Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Agana, Carol

Committee Member/Reader

Gray, Michelle

Abstract

Rural communities in the upper east region of Ghana currently cook with traditional coal pots that produce increased levels of smoke resulting in rapid fuel consumption, increased air pollution, and high levels of respiratory illness in the women and children who use them. New stoves have been developed that remain similar to the traditional ones in use but are designed to provide a variety of benefits such as lowering the cost of fuel, reducing air pollution, and decreasing rates of respiratory illness in women and children. The purpose of this research study was to identify why women have not begun using the new stoves, plan an appropriate educational intervention in response to the problem identification, and evaluate the effectiveness of the educational intervention and implementation. Pre- and post-survey responses were collected initially for problem identification and then again for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the educational intervention. The data analysis indicated that participants intend to alter most cooking habits related to increased smoke exposure and associated health risks following the intervention. The results of the surveys not only accumulated new data about cooking habits in the upper east region of rural Ghana, but also strongly suggested that the educational intervention was effective. Results will be utilized going forward to assess the effectiveness of educational interventions and to provide the groundwork for later research studies including short-term and long-term evaluation following the distribution of the alternative cookstoves to women in Ghana. Such research may include but is not limited to additional follow-up surveys or evaluations of decreased air pollution, fuel consumption, and respiratory illness.

Keywords

Ghana, Respiratory Illnesses, Women and Children, Nursing

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