Central Region Of Ghana Research Articles

Assessing the interdependency among effectiveness, satisfaction and efficient use of the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) by health professionals in Ghana.

The success of an electronic health records (EHR) system is dependent on the effectiveness, satisfaction, and efficient use of these systems by health professionals. This paper explores the interdependency among effectiveness, satisfaction, and efficient use of Lightwave Health Information Management Systems (LHIMS) which is an EHR by health professionals. A non-interventional descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed for this research. The study used stratified random sampling for the selection of participants. The population for the study was all the health professionals in the Central Region of Ghana. The number of health professionals who responded to the questions was 1126. The findings suggest that understanding the interdependency of efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction is crucial for the successful implementation and adoption of LHIMS in healthcare organisations. The study investigated the interdependence among effectiveness, satisfaction, and efficient use of the LHIMS by health professionals, and found a positive but weak significant relationship between these factors. Inconclusion, this study aimed to assess the interdependency among effectiveness, satisfaction, and efficient use of LHIMS by health professionals. The. results support a positive but weak significant relationship between satisfaction, effectiveness, and efficient use of the LHIMS. These findings have implications for policymakers and hospital management in their efforts to improve the use of LHIMS. Policymakers can focus on any one of the three usability areas to enhance LHIMS use, with visible effects across the other two domains.

Experience and perceived impact of anxiety and depression on quality of life following emergency caesarean section among women in Ghana: a qualitative study

ObjectiveThis study explored the experiences of women who have undergone emergency caesarean section (EmCS) and how they perceived anxiety and depression to impact their quality of life.DesignA qualitative study grounded...

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Transformative Impact in the Ghanaian Construction Sector

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the construction industry holds significant promise for enhancing various aspects of project management and execution. AI offers unprecedented opportunities for streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and elevating safety standards. The study explored AI implementation opportunities and how AI technologies can drive innovation, enhance decision-making processes, and propel the sector toward a more efficient and digitised future in the construction industry. To fill the gap, the study adopted a quantitative research approach to offer a holistic assessment of the effects and opportunities for the advancement of AI in Ghanaian construction settings. Based on the quantitative survey data obtained from 97 participants from 10 construction companies in the Central Region of Ghana and the literature review, the study revealed several benefits of AI implementation. The importance of using AI has been seen in design and planning, safety management, and the quality of delivered projects. Regression analysis also expands on the relationships between the identified AI-based efficiencies, underlining that increased utilisation can enhance productivity and safety and reduce adverse environmental impacts. Further, in the context of Ghana, the study outlined areas of importance for constructing AI in the construction industry: construction monitoring, energy efficiency, and supply chain. These findings have depicted the sector’s awareness of AI and its value as a tool for improving effectiveness in operations and implementing sustainable measures. Overall, the knowledge generated by this study proves beneficial for directing strategic planning and advancing innovation in the context of the Ghanaian construction industry. In as much as it acknowledges the gap and the prevailing theoretical literature, it ushers in a guide for availing AI-driven growth in the construction sector in terms of productivity, quality, and sustainability in Ghana and the global space.

