International Research and Academic scholar society

IRASS Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

Issue-3(March), Volume-3 2026

1. Prevalence and Determinants of HIV Infection among Pregnant Women in A...
5

Aquel Rene Lopez*, Gladys Amu, Bless Hanyabui, Albert Dayor Piersson
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Health and Allied Sciences, Baldwin University College, Accra
1-9
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19017243

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among pregnant women due to the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Although Ghana has implemented prevention strategies such as Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs and antiretroviral therapy (ART), localized data are needed to guide districtlevel interventions. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of HIV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in the Akuapem North Municipality, Ghana. Results: A total of 912 ANC records were reviewed. The overall HIV prevalence among pregnant women was 1.97% (95% CI: 1.25–3.11). HIV infection was significantly associated with age group (p = 0.001) and place of residence (p = 0.004), with higher prevalence observed among women aged 20–24 years and those residing in rural communities. HIV prevalence showed a declining trend over the six-year period, decreasing from 3.42% in 2019 to 1.06% in 2024, reflecting improvements in HIV prevention and treatment programs. Gestational age, parity, and gravidity were not significantly associated with HIV infection. Conclusion: HIV prevalence among pregnant women in the Akuapem North Municipality is relatively low and has declined over time, suggesting progress in PMTCT and HIV control efforts. However, young women and those in rural areas remain disproportionately affected. Strengthening targeted health education, expanding rural HIV testing services, and improving access to antenatal HIV care are essential to sustain progress toward the elimination of motherto-child transmission of HIV in Ghana.

2. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM TE...
0

Agare, O*, Zincware, P, Clinton E & Okwuise, U.Y
Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria
10-17
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19017709

This study investigated the effect of emotional intelligence on organizational performance of telecommunication firms in Nigeria. It focused on ten (10) selected telecommunications firms in Delta State. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of self-awareness, self-regulation on organizational performance of employees of telecommunication firms. The study adopted descriptive survey research, and responses from the respondents were generated with a five point Likert Scale questionnaire. A total of one hundred and seventy-one (171) copies of the questionnaire were administered to employees of ten (10) selected telecommunication firms in Delta State, Nigeria. From the one hundred and seventy-one (171) copies of the questionnaires that were administered, one hundred and twenty-three (123) were retrieved and properly filled. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The multiple regression result revealed that there is significant relationship between self-awareness, (p-value = 0.004 < 0.005), self-regulation (p-value = 0.020 < 0.05) and organizational performance. The study concludes that emotional intelligence has a positive significant effect on organizational performance in the telecommunications firms. Based on the finding, the study recommends that self-awareness skills of leaders should be encouraged to improve subordinates’ work attitude. The study provides a model of motivation of workers that shows how the various dimensions of motivation can improve organizational in the telecommunication sector.

3. CAPACITY AND PRODUCTION PLANNING OF VERITAS WATER COMPANY/ FACTORY IN...
6

Fatima Omaye Okai, Dr. Tyodzer Patrick Pillah*
Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management science, Veritas University Abuja
18-27
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19018085

Capacity planning and production management are vital administrative functions within manufacturing industries, especially in sectors responsible for producing essential consumer goods such as bottled and sachet water. In developing nations like Nigeria, the demand for packaged drinking water has risen considerably due to population increase, accelerated urbanization, and the inadequacy of government-provided water supply systems. This research examines the capacity and production planning practices of the Veritas Water Company, a water production enterprise affiliated with Veritas University in Abuja. The study specifically investigates the operational framework of the factory, workforce size, production procedures, demand levels for water products, managerial perspectives on production activities, and the major constraints affecting productivity. The study employed a qualitative case study design. Information was gathered through observation of factory production activities and the examination of secondary materials such as academic publications, institutional documents, and literature on manufacturing and production management. Findings indicate that the Veritas Water Factory operates as a university-based enterprise aimed at providing safe and reliable drinking water to students, staff, and nearby communities in Abuja. The factory employs a moderate workforce responsible for various operational roles including production, packaging, quality assurance, distribution, and administrative coordination. Despite its operational structure, the study identifies several challenges affecting the factory’s efficiency and capacity utilization. These challenges include unstable electricity supply, rising costs of production inputs, competition from other packaged water brands, distribution limitations, and equipment maintenance issues. Nevertheless, the growing demand for packaged drinking water in Abuja creates opportunities for business expansion. The study concludes that strengthening production planning mechanisms, upgrading production equipment, improving staff capacity, and expanding distribution networks are crucial for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the Veritas Water Factory

4. ‘Students’ Perception of Improvised Instructional Materials and Their...
1

Dr Francisca Ifeoma Ehiemere*, Edu Uju Juliet, Nnah Chinedu Felix
Department of Teacher Education National Institute For Nigerian Languages, Aba
28-39
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19053028

