POSSIBLE STRATEGIES AND ALTERNATIVE PROFESSIONS OF TEACHERS TO IMPROVE TEACHER RETENTION IN THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

The purpose of the study is to examine the alternative professions of teachers who leave teaching in senior high schools and possible strategies to improve teacher retention in senior high schools. The specific objectives of the study were to find out the preferred alternative professions of teachers who leave senior high schools in the districts and finally to ascertain some possible strategies to improve teacher retention in the senior high schools in the districts. The research followed a quantitative approach and a descriptive sample survey design. A total sample of 213 respondents from four public senior high schools in the districts was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A standardized questionnaire for data collection has been developed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents who have planned to leave their schools preferred the following professions: NGOs, private businesses, politics, teaching in different SHS outside the districts, private companies, teaching in tertiary institutions, further education. Financial institutions, small scale mining, transport business, poultry farming, etc. this study focused on Alternative professions of teachers and possible strategies to improve the teacher retention rate of the only permanent teaching staff of the four public senior high schools in Asutifi North and South districts, namely; OLA Girls’ senior high school and Gyamfi Kumanin senior high school all in the Asutifi north. Heidi senior high school and Acherensua senior high school in the Asutifi south. These schools were selected for the study because the researcher has worked in the area as a teacher in senior high school and has witnessed quite several teachers leaving these schools, after working for a few years.

ASSESSING THE PREVALENCE OF DIABETES WITHIN THE SUNYANI MUNICIPALITY. A CASE OF THE SUNYANI REGIONAL HOSPITAL

The study assessed the prevalence of diabetes in the Sunyani Municipality, a case study at the Sunyani Regional Hospital by focusing on determining the predisposing factors leading to diabetes. The study utilized purposive and convenience sampling in selecting 75 respondents for the study at the Diabetes Clinic of the Sunyani Regional Hospital. From the study, the result indicates that respondents who have a family history of diabetes were more likely to be diagnosed with the condition (OR 1.321, CI: 0.900-1.941) than those who do not have a family history of diabetes (OR 0.591, CI: 0.310-1.125). Respondents who were on high blood pressure medication were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes (OR 1.500, CI: 1.075-2.093). It was further found that those who smoke cigarettes or any tobacco product daily were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes (OR 1.500, CI: 0.326-6.904). The study, therefore, recommends that the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service should intensify Diabetes education campaigns to create more awareness about the various predisposing/risk factors of the disease to the general citizenry especially when the disease burden poses a devastating impact on people.  The study further recommended that there should be a national policy by the Government of Ghana to set aside World Diabetes Day as a day to organize free Diabetes screening across all communities in the country. This when routinely done would contribute to early detection of diabetes and would significantly contribute to the control of the disease.

A PROPORTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY BETWEEN SKELETAL TRACTION AND SKIN TRACTION IN PRE-OPERATIVE ADMINISTRATION OF FEMUR SHAFT FRACTURES IN KORLE BU TEACHING HOSPITAL

This study is to compare the outcomes of pre-operative skeletal and skin traction in adult femoral shaft fractures awaiting surgical fixation within two weeks of presentation to the Accident Center of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. This study was a clinical trial on 86 recruited patients with closed femoral shaft fractures sustained within 24 hours of presentation grouped into 2 groups. Descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percent-age, Chi-square, independent sample t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used in analyzing the data. Of the total number of patients involved in the study, 74% (n=64) were males and 26% (n=22) were females with a mean age of 39.49 (SD ±15). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain assessment between the Skin traction group and Trans-tibia skeletal traction group after traction. With regards to complications, the difference between the Skin traction group and the Skeletal traction group was statistically significant (P=0.001). Moreover, the mean blood loss compared with the open type of reduction in the Trans-tibia skeletal traction group was significantly less than the Skin traction group (p=0.000). This study has shown that both skeletal traction and Skin traction were equally effective in controlling pre-operative pain in adult patients with femoral shaft fractures and do not affect intra-operative blood loss and post-operative management. Therefore, pre-operative Skin traction can be considered a useful and cost-effective method of maintaining alignment and pain relief in adult femoral shaft fractures.

