Youth Empowerment as a Pathway towards Attaining the Demographic Dividend in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Ghana

While empowerment of the youth in Ghana could enable them to make a more meaningful contribution to the economy, a myriad of challenges faces the youth during their transition from school into the employment sector and limits the realisation of their full potential. As a result, the recent and significant increase in the size of the youth population in Ghana cannot justifiably be romanticised as an obvious stepping stone towards the realisation of a demographic dividend. In this study, qualitative and quantitative research methods were deployed to carry out a cross-sectional survey that enabled a detailed exploration of the main challenges and opportunities facing the youth in Ghana. Some of the options for enabling greater youth empowerment in the country were also identified. The study established that unemployment, skills limitations, lack of access to finance, and poorly coordinated institutional structures for implementing youth empowerment policies and programmes are major barriers to youth empowerment in Ghana. We conclude that there is a need for more targeted interventions that address these challenges and leverage any evident opportunities available for increased youth empowerment before Ghana can confidently expect to reap a demographic dividend.

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Suicidal ideation and associated factors among school-going adolescents in rural Ghana

Current Psychology ◽

10.1007/s12144-021-01378-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie ◽

Samuel Kofi Odame

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Attempted Suicide ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Rural Adolescents ◽

African Countries ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural Ghana ◽

Sub Saharan

AbstractSuicidal ideation is a critical risk for attempted suicide and eventual suicide. Little is known about suicidal ideation among rural adolescents in most sub-Saharan African countries. We aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and to describe some of the common and gender-specific associated factors among in-school adolescents in rural Ghana. We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 1101 in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years in a rural district in Eastern Ghana. The Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised was used to assess suicidal ideation. Overall, 25.1% participants (95% CI = 22.5–27.7), representing 28.3% females (95% CI = 24.7–32.2) and 21.5% males (95% CI = 18.0–25.2) reported suicidal ideation during the previous 12 months. Females who experienced personal and interpersonal adversities mainly outside the family context were likely to report suicidal ideation, while suicidal ideation among males was associated with conflict with parents. Regardless of gender, adolescents who reported exposure to a friend’s attempted suicide were about two times more likely to report suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents in rural Ghana compares with in-school estimates from other countries within sub-Saharan Africa, but also underscores the need for targeted and universal prevention programmes and intervention efforts to mitigate the potential transition from suicidal ideations to suicidal attempts and eventual deaths by suicide among rural adolescents.

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Stigmatising Attitudes Towards Co-workers with HIV in the Workplace of a Metropolitan State, Southwestern Nigeria

The Open AIDS Journal ◽

10.2174/1874613601711010067 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 67-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Idongesit Godwin Utuk ◽

Kayode Omoniyi Osungbade ◽

Taiwo Akinyode Obembe ◽

David Ayobami Adewole ◽

Victoria Oluwabunmi Oladoyin

Keyword(s):

Sampling Technique ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Southwestern Nigeria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Aids

Background:Despite demonstrating global concerns about infection in the workplace, very little research has explored how co-workers react to those living with HIV in the workplace in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the level of stigmatising attitude towards co-workers living with HIV in the workplace.Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 403 respondents. They were recruited from selected companies through a multistage sampling technique. Survey was carried out using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to generate frequencies, cross tabulations of variables at 5% level of significance. Logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors at 95% confidence intervals.Results:Mean age of respondents was 32.9 ± 9.4 years with 86.1% being females. Overall, slightly below two-third (63.0%) had good knowledge on transmission of HIV/AIDS while 218 (54.1%) respondents had a high stigmatising attitude towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace. More female respondents (69.6%) demonstrated high stigmatising attitudes towards co-workers with HIV in the workplace (p = 0.012). Female workers were twice more likely to have high stigmatising attitudes towards co-worker with HIV [OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.13 – 3.83)].Conclusion:Stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDs is still very persistent in different settings. Good knowledge amongst our participants about HIV/AIDs did not translate to low stigmatising attitudes among workers. Concerted efforts and trainings on the transmission of HIV/AIDs are essential to reduce stigma that is still very prevalent in workplace settings.

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Prevalence and Correlates of Pregnancy Self-Testing Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Western Kenya

10.21203/rs.3.rs-78174/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nina Njeri Nganga ◽

Julia Dettinger ◽

John Kinuthia ◽

Jared Baeten ◽

Grace John-Stewart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Western Kenya ◽

Self Testing ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract In sub-Saharan Africa little is known about how often women use pregnancy self-tests or characteristics of these women despite evidence that pregnancy self-testing is associated with early antenatal care (ANC) attendance. Understanding the characteristics of women who use pregnancy self-tests may facilitate early access to ANC and preventive interventions in pregnancy. We conducted a cross-sectional survey on an ongoing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation study which enrolled pregnant women to determine the prevalence and factors associated with pregnancy self-testing among women in western Kenya. Overall in our study population, the prevalence of pregnancy self-testing was 22% and higher among women who were employed, currently in school, had previous pregnancy complications, received services from urban health facilities, and had partners who had at least attended secondary school. The most reported reasons for non-use of pregnancy self-tests included not thinking it was necessary, lack of knowledge, and lack of money to pay for the test. Future research should focus on understanding the knowledge and attitudes of women toward pregnancy self-testing.