Host cytokine genetic polymorphisms in a selected population of persons living with hepatitis B virus infection in the central region of Ghana.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health concern in resource limited settings like Ghana. Over the past decades, it is noted that the natural course of HBV in persons infected are taking a worse turn leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer. The outcome of HBV infection is influenced by viral and host factors including genetics. Cytokine variations affect virus survival and progression and may even influence associated complications. Cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18), interferon gamma (IFN)-γ, and tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-β) have key roles in HBV infection and modulation. In this study, polymorphisms occurring in five cytokines were analysed to understand how they can influence prognosis of HBV infection. The study is a single centre cross-sectional study involving 227 participants made up of HBV infected participants and HBV-negative controls. Recruitment was from March 2021 to April 2022. Blood samples were taken for full blood count, HBV antigen profile, liver function tests, HBV DNA quantification and cytokine genotyping. FIB score was calculated using available tools. Statistical analysis was undertaken with p < 0.05 set as statistically significant. The 20-39-year-old group formed majority of the HBV infected participants with 60% of all participants being classified as healthy HBsAg carriers. IL2 rs1479920 GG carriers ((1258.93; 0.00-5011.87) IU/mL had reduced HBV DNA in comparison to IL2 rs1479920 AA ((5011.87; 2113.49-5956.62) /AG (3548.13; 0.00-6309.57) IU/mL carriers. TNF-α rs1800629 AA carriers (1258.93; 0.00-3981.07) IU/mL had a reduction in HBV DNA levels in comparison to TNF-α rs1800629 GG carriers (1584.89; 0.00-5011.87) IU/mL. The results of univariate (OR = 0.08, 0.00-0.93; p = 0.043) and multivariate (OR = 0.02, 0.00-0.67; p = 0.029) analysis, showed that carrying TNF-α rs1800629 AA genotype reduce susceptibility to high FIB score compared with GG genotypes. In univariate analysis, subjects aged 20-39years (OR = 5.00, 1.13-6.10; p = 0.034) and 40-59years (OR = 41.99, 3.74-47.21; p = 0.0002) were more susceptible to high FIB score compared to subjects aged 1-19years. Being female (OR = 2.42, 1.03-5.71; p = 0.043) in the univariate models showed higher odds of having high levels of HBV DNA in the multivariate model. There was a reduced likelihood of herbal medicine usage influencing HBV DNA levels significantly (OR = 0.29, 0.10-0.86; p = 0.025). In conclusion, variations in IL2 rs1479920 GG and IL2 rs1479921 AA could offer protective effects by reducing HBV DNA. TNF-α rs179924CT may also cause elevation in HBV DNA levels whiles TNF-α -308A/G, showed a potential protective effect on liver scarring in HBV infected participants. It is therefore important to take a further look at such variations for understanding of HBV modulation in the Ghanaian population.

Bacterial Contamination of Donor Blood Units in a Ghanaian Blood Bank: A Critical Concern for Transfusion Safety

Abstract Introduction/Objective Background: Blood transfusions, while life-saving, pose a significant risk to patient safety, with transfusion-associated bacterial sepsis emerging as a persistent and potentially fatal threat. The prevalence and severity of bacterial contamination in donor blood units necessitate regular surveillance to ensure safe and effective transfusion therapy. Aim This study aimed to identify and assess the susceptibility of bacterial isolates in whole blood donor units at the blood bank of Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods/Case Report Method(s): One hundred and three (103) units of stored whole blood units, declared safe for transfusion (testing negative for HIV I&amp;II, HBsAg, HCV, and syphilis), were inoculated into Brain Heart Infusion Broth and incubated for 24 hours. The inoculated broths were then cultured on MacConkey agar (MAC), Chocolate agar (CHOC), and Blood agar. Gram-negative and Gram-positive isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results: Of the 103 donor blood units tested, 33 (32.03%) were found to have bacterial isolates. Gram-positive organisms accounted for 67.14% of the isolates, including Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Bacillus spp, and S. aureus. Gram-negative bacteria constituted 32.86% of the isolates, with Citrobacter freundii, Serratia marcescens, E. coli, and Providencia stuartii identified. Notably, 62.9% of the bacterial isolates were skin commensals, while 25.7% were of enteric origin and 11.4% were of nosocomial origin. Resistance to commonly used antibiotics varied among isolates, with Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus exhibiting resistance to amoxicillin (92.86%) and erythromycin (76.19%), while Citrobacter freundii showed resistance to levofloxacin (75.00%) and ofloxacin (75.00%). Conclusion Conclusion(s): The high incidence of bacterial contamination in donor blood units highlights the need for improved phlebotomy procedures and decontamination practices at blood banks in Ghana to reduce the risk of sepsis in transfusion recipients. Furthermore, this study provides valuable information regarding antibiotic resistance patterns in bacterial isolates, emphasizing the importance of antibiotic stewardship in Ghana. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgency of addressing bacterial contamination in donor blood units in Ghanaian blood banks to enhance transfusion safety.