NON-CURATIVE USE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND VOLUPTUOUS RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG DEPRESSED YOUTHS

Non-curative prescription drug abuse is an issue that has plagued the youth in Ghana over the past decade and more. Besides, depression is prevalent among our youth with multiple depressive occurrences reported in the past year by 31%. As such, the purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between non-curative use of prescription drugs (NCUPD) among depressed high school students and sexual behaviors. The data were drawn from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2020 (n=15,624). This national study is conducted every odd year and is a representative sample of high school students in Ghana. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the relationship between NCUPD and sexual behavior among students who self-reported a depressive occurrence. The study found that those students who reported NCUPD and multiple depressive occurrences in the past year were significantly more likely to have initiated sexual intercourse, have had sex with four or more sexual partners, to be currently sexually active, and to use alcohol or other drugs before their last sexual encounter. The results also indicated that high school students who are depressed may self-medicate with narcotic drugs that were not prescribed to them. In turn, because of the impaired judgment of narcotic drugs, they may engage in risky sexual behaviors. The study concludes that there is a wealth of information on the use of NCUPD among young youth populations whereas studies on the use of NCUPD among younger adolescents have reported a great deal less. There is a need for researchers and relevant organizations to investigate and identify effective measures to curb NCUPD issues in adolescence

THE TYPOLOGY OF REGIMES IN THE ALLEGED OF PLATO AND MONTESQUIEU: A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION

Both Plato and Montesquieu exhibit many common characteristics that must be further clarified by modern sociological analysis. The idiotypically approach of regimes through their structure as social types, the anti-idealistic comprehension of the existing societies resulting in the causal interpretation of the rise and corruption of each regime, the emergence of human passions and consequently of the ideology as the driving force of the regimes and the collective action and finally, the modesty of both, while attempting the formation of a good and functional regime, consist at least four points on which their way of thinking cross each other. Now, regarding the interpretation of modern regimes through the extension of desires by conflicting subjects, it is obvious that deeper study and familiarization with the works of Plato and Montesquieu are a true necessity. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the discussions of systems of government of the historical reality, the formation of modern political and social science as they are presented in dialogues. The first finding of the study presents four forms of governments, in the second finding Plato uses the archetypal tensed relationship between father and son to explain, on an individual psychological level, the downward shift of human selections from the logical part of the soul to the appetitive one. And in the third findings, the two thinkers’ lies in their attempt to define every regime of Government according to the morals and habits of people living in it. However, it must be noted that both Montesquieu and Plato reject the idea of democracy with no rules and representatives, where common people will possess the power. This kind of democracy is a despotism in disguise, where its hedonistic equalizing elements will inevitably destroy the unifying grounds of the state and will eventually establish a totalitarian regime with no political freedom.

A REVIEW OF FINANCING ISSUES AMONG MICROENTERPRISES IN GHANA

There are various financing utilities provided by financial institutions and agencies for SMEs in Ghana. However, microenterprises, which are the major component of SMEs, still face difficulties in reaching these financing sources. Most of the financing sources are benefiting small and medium enterprises. This is in contrast to Microenterprises where their financing applications are always being denied. Thus, there are financing issues among microenterprises in Ghana. These issues lead to the financing gap between the small and medium enterprises and the microenterprises in Ghana. This paper attempts to investigate why this financing gap exists in situations in which various agencies offer various forms of financing. A review of past researches and literature revealed that many formal financial institutions are reluctant to provide financing for most microenterprises as compared to high-performing SMEs from small and medium enterprises. The issues are that most of the microenterprises are new and small and hence are not capable of providing collateral and sufficient financial data demanded by the banks in their loan application. They are considered risky borrowers by the financing institutions. The microenterprises facing this gap have the potential to grow their business further and capable of creating more job opportunities for society. Thus, equal opportunities should be given to them by eliminating this financing gap.

TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION ON TURNOVER: EVIDENCE FROM SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS 

The purpose of the study is to observe the perception of senior high school teachers on turnover in the Asutifi north and south districts in the Ahafo region of Ghana. The specific objectives of the study were; to identify the factors that contribute to turnover among senior high school teachers in the districts, examine the perceived effects of turnover on teaching and learning.  The study adopted a quantitative approach and a descriptive survey design. A total sample of 213 respondents was selected from the four public senior high schools in the districts, using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It is expected that the findings and the recommendations of this study would be of benefit to human resource managers and administrators of schools and other stakeholders in education including governmental, non-governmental, and private institutions, academicians, and general business persons. Information from this research would be of use to policymakers and administrators in the education sector in Ghana and in particular Asutifi north and south districts. In a way that will assist them to identify the causes of teacher turnover. Perceived effects of turnover on teaching and learning in senior high schools, since the work has been done on the topic in the districts. It will also serve as a source of reference for future researchers.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF MOBILE MONEY TECHNOLOGY SERVICES ON THE SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF THE MOBILE MONEY VENDORS (MMV)

In Ghana today, there are various mobile money transfer services being embraced by several providers as a way of business and sustainability to reach customers. Mobile network operators and banking institutions have devised various services to meet customer needs and enhance the socio-economic status of the providers of the service. The Mobile money transfer types offered by four out of six Mobile Network Operators are MTN Mobile Money by Scancom Ghana, Airtel Money by Airtel Ghana, Tigo Cash by Milicom Ghana, and Vodafone Cash by Vodafone. The study aimed at evaluating the socioeconomic impact of MMT on vendors in Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design involving 100 participants. The participants were selected using probability (simple random) and non-probability (convenience) sampling techniques. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. The study concluded that MMT services had impacted positively on vendors’ income level (savings ability and disposable income. From the study, it was found that fraud in mobile money services is caused by poor remuneration of employees and their managers. The respondents were of the view that some of the employees deliberately connived with the subscribers and other employees to steal money from the mobile money operators. The results of the study show that to combat mobile money causes, effects cum fraud, the Bank of Ghana has issued EMI guidelines to assist mobile money operators and agents. The Bank of Ghana keeps on updating this policy document based on what is happening in Ghana.

WHAT MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE? UNIVERSAL LIFE EDUCATION ON PROVERSIFIED MANAGEMENT, A PHENOMENOLOGY

Within the context of school leadership as a powerful process of impacting the lives of people and making great things happen, Ghana Schools (GS’s) administrators have demonstrated significant life lessons they could pass on to leaders not only of the academe but also to aspiring and seasoned leaders of any kind of organizations here and beyond. Using an in-depth semi-structured interview; this qualitative phenomenological research has uncovered the consequential evidence that plays around GS Administrators’ concept of proversified leadership. The universal life lessons as revealed in this study cover three major aspects of human existence namely: corporeal; considered as the lessons related to the earthly existence of man, relational; those relevant to human associations, and existential; the lessons about the meaning of life. Needless to say, these life lessons are meant to teach, inspire, and drive school leaders and affiliate officials to action; to create the change they want to see in their respective schools and the world in general.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF MEDICINE- ITS IMPORTANCE AND IMPACT

Globally, human beings are constantly challenged with a myriad of diseases ranging from infectious to non-communicable diseases. In recent times, human behavior and lifestyle are perceived to be a major determinant of health and wellbeing. Medicine today is being viewed as the first aid for every health condition. The practice and usage of medicine have been in existence from prehistoric times. It is an ancient thought of development in the medical world. Human beings believed that medicines can regulate disease development, restore systemic function, and promote the well-being of patients. This article focused on the importance of medicine, the science of healing using the medicine, and its impact. The analysis is carried out in both the traditional and modern medicinal way of treatment. The medical field is constantly making tremendous changes in the progress of medicines, thereby curing many dangerous diseases and saving the lives of many human beings. The study concluded that the utilization of medicine whether modern or traditional therapies is to cure diseases and alleviate pain. There is, therefore, an urgent need for further development in medical treatment for some existing incurable diseases

PERCEPTION OF HEADMASTERS, FORM MASTERS, AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS OF THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THEIR WORK IN THE DORMAA DISTRICTS

