scholarly journals Determinants of Financial Sustainability of Rural Banks in Ghana

Author(s):  
Joyce Ama Quartey ◽  
Okyere Darko Desmond ◽  
Joseph Yensu

Rural banks play enormous role in ensuring socio-economic development in Ghana. However, it has been observed that these rural banks face a number of challenges that affect their sustainability. This study examined the determinants of financial sustainability of the Rural Banks in Ghana. The cross- sectional survey was used where questionnaires were designed to collect data. The selections of the respondents were done using the snow ball sampling procedures to locate the 150 customers of three rural banks. The results from the multiple regression analysis showed that the amount of loans significantly affect the financial sustainability of the Rural Banks. The findings further showed that a unit increase in loan interest would lead to 20.5 percent reduction in the number of years a customer had been with the bank thereby affecting their financial sustainability. It was obvious from the study that loans and advances were not in the best of quality. Since these have bearing on the sustainability of the banks, it is recommended that management of these banks put in place rigorous strategies to improve the credit appraisal systems and boost loan recovery.

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e037362
Author(s):  
Ben Wamamili ◽  
Mark Wallace-Bell ◽  
Ann Richardson ◽  
Randolph C Grace ◽  
Pat Coope

ObjectiveIn March 2011, New Zealand (NZ) launched an aspirational goal to reduce smoking prevalence to 5% or less by 2025 (Smokefree 2025 goal). Little is known about university students’ awareness of, support for and perceptions about this goal. We sought to narrow the knowledge gap.SettingUniversity students in NZ.MethodsWe analysed data from a 2018 cross-sectional survey of university students across NZ. Logistic regression analysis examined the associations between responses about the Smokefree goal with smoking and vaping, while controlling for age, sex and ethnicity. Confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported where appropriate.ParticipantsThe sample comprised 1476 students: 919 (62.3%) aged 18 to 20 and 557 (37.7%) aged 21 to 24 years; 569 (38.6%) male and 907 (61.4%) female; 117 (7.9%) Māori and 1359 (92.1%) non-Māori. Of these, 10.5% currently smoked (ie, smoked at least monthly) and 6.1% currently vaped (ie, used an e-cigarette or vaped at least once a month).ResultsOverall awareness of the Smokefree goal was 47.5% (95% CI: 44.9 to 50.1); support 96.9% (95% CI: 95.8 to 97.8); belief that it can be achieved 88.8% (95% CI: 86.8 to 90.7) and belief that e-cigarettes/vaping can help achieve it 88.1% (95% CI: 86.0 to 89.9).Dual users of tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes had greater odds of being aware of the Smokefree goal (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.19 to 7.92), current smokers had lower odds of supporting it (OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.27) and of believing that it can be achieved (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.24) and current vapers had greater odds of believing that e-cigarettes/vaping can help to achieve it (OR=8.57, 95% CI: 1.18 to 62.52) compared with non-users.ConclusionsThe results suggest strong overall support for the Smokefree goal and belief that it can be achieved and that e-cigarettes/vaping can help achieve it. Smoking and vaping were associated with high awareness of the Smokefree goal, but lower support and optimism that it can be achieved.


Author(s):  
Anna Shilongo

The objective of the study was to investigate the Tourism and Commoditization of Traditional Cultures among the Himba People of Namibia. Globalization theory by Greg Richards and the use value theory by Marx was linked with this study. A mixture of methods comprising of descriptive cross-sectional survey, phenomenology and ethnographic research designs was employed to assess the effect of commoditization of traditional cultures among the Himba people through tourism. The study employed two principal data collection techniques: questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Stratified sampling and purposive sampling procedures were used. Purposive sampling was used as a non-probability sampling method in the sampling of key informants such as tour-guide, local leaders and museum employees. The study took place in two sampled villages in the Opuwo rural constituency, namely, Ohunguomure Village and Okatutura ka Vinjange, which form the major cultural tourist destinations. The sample size of this study was 98. Data was analysed using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Quantitative analysis was applied to close-ended questions, and the data were analysed in terms of frequencies and percentages using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Qualitative data obtained from open-ended questions and interviews were analysed thematically. The study concludes that commoditization of culture is diluting culture and destroys the originality of the culture. The study recommends the need for this Ministry to have a component or department that specifically works towards the issue of commoditization of the Himba culture in the Kunene Region.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-37
Author(s):  
Abiodun Babatunde Onamusi ◽  

