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Ensign Digital Repository is a digital service that collects, preserves, and distributes digital materials of the University. Repositories are important tools for preserving an organization's legacy; they facilitate digital preservation and scholarly communication.The Ensign Digital Repository platform enables the University to:
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Recent Submissions
Assessing Awareness and Knowledge of Breast and Cervical Cancer Among Female Students A Case Study of Akwamuman Senior High School, Asuogyaman District, Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2025-11) Addo, Eunice Asabea
Background:
Breast and cervical cancers are significant public health concerns, particularly for women in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. Despite ongoing awareness efforts, knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist among adolescent girls, who are a critical population for early intervention. This study was conducted to assess awareness and knowledge of these cancers among female students at Akwamuman Senior High School in the Asuogyaman District of Ghana.
General Objective:
This study aims to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of breast and cervical cancer among female students at Akwamuman Senior High School in the Asuogyaman District, Ghana.
Methods:
A cross-sectional quantitative study design was employed using a stratified random sampling method. A total of 394 female students were selected proportionally from different academic levels and programs. Data was collected through a structured, pre-tested questionnaire administered via Kobo Collect. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted using STATA version 18 to evaluate associations between awareness, knowledge, and socio-demographic variables.
Results:
Awareness of breast cancer was high (97.2%), but only 31.7% of participants had "Good Knowledge" of the disease. Misconceptions were widespread, with 60.9% of students incorrectly believing that wearing tight bras can cause breast cancer. Practical knowledge was more encouraging, with 69.3% reporting they knew how to perform breast self-examinations. Awareness of cervical cancer was moderate (75.4%), yet specific knowledge on key preventive measures such as HPV vaccination (32.5%) and Pap smear screening (42.4%) was low. Healthcare providers were the most cited source of information, followed by schools and media platforms.
Older students and those in higher academic levels tended to have better awareness and knowledge, though these demographic factors were not statistically significant predictors in multivariate analyses. However, a strong and statistically significant positive association was observed between awareness and knowledge for both breast and cervical cancer.
Conclusion:
Overall, female students at Akwamuman Senior High School have a modest awareness of cervical cancer and an almost universal awareness of breast cancer; nevertheless, there are notable disparities in their in-depth knowledge and the prevalence of misconceptions regarding both illnesses. The close connection between awareness and knowledge emphasizes how important basic knowledge is. But a change from broad awareness to precise, all-encompassing understanding is taking place. These findings demonstrate the pressing need for specific, research-based educational interventions in classrooms. In order to promote early detection and enhance long-term results, these programs must specifically address common misconceptions, demystify common risk factors and preventative measures—most notably, HPV vaccination and Pap smear screening for cervical cancer—and provide students with useful self-examination skills.
Dietary Habits, Nutritional Status, And Related Factors Among Adolescents at Selected Basic Schools in The Ashaiman Municipality of The Greater Accra Region, Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2025-11) Apeanyo, Esther Ewurabena Naadu
Adolescence represents a crucial phase of human development, characterized by heightened nutritional requirements that support optimal physical growth and mental development. In rapidly urbanizing environments such as Ashaiman, adolescents often encounter dietary difficulties arising from socioeconomic disparities, food insecurity, and evolving food consumption behaviors. Although Ghana has implemented various national nutrition programs, there remains a lack of detailed, context-specific data on adolescent eating patterns and the factors influencing them in peri-urban settings like Ashaiman.
General Aim:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eating behaviors, nutritional condition, and associated determinants among adolescents attending selected basic schools within the Ashaiman Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana.
Methods: A quantitative, school-based cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 422 adolescents aged 10–19 years from three basic schools in the Ashaiman Municipality. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure balanced representation across groups. Data collection employed a semi-structured questionnaire informed by the Socio-Ecological Model, complemented by anthropometric measurements such as height and weight. Nutritional status was determined using Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age Z-scores. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 18, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to explore associations between dietary patterns, nutritional status, and influencing variables.
Results:
Approximately 71.1% of participants reported consuming three meals per day, though breakfast (41.9%) and lunch (41.2%) were the meals most frequently skipped. A substantial proportion (70.6%) consumed sugar-sweetened beverages at least twice weekly, while only 22.8% ate fruits and 21.8% ate vegetables on a daily basis. Snacking was common, particularly on biscuits (27.3%) and fried foods (19.2%), compared to fruit-based snacks (8.1%). Based on nutritional assessment, 9.5% of adolescents were underweight, 78.9% had a normal BMI-for-age, and 11.6% were overweight or obese reflecting the coexistence of under nutrition and excess weight. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between dietary behavior and factors such as gender, parental education, household size, and barriers like food affordability and time constraints (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Findings indicate that adolescents in Ashaiman demonstrate diverse dietary behaviors, where healthy eating practices are undermined by frequent meal omission and high consumption of calorie-dense, low-nutrient foods. The coexistence of undernutrition and overweight suggests a dual burden of malnutrition influenced by socio-demographic, interpersonal, and environmental determinants. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions particularly school-based nutrition programs, greater parental engagement, and community-oriented initiatives to promote healthier eating habits and improved nutritional wellbeing among adolescents in Ashaiman.
Substance Use and Its Associated Factors Among Adolescents in Ningo Prampram Municipality in The Greater Accra Region, Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2025-11) Wurah, Emelia Adwoa
Background:
Substance use in adolescents has become a growing concern globally. Its use affects the quality of life of adolescents as well as burdening them with short- and long-term effects encompassing their physical, social and mental wellbeing.
General aim:
The main aim of this study was to examine substance use and it associated factors among adolescents in Ningo Prampram municipal.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed using a quantitative approach. Study population was adolescents between the ages of 15 -19 residing in the Ningo Prampram municipality. Using a simple random sampling technique, a sample size of 183 students were selected. Structured questionnaires were administered to students and data were analyzed using STATA 18.