The study explored the understanding of Headmasters, Assistant Headmasters, Form Masters, and Heads of Departments of the influence of stress on their function in the Dormaa districts. The study used the quantitative method and one hundred and forty (140) participants. Twenty-one (21) questions were used for the collection of data. Descriptive and inferential analysis (means, standard deviations, and variance analysis) was performed to analyze respondents' perceptions of the influence of stress on their job. The key results were as follows: the respondents agreed that stress has unarmed them at work and that they managed their stress by talking with friends or family’ members, engaging in browsing the internet/social media, listening to music, resorting to sleeping or taking naps, reading books such as stories/Bible/Quran, engaging in self-medication, binge eating, engaging in sporting activities, taking prescribed drugs and finally going for psychotherapy. The study revealed that stress had negative effects on the respondents and that the effects were homogeneous among the respondent’s problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies are the preferred choice to alleviate stress, stress, and burnout can have consequences that are negative and detrimental for organizations and their employees.  Some of these consequences manifest as “decreased job productivity, reduced job commitment, and increased absenteeism and job attrition, thereby, leading to greater job turnover rates which serve to negatively impact the entire organizational structure of a school and its stakeholders.

PERCEPTIONS OF COURSE TUTORS AND STUDENTS TOWARDS MULTIMEDIA IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

The study assessed the perceptions of course tutors and students towards the adoption and utilisation of multimedia in teaching and learning at the Brong Ahafo study centres of the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast. A descriptive research design which utilised quantitative approach was used for the study. The census technique was used to select 61-course tutors and 251 students as respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire which employed the five Likert scale was used for the data collection. The data were analysed with mean, standard deviation, independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. From the analyses of the data, the study found that both students and course tutors have positive perceptions toward the adoption and utilisation of multimedia in teaching and learning. Moreover, the study revealed that the adoption and utilisation of multimedia in teaching and learning has a strong relationship with students and course tutors’ perceptions. Furthermore, the study found that there was no statistically significant difference between course tutors and students in terms of their perceptions towards multimedia in teaching and learning. Based on the key findings in the study, it was recommended that College of Distance Education-UCC adds multimedia facilities to course modules for students. Multimedia materials on courses should be made available to course tutors to aid their facilitation. Also, there should be an online repository of multimedia materials that could easily be accessed by both tutors and students.

THE EFFECTS OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE ADOPTION AND UTILISATION OF MULTIMEDIA IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

The study surveyed the effects of teachers' and students’ perceptions on the adoption and utilization of multimedia in teaching and learning in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The Study centers of the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast. A descriptive research design that utilized a quantitative approach was used for the study. The census technique was used to select 61-course tutors and 251 students as respondents for the study. The integration of multimedia in teaching and learning would bring students closer to the real-world phenomenon being studied in the classrooms. It would bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge.  Students would apply concepts in their subject areas to solve problems in their immediate environment. Also, the adoption of multimedia in teaching and learning would enable course tutors to teach in the interest areas of the students.  Finally, the findings in the study would guide policymakers to incorporate technology in the teaching and learning process. Multimedia integration would go a long way to increase the pool of information already existing. From the findings above it could be concluded that the high positive perceptions of both teachers and students’ towards multimedia adoption and utilization in teaching and learning indicate that multimedia has a positive role in education.

NURSING INFORMATICS ROLE IN ENHANCING QUALITY OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND THE NEED FOR EXCELLENT EDUCATION

Technology plays an important role in educational and nursing work in today's complex health systems. Therefore it seems important to research the role of nurses and highlight the need for adequate training programs in information technology to be aligned with the ever-increasing speed of technology. The analysis was used, followed by an exhaustive search of the literature in databases and a library search based on keywords. The criteria used for selecting studies primarily focused on nursing informatics and the importance of expertise in the effective use of information technology in all aspects of the nursing profession. In a critical assessment of emerging technologies, the key elements of nursing informatics implementation were considered as healthcare promotion, advanced systems, internet, and network. Because of the nature and the development of the information age, it is required to receive the necessary IT training for all categories of nurses. To better take advantage of information technology in nursing results and health care quality and to motivate nurses due to the rapid advancement of technology, educational plans are advised to set short-term and long-term specialized courses focused on four target groups: learning, working, graduating, senior undergraduate, and doctoral graduate. It is expected that the outcome of this study would support educational providers with program growth.

