Preservice Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in the Teaching of Science at Basic Schools in Ghana

Many researchers emphasize the need to look at teacher self-efficacy in preservice teacher preparation and training for the teaching profession. The purpose of this study was to explore science teachers’ efficacy beliefs of preservice teachers who are enrolled in general programme and those enrolled in science programme at a college of education in Ghana. Data for the study were collected from a total number of 227 preservice teachers using Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEB-B). Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics specifically mean and standard deviation and t-test. The results indicated that preservice teachers had high science teaching efficacy however, those who are enrolled in science programme were efficacious than their counterpart in the general programme. Also there was a statistically significant difference in gender on the preservice teachers' science teaching efficacy beliefs. Keywords: Self-efficacy, preservice teacher, science teaching, science programme, general programme. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-22-12 Publication date: August 31st 201

Lipid Profile and High Maternal Body Mass Index is Associated with Preeclampsia: A Case-Control Study of the Cape Coast Metropolis

Background: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide and a serious health problem that affects the majority of women. Aim: We investigated the association between lipid profile and maternal obesity among preeclamptic women in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Subject and Methods: This case.control study involved 60 preeclamptics and 50 healthy pregnant controls matched for age and gestational weeks consecutively recruited from two major hospitals in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting and enzymatic spectrophotometric tests used to estimate lipid concentrations.The independent samples t.test, Chi.square, and Pearsonfs correlation were used in the analysis of data gathered.Results: Serum triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.04), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P = 0.02), TC (P = 0.01) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.03) levels were higher in preeclamptic participants than in the controls. High density lipoprotein concentration showed no significant variation between the two groups (P = 0.83). Preeclamptic women were more obese (P = 0.07). High body mass index (OR = 1.501; CI = 0.926.2.106, P = 0.01), high TG level (OR = 5.026; CI = 0.794-31.818, P = 0.01), were associated with preeclampsia.Conclusion: Lipid abnormalities, mostly elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL, andVLDL are present in preeclamptics. High TG levels and maternal obesity are associated with preeclampsia among pregnant women in the Cape Coast Metropolis.Keywords: Body mass index, Dyslipidemia, High blood pressure, Pre-eclampsia, Proteinuri