Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana)

Prevalence Of Vitamin D Insufficiency Among Older Adults in KNUST Hospital, Kumasi

2024-10-04T11:02:49+00:00

Vitamin D insufficiency is a prevalent issue among older adults, often attributed to inadequate sunlight exposure and a lack of vitamin D foods in their diets. This study specifically examined the prevalence of this insufficiency among older adults in Kumasi. Conducted as a cross-sectional study, the research encompassed 125 consistent attendees of the Geriatric Clinic at KNUST Hospital. Vitamin D concentrations were determined using blood analysis, while the duration of sunlight exposure and dietary consumption of vitamin D foods were evaluated with a structured questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric measurements were employed to evaluate body composition parameters. Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency, sunlight exposure duration, and body composition parameters were analysed using frequency distribution analysis. Furthermore, the utilization of Principal Component Analysis was employed to forecast dietary patterns linked with the intake of vitamin D foods. The findings underscored that a significant proportion of participants (70.4%) had insufficient vitamin D levels. Among the participants, only 6.4% had sufficient duration of sunlight exposure, and a mere 22.3% were likely to have a dietary pattern with vitamin D foods as part of their meals. Moreover, a majority showed elevated values in body composition parameters, including body fat (64.5%), visceral fat (95.6%), BMI (60.8%), and muscle mass (48%). Given that insufficient vitamin D can potentially compromise muscle performance and overall well-being among older adults, it is crucial to implement robust measures such as sunlight exposure, inclusion of vitamin D foods in diets, and engagement in moderate physical activity to effectively address this emerging concern.

Nurses’ And Midwives’ Knowledge of Developmental Disorders in A Ghanaian Rural District

2024-10-04T09:24:24+00:00

Misconceptions and superstitious beliefs on disability negatively influence healthcare providers’ attitudes towards meeting the healthcare needs of children with developmental disorders or disabilities. This study assessed nurses and midwives’ knowledge on developmental disorders and their perspectives on the causes/risk factors among children in the Wa-West, Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Percentages, measures of central tendencies and Chi-squared analysis were conducted with the aid of SPSS version 14. Averagely, 76.4% participants responded correctly on general/basics of childhood disorders. However, 51(45.1%) believed all disorders lead to long-term disabilities with or without intervention. Many also attributed developmental disorders to curses 53(46.9%), bewitchment 51(45.1%), anger of ancestors/gods 54(47.8%) and mocking/teasing disabled people 50(44.2%). Only age (P = 0.011) was statistically significant with knowledge on risk factors/causes of developmental disorders while religion (P = 0.003) was statistically significant with general knowledge of developmental disorders. In conclusion, these widespread misconceptions and superstitious beliefs among nurses and midwives can hinder disability- awareness efforts and quality healthcare for children with disabilities in the Wa West district.

The Relationship Between Food Security, Dietary Intake, Physical Activity Levels and Glycaemic Status of Adults in A Peri-Urban Community in Ghana

2024-07-24T12:43:19+00:00

Purpose: Diabetes is a serious global public health issue with increasing prevalence over the years especially in developing countries. This study assessed the relationship between food security, dietary intake, physical activity levels and blood glucose levels of adults in a peri-urban community in Ghana.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 94 participants were recruited and quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographics, anthropometry, fasting blood glucose (FBG), dietary intake, physical activity and food security data were collected. Findings: Of the 94 eligible respondents aged 18 years and above, 37.2% were men while 62.8% were women. The mean age, BMI and FBG levels were 33.3 years, 26.8 kg/m2 and 6.4 mmol/L respectively. About 27.7% of the participants were food insecure. Average calorie intake was 3244.20 kcal and this had a significant association with blood glucose status (p <0.001). Prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 71.3% (range: FBG = 5.7 - 6.9 mmol/L) and 19.1% (range: FBG ≥ 7mmol/L) in the prediabetes and diabetes range respectively. About 52.1% of the population were physically active with males being more physically active (54.3%) than females (50.8%). Total energy intake (p < 0.001) and BMI levels (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with the FBG levels. There was however no significant relationship between physical activity, food security and FBG.

