesses result conclude a lack of the expertise to prepare sophisticated financial statements, less repayment period, unclear financial plans to execute business, non-availability of enough MFIs and bureaucracy. It is recommended that Agro-based SMEs should cultivate the habit of savings personally to serve as the basis for their working capital so as to reduce over-reliance on banks and microfinance institutions. Additionally, Government interventions like MASLOC must be enhanced to allow more SME owners in SME businesses to access financing.

Dry eye symptom questionnaires show adequate measurement precision and psychometric validity for clinical assessment of vision-related quality of life in glaucoma patients.

To ascertain the presence of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) in patients being treated for glaucoma, using subjective and objective methods and to examine DES impact on their quality of life (QOL). A cross-sectional study was conducted by employing 156 glaucoma patients recruited from treatment centers in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. All the participants underwent dry eye examination and completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), the Dry Eye-related Quality of Life Score (DEQS) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Comparisons of the clinical tests, NEI VFQ-25 subscale item and composite scores and scores of DEQS and OSDI were made among subgroups divided according to the presence of dry eye symptoms or signs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors that influence DES related-QOL among the patients. The study involved 156 subjects with a mean age of 47.88 ± 16.0 years and made up of 81 (51.9%) females and 75 (48.1%) males. A One-Way ANOVA was conducted, and the F-statistic (F) indicated that there was a significant difference in the mean scores of the groups. There were significantly lower Tear break-up time (TBUT) values found in the group with definite dry compared with the group without DES and the group that was symptomatic with no signs DES in both eyes, [(F(3,151) = 13.703, p<0.001 (RE): (F(3,152) = 18.992, p<0.001 (LE)]. Similar results were found for Schirmer test (ST) [(F (3,151) = 28.895, p<0.001 (RE): (F (3,152) = 17.410, p<0.001 (LE)]. There was statistically significant difference in the mean composite score (64.93 ± 20.27) for the NEI VFQ-25 and sub-scale score of ocular pain, which was significantly lower in the group with definite dry as compared to other sub-groups (F(3,152) = 4.559, p = 0.004). OSDI scores of the group with definite dry eye (47.69-19.17) and the group that was symptomatic but with no signs (38.90-22.44) were significantly higher than those without dry eye and those that were asymptomatic but had a sign (F(3,152) = 17.896, p<0.001), with a similar trend occurring in the groups with relation to DEQS scores (F(3,152) = 8.775, p<0.001). There was a strong correlation between the DEQS and the OSDI questionnaires, and a weak correlation between the DEQS and the NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire after adjusting for all other factors (all p < 0.01). The study established a high presence of DES and consequently low DES related-QOL in glaucoma patients. Dry eye questionnaires are able to discriminate those who have definite dry eye from the other groups, showing its appropriateness for clinical use in glaucoma patients. Ocular surface evaluation should be conducted among glaucoma patients on topical anti-glaucoma therapy to ensure the timely detection and treatment of signs and symptoms of DES and improvement of dry-eye related QOL.

Food Service Operators Licensure Status: Implication for Food Safety in Ghana

The regulation (governance) of the business of food service operators (FSOs) by the state is important to consumer food safety. However, not very much is understood of the level of acceptance of this task among FSOs. The aim of this study was to examine FSOs licensure status and its impact on consumer food safety. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a convenient sampling technique was used to select 285 FSOs from the 16 communities in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed a high awareness of license acquisition, low level of acquired license, lack of knowledge on when to acquire license and from the appropriate agencies among FSOs. Further, FSOs awareness influenced their license acquisition. Number of years in business also influenced FSOs awareness of license acquisition but not their attitude towards license acquisition. Hence, a potential adverse implication for safe food delivery. The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for all stakeholders in the food service industry. Food safety regulators, academia and media houses should intensify their education of FSOs and the general public on the need for licensing and purchasing food from only licensed operators.

Availability and accessibility of toilet facilities among low-income households in selected settlements of Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

AbstractCape Coast Metropolis faces a serious lack of adequate toilet facilities among the low-income households, leading to poor sanitation, health, and environmental degradation. The research explored and provided valuable data on the availability and accessibility of toilet facilities among low-income households. Using a simple random sampling technique,100 closed-ended questionnaires were equally administered to respondents in four Cape Coast Metropolis communities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the types of toilet facilities available, identify the accessibility of toilet facilities, and ascertain challenges in providing toilet facilities. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to explore the relationship between income source and toilet facilities in the households. All statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. The findings were presented in form of tables and figures. The results reveal a significant lack of toilet facilities among the residents. Regarding the level of accessibility, most adults (79%) and children (72%) used household toilet facilities for defecation, while 14% of adults and 16% of children in the household were using toilet facilities outside the household. Open defecation near the house was more prevalent among the children (11%) than adults (6%) which shows unwillingness by most families to invest in improve toilet facilities.

