University of Cape Coast

Station rotation blended learning (SRBL) has emerged as a promising approach in distance education, yet limited empirical evidence exists on lecturers’ acceptance and use of this mode, especially within face-to-face distance learning contexts. This study adapted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to examine lecturers’ acceptance of SRBL, assessing factors influencing their intention and actual usage, while exploring how rank, status, and discipline influence the relationship between these factors and their use behaviour. A quantitative, correlational research design was employed, collecting data from 183 lecturers via an online survey and analysing it with Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings showed that behavioural intention was significantly driven by attitude, social influence, and effort expectancy. Use behaviour was shaped by facilitating conditions and attitude. The relationship between facilitating conditions and use behaviour was moderated by lecturers’ status, rank, and discipline–with stronger effects observed among part-time lecturers and those in education programmes. Likewise, the influence of attitude on use behaviour was stronger for lecturers at the professorial rank. Importantly, the mere availability of physical and technological infrastructure did not guarantee SRBL adoption. Rather, resources, support, and prior experience emerged as critical influences on use behaviour. Distance learning institutions should therefore prioritise targeted training, improved digital tools, and mentorship strategies for education lecturers, part-time faculty, and junior staff. This study highlights the importance of contextual factors–such as rank, status, and discipline–in shaping technology adoption and extends existing models by highlighting the pivotal role of experiential and institutional support in the adoption of SRBL in distance education settings.

Predicting the outcomes of elite beach volleyball matches involves the integration of technical and demographic performance measures. Using data from 10,095 elite professional beach volleyball matches (2002-2019), a logistic regression model was developed and validated to predict match outcome with six different predictor variables: kill efficiency differential, aces differential, error rate differential, dig efficiency differential, age difference, and height difference. After assessing for multicollinearity, these variables were used in the model. Results show that the model is well-calibrated (Brier Score = 0.208; Hosmer-Lemeshow test = 0.388), and it discriminates well between the two possible outcomes (area under curve = 0.658; 95% confidence interval: 0.638 – 0.678). In addition to being well calibrated, results also indicate that the model is internally valid, with little evidence of over fitting (shrinkage = 0.995), and temporally valid, as its ability to predict match outcomes has remained relatively consistent across the 18-year period studied. Additionally, results from gender stratified analysis indicated no differences in predictive accuracy for males and females. Overall, the validated model can be viewed as a robust support tool to assist coaches and teams with performance evaluations, strategic planning and competitive placements.

Contraceptive use is integral to improving reproductive health outcomes, but disparities in access and use persist across Africa, influenced by socio-economic, educational, and age-related factors. This study explores socioeconomic and education-based inequalities in modern and traditional contraceptive use among women in 41 African countries. Secondary data from the World Health Organisation’s Health Equity Assessment Toolkits and national demographic surveys (2010–2022) were analysed. The study focused on women aged 15–49, categorised by socio-economic status, education level, and age. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used, employing inequality measures such as D (Estimate), R (Estimate), PAF (Estimate), and PAR (Estimate) to assess disparities in contraceptive use. The study found significant variation in contraceptive prevalence, ranging from high-prevalence nations such as Zimbabwe (66.8%), Malawi (65.6%), and Lesotho (64.9%). South Sudan (4%) and Chad (8.2%) had very low prevalence rates. Age-related disparities were also significant, with contraceptive use generally higher in the 20–49 years age group compared to the 15–19 years age group. Again, Ghana exhibited 17% use among 15–19-year-olds compared to 53% in the 20–49-year-old group. The D revealed substantial inequalities in contraceptive use, particularly in countries like Kenya (22.5) and Malawi (20.6). The R highlighted greater disparities in countries such as Nigeria (4.0), indicating a significant socio-economic divide. The PAF demonstrated that socio-economic inequalities contributed to disparities, with Mozambique (5.8) and Niger (8.1) showing higher contributions. PAR further revealed that countries like Malawi (1.6) and Gambia (1.0) had a higher burden of inequality in contraceptive use. This study demonstrates persistent and intersecting age-, wealth-, and education-related inequalities in contraceptive use across Africa. By applying standardised inequality metrics in a cross-country comparative framework, the findings extend beyond prevalence-based analyses and provide actionable evidence to inform equity-oriented family planning policies and programmes. Not applicable.