PERCEPTION OF HEADMASTERS, FORM MASTERS, AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS OF THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THEIR WORK IN THE DORMAA DISTRICTS

The study examined the perception of Headmasters, Assistant headmasters, Form masters and Heads of Departments of the effects of stress on their work in the Dormaa districts. The study used a descriptive research survey with one hundred and forty (140) participants. Forty one (41) questions were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential analysis (Means, standard deviations and analysis of variance) were carried out to examine the perception of the respondents of the effects of stress on their work. The following were the major findings: Respondents agreed having high stress level at work, and that stress was caused by: workload, students behaviour/misbehavior, inadequate motivation, supervision and administration, lack of facilities, behaviour of superiors, behaviour of parents, inadequate recreation/break periods/leisure. Respondents also concurred that stress had negative effects on them. The level of effects differed among the respondents but the differences were not heterogeneous. On stress management, they reported using such techniques as the following: talking with friends/Colleagues /family members etc., engaging in browsing the internet/social media when stressed, listening to music to control stress level, resorting to sleeping or taking naps to manage stress levels, reading books, engaging in sports, taking and finally, going for psychotherapy when stressed.  Key recommendations to the study are that the Headmasters, in collaboration with the District Directors of Education and other stakeholders may need to ensure the following: Reconsidering the busy schedules of the school leaders, making use of counsellors in the schools and the provision of infrastructural facilities.

TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION ON TURNOVER: EVIDENCE FROM SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE ASUTIFI NORTH AND SOUTH DISTRICTS IN THE AHAFO REGION OF GHANA

The purpose of the study is to examine the perception of senior high school teachers on turnover in the Asutifi north and south districts in the Ahafo region of Ghana. The specific objectives of the study were; to identify the factors that contribute to turnover among senior high school teachers in the districts, examine the perceived effects of turnover on teaching and learning, find out the preferred alternative professions of teachers who leave senior high schools in the districts and finally to ascertain some possible strategies to improve teacher retention in the schools in the districts. The study adopted quantitative approach and descriptive survey design. A total sample of 213 respondents were selected from the four public senior high schools in the districts, using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The following were the major finding of the study:  It was discovered that failure of school administrators to appreciate teachers’ efforts, low salaries, poor working conditions have the tendency to drive teachers away from their jobs. Turnover leads to increase in the number of new and inexperienced teachers in the schools. Teachers who have planned to leave the schools preferred professions like; NGOs, working in private companies, politics. Provision of good working conditions, improved salaries, and recognition of teachers would help to retain the teachers in the schools. Finally, it is recommended that teachers should be affirmed, valued and appreciated on their contributions by supervisors.

MULTIMEDIA ADOPTION AND UTILISATION IN TEACHING AND LEARNING: THE PERSPECTIVE OF COURSE TUTORS AND STUDENTS AT THE BRONG AHAFO STUDY CENTRES OF THE COLLEGE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

The study assessed the perceptions of course tutors and students towards the adoption and utilisation of multimedia in teaching and learning at the Brong Ahafo study centres of the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast. A descriptive research design which utilised quantitative approach was used for the study. The census technique was used to select 61 course tutors and 251 students as respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire which employed the five Likert scale was used for the data collection. The data were analysed with mean, standard deviation, independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. From the analyses of the data, the study found that both students and course tutors have positive perceptions toward the adoption and utilisation of multimedia in teaching and learning. Moreover, the study revealed that, the adoption and utilisation of multimedia in teaching and learning has a strong relationship with students and course tutors’ perceptions. Furthermore, the study found that there was no statistically significant difference between course tutors and students in terms of their perceptions towards multimedia in teaching and learning. Based on the key findings in the study, it was recommended that College of Distance Education-UCC adds multimedia facilities to course modules for students. Multimedia materials on courses should be made available to course tutors to aid their facilitation. Also, there should be an online repository of multimedia materials that could easily be accessed by both tutors and students.