AAMUSTED Knowledge Manager

Welcome to the AAMUSTED Knowledge Manager (Institutional Repository), an open access digital archive of scholarly intellectual and research outputs of AAMUSTED. The Knowledge Manager contains and preserves: Theses and Dissertations; Research Articles and Conference Papers; Rare and Special Materials and many other Digital Assets of the University.

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    Enhancing Faecal Sludge Compost Quality by Co-Composting with Rice Husk as Binding Agent.
    (NJADA, Kojo Nicholas, 2024-04) NJADA, Kojo Nicholas
    Rice husk and feacal sludge poses waste management challenges, which result in Sanitation or environmental consequences in Ghana. Feacal sludge is rich in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) while rice husk is rich in potassium (K) and organic carbon (OC). As such co-composting these two bio-wastes could be useful for applications in agriculture while minimizing the environmental consequences associated with the disposal of these wastes at landfills. This study aimed to enhance rice husk compost by co-composting with feacal sludge. The University of Skill Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) Mampong campus was the place of study. A composting experiment was done by mixing Rice husk (R) and Faecal sludge (F) in the ratios: RF (1:0.5), RF (1:1), and RF (1:2) by volume in a complete randomized design. The aerobic composting method was used for the treatment and was turned weekly, to enhance decomposition. Results of the study showed that raw rice husk was low in total N (0.47%), P (0.05 %), Total Coliform (2.3 x103 CFUg-l), and feacal coliform (nil CFUg-l) compared to raw feacal sludge which was high in N (3.15 %), P(0.79 %), Tot. coliform (2.4x1017 CFUg-l) and feacal coliform (4.2 x1013 CFUg-l) . The OC (45.03%) content, C: N ratio (95), and K (1.26%) of rice husk were very high unlike that of feacal-sludge: OC (32.66%), C: N (10.36) and K (0.81%). At the end of the composting experiment, RF (1:2) recorded the highest total N (21000 mg/kg) and P (9300 mg/kg) followed by RF (1:1) (16000 N mg/kg; 6800 P mg/kg) and RF (1:0.5) (1400 N mg/kg; 4200 P mg/kg). On the contrary, the highest total K among the mixing ratios was recorded in RF (1:0.5) (10000 mg/kg) followed by RF (1:1) (9300) and RF (1:2) (7400). The highest mineralized NPK was observed in RF (1:2)(2900 N mg/kg; 1581 P mg/kg; 2072 K mg/kg) followed by RF(1:1)(2400 N mg/kg; 680 P mg/kg; 1581 K mg/kg) and RF(1:0.5)(1260 N mg/kg; 210 P mg/kg; 1400 K mg/kg). Concerning pathogen load, RF (1:2) recorded the highest total and feacal coliform (7.38 in log units; 6.38 in log units) followed by RF (1:1) (6.63 total coliform in log units; 5.32 feacal in log units) and the least being RF (1:0.5) (4.38 total coliform in log units; 3.63 feacal coliform in log units). RF (1:2) was identified as the mixing ratio that gave the best compost among the co-composting treatments based on total NPK, mineralized NPK, and other nominal factors at the end of the co-compost experiment. It was therefore recommended that Rice husk be co-composted with feacal sludge in a ratio of 1:2.
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    Assessing the Satisfaction Level and Job-Related Stress among Emergency Medical Technicians in the Bono and Ahafo Regions of Ghana.
    (MILLS, Eric, 2024-11) MILLS, Eric
    The workplace has become a significant source of stress due to technological changes, work overload, and the demand for greater productivity. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess job satisfaction levels and the impact of job-related stress among Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the National Ambulance Service of the Bono and Ahafo regions in Ghana. 250 respondents participated, primarily female (59.6%) and aged 30-39. The study found widespread job dissatisfaction, with 95.2% unhappy with salaries, 56.4% dissatisfied with supervisor support, and high dissatisfaction with uniform supply (92.8%) and office accommodation (93.6%). Positive aspects included good coworker relationships (95.2%) and well-equipped ambulances (84.4%). Key stressors identified were poor road conditions (91.2%) and frequent critical incidents like robberies (96.8%). Older EMTs reported significantly higher stress levels (AOR = 3.83, p = 0.011). EMTs commonly used healthy stress-management strategies, such as relaxing after emergencies (89.6%), discussing experiences with colleagues (94.4%), and seeking counseling (90.4%). Job satisfaction and occupational stress were significantly related (p < 0.05), with environmental factors like frequent robberies and poor road conditions contributing to increased stress. Poor road conditions heightened stress nearly six-fold (AOR = 5.95, p < 0.001), emphasizing the role of work conditions in impacting EMTs' well-being. This study highlights significant dissatisfaction with salaries, work conditions, and supervisor support, though positive coworker relationships and autonomy in equipment use contributed to job satisfaction. Job-related stressors, including poor road conditions, patient handover delays, musculoskeletal injuries, and exposure to traumatic events, negatively impacted EMTs' physical and mental health, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The findings underscore the need for interventions addressing workplace stress and providing mental health support to enhance EMT well-being.
