Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education

Number 2 (6), 2016

47-61
Inequalities versus Utilization: Factors Predicting Access to Healthcare in Ghana

Authors: Dominic Buer Boyetey

Abstract

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Number of views: 481

Universal access to health care remains a significant source of inequality especially among vulnerable groups. Challenges such as lack of insurance coverage, absence of certain types of care, as well as high individual financial care cost can be blamed for the growing inequality in the healthcare sector. The concern is worrying especially when people are denied care. It is in this light that the study set to find out what factors are likely to impact the chances of access to health care, so far as the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey Data 2014 data are concerned, particularly to examine the differences in access to healthcare in connection with varying income groups, educational levels and residential locations. The study relied on the logistic regression analysis to establish that people with some level of education have greater chances of accessing health care compared with those without education. Also chances of access to health care in the sample were high for people in the lower quartile and upper quartile of the household wealth index and a local minimum for those in the middle class. It became evident also that increased number of people with NHIS or PHIS or combination of cash with NHIS or PHIS will give rise to a corresponding increment in the probability of gaining access to health care.

62-65
Opportunities for Ghana’s Maternal and Child Health Care: A Position Statement

Authors: Patience Fakornam Doe

Abstract

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Number of views: 533

Failure to take Maternal and Child Health Care (MCH) as a crucial issue has affected many developing countries in the world. Though MCH remains a priority for the government of Ghana since independence, there is still more room for improvement. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the progress made by Ghana in MCH care and the available opportunities for improvement. The paper focuses on issues affecting MCH by providing a brief analysis of some current issues in the area, and the need for an expanded comprehensive coverage. As Ghana works harder to attain national growth and development, the delivery of MCH care as a component of health need to take a more multidisciplinary approach. This review has implications for innovations in MCH, education, research and policy.

66-70
A Brush Up on the ‘2015 Presidential Election of Nigeria’: The Chemistry between Religio-Political Manoeuvres and Propaganda Stratagems

Authors: Joel Abah

Abstract

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Number of views: 480

Religious bigotry and misinterpretation to serve personal interest in our world today have given birth to incessant wars, lawless and reckless killings, genocides and the birth of dreadful terrorism. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of empirical evidence on the topic in question. The objectives of this paper are to examine: (a) the use of religion as a tool for political propaganda in the 2015 Presidential Election; (b) the reason why politicians make use of religion for propaganda; (c) the effects of using political propaganda. The study employed content, and descriptive analysis to synthesise data from newspapers, books and online works. Findings reveal that some key political parties made use of religion as a tool for political propaganda, at different ranges in print and electronic media. In effect, the use of religion by politicians was mainly due to the country’s regional divided front when it comes to religious beliefs; northern Muslims and the southern Christians. This abuse of religious rights breeds pathological hatred among the populace and there is a need to implement the tenets of secularism within the political framework to aid peace building.

71-78
An Investigation into the Methods of Teaching Creative English Writing

Authors: Anastasiia Riabokrys, Olga Mishchenkob

Abstract

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Number of views: 855

The article is devoted to the actual problem of teaching creative writing at the English lessons. The value of writing in the process of teaching English language is revealed. The principles and peculiarities of evaluation of creative writing are analyzed. The strategy of choosing methods in teaching creative writing is identified. The benefits of creative writing for learner and teachers are considered.

79-86
Innovative Forms of Educational Activities and Contemporary Teacher Training in Ukraine and Germany: Comparative Analysis

Authors: Oksana Zhernovnykova, Olha Osova, Olga Mishchenko

Abstract

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Number of views: 488

The essential characteristics of innovative forms of educational activities in general and their importance in training future teachers are revealed in the article. The authors say; in order for Ukraine to confidently enter the European educational space, it is necessary to take into account the world experience and the tasks of integration of science and technology achievements in education of leading European countries and conduct a comparative analysis of the educational process between Ukraine and the EU countries. So, the comparative characteristics of the usage of innovative forms of the educational activity in the preparation of future teachers in higher educational establishments of Ukraine and Germany, which, according to the authors, is very important for the formation of the modern pedagogical science, are presented in the article.

