Ensign Digital Repository
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:
- easily ingest documents, audio, video, datasets and their corresponding Dublin Core metadata
- open up this content to local and global audiences, thanks to the OAI-PMH interface and Google Scholar optimizations
- issue permanent urls and trustworthy identifiers, including optional integrations with handle.net and DataCite DOI
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Recent Submissions
Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents in Weta Senior High Technical School in the Ketu North Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana.
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Ahaligah, Irene Dzigbordi
Background:
Adolescent sexual activity and contraceptive use remain critical public health concern in Ghana, particularly in rural communities where access to reproductive health services is limited. This study examined sexual activity patterns and contraceptive awareness, attitudes, and use among adolescents at Weta Senior High Technical School (WESTECH) in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana.
Methods:
A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, with 221 students selected through proportional allocation utilizing simple random sampling. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression via SPSS.
Results:
Findings revealed that one-third of respondents (33.0%) reported ever having sexual intercourse, with majority initiating between ages 14–16. Awareness of contraceptives was relatively high (79.2%), yet actual use remained low (39.4%), with male condom being the most commonly used method (63.2%). Attitudes toward contraceptive use were largely negative or ambivalent, with misconceptions about infertility and religious objections widely reported. Multivariate logistic regression identified good contraceptive awareness (AOR = 2.68, p = 0.002), positive attitudes (AOR = 2.11, p = 0.021), and access to contraceptives (p = 0.008) as significant predictors of use.
Conclusion:
The study concludes that a substantial knowledge-practice gap exists among adolescents at WESTECH. Comprehensive, school-based reproductive health interventions targeting attitudes, misconceptions, and access barriers are urgently needed to improve contraceptive uptake and safeguard adolescent reproductive health in Ghana.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Diabetes Prevention and Control Among Adults at Selected Communities in Somanya in the Eastern Region of Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Gadzekpo, Grace
Background:
Diabetes mellitus has emerged as a pressing public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid urbanisation and lifestyle transitions. In Ghana, the increasing burden of diabetes is worsened by limited public awareness, poor preventive behaviours, and inadequate health education, especially in peri-urban settings like Somanya in the Eastern Region.
Aim:
This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to diabetes prevention and control among adults at selected communities in Somanya.
Methodology:
The study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional design. A structured,
interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 422 adult residents between 9th February and 9th March, 2026. The questionnaire captured socio-demographic details, diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, and current preventive practices. The tool was pretested for clarity and cultural relevance, and trained data collectors fluent in local dialects facilitated its administration. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the data and identify factors associated with good preventive practices.
Results:
The study included 402 respondents. Overall, 51.7% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of diabetes, with high awareness of key risk factors such as excessive sugar intake (85.82%), obesity (83.08%), and physical inactivity (80.05%). However, misconceptions were observed, with 32.9% believing that diabetes is curable. A majority of respondents (60.7%) exhibited negative attitudes towards diabetes management, including misconceptions about treatment, such as the belief that insulin is harmful (75.87%) andthat long-term use of medication causes organ damage. Regarding practices, 59.7% of respondents demonstrated good preventive practices, with high engagement in physical activity (75.12%) and avoidance of sugary foods (71.14%). However, routine screening was low, with only 34.83% reporting regular blood glucose checks. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that good knowledge (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.56–4.36, p < 0.001) and positive attitudes (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.08–3.28, p = 0.027) were significant predictors of good practice. Education level, residence, and income were also
significantly associated with diabetes-related practices.
Conclusion:
Although knowledge of diabetes was relatively good, important misconceptions and
negative attitudes toward treatment persist. Preventive practices were generally favourable; however, routine blood glucose screening remained low. Improving both awareness and attitudes is essential to enhance effective diabetes prevention and management.
Utilization and Quality of Antenatal Care Services Among Women in Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Deh, Francisca Mawuse
Background:
Despite progress in maternal healthcare, antenatal care (ANC) utilization and quality remain suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana. The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its ANC guidelines in 2016 to recommend a minimum of eight contacts during pregnancy, aiming to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. However, data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) indicate that while most women attend at least one ANC visit, only about 38.4% meet the eight-contact benchmark. Persistent disparities exist, influenced by factors such as age, education, wealth, geographic location, and health system limitations. Understanding these dynamics is essential to achieving national and global maternal health targets.
Aim:
This study aims to assess the utilization and quality of ANC services among women of reproductive age in Ghana, using data from the 2022 GDHS.
Method:
A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed using secondary data from the GDHS 2022. The study population included women aged 15–49 who had a live birth within five years prior to the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize ANC utilization, while chi-square tests and logistic regression models identified key predictors of ANC adequacy and quality.
