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PurposeSeveral studies have described health-seeking behaviour within the context of various diseases, the health status and age group. However, knowledge on patient health-seeking behaviour in the use of public and private hospitals and socio-demographic characteristics in developing countries is still scarce. This paper examines the influence of socio-demographic behavioural variables on health-seeking behaviour and the use of public and private health facilities in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research approach uses the modified SERVQUAL dimension as a data collection tool. Descriptive statistics with Pearson's chi-square test were conducted to determine the relationship between socio-demographic behavioural variables and health-seeking behaviour of patients using public and private hospitals.FindingsThe results showed that there is a significant relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics (sex, marital status, education, level of income) and the health-seeking behaviour of patients in regard to the utilisation of public and private health facilities (p < 0.000).Originality/valueThere is a significant relationship between patients' socio-demographic variables and their choice and utilisation of public and private healthcare services. This information is of value to policy makers so that they have an idea on the socio-demographic behavioural variables that influence patients' health-seeking behaviour.

PurposeWomen are rarely seen in positions of leadership in patriarchal societies, which is unsurprising. Following gender equity policies, few women have been able to break through the gender equity barrier and assume leadership positions in schools. Few research investigations have delved into the experiences and challenges that women encounter in positions of leadership in patriarchal societies in government schools in Northern Ghana. The study seeks to comprehend the experiences and challenges that women confront in positions of leadership in patriarchal societies in Northern Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study aimed to gain a better understanding of the experiences and challenges that women encounter in educational leadership roles in patriarchal societies in Northern Ghana. To achieve the study's objectives, a quantitative research approach and a social survey design were used, as well as descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that in patriarchal societies in Northern Ghana, women experience conventional gender roles that conflict with roles, cultural values, gender stereotyping, family responsibilities and cultural beliefs and perceptions of women and attitudes and low expectations of women's managerial skills discourage women from taking on leadership positions in men-dominated societies.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to shift the gender position and question the negative cultural convictions of cultural and patriarchal societies. Equal opportunities for men and women necessitate equal access to leadership positions. It proposes that in patriarchal societies, education and community stakeholder involvement in leadership training programmes for women be considered, as policy documents alone would not be sufficient to eradicate deeply embedded cultural social practices and dispel negative notions about women in leadership positions in men-dominated societies.Originality/valueThe study established that in patriarchal societies, women experienced conventional gender roles that conflict with roles, cultural values, gender stereotyping, family responsibilities, cultural vulnerability of women and the interplay between cultural expected roles and management goals influence women from taking on leadership positions.

The most recent policy on the abolition of the student allowance has generated mixed reactions from students and stakeholders. The study examined the effects of the removal of allowance for trainees in colleges of education on access to colleges of education. The study adopted the mixed methods approach utilising sequential explanatory design to collect both quantitative and qualitative. The investigation in which a quantitative phase of data collection and analysis was followed by a qualitative phase. Descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis. The abolition of the allowance for trainees has led to an increase in enrolment and improved infrastructure in the colleges. With regard to the standard of education, the lack of financial assistance for trainee teachers has led to a low level of attendance and learning outcomes as some trainees miss classes to engage in economic activities to support themselves financial whiles they are in the teacher colleges of education. It is also clear from the finding that the removal of the teacher trainee allowance puts additional costs on parents and trainees The reforms have increased access to colleges of education as compared to the quota system. The Government of Ghana should consider abolishing the quota system for student participation in colleges of education. This is because the quota system component of the teacher education allowance scheme is a rather inhibiting factor. Government should also consider decentralizing financing and encouraging distance learning models as an alternative.