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Strengthening district healthcare in rural Africa: a cross-sectional survey assessing difficulties in pulse oximetry use and handoff practices

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20185227 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 57

Author(s):

Herbert G. Masigati ◽

Grant W. Potter ◽

Masahiro J. Morikawa ◽

Rashid S. Mfaume

Keyword(s):

Pulse Oximetry ◽

Patient Care ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Information Reporting ◽

Rural Africa ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Developing Settings

Background: Rural hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from numerous disparities in resources and practices, and subsequently patient care is affected.Methods: In order to assess current practices and opportunities for improvement in pulse oximetry use and patient-care handoffs, a cross-sectional survey was administered to clinicians at a referral level hospital serving a large rural area in Shinyanga, Tanzania.Results: Respondents (n=46) included nurses (50%), medical doctors (48%), and clinical officers (2%). A response rate of 92% was achieved, and 81% of clinicians acknowledged routine difficulties in the use of current devices when obtaining pulse oximetry. Although 83% of respondents reported using a written handoff at shift change, information reporting was inconsistent and rarely included specific management guidance.Conclusions: Further research is needed to elucidate handoff practices in developing settings, but there is a large opportunity for novel point-of-care devices and tools to improve both pulse oximetry use and patient care handoffs in rural Africa.

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Users’ Perception of Financial Reporting Quality in Ghana

Accounting and Finance Research ◽

10.5430/afr.v8n3p187 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 187

Author(s):

Joseph Mbawuni

Keyword(s):

Financial Reporting ◽

Middle Management ◽

Reporting Quality ◽

Middle Level ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Financial Reports ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Five Dimension

This paper assesses the extent to which top and middle management perceive FRQ of companies in Ghana after the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Drawing from the literature, a five-dimension FRQ questionnaire was developed for the study. It was a cross-sectional survey that involved a sample of 500 respondents from top and middle level management across seven industries in Ghana. The findings indicate that, generally top and middle management perceive the qualitative characteristics of FRQ of the Ghanaian companies to be very good. However, Timeliness of FRQ in terms of publishing audited financial reports was the only poorly rated qualitative characteristic. Implications to accounting theory and practitioners are discussed. Moreover, there were differences in respondents’ perception of FRQ according to their work background characteristics. It was found that top and middle management who were professional accountants were more critical in their assessment and therefore rated their perceived FRQ significantly lower than those who were non-accounting professionals. This study contributes to filling the void in FRQ literature regarding accounting information users’ assessment of FRQ in IFRS-compliant countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Misinformation About COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Survey

Health Security ◽

10.1089/hs.2020.0202 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 44-56

Author(s):

Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu ◽

Chundung A. Miner ◽

Dipesh Bhattarai ◽

Khathutshelo Percy Mashige ◽

Richard Oloruntoba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sub Saharan

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Knowledge, preparedness, and attitude towards COVID-19 among health profession students in Sub-Saharan Africa: A cross-sectional survey

IJID Regions ◽

10.1016/j.ijregi.2021.10.010 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Prof. Prisca Olabisi Adejumo ◽

Faith Nawagi ◽

Ifeoluwapo Oluwafunke Kolawole ◽

Mamudo Rafik Ismail ◽

Prof. Abdon W. Mukalay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Profession ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sub Saharan

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May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Benin–Sub-Saharan Africa

European Heart Journal Supplements ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/suab018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_B) ◽

pp. B24-B26

Author(s):

Corine Houehanou ◽

Léopold Codjo ◽

Philippe Adjagba ◽

Arnaud Sonou ◽

Hugues Dohou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Antihypertensive Medication ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural And Urban Areas ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Hypertension constitutes a major health concern worldwide and particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative of the International Society of Hypertension for raising awareness of high blood pressure (BP). This work aims to determine the prevalence, awareness and levels of treatment and control of hypertension among adults participating in the MMM Campaign in Benin in 2019 (MMM19). A cross-sectional survey including volunteers aged ≥18 years was carried out in June 2019 in 13 rural and urban areas in Benin. BP measurement followed the MMM19 protocol. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg, or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg (based on the mean of the second and third readings) or taking antihypertensive medication. A total of 3637 people were screened with a female predominance (61.4%) and a mean age of 44.4 ± 16.1 years. A total of 1363 (37.5%) participants had hypertension. Of 1363 participants with hypertension: 64.5% were aware of their status and 43.9% were taking antihypertensive medication. Among 598 participants taking anti-hypertensive medication, 34.9% had controlled BP (systolic BP <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg). The results suggest a high prevalence of hypertension in Benin and that intensifying actions for its primary prevention, early detection and effective management should be encouraged.

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Dementia Awareness Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey Conducted Among School Students in Ghana

American Journal of Alzheimer s Disease & Other Dementias® ◽

10.1177/15333175211055315 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 ◽

pp. 153331752110553

Author(s):

Susanne Spittel ◽

Elke Kraus ◽

André Maier

Keyword(s):

Memory Loss ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

School Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Sub Saharan

The survey focuses on identifying dementia awareness challenges among Ghanaian school students. Data were generated in a cross-sectional survey (n = 1137). 9.3% of school students showed dementia awareness whilst the community respondents, representing both higher age and level of education, showed greater awareness (32.2%, P < .001). 45% of respondents believed in witchcraft and 57% were afraid of potentially being harmed by witchcraft. Age and education did not influence people’s belief in witchcraft. Moreover, dementia symptoms were often mistaken for witchcraft, especially by those who had encountered a person accused of witchcraft: “swearing at others” (24%), displaying “memory loss” and “confused speech” (22%), “forgetfulness” and who was seen “roaming around” (19%). Lack of dementia awareness was particularly evident among school students whereas belief in witchcraft was similar in both respondent groups. There was a correlation between low dementia awareness rates and misinterpretation of dementia symptoms with attribution to witchcraft.

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