A review of the process of knowledge transfer and use of evidence in reproductive and child health in Ghana

Although Ghana’s investment in health has improved over the years, it compares unfavourably to other developing countries. The report analyzes and reviews the process of knowledge transfer and use of scientific research evidence in the formulation of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) policies in Ghana. RCH covers maternal, newborn and child health. A table presents details of information-gathering for components of the knowledge transfer process. Survey findings show that a larger proportion of research in RCH is funded by donors who may have objectives different from that of policy-makers

Spatial variation in the use of reproductive health services over time: a decomposition analysis

Abstract Background The paper argues that several Sub-Saharan African countries have recorded marked improvements in the use of reproductive health services. However, the literature has hardly highlighted such progress and the factors responsible for them. The current study uses Ghana as a case to examine progress in the consumption of reproductive health services over the last two decades and the factors responsible for such progress. Methods The study uses two rounds (1998 and 2014) of Demographic and Health Survey data from Ghana. Standard frequencies, a logit model and decomposition of the coefficients of the logit model (i.e. Oaxaca-type decomposition) was employed to examine changes in the use of reproductive health services (4+ antenatal visits and skilled attendance at birth) at national and sub-national levels (i.e the four ecological zones of Ghana) between 1998 and 2014 as well as factors explaining observed spatial changes between the two periods. Results Descriptive results suggest that the highest level of improvement occurred in resource-poor zones (i.e. northern belt followed by the southern belt) compared to the middle belt and Greater Accra, where access to resources and infrastructure is relatively better. Results from Oaxaca-type decomposition also suggest that women and partner’s education, household wealth and availability and accessibility to health facilities are the key factors explaining spatial variation in reproductive health service consumption over the two periods. Most importantly, the marginal efficiency of investment in women and partner’s education and access to health services were highest in the two resource poor zones. Conclusion There is the need to target resource poor settings with existing or new pro-poor reproductive health interventions. Specifically, the northern and southern zones where the key drivers of education and availability of health facilities are the lowest, will be key to further improvements in the consumption of reproductive health services in Ghana

Additional file 1: of Spatial variation in the use of reproductive health services over time: a decomposition analysis

Table S1. Determinants of 4+ Antenatal Visits in Ghana – Log Odds with Confidence Intervals. Contains regression estimates of the determinants of 4+ antenatal visits in Ghana, with the coefficients expressed in log odds and also showing the confidence intervals. Table S2. Determinants Use of Skilled Birth Attendants in Ghana – Log Odds with Confidence Intervals. Contains regression estimates of use of skilled birth attendants in Ghana, with the coefficients expressed in log odds and also showing the confidence intervals. (DOCX 38 kb

The level and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ghana.

ObjectiveAs part of the efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Ghana has received several shipments of approved vaccines, and administration has begun in the country. Studies examining the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ghana were mostly conducted before the vaccination exercise. Vaccine acceptance decisions however vary with time and hence, peoples' decisions may have changed once vaccines became accessible. This study examines the level and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adult Ghanaians during the vaccination exercise.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional online survey involving Ghanaian adults (18 years and above) eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The study was conducted from 18th May 2021 to 14th July 2021 and the questionnaire was answered by 362 respondents. Snowball sampling technique was utilized to obtain the respondents. Probit regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.Key findingsOnly 62.7% of the respondents indicated that they will accept the COVID-19 vaccine if provided. The regression results revealed that the decision to accept the COVID-19 vaccine was influenced by occupation, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and attitudes towards the vaccines.ConclusionThe findings suggest that government must implement strategies to enhance positive attitudes toward vaccines, increase the risk perception of contracting the virus and also educate the populace about the benefits of the vaccine

Determinants of vaccination decisions and lived experiences of Ghanaians with the COVID-19 pandemic; a qualitative study

Background: Two years after the WHO declared a state of emergency as a result of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus from Wuhan, China, the rate of new infections experienced intermittent flare-ups globally, with vaccinations still ongoing in countries such as Ghana. One year after the implementation of Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine deployment program, Ghanaians have had the opportunity to reflect on their vaccination decisions, albeit the initial vaccine hesitancy. Objectives: The current paper examined the knowledge and lived experiences of Ghanaians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the factors influencing their vaccination decisions, one year after COVID-19 vaccinations commenced in Ghana, with special focus on the social and geographical histories which influenced their vaccination decisions. Methodology: A qualitative approach using a case study design was used to conduct in-depth interviews among 25 respondents who were 18 years and above, not pregnant, and willing to participate in the study, between 5th and 23rd September 2022. Data was collected in 5 hotspot areas in Ghana with the highest cumulative case counts. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data which was analyzed using a thematic approach. Findings: Respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge on COVID-19 and related vaccines. Fear, panic, and anxiety were some of the experiences lived by respondents during the pandemic. The factors influencing vaccination decisions included conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and related vaccines, subjective notions about the COVID-19 disease, and subjective notions about the vaccine. The type of community one lived in, taboos, and previous successful vaccination programs in the community were geographic factors that informed respondents’ decision to vaccinate or not. Social circles, religion, opinion leaders, and media-based campaigns were the social factors that influenced respondents’ decision to vaccinate or not

ICTs and maternal healthcare utilization. Evidence from Ghana

Purpose: – Traditionally, the role of technology on health services has been argued from the supply side. The purpose of this paper is to use a demand side perspective to examine the effect of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on the use of maternal health services in Ghana.<p></p> Design/methodology/approach: – Study used data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys and binary response regression models to examine the effect of women's access to ICTs on maternal healthcare utilization in Ghana. Three variables on maternal healthcare utilization were employed: use of contraception, antenatal care and place of delivery.<p></p> Findings: – Results from the study show that the effect of the use of technology is both positive and significant. In particular, among the other ICTs (i.e. landline phone, listening to radio, watch television, color television in household, computer in household), the coefficients of mobile phone ownership tends to be consistently significant across all four reproductive health services. Therefore, ICTs have a good capacity to influence women's demand of health information. This needs to be taken into account when designing maternal health policies and interventions.<p></p> Originality/value: – This is one of the few papers examining the effect of ICTs on utilization of maternal health services from the demand side compared to the popular supply side argument often found in the literature