http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4391 2026-04-23T16:58:57Z 2026-04-23T16:58:57Z PADI, E. T. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4545 2026-01-06T11:19:37Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DATA QUALITY IN THE DISTRICT HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM II (DHIMS 2) IN THE MION DISTRICT OF NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA Authors: PADI, E. T. Abstract: Enhancing the efficacy and efficiency of healthcare services requires a well-designed health information management system that ensures high-quality data collection and generation. Despite efforts, data quality in Ghana, including the Mion district, remains poor and inadequate, hindering its use in program decisions. The Mion district still faces significant barriers, particularly in primary healthcare. This study aimed to identify the factors and challenges associated with the District Health Management Information System II (DHIMS 2) data quality in the Mion district of Northern Ghana. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, the research incorporated quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and analyzed the data using SPSS. Key findings include data completeness rates of 99.9%, 97.1%, and 100% for 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and timeliness rates of 91.5%, 95.3%, and 99% for the same years. Significant associations were found between data quality and factors such as knowledge of DHIMS 2, proper supervision, training, and management support. Challenges identified include internet connectivity issues, lack of comprehensive training, the burden of data validation, and inadequate support from district officers. These findings underscore the importance of continuous training, effective supervision, and robust management support to enhance data quality in the Mion district. Description: AWARD OF A MASTERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z NGUMAH, S. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4532 2025-11-24T11:53:04Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITTEES IN MATERNAL HEALTH CARE DELIVERY IN THE BOLGATANGA MUNICIPALITY Authors: NGUMAH, S. Abstract: Since professionals and community (grassroots) members collaborate, it is commonly considered that Community Health Committees (CHCs) have a major impact on community health and well being. They basically use a common socio-ecological lens to address many factors that affect community health and well-being in order to address issues that have been discovered. Despite all these enumerated contributions of CHCs to health care delivery in general, little has been explored about their specific roles towards the delivery of maternal and child health services and improvement of same, especially within Ghana’s much touted CHPS framework. The study aimed to assess the contribution of CHCs in the delivery of maternal and child health care within the CHPS system using the Bolgatanga Municipality as the study area. A descriptive cross-sectional qualitative study design, targeting multiple respondents was employed. Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used in collecting data. In all, nineteen (19) in-depth interviews were conducted to augment the 22 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. The study reveals that CHC's roles include a) making the community understand the health systems and why they should take control of their health; b) providing support to the healthcare staff, c) educating community members and creating an enabling environment for the provision of healthcare. The overall effect of this was that, these contributed to improving maternal health delivery within the catchment area. Additionally, the study found that, members of the CHCs had a very cordial relationship with the healthcare staff. The study unearthed that, some CHPS facilities lacked the essential amenities, which hindered the work of both the health committees and community health workers. The study finds that Community Health Committees (CHCs) can play a vital role in promoting community empowerment and increasing participation in health initiatives, leading to better program ownership and sustainability. However, it is crucial to provide regular training to CHC members on skills such as maternal and child health care delivery, community mobilization, dialogue, and facilitation. This training is necessary to ensure the successful functioning of CHCs, especially due to the poor incentive system that may cause members to serve shorter periods and leave. Building the capacity of new members is essential to maintaining the quality, service coverage, and influence of CHCs. Description: AWARD OF MPHIL IN COMMUNITY HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z OWUSUA, A. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4526 2025-11-24T11:37:00Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: PREVALENCE OF NEONATAL CORD INFECTION AND CARE AMONG MOTHERS AND CARE GIVERS OF NEONATES IN SALAGA MUNICIPALITY Authors: OWUSUA, A. Abstract: Umbilical cord infections are major contributor to neonatal mortalities and morbidities across the globe with substantial burden in developing countries including Ghana. This study sought to determine the state of neonatal cord infection and care among mothers and care givers of neonates in Salaga district of the Northern Region of Ghana. The research employed a sequential explanatory mixed-method approach, first examining historical data (73 participants) at the facility level to determine the prevalence of umbilical cord infection in the Salaga district, and subsequently interviewed ten caregivers, five traditional birth attendants and five nurses to establish context of neonatal care in the study area. The quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 while the qualitative data was analyzed manually using thematic analysis. The study found that umbilical cord infections prevalence was 4.13% in the study area and that the prevalence increased in percentage point of 0.65% between 2021 and 2022. Majority of the neonates with umbilical cord infections suffered from cord sepsis while few others suffered from bleeding cord and cord abscess. It was also found that there was inadequate cord care knowledge among mothers. Mothers also relied heavily on traditional birth attendants due to personal connection, trust, or familiarity which reflects a critical nexus of challenges that significantly contribute to adverse outcomes as they resorted to the use of agents such as toothpaste, leaves, shea butter, and salt. The Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service and Non-Govermental Organizations (NGOs) should develop continuous training and development programs for all Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to enhance their understanding of safe birth practices, promote adherence to recommended healthcare protocols, and safeguard maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Description: AWARD OF MASTER IN PUBLIC HEALTH

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z AGAMBA, S. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4522 2025-11-24T11:27:45Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN WITH OBSTETRIC FISTULA IN THE NORTHERN REGION, GHANA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY Authors: AGAMBA, S. Abstract: Obstetric fistula is a form of maternal morbidity which can lead to a prolonged disability and poor quality of life. . In this study, the lived experiences of women with obstetric fistula in the Tamale Metropolis were investigated. A qualitative phenomenology design was used to explore the health care needs, treatment challenges, health seeking patterns and socio-cultural consequences of living with obstetric fistula. The study used purposive and snowball sampling techniques to recruit participants. In-depth interviews and key-informant interviews were conducted with eleven obstetric fistula women and three healthcare providers respectively using interview guides. The data was analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. The results showed that improved antenatal care services, access to skilled healthcare practitioners, health facilities and adequate services were the common healthcare needs of the respondents. The treatment challenges reported by the women included financial barriers, repeated/unsuccessful repairs, negative attitude of health professionals, and difficulty coping with postoperative instructions. When seeking treatment for obstetric fistula, the participants tried traditional methods such as spiritual therapies and herbs before finally reporting to the hospital. Extended family members and husbands were found to be the major source of support for women with obstetric fistula in this study. The socio-economic consequence faced by the women were problems with social integration, stigma and psychological trauma, reduced self-esteem, and economic challenges. Some of these difficulties were short-lived especially following corrective surgery while new ones emerged in some cases even after surgery. Therefore, it is critical to give obstetric fistula treatment a top priority and to allocate resources to enhance both the general well-being of women, and the quality and accessibility to fistula treatment. Also, women living with obstetric fistula requires financial support and psychosocial counseling. Description: AWARD OF A MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z