This study assessed the effect of strategic response capability on firm competitiveness of selected paint manufacturers in Lagos State, Nigeria, more so, it ascertained the moderating effect of Omoluabi leadership on the interaction between strategic response capability and firm competitiveness. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and a sample of 343 employees of eighteen selected paint manufacturers in Lagos State, Nigeria. A hierarchical regression analysis to test three-way interaction hypotheses was conducted. The results showed that strategic response capability had a positive and significant effect on firm competitiveness (R2 = 0.46.3, F (1,341) 294.165, p= .000). Further analysis showed that the interaction term of strategic response capability and Omoluabi leadership explained the increase in firms’ competitiveness (ΔR2 =0.039, p=0.000) with the introduction of Omoluabi leadership as a moderator. The study through its findings established that strategic response capability enhances firm competitiveness through the deployment of Omoluabi leadership. Hence, this study recommends that firms should strengthen their strategic response capability and encourages leadership to imbibe the philosophy of Omoluabi leadership this is because such a leadership attribute potentially improves firm competitiveness.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al Saad ◽  
Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) ranks the eighth most frequent cancer among Syrian women with crude incidence rates 1.4 per 100, 000 populations per year. This study aimed to test the acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among mothers of schoolgirls in sixth-grade class. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through a structured and self-administrated questionnaire. A total of 400 Syrian mothers of schoolgirls were selected randomly by the cluster sampling method in Aleppo city, Syria, in 2011. Significant variables from univariate analysis were included in an enter technique multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The response rate was 86%. If the vaccine was free, 282 (81.7%) mothers would accept the vaccine for themselves and 236 (68.4%) for their daughters, respectively. However, the acceptance rate grossly decreased to 24.6% and 15.1%, respectively, if the vaccine was not provided free. The high cost of the HPV vaccine and lack of knowledge were the significant barriers for mothers' acceptance of the HPV vaccine. Protection of daughters and the trust with health authority were the main encouraging reasons to accept the HPV vaccine. Findings from logistic regression analysis revealed that the employed mothers (odds ratio = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.3–4.4), with a positive history of gynecological examination (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6–2.9) and having sound knowledge (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.0–5.7) are independent factors related to the acceptance of the HPV vaccine for their daughters. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that mothers from different cultural backgrounds, including Syrian mothers, are holding different beliefs on privacy and health that may affect their willingness to accept the HPV vaccine.


Hypertension ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 62 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohan Thanikachalam ◽  
Shasha Bai ◽  
Vijayakumar Harivanzan ◽  
Ragavendra R Baliga ◽  
William T Abraham ◽  
...  

Background Arterial stiffness assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate how various measures of obesity affect arterial stiffness. Methods We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey in 8,042 South Indians above the age of 20 years. Following completion of a detailed medical history questionnaire, all participants underwent haemodynamic screening including brachial and central blood pressure, and PWV measurements using a high-fidelity applanation tonometry. The study included anthropometric measurements and fasting blood for total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and blood glucose (BG) levels. After the exclusion of people with previous history of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia on drug therapy, 5,841 subjects (mean age 41.6 years; 58% women) constituted the study sample Results In an univariate analysis, PWV correlated positively with age, mean blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), body fat percent (BF%), TC, TG, LDL and BG levels (P <0.001) and negatively with HDL levels (P=0.005). In a multivariate regression analysis, majority of the PWV variability in the model was accounted for by MAP and age, (cumulative adjusted R2 change of 32.79% as compared to the total adjusted R2 change of 35.25%). However, BMI (β= 0.042; adjusted R2 change=2.83%; p<0.001) independently correlated with PWV and its contribution to the PWV variability was far more significant compared to LDL, BG and TG (cumulative adjusted R2 change=1.08%). Multivariate regression analysis using the WC, WHR, or BF% instead of the BMI continued to demonstrate a significant independent effect of obesity parameters on PWV. Conclusion: In a large a population-based cross-sectional survey the study demonstrates a positive, independent association between obesity parameters and increased arterial stiffness.