Gendering Ocean Management for Sustainable Ocean Care in Ghana

UNESCO presently offers a universal regime and policy environment for the identification and management of natural and cultural heritages. However, heritage does not merely signify cultural diversity; it can also facilitate greater equity and equality. The research problem addressed in this article is that in Ghana, the national government perceives and treats the small-scale fishing (SSF) sector as a masculine space and endeavour, ignoring the gendered aspects of this environment, of SSF practice and ocean care. In the article, it is hypothesized that if the SSF sector is treated as a socially differentiated space, and if the concern of ocean care is prioritized as a key imperative in Ghanaian ocean management, it is likely that a more inclusive and sustainable ocean management process and SSF sector will emerge in Ghana. Mindful of the socially differentiated nature of the SSF sector in Ghana, the goal of the research presented in this article is to use mixed qualitative research methods (participant-observation and semi-structured interviews) to investigate gendered knowledge forms and gendered practices in ocean care in the central region of Ghana. A key finding of the research is that gendered ritual practices, including canoe building and use in Ghana, are critical to long-term, sustainable, and inclusive ocean management in the country. Recognition of the gendered dimensions of ocean management in Ghana may also result in more inclusive ocean governance policies and nature management policies in Ghana in general. The conclusion of the article is that ocean governance in Ghana should consider and mainstream a gendered perspective of the SSF sector, to advance transformative, sustainable, and inclusive ocean care. The article draws on theories of intersectionality, African indigenous feminist thought, and critical heritage studies to analyse the data gathered, to support the discussion, and to propose the way forward for the national government.

Physico-thermal and geochemical behavior and alteration of the Au indicator gangue hydrothermal quartz at the Kubi Gold ore deposits

Altered and gangue quartz in hydrothermal veins from the Kubi Gold deposit in Dunkwa on Offin in the central region of Ghana are investigated for possible Au-associated indicator minerals and to provide the understanding and increase the knowledge of the mineral hosting and alteration processes in quartz. X-ray diffraction, air annealing furnace, differential scanning calorimetry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy have been applied on different quartz types outcropping from surface and bedrocks at the Kubi Gold Mining to reveal the material properties at different temperatures. From the diffraction results of the fresh and annealed quartz samples, we find that the samples contain indicator and the impurity minerals iron disulfide, biotite, titanium oxide, and magnetite. These minerals, under oxidation process between 574 and 1400 °C temperatures experienced hematite alterations and a transformation from α-quartz to β-quartz and further to cristobalite as observed from the calorimetry scans for hydrothermally exposed materials. The energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed elemental components of Fe, S, Mg, K, Al, Ti, Na, Si, O, and Ca contained in the samples, and these are attributed to the impurity phase minerals observed in the diffraction. The findings also suggest that during the hydrothermal flow regime, impurity minerals and metals can be trapped by voids and faults. Under favorable temperature conditions, the trapped minerals can be altered to change color at different depositional stages by oxidation and reduction processes leading to hematite alteration which is a useful indicator minerals in mineral exploration.

Knowledge of diabetes mellitus complication prevention among patients in the central region of Ghana

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a serious worldwide health issue that has put pressure on the global economy. The study examined the knowledge of complication prevention among patients living with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Ghana. The research was a quantitative study which involved the use of descriptive cross-sectional survey design. In all, 301 DM patients were included in the study. Data were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The study recorded 66.12% (n = 199) good knowledge level. Therefore, educational intervention programme should be organized by the health professionals at Twifo-Atti Morkwa hospital so every DM patient would have optimum knowledge about the disease that would ensure prevention of the DM complications.