Results:
Awareness of substances was very high, particularly for alcohol (95.1%), shisha (90.2%), cigarettes and marijuana (85.3% each). Lifetime prevalence of any substance use was 38.6%, while past-30-day use was 10.9%, with alcohol being the most commonly used (34.2%). Bivariate analysis identified male sex, living with guardians/extended family, and environmental exposure as significant risk factors for substance use. Logistic regression confirmed that seeing people use substances in the home or community (AOR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.01–5.31) and living with guardians/extended family (AOR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.02–8.68) significantly increased the odds of use, while being in SHS 3 was protective (AOR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.06–0.59).
Conclusion:
Overall, the findings suggest high awareness but relatively lower current use, with environmental exposure and household structure emerging as critical determinants of adolescent substance use in the municipality.
Exploring The Perceptions and Effectiveness of Engage Now Africa’s Interventions for Persons Living with Albinism in Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2025-11) Amoabeng, Edmund Enam
Background:
Persons living with albinism (PLWA) in Ghana face complex challenges that go beyond genetic and medical vulnerabilities. Despite efforts by non-governmental organizations such as Engage Now Africa (ENA) to improve their quality of life through targeted interventions, little is known about how these initiatives are perceived by the beneficiaries themselves. Understanding these perceptions is crucial to ensuring that such interventions are relevant, empowering, and culturally appropriate. This study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives of PLWA regarding the relevance and effectiveness of ENA’s interventions.
Methodology:
Using an exploratory qualitative design, the study relies on secondary data drawn from a project evaluation conducted by ENA. The dataset includes 40in-depth interview transcripts involving PLWA and a few caregivers of children with albinism across the Northern, Upper East, and Volta Regions of Ghana. For this study, the transcripts were reanalyzed using thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework, using ATLAS.ti software. Deductive codes based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and inductive themes emerging from the narratives was used to identify patterns related to intervention relevance, access, empowerment, and social impact.
Results:
The study found that interventions provided by Engage Now Africa (ENA) had a significant impact on the wellbeing of persons living with albinism (PLWA). Health-related support such as provision of sunscreen, skin care products, and access to healthcare services reduced vulnerability to skin cancer and improved health outcomes. Educational interventions, including scholarships, advocacy in schools, and awareness creation, enhanced enrolment and retention of PLWA in formal education. Livelihood empowerment programmes, particularly skills training and small business support, promoted economic independence and reduced dependency.
Advocacy and community sensitization initiatives were instrumental in reducing stigma, improving social acceptance, and strengthening inclusion at the community level. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as limited coverage, sustainability concerns, and persistent social misconceptions were identified.
Conclusions:
The study concludes that ENA’s multifaceted interventions are relevant and effective in addressing the health, educational, and socio-economic needs of persons with albinism in Ghana. These interventions have contributed to improving quality of life and promoting social inclusion. However, sustaining these gains requires stronger governmental commitment, integration of albinism-related issues into national health and social protection policies, and continuous community engagement. Expanding partnerships between NGOs, state institutions, and international bodies is also necessary to ensure long-term impact and equity for PLWA.
Assessment of Hygienic Practices Among Street Food Vendors in La Dadekotopon Municipality in The Greater Accra Region of Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2025-11)
Background:
Street food is a vital source of nutrition and income, especially in developing countries, where it feeds millions daily. However, despite its importance, it poses significant food safety risks. Globally, unsafe food causes over 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths each year. In Africa, issues like poor hygiene, weak regulation, and limited vendor training contribute to frequent outbreaks of foodborne diseases, including cholera and aflatoxin contamination.
In Ghana, street food is part of everyday urban life and a key economic activity, particularly for women. Yet, many vendors lack adequate knowledge of food safety, and infrastructure challenges persist. While regulatory bodies exist, enforcement is often inconsistent. Experts recommend practical interventions such as vendor education, hygiene training, and improved waste management to reduce risks and promote safer street food practices. This study explores food hygiene practices among street food vendors in urban Ghana, with a focus on the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality. It aims to highlight the key challenges vendors face and how they manage food safety. The insights gained shall help shape practical solutions, such as training and policy recommendations, to improve hygiene and protect public health.
Research Methodology:
A cross-sectional design with a analytical approach will be employed for this study. Data will be collected from both structured questionnaires and direct field observations. This will be systematically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and Microsoft Excel. These tools will facilitate efficient data coding, cleaning, and statistical analysis.
Results:
The study surveyed 352 street food vendors in La Dade-Kotopon Municipality. The majority were female (97.2%) and aged 35–44 years (40.6%). Findings indicated generally high knowledge of food hygiene among 53% of participants. A large proportion of vendors (over 80%) prepared food in open or poorly sheltered spaces, and 56.3% inspected ingredients mainly for visible spoilage rather than using standard quality checks. Vendor type and years of experience were significantly associated with both knowledge and practice (χ² = 3.91, p = 0.048; χ² = 22.31, p < 0.001). Knowledge also declined with longer years of vending, from 49.0% among those vending for 1–5 years to 13.6% among those with >10 years of experience. Other demographic factors such as education level, age, and marital status showed no statistically significant association with food hygiene outcomes (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
The results demonstrate that while knowledge of hygiene among street food vendors is high, its application in daily practice remains inadequate, exposing consumers to potential health risks. The persistence of unsafe practices highlights the need for continuous training programs, improved access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and stronger regulatory enforcement by municipal authorities. Strengthening vendor capacity and institutional oversight will not only reduce the burden of foodborne diseases but also enhance consumer safety and support the economic sustainability of street food vending in urban Ghana.