2022 ◽  
pp. 130-149
Author(s):  
Bikash Basnet ◽  
Sarah Eyaa ◽  
Nekpen Euodia Okhawere

This chapter integrates collectivism with the dimensions of the Expectancy Theory to investigate the direct and indirect impact of horizontal and vertical collectivism on employee motivation of operational and non-operational staff. Data were collected from 205 employees using a cross-sectional survey. Hypotheses were tested with multiple regression analysis. Across both employee categories, horizontal collectivism improves motivation while vertical collectivism does not have a significant impact on motivation. Mediation effects were significant in the relationship between horizontal collectivism across both employee categories. However, there were some variations in the mediation effects on the relationship between vertical collaboration and motivation across the two categories. This chapter contributes to motivation literature by integrating the Expectancy Theory with two under-investigated dimensions of collectivism to compare motivation determinants among operational and non-operational staff. This chapter presents implications for managers and policy for improving employee motivation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rajeh ◽  
B. Nicolau ◽  
A. Qutob ◽  
P. Pluye ◽  
S. Esfandiari

Introduction: Over the last 40 y, the proportion of women in the profession of dentistry has been growing steadily. The extant literature, although limited, demonstrates that gender differences exist in choice of specialization, practice pattern, and professional attitudes, revealing that women are more likely to work in primary dental care and are less prominent in other dental specialties. Female Saudi dentists, working in the government sector, tend to occupy lower positions in the occupational hierarchy, are paid less, and are less likely to hold consultant positions as compared with men. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify barriers faced by female dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia in seeking professional advancement and to determine the variables that influenced respondents’ promotions. Methods: In February 2017, a web-based cross-sectional survey was emailed to all female dentists registered with the Saudi Dental Society ( N = 2,651). Completed questionnaires ( N = 130, response rate = 7.1%) were analyzed with simple summary statistics and a logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between the dependent variable (promotion) and independent variables (family, environmental, interpersonal, and cultural factors). Results: Most female dentists believed that family, environmental, and cultural factors are challenges to their career practice and progression. Other factors included interpersonal challenges, such as gender discrimination and male dominance in the field of dentistry. Results of the regression analysis revealed that family and environmental factors were significant predictors of whether female dentists would be promoted. Conclusion: Saudi female dentists continue to face significant obstacles in their career practice and advancement. Their role in the workplace needs to be recognized. Factors that obstruct their career advancement should be well understood by dental institutions and efforts should be made to move more female dentists into leadership positions. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Policy makers can use the results of this study to develop strategies to overcome the barriers faced by female dentists in Saudi Arabia with respect to their professional and personal (family) needs. This study could lead to the development of employment incentives and a supportive workplace for female dentists.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sokhna Thiam ◽  
Guéladio Cissé ◽  
Anna-Sofie Stensgaard ◽  
Aminata Niang-Diène ◽  
Jürg Utzinger ◽  
...  