Determinants of Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) Prevalence in the Central Region of Ghana

Determinants of Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) Prevalence in the Central Region of Ghana

Prevalence of schistosomiasis among school children at Esuekyir community in the Central Region of Ghana

Schistosomiasis, an endemic neglected tropical disease in areas with poor sanitation, causes physical and mental defects in both children and adults. Various strategies, especially drug administration for morbidity control, have been implemented to combat the disease in Ghana and globally. Despite these efforts, schistosomiasis remains prevalent in Ghana, negatively impacting children's academic performance, growth, and overall quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in school children at Esuekyir, a peri-urban community in Ghana. A cross-sectional study using simple random sampling technique to select participants and collect stool and urine samples from 246 school children in Esuekyir was adopted. Microscopy of urine and stool samples was performed involving urine sedimentation and stool formol-ether sedimentation techniques to analyse for parasite eggs. Questionnaires were developed to help detect risk factors that expose these children to the disease. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in children at Esuekyir was 15.45% while that of intestinal schistosomiasis was 6.957.0%. There was one case of co-infection of urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis from a 13 year old primary student. Children in primary school had higher risks of infection due to their activities around the water body. There was a significant association between class groups and urogenital schistosomiasis (p-value = 0.042). The presence of schistosomiasis in school children highlights the importance of targeted interventions and public health initiatives in addressing this specific disease condition especially in primary school children. Findings from the research revealed a higher prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in the study population as compared to intestinal schistosomiasis.

Perceived attitude of preservice teachers towards the integration of technology in teaching and learning college geometry: cases of two selected colleges of education in Ghana

Despite growing recognition of the value of using technology in mathematics instruction and learning, preservice teachers consistently performed abysmally in college geometry. This study therefore examined the attitude of preservice teachers towards the integration of technology in the teaching and learning of College Geometry. Quantitative descriptive survey was employed as the design for the study. The study drew on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as the main theoretical framework. A sample of 185 preservice teacher participants offering college geometry from two Colleges of Education in the Central Region of Ghana were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data collected was analysed using mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test and One-way ANOVA. The study found out that preservice teachers have high positive attitude towards the use of technology in the teaching and learning of college geometry. There was no significant difference between the attitude of male and female preservice teachers towards the use of technology in the teaching and learning of geometric concepts. It was therefore recommended that technology should be used to teach college geometry in Colleges of Education.

Psychological well-being and job performance of nurses and midwives amidst COVID-19 in Ghana; a multi-group analysis.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of psychological well-being on job performance among nurses and midwives in rural and urban hospitals in Ghana amidst COVID-19. The study adopted a purely quantitative approach, using the explanatory research design. Data were collected from 262 nurses and midwives in two selected hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana. The Structural Equation Modelling was used to analyze the data collected. The results revealed that the levels of psychological well-being and job performance were high in both hospitals amidst the pandemic. Further, it was observed that although psychological well- being had significant influence on job performance among the nurses and midwives in both rural and urban communities, the effect was more significant in the urban settlements. Given these findings, the study recommended that in order to effectively improve the job performance of nurses and midwives, management must adopt policies such as, flexible work arrangements, leave policy, and counselling services to support their psychological well-being.

Relative contribution of biotic and abiotic factors to population fluctuations of Auchenorrhyncha community that could play a role in the Cape Saint Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD) (lethal yellowing) pathosystem in Ghana.

