UDSspace Community:

THE EFFECT OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEGAL INSTITUTIONS ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

2026-06-23T12:38:01Z

Title: THE EFFECT OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEGAL INSTITUTIONS ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA Authors: Abdulai, M. G.; Issahaku, H. Abstract: Purpose of the study: This study examines the impact of financial development on financial inclusion and the moderating role of legal institutions in enhancing the effect of financial development on financial inclusion in sub-Sahara Africa. The previous literature does not explain how financial development could improve financial inclusion even though the systems theory of financial inclusion argues so. Design/methodology/approach: Using data from WDI for 41 sub-Sahara Africa countries between, 2000–2020, a two-step system GMM and quantile regression models are used to estimate the objectives of the study. The study takes into consideration the exceptional impact of COVID-19 and the importance of internet usage, along with other macroeconomic factors. Findings: The sys-GMM shows that financial development positively influences financial inclusion. Across diverse measures of financial development and estimation techniques, a consistent and significant positive relationship is observed. Furthermore, the quantile regression approach reveals that at the 25th,50th, and 75th quantile of financial inclusion, the effect of financial development is positive. In both the sys-GMM and quantile regression, the effect of institutions on financial inclusion is positive and also positively moderate the association between financial development and inclusion. Financial is influenced by other key macroeconomic variables. Recommendations/value: The study recommends that Governments and policymakers prioritize initiatives aimed at advancing financial development in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, enhancing the legal and regulatory environment governing financial services, encompassing aspects such as contract enforcement, property rights protection, and corruption reduction, is crucial for sustained financial inclusion. Implications: Open innovation in the financial sector, particularly in mobile payments, can benefit from the positive impact of financial development on inclusion. Also, open innovation in delivery services can benefit from financial inclusion initiatives, ensuring that individuals and businesses across diverse economic strata have access to efficient and affordable financial delivery services.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF POLYTRAUMA AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN GHANA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2026-06-23T12:36:47Z

Title: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF POLYTRAUMA AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN GHANA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Authors: Seidu, A. S.; Alhassan, A. R.; Buunaaim, A. D. B. Abstract: Background. Polytrauma refers to multiple life-threatening injuries to more than 2 bodily regions with some significant physiologic derangement. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile of polytrauma and outline the distribution of extremity fractures among cases in Northern Ghana. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Accident and Emergency Department of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Data were extracted using a data collection tool onto MS Excel, cleaned, and exported onto SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to present data in tables and charts. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess whether there was a significant difference in the mean ISS and mean length of stay of the direct causes of death. Results. About 186 out of 5413 attendants to the emergency department were polytrauma, period prevalence of 3.4%. The male-to-female ratio was 1.9:1. Young adults (21–40years) contributed 64% of the participants. The mean age of participants was 32.9±15.4years, and the mean ISS was 40.6 ±13.1. Road traffic accidents (68.8%) were the most common cause of polytrauma. The mortality was 33.0%. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was the most common direct cause of mortality (54.1%). There was a significant mean difference (MD) in the length of stay between multiple organ failure (MOF) and TBI (MD�3.169, 95% C.I.�0.48–5.86) and between MOF and hemorrhage (MD�6.212, 95%C.I.�2.62–9.80). Most fractures were closed (75.3%) and affected the lower limbs (61.5%). Open reduction and internal fixation were the most common surgery for extremity fractures. Conclusion. We recommend a concerted multidisciplinary policy framework geared towards promoting road safety and reducing accidents in Ghana. We also recommend a tailored robust treatment algorithm for managing traumatic brain injury in our settings to reduce mortality thereof

KNOWLEDGE AND UTILISATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AMONG TERTIARY STUDENTS IN NORTHERN GHANA: THE CASE OF COLLEGE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY, NALERIGU

2026-06-23T12:36:11Z

Title: KNOWLEDGE AND UTILISATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AMONG TERTIARY STUDENTS IN NORTHERN GHANA: THE CASE OF COLLEGE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY, NALERIGU Authors: Sulemana, Z. S.; Gqunu, S.; Abobo, F. D.N.; Halm, H. A.; Awuku, N. O.; Kumi, R. O.; Amoore, B. Y.; Ephraim, R. K.D.; Duah, E.; Agoni, C. Abstract: Though tertiary students studying health-related programs are assumed knowledgeable about family planning, this does not always translate to increased use of family planning services. In a cross-sectional survey, this study assessed 411 nursing, midwifery and allied health students' knowledge of family planning, contraceptive use, perceptions, and factors affecting the utilisation of family planning services. Each student completed a 24-itemised questionnaire in a Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing Survey. The data was analysed with Stata /IC version 16. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Overall knowledge of family planning was 99.7%, commonly gained in school (51.8%), followed by clinics and hospitals (41.4%). Only 21.7% of the students used family planning services. Menstrual cramps (57.9%), infertility (33.1%), and weight gain (32.5%) were the commonly perceived side effects of contraceptive use. The high proximity of participants to family planning service providers and lack of community, family, and partner acceptance of modern contraceptives were associated with underutilisation. Despite the high level of knowledge of family planning, the student's utilisation of family planning services was poor. To boost family planning service uptake among tertiary health students, it is essential to tackle barriers related to community, family, and partner acceptance. This can be achieved through educational programs that involve men in family planning discussions and by enhancing service accessibility.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE SCHEMES TO MEET THE CHALLENGING NEEDS OF WOMEN IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: SAGNARIGU MUNICIPALITY AS A CASE STUDY

2026-06-23T12:23:26Z

Title: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE SCHEMES TO MEET THE CHALLENGING NEEDS OF WOMEN IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: SAGNARIGU MUNICIPALITY AS A CASE STUDY Authors: Bawah, M.; Abubakari Sadiq, M.; Antwi, J. Abstract: The role of microfinance institutions in the economy cannot be over emphasized. It cannot be disputed that microfinance institutions give the needed support to increase productivity among the targeted groups. This research work is aimed at assessing the impact of microfinance schemes to meet the challenging needs of women in human resource development in the Sagnarigu Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey for this purpose and both simple random method (lottery or chance method) and purposive sample technique were used to achieve representativeness. Data sources in this study include primary and secondary data, and, questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from 55 respondents. The findings indicate that microfinance assists very poor families and communities with basic needs and protect households, communities and most especially women against risk and decision making. The study recommended that; the processing of the microfinance loans should be timely to enable women utilize the facility when it is most needed.