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    Occupational Health, Safety, and Injuries among Firefighters in the Western Region of Ghana.
    (ACQUAH, Jonas, 2024-07) ACQUAH, Jonas
    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was established in 1963 by Act 219 primarily engages in firefighting, extinguishment, and humanitarian services. This study assessed occupational health, safety, and injuries among firefighters in the Western Region of Ghana, drawing from a sample of 270 respondents. The research employed a descriptive cross-sectional design to assess the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated risk factors, and the effect of first-aid training programmemes on occupational health and safety. The key findings revealed that 28.5% of firefighters reported experiencing work-related injuries, with activities such as fighting fires (34.1%) and handling tools and equipment (18.3%). Despite the prevalence of injuries, 45.1% of firefighters took no days off due to their injuries, underscoring potential challenges in injury management and rehabilitation. Work related health issues are also prevalent among firefighters, with 31.9% experiencing post-traumatic stress disorders and 26.3% reporting sleep troubles. While health and safety policies exist within the GNFS, disparities in implementation and adherence are apparent. Notably, while 52.6% of firefighters reported the presence of a documented health and safety policy, only 13.0% indicated having enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers. First aid training emerges as a crucial aspect, with 84.8% of firefighters believing it is essential to learn first aid, and 83.3% agreeing that first aid should be given quick attention in the workplace. However, exposure to biological and chemical hazards underscores the need for continuous training and stringent safety protocols. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the occupational health and safety challenges faced by firefighters in Ghana's Western region. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to enhance workplace safety, injury prevention, and emergency response strategies within the firefighting profession. Policymakers and fire service authorities can utilize these findings to implement measures aimed at ensuring the well-being of firefighters and the efficacy of firefighting operations. Further research is warranted to delve deeper into specific aspects of firefighter safety and health, facilitating continuous improvement in occupational safety practices and operational effectiveness.
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    Occupational Health Hazards and their Associated Risks among Medical Emergency Staff in the Western North Region of Ghana.
    (MANU, Prince, 2024-04) MANU, Prince
    Healthcare workers, specifically medical emergency staff, are continuously exposed to disease-causing pathogens, especially blood-borne pathogens. Occupational health and safety adherence helps to prevent the risk of illness and death associated with exposure. Unfortunately, in most Sub-Saharan African countries including Ghana, there are problems with the limited healthcare workers, which has led to overuse of the workforce. This situation is worsened by the frequent shortage of surgical and other hazard-prevention equipment especially in high-risk settings such as the medical emergency ward. This study assessed occupational health and hazards and their associated risk among medical emergency staff in the Western North region of Ghana. This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 390 medical emergency staff working in either government or private hospitals in the Western North Region of Ghana. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, and occupational health hazard risks exposures and outcomes. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 26.0 and Graph-Pad prism 8.0. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study found that, over ninety percent of participants wore personal protective equipment (PPE) in all procedures (99.5%), followed standard operating procedures (96.9%), reported exposure to occupational health hazards (91.5%) and rate good personal occupational health practice (91.5%) at the work place. Majority had good occupational health and safety practice representing a proportion of 71.0%. Regardless, over ninety percent (96.7%) had been exposed to occupational health hazards and this call for in-depth studies.
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    Comparative Study Of The Mr-Sr Based Pimca Model And The Conventional Approach On Students’ Performance And Attitude In Optics
    (2024-11) TANKO, Simon
    The study compared the MR-SR Based PIMCA Model and the Conventional Teaching Approach on academic performance and Attitude of Senior High School Physics Students in optics in Mampong Municipality and Sekyere South District, both in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. This research study employed the non-equivalent groups pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. Samples of 164 SHS two Physics students drawn from four intact classes were used for the study. Two research instruments, known as Optics Concepts Achievement Test (OCAT) and the Optics Learning Attitude Questionnaire (OLAQ) were used to gather data for the study. The study comprised of one research question and three hypotheses. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and mean difference were used to answer the research question, while one-way between groups analysis of covariance (one-way ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that students taught using MR-SR Based PIMCA model performed better in the Optics Concepts Achievement Test (OCAT) than those taught using conventional approach (F(1,161)= 129.090, p=0.000<0.05). There was no gender (F(1,72)= 0.319, p=0.574>0.05) and ability (F(1,49)= 0.44, p=0.835>0.05) differences in academic performance on the use of MR-SR Based PIMCA model. It was also found from the pre-intervention (M= 1.0531, SD= 0.06033) and post intervention (M=3.7686, SD=0.12531) questionnaire responses that the PIMCA model enhanced students’ positive attitude towards Physics. Using the Model was concluded to be more effective than the conventional teaching approach in enhancing SHS students’ academic performance and attitude in optics. It was therefore recommended among others that Physics teachers in the Mampong Municipality and Sekeyere South District should use the MR-SR Based PIMCA model to teach optics and other challenging Physics concepts in the Senior High School.