As a major setback to the global coconut industry, lethal yellowing disease (LYD), caused by phytoplasmas, continues to threaten coconut palms in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, and Oceania. Despite its economic impacts, limited information exists on LYD vectors, which impedes the prevention and management of the disease. Using double-sided yellow sticky traps, we investigate the factors that influence the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of three sap-sucking insects of LYD, i.e., Diostrombus (Hemiptera: Derbidae) sp. and Patara sp. (Hemiptera: Derbidae), and Nedoptepa curta Dmitriev (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), on five coconut genotypes (Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SGD), Vanuatu Tall (VTT), SGD × VTT, Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) × VTT, and West African Tall (WAT)) in the Western Region, and one (SGD) in the Central Region of Ghana from April 2019 to May 2021. The results showed that N. curta and Patara sp. were the most abundant species in the Western and Central Regions, respectively. There was a significant difference between the coconut cultivars and sap-sucking insects. The peak population development of the sap-sucking insects was recorded during the dry season on all the coconut genotypes at all sampling locations. A significant positive correlation was detected between temperature and the population of N. curta and Patara sp. In the Agona Nkwanta, VTT had the highest population of N. curta, whereas WAT had the highest population of Patara sp. and Diostrombus sp. These findings provide useful information for assessing the role of factors that could affect the Cape Saint Paul Wilt disease pathosystem.

Societal Perception of New Religious Movements’ Televangelism: A Study of House of Power Ministry International and Gilgal Pentecostal Prayer Ministry International in Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region of Ghana

Societal Perception of New Religious Movements’ Televangelism: A Study of House of Power Ministry International and Gilgal Pentecostal Prayer Ministry International in Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region of Ghana

‘These KMA People are also our Customers’: Coconut Sellers Making Space in Downtown Kumasi

Street vendors are some of the most put-upon actors in urban Africa and elsewhere, vulnerable to harassment by government, commercial businesses, and residents. We look at a group of vendors occupying a sidewalk next to the offices of the Kumasi Metropolitan Authority (KMA) in Ghana’s second city. We demonstrate how the sidewalk functions as a family-like space for the coconut sellers. They not only work there, but also use the sidewalk as a space to sleep and bathe. The coconut sellers are migrants from the central region of Ghana and spoke of their relationship to one another, as they lived and worked on the sidewalk, as that of a ‘family’. We build on recent scholarship that focuses on sidewalks as places where economic activities are shaped by social relationships. We also show how the location of the sidewalk – near local government offices, next to an urban park – made the coconut sellers less vulnerable to harassment and being moved along.

Nature and Determinants of Emotional Intelligence among Social Studies Teachers in Public Senior High Schools in the Central Region of Ghana

Emotional intelligence (hereafter as EI) is highlighted in literature to be crucial attribute for teacher effectiveness in coping with changes and pressure in the work environment especially in the growing emphasis on acquisition of 21st century competencies among students. Hence, in response to the mounting concerns, teachers’ level of EI has become pertinent more than ever before. However, there are controversies in literature on the influence of demographic characteristics and their impact on levels of EI amongst teachers. Therefore, this study investigated the level of EI as well as how demographic characteristics (sex, age, academic qualification and years of experience) influence EI among Social Studies teachers in public Senior High Schools in the Central Region of Ghana. Bar-On (2007) mixed model of EI guided the study. The cross-sectional descriptive survey research design within the positivists’ quantitative methodology was used to collect quantitative data with the main instrument being structured questionnaire. Data were collected from all the 380 Social Studies using the census sampling technique. With the aid of the version 28 of Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS) descriptive (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics such as independent samples t-test and one-way between groups ANOVA were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that Social Studies teachers had high level of EI. Specifically, even though Social Studies teachers indicated several dimensions of EI, they had very high emotional intelligence in interpersonal relationship and intrapersonal relationship and high EI in stress management, adaptability and general mood. The study further revealed that whereas sex and academic qualification did not account for any statistical significance, age and years of teaching experience statistically significantly influenced Social Studies teachers level of EI. Therefore, the study recommended that Ghana Education Service through the Central Regional Directorates of Education should consider age and years of teaching experience when organising training programmes and interventions that have the potential of sustaining the high levels of EI to improve their effectiveness in the teaching and learning of Social Studies.