87-92
Theoretical Modelling of Intercultural Communication Process

Authors: Mariia Soter

Abstract

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Number of views: 616

The definition of the concepts of “communication”, “intercultural communication”, “model of communication” are analyzed in the article. The basic components of the communication process are singled out. The model of intercultural communication is developed. Communicative, behavioral and complex skills for optimal organization of intercultural communication, establishment of productive contact with a foreign partner to achieve mutual understanding, searching for acceptable ways of organizing interaction and cooperation for both communicants are highlighted in the article. It is noted that intercultural communication through interaction between people affects the development of different cultures’ aspects.

93-96
Implementing Hebert’s Multimodal Approach to Improve Hand Hygiene Quality: A Position Statement

Authors: Emmanuel Mensah Nti

Abstract

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Number of views: 494

The health care field is ever growing and changing at rapid speeds. One consistent and important issue in the field circles around infection prevention and control. The paper seeks to highlight issues and trends pertaining to hand hygiene quality improvement. Hand hygiene is key in ensuring the safety and health of both personnel and clients. In addition, it is a key in health promotion and cost saving. The paper advocates for Hebert’s Multimodal Approach to improve hand hygiene. This approach will promote good patient care outcomes and quality of work life of health care personnel.

97-104
Health Locus of Control and Health Seeking Behaviour. The Ghanaian Experience

Authors: Isaac Acheampong Sarfo, Victoria A. Acquaye

Abstract

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Number of views: 620

This study sought to examine the relationship between health locus of control orientation and health seeking behaviour, using the Ghanaian experience as a case in point. The study used the general population in the new Juaben Municipality as respondents based on their multiethnic backgrounds. Findings revealed that health locus of control did not mediate significantly between their illnesses and respective health seeking behaviour. There were various sociocultural factors like the collectivist cultural system that made a categorization of locus of control of any individual quite difficult. It was concluded that the cultural practices of respondents were the major determinant of individual’s behavior. In addition, the health system as practiced over a long period of time did not allow enough room for patients to make choices in terms of illness behaviour, a situation that affected their health locus of control behaviour.

105-112
Body Type, Self-Esteem and Assertiveness among High School Students in Ghana

Authors: Daniel Bruce

Abstract

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Number of views: 769

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body type, self-esteem and assertiveness among adolescents of ages between 13 and 19 years. To achieve this aim, the study sampled 56 male and 94 female adolescents of the Senior High School in Accra, Ghana. Results showed that, higher self-esteem leads to assertiveness. Results also showed that body type perception affects self-esteem. It is, therefore, recommended that Guidance and Counselling officers in our schools should educate adolescent students on the three body types and the advantages associated with being one of these body types. This may help prevent developing body dysmorphic disorder, low self-esteem and non-assertiveness among students with negative perceptions of their body types and the possible effects on their personal relationships with peers, general academic performance and in- school and out-of- school life.

113-119
SME Owners’ Perception and Innovation Practices in a Developing Nation Context: A Descriptive Study

Authors: Michael Asiedu

Abstract

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Number of views: 519

Given that scholars in the subject area of innovation have not concentrated much on understanding how innovation is perceived and practiced among small and medium scale owner managers, this study seeks to offer insight to the SME owner- managers’ perception and practices of innovation. One hundred (100) SME owners were used as the unit of analysis. Quantitative explorative and non-experimental methods were used in this study (survey). The quantitative tool for the study was a questionnaire, which was used to elicit information from the research participants. In respect of SME owners’ perception of innovation, majority perceived changes in the current product as an innovation practice. Consequently, a bulk majority of them had practiced such innovations in the past three years. Here, knowledge/perception and innovation practice of the SMEs were adequately matched. In practice, very few SMEs had made changes to their manufacturing processes, yet a good majority of them perceive such activities as innovations, and could be as a result of the lack of access to credit. The current study recommends innovation education among SMEs to introduce to them to the various kinds of innovation they can adopt. Special emphasizes should be given to management innovation, as such innovation can adequately adopted by firms with limited financial resources.

120-122
Gershwin, Imagination and the Present Day Culture: Art Review

Authors: Adelaida Berchi Petrancu

Abstract

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Number of views: 508

In this paper, I analyzed George Gershwin’s musical works and the role of imagination in his musical compositions. In his case, imagination is a new product of his mind. This is in accordance with his interests, purposes and cultural backgrounds. Efforts to appreciate his works should be done in classical terms rather than using some new criteria. Failure to follow these criteria could culminate to relativism, as a result of the decreased role of imagination in today’s art. This bias may lead to imitation.