Assessment of occupational stress among certified registered anesthetists in the Greater Accra region

BackgroundWork-related stress is a prevailing concern within the community of Certified Registered Anesthetists (CRAs), significantly impacting both the health and professional performance of these individuals. This study aimed to assess work-related stress and its influencing factors among CRAs practicing in the Greater Accra region was examined.MethodsUsing convenience sampling techniques, data were gathered from 140 participants via a Google form questionnaire distributed through WhatsApp. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the collected data, focusing on frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. For continuous variables, bivariate analysis (Chi-square) and ordinal logistic regression were conducted using STATA 16. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsAmong the 140 CRAs, 20 individuals (14.3%) reported experiencing mild stress levels according to the Weiman Occupational Stress Scale. Approximately 3 out of 4 CRAs (73.6%) reported having moderate stress levels, and 12.1% reported severe stress levels. This indicated that the majority of CRAs experienced moderate levels of stress, which was notably affected by the type of health facility and the use of inadequate or sub-standard equipment in the hospitals.ConclusionBased on these findings, the study recommends educational programs and counseling for CRAs to heighten awareness of the demanding nature of their job. Additionally, it suggests the provision of proper resources and standard equipment for CRAs. Facility-level motivation for CRAs is also advised to alleviate their stress. Finally, the study proposes further investigations into the factors contributing to work-related stress among CRAs

Analyzing the effect of Akoben programme on the environmental performance of mining in Ghana: A case study of a gold mining company

This study assessed the impact of Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Akoben programme, a rating and disclosure tool which seeks to promote better environmental performance in the mining and manufacturing industries in Ghana. Using a case study approach, the Akoben audit report card for a mining company was analyzed over a three-year period (2009–2011) based on 7-criteria – legal requirements, hazardous on-site waste management, toxic emissions management, environmental monitoring and reporting, best practice environmental management, complaint management, and corporate social responsibility. Key stakeholders' perceptions of the programme's suitability were solicited from the Ghana Chamber of Mines, EPA, and the mining company. Findings revealed that overall environmental performance over the three-year period under review was poor (2009 – 56.6%; 2010 – 65.6%; 2011 – 59.1%) with none of the years meeting the expected minimum limit, with the exception of legal requirements and corporate social responsibilities; the company failed in all other criteria. Specifically, both toxic and non-toxic waste emission discharges were major concerns as toxic parameters, such as for Arsenic, pH and Cyanide, were exceeded. Environmental monitoring and reporting was also a problem for the company. Stakeholders identified inadequate publicity, an absence of legal backing, and a lack of incentives for outstanding performances as the main weaknesses of the programme. Despite this, the stakeholders acknowledge the fact that the Akoben programme has improved the environmental performance of the mining companies because it puts their operations in check, although more can yet be achieved with regards environmental sustainability with this programme, if adequate measures including legal backing are put in place to ensure its continuity. Keywords: Akoben, Environmental, Ghana, Mining, Performance, Ratin