Unveiling the Driving Factors of Emerging Trends in the Ghanaian Construction Industry: An Evaluative Analysis of Push and Pull Factors

There is a significant change in the Ghanaian construction sector, driven by the convergence of emerging trends. The study investigated the underlying factors influencing these emerging trends in the Ghanaian construction industry, focusing on both pull and push factors. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data with qualitative analysis, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the drivers shaping the industry's development. The study was conducted within three cities (Cape Coast, Kasoa, and Winneba) in the Central Region of Ghana. Fifteen (15) construction companies were purposively selected based on their interest in technological advancements within the construction ecosystem. Five (5) categories of construction professionals, project managers, quantity surveyors, architects, structural engineers, safety officers, and site supervisors employed by the aforementioned fifteen (15) construction companies were considered for the study. Data collected were analyzed utilizing SPSS software version 20. Push factors highlighted environmental degradation, technological innovation, and infrastructure renewal as significant motivators. Pull factors emphasized the industry's extrinsic motivations, including community development, cultural considerations, and economic growth. The analysis revealed that both push and pull factors play crucial roles in driving the trends within the industry. Qualitative interviews conducted as part of the study provided deeper insights, identifying six key themes: regulatory compliance and market competition, technological advancements, skill development, economic considerations, leadership and strategic vision, and customer demand. These themes underscore the complex relationship between external pressures and internal motivations. Correlation and regression analyses indicated significant relationships between trend recognition and both push and pull factors, emphasizing the interplay between external pressures and aspirational drivers in shaping industry trends. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic forces driving change in the Ghanaian construction sector, offering substantial insights for stakeholders. These insights can help stakeholders navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable growth and development. The findings underscore the importance of balancing technological advancements with socio-economic goals to foster a robust and forward-thinking construction industry in Ghana.

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health literacy needs: a sub-national level assessment in Ghana.

This study assessed young adolescents' access and literacy challenges to sexual and reproductive health information and knowledge gaps in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. We used a narrative design and a focus group discussion method to glean data from 52 in-school adolescents, aged 11-15. Focus group discussions were conducted using a discussion guide and data were processed using QDA Miner (version 6.0). We analyzed data thematically using an iterative process of data validation, coding and recording. The participants had poor knowledge of the concepts of sexual and reproductive health and its essential domains. Abstinence was the predominant sexual and reproductive health goal of the participants. Yet, many males admitted to having sexual partners. There was difficult linguistic and physical access to structured and safe information. Personal hygiene, signs of sexual maturation and abstinence were the predominant contents available to young adolescents. A revision of adolescent health policies and strategies to embrace actions for improving unrestricted access to easy-to-read educational materials and adolescent health literacy is essential. Creating adolescent corners and introducing peer education in schools within Effutu and other municipalities in the Central Region will be useful.

Leadership Styles of Female Leaders in Management of Senior High Schools in the Central Region of Ghana

Leadership Styles of Female Leaders in Management of Senior High Schools in the Central Region of Ghana

Examining the Predictive Capacity of School-based Assessment on Students' Mathematics Performance in Large-scale Examinations

This study underscores the importance of school-based assessment (SBA) in predicting students' mathematics performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana. The study was conducted using 150 mathematics teachers from public junior high schools in Ghana's Central Region, the research employed a quantitative approach, using surveys to gather data on internal examination scores, SBA practices, teaching experience, and gender. Regression analysis revealed a strong predictive relationship between internal exam scores and BECE performance (R² = 0.663, B = 0.374, SE = 0.006, t = 67.24, p &lt; .000), while ANOVA showed significant variations in SBA practices based on teaching experience (F (3, 146) = 6.99, p &lt; 0.05). However, t-tests indicated no significant gender differences in SBA practices among teachers (t (148) = 1.100, p = 0.273). These findings highlight the critical role of internal assessments and teaching experience in enhancing educational outcomes and suggest that educational policies should support effective SBA practices and professional development for teachers. Based on these findings, it is recommended to enhance formative assessment practices by focusing on continuous and comprehensive internal assessments, provide ongoing professional development for teachers to improve their skills in implementing SBA, and allocate adequate resources for mathematics education to support effective teaching and learning environments.