Conclusion: Stakeholders should design plans to encourage a balanced diet, enough physical exercise, and a healthy weight in the municipality in order to curb the prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in the study population.

Determination Of the Physico-Chemical and Primary Productivity Levels of The Owabi Lake, Ghana

2024-07-25T10:11:20+00:00

The primary productivity of water bodies is important in considering the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems. Primary productivity depends on free oxygen and the chlorophyll a contents of a water body. The study determined the primary productivity and chlorophyll ‘a’ level of the Owabi lake to serve as a primary data upon which further studies could rely on. Twenty six sites along the margins of the lake were mapped with GPS and 5.0 meter x 5.0 meter quadrats laid. Within each of the demarcated site, some physico-chemical parameters were measured by standard procedure on the field and in the laboratory, and 100ml of the water sample was sent to the laboratory for chlorophyll ‘a’ determination. The dissolved oxygen concentrations in the bottles were measured with an OAKTON DO multimeter and the physico-chemicals, with a multi-purpose field meter. Within each quadrat, three dissolved oxygen measurement bottles, representing oxygen levels during day period, dark period and a control, were laid 5.0 cm depth into the water body overnight. The physico-chemical parameters recorded mean values that were lower than the WHO limits with p=0.553 indicating non-significant differences within the studied sites. The nutrients values were low but increased in concentrations at the lower portion of the lake. The chlorophyll ‘a’ indicated highest value (53.71±2.06 μg/L) at the lower part of the lake, while the lowest (34.09±0.99 μg/L) was recorded at the upper portion indicating eutrophic status. The Net Primary Productivity (NPP) was higher at the middle portion with 5.20±0.05mg/L, while the oxygen production in the dark (respiration) indicated 4.33±0.32mg/L at the lower part. The highest Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) value of 18.74±0.16mg/L/hr was found at the lower part of the lake with free oxygen registering 0.67±0.07mg/L in the middle portion. Though, the physico-chemical values were within the WHO acceptable ranges, the lower and inadequate levels of the NPP and free oxygen with a hyper-eutrophy in chlorophyll a concentration render the lake unhealthy and unsustainable for the life of aquatic organisms.

Exploring Wealth and Culture Narratives in The Ornamentation of Bank of Ghana Architecture

2024-07-25T09:32:42+00:00

The use of ornamentation in architecture is one of the strategies that has been employed by institutions like banks over the years to communicate their values and ideals to the public. More so, it has been observed that Bank of Ghana as a corporate organization has developed the tradition of employing ornamentation in some of their important buildings to communicate, cultural identity and wealth. This study, therefore, explores the essence and expression of wealth and culture within some of the ornamentations in the architecture of Bank of Ghana (BoG) located in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale metropolises. This study employed a qualitative method of research using observation, field notes, library research and photographic documentation as a means of gathering and analyzing data. It was observed that BoG buildings in the three metropolises were all purposefully ornamented with a strong presentation of wealth and cultural narratives that truly contextualize Ghanaian aesthetic values, ideals, philosophy, history and culture. The bank employs these themes and imagery to depict and promote concepts of culture and wealth in the architectural ornamentation. Among

Afro-Identity Redemption: Decolonizing Hairstyles of Girls in Ghanaian Senior High Schools in Promotion of Cultural Sustainability

2024-07-26T11:56:37+00:00

Most girls in Ghana are largely educated and trained without their hair and thus go through a long period of training deprived of the vital part of their make, which may render them identity denial. The aim of this paper is to explore the rationale underpinning the shaving off of girls’ hair during pre-tertiary levels of education to understand the practice and its effects on womanhood from cultural identity perspective. The research employed qualitative approach and used structured open-ended questionnaires and document review protocols as tools for gathering data. The gathered data were thematically analyzed. The findings show that hair from African perspective on the ontological level is symbolic showing phases of womanhood and interspersed with external admiration from natural aesthetics endowment and cultural identity. It further shows that the policy on shaving, which has colonial attachment, disrupts cultural sustainability though it is meant to ease the burden of the girl-child from the cumbersome nature of styling of the hair supposedly. The authors recommend that to train the girl-child wholly for life, they should be allowed to explore Afro-defined natural hairstyles to develop the skills of maintaining their cultural image.