Results:
The analysis included 5,036 women aged 15–49 years with recent births in Ghana. Antenatal care (ANC) utilization was near-universal (98%). While 88.58% of women achieved at least four ANC visits, only 38.75% met the updated WHO recommendation of eight or more visits. Early initiation of ANC was common, with 64.78% of women beginning care within the first trimester; however, 35.22% initiated care later than recommended. At the bivariate level, age, education, household wealth, place of residence, and parity were associated with achieving eight or more ANC visits. In adjusted analyses, age, wealth, and parity remained significant predictors of adequate ANC utilization. viii
Conclusion:
Although antenatal care coverage in Ghana is high, achieving recommended standards of care remains uneven. Targeted efforts to improve early initiation and completion of adequate ANC visits, particularly among younger, poorer, and higher-parity women, are essential to promote equity and maternal health outcomes.
The Prevalence of Physical Inactivity Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Eastern Region, Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Dzakpo, Eugene Eli
Background:
Physical inactivity has emerged as a major public health concern globally and is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Despite growing awareness of its health implications, physical inactivity is prevalent among young adults, particularly university students who are often exposed to sedentary academic environments, increased screen time, and limited opportunities for physical engagement. In Ghana, although some studies have explored physical activity patterns among tertiary students, there is limited evidence from newly established institutions such as the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD).
Aim:
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of physical inactivity among undergraduate students at UESD using the Social Ecological Model.
Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed, using a quantitative
approach. A total of 270 undergraduate students were selected through a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and analyzed using STATA 18, with descriptive statistics used to summarize variables and chi-square tests employed to assess associations. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results:
The results showed that 15.56% of respondents were physically inactive, while 51.85% and 32.59% had moderate and high levels of physical activity, respectively. Although a majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of physical activity (78.89%) and relatively high motivation (54.81%), a substantial proportion reported high time constraints
(59.26%). Chi-square analysis revealed no statistically significant associations between physical activity level and socio-demographic, individual, interpersonal, or institutional factors (p > 0.05), despite observable variations across categories.
Conclusion:
While the prevalence of physical inactivity among undergraduate students at
UESD was relatively low, a notable proportion remains at risk. The absence of statistically significant associations suggests that physical activity behavior may be influenced by complex and interacting factors not fully captured in this study. There is a need for comprehensive, multi-level interventions that address time constraints, enhance motivation, and strengthen institutional support systems to promote active lifestyles among students.
The Role of Health Professionals in the Combat Against Human Trafficking: Perspectives From the Ada East and West Districts in Ghana
(Ensign Global University, 2026-06-01) Lawerteh, Esther Adinorkie
Background:
Human trafficking is a critical public health crisis in Ghana, yet the health sector’s frontline role remains underutilized due to systemic preparedness gaps. This study examined the knowledge, perceptions, and operational challenges faced by health professionals in combating human trafficking in the Ada East and West Districts.
Methodology:
Employing a mixed-method cross-sectional design guided by the socio-ecological model, quantitative data were collected from 356 health professionals via structured questionnaires, complemented by five expert key informant interviews.
Result:
Results revealed near-universal awareness (97.8%), but significant disparities in knowledge of trafficking forms, operational readiness to detect, refer, and respond, and legal frameworks, with only 22.5% of respondents are familiar with Ghana’s Anti-Human Trafficking Act (2005). 12.9% have received any formal training on the topic, and only 13.2% report that their facility has a written protocol for managing suspected cases. Eight in ten respondents (81.2%) anticipate facing challenges if asked to handle a trafficking case, citing lack of training (61%), limited referral knowledge (52%), and fear of retaliation (35%) as the dominant barriers.
Statistical testing confirms that formal training is the single strongest correlate of practice indicators measured: ability to identify signs (χ² = 15.7, p < 0.001), confidence (χ² = 24.8, p < 0.001), and case encounter (χ² = 51.5, p < 0.001). Significant inequities exist by facility tier and by district, with Ada East workers reporting nearly four times the training rate of Ada West workers (17.7% vs 4.6%).
While 87.6% acknowledged their professional role, only 14.3% had encountered suspected victims. Prior training was significantly associated with victim identification (χ² = 15.74, df = 2, p = 0.001). Over three-quarters anticipated challenges, primarily citing inadequate training, unclear referral pathways, institutional constraints, and fear of retaliation.
Qualitative findings highlighted structural misalignments, including survivor exclusion from the National Health Insurance Scheme, fragmented inter-agency coordination, and weak policy enforcement. Participants advocated mandatory capacity building, survivor-centered care models, and integrated service delivery.
Conclusion:
The study finds that while health professionals are willing to intervene, systemic barriers severely limit clinical readiness. Recommendations include institutionalizing trafficking screening into health curricula, reforming insurance coverage for survivors, standardizing referral protocols, and strengthening multi-sectoral coordination. These findings provide critical evidence base for transforming Ghana’s health sector from a passive contact point into an active, accountable pillar of national anti-trafficking efforts.