Changes in urban green spaces in coastal cities and human well‐being: The case of Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

AbstractGreen spaces are fast depleting in many urban areas across the world. This contributes to carbon dioxide emissions and affects the local climate and well‐being of city residents. Yet, there is limited empirical research on the spatio‐temporal patterns of change in urban green spaces and linkages to human well‐being, especially in coastal cities where urban green spaces additionally act as critical flood controls. This paper assesses the changing pattern of green space cover in Cape Coast Metropolis and the factors associated with the perceived well‐being of residents. Using a mixed‐methods design, we obtained open‐source geospatial data and gathered primary data through field observations, and in‐depth and semi‐structured interviews. These data were analysed using geospatial, statistical, and textual techniques. The results show that, from 1991 to 2018, the metropolis lost 26.57 km2 (21.66%) of its green space cover. The major land use change observed is the conversion of green spaces and wetlands into built‐up areas. The well‐being of residents related to green space use in the metropolis is associated with individuals' age and gender; the presence of good quality green space, its accessibility, and perceived importance; frequency of visits; and the time spent in the green space. The findings suggest the need for the integration of nature into urban development planning and policy, and enforcement of development controls to protect green spaces and enhance the well‐being of residents.

The “Bossman” Factor Influence on Family Communication: The Perception of Married Women

The “bossman” factor, the “headship role of men” in Africa, is entrenched in the social fabric of Africa. Nonetheless, there is little attention to how this headship role of men in the family influences family communication. The present study explored the influence of the headship role of men in family communication. The researchers selected 10 participants from the Cape Coast Metropolis and elicited data through interviews. Using family communication theory as a guide, the researchers analyzed the transcribed data and came out with the following findings. Firstly, the headship role of men serves as a barrier to family communication because men serve as the final authority in decision-making, conflict resolution, and children’s openness. Secondly, the researchers discovered that married women adopt coping strategies such as effective listening, sex appeals, and third-party counselling. Finally, the study revealed that sociocultural variables such as ethnicity, religion, and gender greatly influence the perpetuation of men’s headship role, thus the’ bossman role’ in family communication. The researchers recommend that counsellors should consider guiding husbands to be considerate in dealing with family communication issues because men overstretching their headship role affect effective family communication.

Teaching in extra classes settings in Cape Coast Metropolis: Implication for improved learning outcomes

SDG 4 will only be achieved by achieving minimum targets of improved learning outcomes for children. This paper gauges the implications of extra class teaching on improved learning outcomes by drawing data from 50 out of 191 Enumeration Areas (EAs) in Ghana's Cape Coast Metropolis households. The private teaching arrangements made available to children of 6-to-15 years in 25 randomly selected households on tasks equivalent to P2 level difficulty in literacy, numeracy, and general knowledge were explored. Overall, it was discovered that extra-class teaching influences learning outcomes to varying degrees. The paper ultimately asserts that providers of extra-class teaching opportunities could be supported to accelerate improvement in learning outcomes for all children. The support case is crucial given the present study's finding on the possible link between children's participation in extra classes and their performance outcomes.

Improving Quality Education: Influence of Academic Facilities Conditions on Teachers’ Commitment to Work in the Public Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis

In Ghana, the Central region’s Cape Coast boasts several elite public senior high schools, without a doubt, with many high-achieving student numbers. Among others, exceptional headteachers’ leadership styles have been associated with these schools that outweigh those of other schools. Additionally, strengthened old students association and their support for their Alma mater is yet another avenue for developmental changes in schools. Oftentimes, these variables come upfront when compared to other potential variables that equally contribute to teachers’ commitment positively. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of academic facilities conditions on teachers’ work commitment in public senior high schools within Cape Coast. The research employed a quantitative descriptive survey design. A sample size of 297 teachers completed a questionnaire to determine their commitment to their schools. The Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 23.0 was used to statistically analyse the data. The findings revealed that good academic facilities and teachers’ commitment (r=.601, p&lt;0.05) has a positive, strong significant relationship with teachers’ work commitment. A further one sample t-test for academic facilities condition (T=41.25, DF=224, sig.000, Md, 2.54), and teachers’ commitment (T=30.09, DF=224, sig.000, Md, 3.04) indicated a significant association between the two variables. Based on the findings, the study suggested that the Ministry of Education and NGOs should prioritise providing well-maintained academic facilities to improve teachers’ commitment to ensuring low teacher retention rates to maintain the educational standards in public senior high school settings.