Diarrhoeal diseases remain a major public health problem, causing more than half a million child deaths every year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite existing knowledge on the aetiologies and causes of diarrhoeal diseases, relatively little is known about its spatial patterns in LMICs, including Senegal. In the present study, data from a cross-sectional survey carried out in 2016 were analysed to describe the spatial pattern of diarrhoeal prevalence in children under the age of 5 years in the secondary city of Mbour in the south-western part of Senegal. Bayesian conditional autoregressive (CAR) models with spatially varying coefficients were employed to determine the effect of sociodemographic, economic and climate parameters on diarrhoeal prevalence. We observed substantial spatial heterogeneities in diarrhoea prevalence. Risk maps, stratified by age group, showed that diarrhoeal prevalence was higher in children aged 25-59 months compared to their younger counterparts with the highest risk observed in the north and south peripheral neighbourhoods, especially in Grand Mbour, Médine, Liberté and Zone Sonatel. The posterior relative risk estimate obtained from the Bayesian CAR model indicated that a unit increase in the proportion of people with untreated stored drinking water was associated with a 29% higher risk of diarrhoea. A unit increase in rainfall was also associated with an increase in diarrhoea risk. Our findings suggest that public health officials should integrate disease mapping and cluster analyses and consider the varying effects of sociodemographic factors in developing and implementing areaspecific interventions for reducing diarrhoea.


Author(s):  
Eva Randell ◽  
Junia Joffer ◽  
Renée Flacking ◽  
Bengt Starrin ◽  
Lars Jerdén

Abstract Background Pride and shame are important emotions known to influence identity development and psychological well-being in adolescence. Research evidence indicates that self-rated health (SRH) is a strong predictor of future health. This cross-sectional study, conducted during 2008–2009, aimed to investigate the associations between pride, shame and SRH among adolescent boys and girls. Methods The study sample comprised 705 adolescents in Sweden aged 17–18 years (318 boys and 387 girls) who completed a questionnaire that included items on SRH, shame and pride (participation rate 67%). Logistic regression analyses (univariable and multivariable) were used to investigate the associations between pride and shame as separate and combined constructs on SRH, adjusting for potential confounders (country of birth, parental educational level, school experience, having enough friends, mood in family and being active in associations). Results Pride and shame separately were significantly associated with SRH in both genders. Logistic regression analysis of the pride-shame model showed that the odds of having lower SRH were highest in boys and girls with lower pride-higher shame. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis of the pride-shame model the odds of having lower SRH remained significant in boys and girls with lower pride-higher shame [boys: odds ratio (OR) 3.51, confidence interval (CI) 1.40–8.81; girls: OR 2.70, CI 1.22–5.96] and in girls with lower pride-lower shame (OR 2.16, CI 1.02–4.56). Conclusion The emotions of shame and pride are associated with SRH in adolescence. Experiencing pride seems to serve as a protective mechanism in SRH in adolescents exposed to shame. We believe that this knowledge should be useful in adolescent health promotion.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-319
Author(s):  
R. B. Ivut ◽  
P. V. Popov ◽  
P. I. Lapkovskaya ◽  
I. V. Emelyanovich

The paper substantiates the necessity to study a transport infrastructure in the context of its impact on socioeconomic indicators pertaining to the development of a certain region. The importance of this study is confirmed by the goals and objectives of the transport system development of the Republic of Belarus, which are outlined in the National Strategy of the Republic of Belarus for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development for the period until 2030, and they are considered as well as priority areas for the development of Minsk region, presented in the Sustainable Development Strategy of Minsk Region for 2016–2025. The influence of eight indicators for transport infrastructure development of Minsk region on four key socio-economic indicators of the region development such as gross regional product, investment in fixed assets, revenues of consolidated budgets, average wage level has been investigated in the paper. A multiple regression analysis has been applied for assessing a relationship between dependent and independent variables. A step selection method has been used as a method of multiple regression analysis. All calculations have been carried out in the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 program. As a result of the study correlation indicators have been established between dependent and independent variables, relationships between variables and dependencies have been determined in the paper. The reliability of the obtained results have been verified with the help of the Fisher and Student's criteria. The obtained results have made it possible to identify key indicators for a transport infrastructure of Minsk region which have the greatest impact on socio-economic development of this region and can be used to analyze an investment attractiveness of Minsk region.


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