The study examined the influence of students’ perception of improvised instructional materials on learning outcomes in Accounting among SS1 students in Aba metropolis, Abia State. The study was guided by the objectives of determining the extent to which students’ perception, level of involvement, classroom environment, and school support influence learning outcomes when improvised instructional materials are used. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, targeting a population of 2,450 SS1 Accounting students across public and private secondary schools in Aba metropolis. A sample of 245 students was drawn using stratified random sampling, ensuring representation based on school type and gender. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire to measure students’ perception and involvement, and an Accounting Achievement Test (AAT) to assess learning outcomes. The instruments were validated by experts in Business Education and Educational Measurement and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha and test-retest methods, yielding coefficients above 0.70. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation) at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that students generally perceive improvised instructional materials positively and are actively involved in their use. There was a significant positive relationship between students’ perception, level of involvement, and learning outcomes in Accounting. Additionally, classroom environment and school support were identified as critical factors enhancing the effectiveness of improvised materials. The study concluded that students’ perception and active engagement with improvised instructional materials significantly improve learning outcomes. It recommended that teachers integrate improvised resources into Accounting lessons, schools provide supportive learning environments, and policymakers encourage teacher training on the effective use of locally available instructional materials. The study contributes to knowledge by demonstrating that contextual, hands-on instructional resources can enhance academic achievement, particularly in resource-limited settings.

5. Kepler-56: A Case Study of Planetary Cannibalism around an Evolved Sta...
2

B. K. Sharma*
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology Patna 800005 Bihar India
40-46
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19059786

The fate of close-in planets orbiting stars evolving off the main sequence is governed by the rapid expansion of the stellar envelope and enhanced tidal dis-sipation. Kepler-56, a redgiant star hosting multiple planets on misaligned orbits, provides a rare opportunity to examine this process in an observed sys-tem. In this work, we investigate the tidal evolution of the inner planets in Kepler-56 and demonstrate that their present orbital configuration places them in a regime of runaway orbital decay as the stellar radius increases along the red-giant branch. We show that tidal torques acting within the deep convec-tive envelope lead inevitably to planetary engulfment on astrophysically short timescales. The analysis further suggests that planetary engulfment can con-tribute to the anomalously rapid rotation of the stellar envelope and may play a role in the observed spin–orbit misalignment between the stellar core and envelope. Kepler-56 thus serves as a benchmark system for studying plane-tary cannibalism during postmain-sequence stellar evolution and highlights the broader implications of tidal interactions for the long-term survival of close- in exoplanets. The Kepler-56 system therefore provides a valuable observational laboratory for studying the late-stage dynamical evolution and eventual engulf-ment of planetary systems around evolved stars

6. Prevalence of Hyperglycemia and Associated Risk Factors among Taxi Dri...
1

Benjamin Ansah-Agyei, Aquel Rene Lopez*, Nadia Saeed, Albert Dayor Piersson
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Health and Allied Sciences, Baldwin University College, Accra
47-63
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19190023

Background: Hyperglycemia, a key risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), has become a significant health concern globally, especially in urbanizing areas. Taxi drivers, with their sedentary work environment, long hours, and irregular eating habits, may be at higher risk for metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hyperglycemia and identify associated risk factors among taxi drivers in Agblezaa-Teshie, Greater Accra, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 active taxi drivers in the Teshie Agblezaa area. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured, and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and occupational data were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of hyperglycemia was found to be 24.1%, with older drivers (aged 50- 59 years) and those working longer hours (9-12 hours daily) exhibiting higher rates. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, poor dietary habits, work-related stress, and low physical activity were strongly associated with hyperglycemia. While the majority of drivers were aware of general health risks related to hyperglycemia, their knowledge of specific symptoms and prevention strategies was limited. Significant barriers to healthcare access included financial constraints, time limitations, and lack of health insurance. Conclusion: The study highlights a substantial burden of hyperglycemia among taxi drivers in Agblezaa-Teshie, driven by sedentary work, poor lifestyle choices, and limited healthcare access. Targeted health interventions, including regular glucose screenings, health education, and improved healthcare access, are urgently needed to address this public health concern.

7. Impact of Supply Chain Optimization on Financial Performance of Manufa...
0

OLAFUSI, Oladimeji Clement*, ORISHEDE, Felix, OKWUISE, U. Young
Department of Business Administration, DELSU Business School, Asaba
64-72
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19190410

This study evaluated the impact of supply chain optimization on the financial performance of manufacturing firms in South-East Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 147 respondents drawn from four selected manufacturing firms using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that inventory management (β = 0.432, p < 0.05), logistics and distribution efficiency (β = 0.385, p < 0.05), and supply chain technology adoption (β = 0.298, p < 0.05) all have significant positive effects on financial performance, with a combined explanatory power (R²) of 0.68. The study concluded that effective supply chain optimization enhances profitability and operational efficiency. It was therefore recommended that manufacturing firms adopt efficient inventory systems, improve logistics operations, and invest in modern supply chain technologies to achieve sustainable financial growth.





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