Pharmacotherapy for Infertility in Ghana: A Prospective Study on Prescription Patterns and Treatment Outcomes among Women undergoing Fertility Treatment

Pharmacotherapy remains a first-line and major treatment option for couples struggling with infertility, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where other expensive alternatives are rarely available. Despite the reliance on pharmacotherapy for treating infertility in the subregion, especially for those diagnosed with unexplained infertility, little is known about the actual influence of drug therapies on conception. The study aimed to prospectively assess the prescription patterns and outcomes of pharmacotherapy for women undergoing fertility treatment in Ghana. This prospective cohort study involved 482 infertile women presenting for fertility treatment in 4 fertility clinics in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana between March 2019 and February 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit subjects for the study. The women were followed up for 12 months to assess the outcome of drug therapy on conception. Data analysis was done using Stata version 14. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between trends with dichotomous outcomes. The study identified that approximately 45.2% of the patients received monotherapy, whereas 24.1% received a combination of 2 drugs. Patients treated with a combination of 3 drugs were more likely to conceive (adjusted odds ratio = 4.10; 95% CI, 1.29-13.02; P = 0.02) than those without treatment. Patients treated with combination therapies had higher chances of conception than those without medications. However, a combination of nutritional and herbal therapies were associated with improved outcomes compared with conventional and nutritional supplements. The study's outcome could provide fertility specialists and stakeholders insight into choosing appropriate treatment options for prospective couples seeking fertility care. Consequently, fertility patients can access specific treatment options to meet their desired needs.

The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Health Seeking Behaviors of Adults Living With Chronic Conditions: A View Through the Health Belief Model.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruption in every facet of life including health service delivery. This has threatened the attainment of global targets to improve health and wellbeing of all persons. In particular, for persons living with chronic diseases, who require consistent monitoring by health professionals and medication to enhance their health, understanding how the pandemic has disruption their access to health care delivery is critical for interventions aimed at improving health service delivery for all as well as preparedness for future pandemic. This study applied the constructs of the Health Belief Model, to explore the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health seeking behaviors of persons living with chronic diseases. The design was exploratory descriptive. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data among persons living with chronic diseases in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Thematic analysis, both inductive and deductive, was conducted to unearth the findings. Awareness of increased susceptibility and risk of a more severe episode if they contracted COVID-19 as a result of the existing chronic diseases was identified. Lack of access to health professionals during the peak of the pandemic as well as the fear of contracting the virus while accessing their regular chronic disease clinic was the main barriers identified. Information in the media served as cues to action for adopting preventive health strategies. Behavior modifications; dietary and lifestyle, self-medication and adoption of COVID-19 related precautions were practiced. Susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 contributed to missed adherence to treatment appointment. The health belief model was a useful framework in exploring the health seeking behavior of the adults living with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 in this study setting. Intensifying targeted education for persons living with chronic diseases will contribute to the adoption of positive health seeking behaviors during future pandemic.

Using Factor Analysis to Understand the Influence of Individual Perception on Plastic Waste Disposal

One of the major plastic pollution problems is the understanding of the ideology underpinning their disposal. Consequently, this research aims at evaluating the factors that influence respondents’ decisions on managing their plastic waste and investigate respondents’ awareness of the health and safety issues associated with inappropriate plastic waste disposal. This research used a descriptive design. 360 individuals were randomly selected in three districts within the Cape Coast Metropolis. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire. The results showed that the influential factors listed according to the decreasing value of factor loading are the idea that municipal authorities’ inadequate collection of wastes, lack of education, notion that plastics are more durable than paper, the long distances of the individual to a dustbin, the lack of information on the alternatives to reduce plastic waste, the increased number of people living in the area, the high amount of plastic packaging, the lack of adequate information on proper methods to dispose of plastic waste, the attitudinal problems, the lack of infrastructure for recycling the plastic waste and the weak enforcement of existing bye-laws on sanitation. The factor loading values are 0.84, 0.82, 0.80, 0.72 ,0.71, 0.68, 0.67, 0.66, 0.64, 0.61, 0.58 respectively.