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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    Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access ,
    Interaction of Body Image Perception on Garment Size Preferences: Consumption Patterns of Ready-to-Wear Fashion
    (Institute of Textiles and Fashion Professionals - Ghana, 2025-06-25) Siaw, Abena Okyerewa; Aboagyewaa-Ntiri, Josephine; Appiah, Afi Ninette; Mensah, Phyllis; Sefenu,Yayra Frances; Kansanba,Fatchu Rowena
    Purpose: The nuances between size systems and ideal body figures among fashion consumers play a pivotal role in the fashion industry, influencing both apparel production and the complex decisions consumers face. This study aimed to examine the impact of body image perception on size selection, brand preference, and overall shopping experiences, and how size-inclusivity initiatives shape these behaviours in Ghana. Methodology/Design: A group-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 238 respondents, both male and female, aged 18–60, who are in active service on the main campuses of 3 universities in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Using a Quantitative approach, analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and correlations to measure relationships between senior members of these public universities and other variables. Findings: Key findings revealed a strong relationship between body image satisfaction and clothing size selection, influencing both consumer and retailer behaviour. Individuals with a negative body image often engage in compensatory purchasing behaviours, whereas those with a positive body image demonstrate more flexibility in size choices. Additionally, retailers that incorporate size diversity in their marketing strategies receive more favourable responses from consumers across the body image spectrum. Practical and Social Implications: The research underscores the growing need for size inclusivity, highlighting its impact on consumer loyalty and market share. Hence, the fashion industry addresses body image issues proactively by incorporating customer feedback to enhance satisfaction and promote more sustainable purchasing practices of RTW garments. Originality: There is a deep connection between body image perception and customer behaviour in the ready-to-wear garment sector, yet this relationship remains understudied in the Ghanaian context. While other studies investigate the various subjects in isolation, this study looks at the psychological dimensions of body image perception, in relation to certain consumer behaviours, mostly garment size preferences, within the framework of ready-to-wear
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    Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access ,
    Microbial Quality of Kumasi Abattoir Company Limited Meat at Retail Outlets at Kejetia Market, Ghana.
    (ASANE, Millechor, 2025-05) ASANE, Millechor
    Meat contamination during handling and transportation poses serious public health risks. This study assessed butchers' knowledge, meat handling practices, and microbial quality of meat before and after transportation from the Kumasi abattoir to the Kejetia market. A cross-sectional study involving 20 butchers was conducted, and meat samples were analyzed for microbial contamination using MacConkey Agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, and Salmonella-Shigella Agar. Approximately 85 % of butchers understood the importance of washing their hands before handling meat, while on 30 % were aware of and understood the need to follow guidelines for temperature control. Meanwhile, only 35 % were aware of the recommended temperature for storing meat. Meat handling practices were suboptimal, as 70 % of respondents used commercial taxis for transportation, and all (100 %) failed to maintain proper temperature control. Microbial analysis showed increased bacterial loads after transportation. Before transportation, bacterial counts on MacConkey Agar (MCA) for E. coli ranged from (log 2.69) to (log 5.46), while those on Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) for staphylococcus spp. ranged from (log 4.18) to (log 5.49). The highest bacterial load was recorded in SSA at (log5.51, P<0.05). After transportation, MCA ranged from (log 3.53) to (log 5.97), while MSA ranged from (log 4.64) to (log 6.18). The highest count on SSA was (log 6.96). All media showed statistically significant increases in microbial counts after transportation (P<0.05). SSA exhibited the most significant mean log difference (+1.55). For MCA, the mean log difference was (0.84). MSA demonstrated a more minor but significant increase, suggesting moderate to high levels growth of Staphylococcus Spp. Improper handling and transportation of meat contributed to microbial contamination. Targeted interventions, including training programs and enhanced transportation methods, are necessary to mitigate contamination risks and safeguard public health.