Improving Communication on Construction Sites: The Case of Selected Construction Smes in Ghana

2024-07-25T09:49:23+00:00

Construction stakeholders from various disciplines rely on various communication channels to ensure that a construction project is completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality. However, the majority of construction SMEs have paid less attention to improving effective communication on construction sites, resulting in poor performance and work productivity. Therefore, the research reported in this paper is to investigate the underlying factors that contribute to communication inefficiencies among SME construction firms and to develop modalities for improving effective communication between industry stakeholders in the construction industry. The study employed a quantitative approach, which included reviewing secondary data and collecting primary data via a structured questionnaire survey distributed to 125 construction professionals working with SMEs in Ghana, who were chosen using a snowball sampling technique. The mean ranking technique, Kruskal-Wallis test, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were among the statistical analyses used to analyse the data. According to the findings, the top three underlying factors contributing to communication problems are attitudinal barriers, unclear objectives, and a lack of technological advancement. The EFA classified the 12 effective communication modalities into three categories: effective abstract communication and feedback; stakeholder integration and unambiguous communication; and information accuracy. The study broadens construction professionals’ perspectives on recognising and prioritising modalities for improving effective communication during construction project delivery. Prioritising the various communication modalities may serve as a framework for developing tailored communication system dynamics, tools, and protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of communication by SME construction firms in project delivery on a regular basis.

Awareness Level of Fire Safety Provisions in Students’ Accommodations on KNUST Campus

2024-10-18T12:00:23+00:00

Hostels are becoming more complicated, and higher-rise buildings are becoming important because of their high land value and reduced land sizes within the urban zone where the demand for accommodation facilities has increased. This calls for critical provisions of certain facilities that will make the occupants of the hostels comfortable, hence the hostel meeting the demand of its users. The purpose of this research is to assess fire safety provisions in students’ accommodations and their level of awareness. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to attain the study’s goal. In this paper, the primary data collection instruments were questionnaires and case studies. A sample size of 142 student participants was determined using a sample size calculator. Structured questionnaires were used in gathering data based on the literature reviewed and were analyzed statistically using mean score analysis and crosstab analysis. It was observed that some of the fire safety provisions were not functioning due to poor maintenance and management systems. With the challenges at hand, it was recommended that training and seminars on fire and fire safety management should be organized, and there should be a rapid check of the fire safety elements.

Hausa Koko: Consumer Knowledge and Preparation Methods

2024-10-25T11:14:54+00:00

This research aimed to determine the consumers’ knowledge about the nutritional contribution of Hausa koko, compare the traditional preparation methods, and quantify the ingredients used in its preparation. Structured questionnaire was administered to KNUST populace through online platform to determine consumers’ knowledge, whilst measurement of ingredients and methods of preparation of Hausa koko were done using weighing scale and through interview with vendors respectively. Majority (88.1%) of the respondents were young people (18-30 years), and had limited knowledge about the ingredients, nutritional composition and health benefits of Hausa koko. Hausa koko production is dominated by females (91%) from Northern Ghana with about 70% having at least basic education. About 94% of the vendors use millet as principal ingredient with varied amount of spices. The average amount of millet, ginger, red pepper, cloves, black pepper and African pepper were found to be 96.28, 2.55, 0.36, 0.38, 0.24 and 0.02% correspondingly. The process of Hausa koko production involved soaking, milling, slurry making, fermentation, boiling and mixing with boiled slurry, and this method is used by 76% of the vendors. The other vendors (24%) follow a similar process, but differs only at the milling stage where portion of the millet is mixed with the spices, and the other portion is milled separately. Trade secrets (quantity and choice of spices, and amount of water) are responsible for the inconsistencies in sensory properties. Nutritional education on Hausa koko, and standardization of its preparation methods will help increase its consumption, for improved nutrition and food security.