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    Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access ,
    Garment Production Processes and their Health Challenges: A Case of Tailors and Dressmakers in the Small-Scale Clothing Industries in Sunyani Municipality
    (Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing, 2024-02-28) Opoku, Moses; Baiden, Sarah; Aboagyewaa-Ntiri, Josephine
    compel small-scale workers to carry out most of the garment production processes manually during long working hours, thereby affecting their health. Repetitive activities such as patternmaking and assembling have their own health challenges. The study envisages health-related problems involved in garment production processes and their effects on the wellbeing of tailors and dressmakers. To help achieve this, the research examines the workplace health and safety compliance situation in the small-scale garment industry and identifies health-related problems associated with production processes. A qualitative research approach was employed. The population for the study comprised tailors and dressmakers who have consecutively been in the garment production sector for a period of five to twenty years. A snowball sampling technique was used to gather a sample of forty (40) dressmakers and tailors. In-depth interviews with structural questions, observation, and focus group discussions constituted the data collection instruments. The study reveals that the knowledge level of tailors and dressmakers with respect to health issues is very low. Again, the research identified the use of unprescribed medications for the treatment of waist pain and headaches. This research highly recommends government and stakeholders’ interventions to help improve the welfare of tailors and dressmakers working in the small-scale garment industries
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    Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access ,
    Accessing Healthcare Services among the Deaf Community in the Sekyere South District, Ghana.
    (AFOAKWAH, Brenya Henry, 2025-10) AFOAKWAH, Brenya Henry
    Deaf individuals face challenges accessing healthcare due to communication barriers, a lack of interpreters, and systemic issues, leading to disparities in care quality and adverse health outcomes. The study explored the experiences of deaf individuals in accessing healthcare services in the Sekyere South District of Ghana. A cross-sectional study involving 167 deaf individuals and 20 healthcare providers was conducted using multi stage sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires, face-to-face interactions, and field observations, focusing on demographics, healthcare access, and communication barriers. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 22 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before the data collection. Most (70.1%) of the deaf participants were from the Ashanti School for the Deaf, Jamasi, 88.0% used sign language, and 70.7% accessed healthcare from public hospitals. Of the healthcare participants, 45.0% were nurses aged 18–35, and 50.0% had diplomas. About half (49.7%) of healthcare providers lacked sign language skills, leading to 34.1% of deaf participants being denied healthcare services. Due to communication barriers, 44.3% of deaf participants avoided accessing healthcare and 48.5% experienced misdiagnosis. During their last visit to a health facility, 13.8% had interpreters, 42.5% experienced discrimination, and 41.3% received incorrect treatment. Factors such as mode of communication, age, and institution significantly influence healthcare access and experiences. Sign language users were six times more likely to be denied care [AOR=5.58 (1.04–29.96), p=0.045], and younger participants (13–17 years) were five times more likely to experience discrimination [AOR=4.9 (1.50–16.01), p=0.009]. Despite these challenges, 60.0% of healthcare providers believed the facilities prioritized the needs of deaf patients. Barriers to access healthcare services among the deaf community were primarily due to the lack of sign language proficiency among providers and the absence of interpreters. These barriers result in misdiagnoses, healthcare denial, and high levels of dissatisfaction. Despite some efforts by providers, the healthcare system remains unprepared primarily to meet the unique needs of the deaf community. Health facilities should integrate visual and digital aids to support communication.
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    Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access ,
    Evaluation of Sourcing Competency in Sustainable Garment Construction
    (Fashion and Textiles Review, 2025-09-11) Mensah, Phyllis; Aboagyewaa-Ntiri, Josephine; Abraham, Isaac; Siaw, Abena Okyerewa
    Purpose: To investigate the competency of the Ghanaian fashion designer in sourcing fabrics and notions. Methodology/Design: The study employed a qualitative approach, using interviews, focus group discussions, and observations to collect data along thematic lines for analysis. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select a total of thirty (30) fashion designers, with fifteen (15) each from the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) branches in Dekyemso in Kumasi, and Odumase Zone A in Sunyani. Findings: Material mismatch, poor finishing, and low quality are common issues in garment production, attributable to inadequate quality assurance systems. Also, difficulty in selecting suitable fabrics and reliance on non-eco friendly materials result in environmental and societal waste. Practical and Social Implications: Essential skills in sourcing garments are crucial for designers to ensure efficient production, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. By focusing on quality sourcing, sustainable procurement, and compliance, designers can empower marginalised groups and increase accessibility to ethical manufacturing. Originality: This work is novel and fills a substantial research gap in the existing literature. It offers a unique perspective, contrasting with other significant studies on sustainable sourcing in the fashion sector that primarily assess sourcing expertise for garment making. While current research focuses on the actions organisations take and the challenges they encounter, this study rigorously assesses the competencies necessary for efficient, sustainable sourcing in garment production