About

Dr. Tay is a Lecturer at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, University of Ghana, where she teaches, mentors’ students, and engages in interdisciplinary research. She contributes to academic-industry partnerships, exchange programme coordination, and wellness initiatives. She also serves as Departmental Liaison on the College of Education’s Marketing and Communication Team.

Before academia, she worked extensively in clinical care, including roles as Nurse Manager and Clinical Governance Lead at Obaatan Pa Women’s Hospital and Senior Staff Midwife at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. She also served as a Consultant for Total Family Health Organization.

Education

Dr. Doris Akosua Tay holds a PhD in Population Studies from the University of Ghana (2023), where she explored how young, middle-aged, and older adults in Ghana conceptualize ageing and disability, generating context-sensitive insights that inform inclusive health and ageing policies. She earned an MPhil in Population and Health (2016) and a BSc in Nursing (2013) from the University of Cape Coast. She also holds a professional Midwifery Certificate (2007). Her academic training is complemented by certifications in qualitative research, mixed methods, reproductive health, and research ethics from institutions such as Stellenbosch University and the University of Ghana.

Research Interest

Ongoing Projects

1. SUNRISE Ghana Project: A pilot Study of Movement Behaviours among children under 5 years in Ghana. 

2.The Effect of Experiences, Learning Behaviours, and Challenges on Postgraduate Career-Oriented Students’ Job Performance: Case of Two Public Universities in Ghana.

Completed Projects

1. Physical Activity Mediates, Fear, Anxiety and Depression, Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. As part of a NRF multi-country grant, this project examined the relationship between physical activity, mental health, and COVID-19 symptoms in Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Botswana. Findings informed regional public health recommendations.

2. Conceptualization of Ageing and Disability in Ghana, PhD Research, University of Ghana, 2023. This doctoral study explored how young, middle-aged, and older adults in the Greater Accra Region conceptualize ageing and disability. It developed context-sensitive insights into perceptions of disability across the life course and contributed to the development of novel scales. The research provides a foundation for inclusive ageing policies and disability-sensitive interventions in Ghana and similar settings. 

Publications

• Ndabi J. S., Simwanza A., Chukwuorji, J. C., Tladi D., Muomah, R. C., Nwonyi S. K., Tay, D. A., Joachim, D., Malete, L., Adamba, C., Nyawornota, V. K., Nyanynofio, O. N., Donkor, S. K. & Ocansey, R. (2024). Physical Activity and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Tanzania: Insights for Public Health Policy in Low-Income Contexts. Frontiers in Public Health. 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1483153
• Nyanyofio, O. C. N., Musah, K., Nyawornota, V. K., Tay, D. A., Adamba, C., Malete, L., McCole, Daniel & Ocansey, R. T-A. (2024). Resilience and Sustainability of Entrepreneurial Mindsets in Ghanaian Youth: A Five-Year Impact Study of Sports Training Programs. Frontiers in Education. 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1473941
• Nyawornota, V. K., Tay, D. A., Adu, A. & Ocansey, R. T.-A. (2020). A Scoping Review of 2018–2020 Research on NCDs and Physical Activity in Ghana: Groundwork for a Monitoring System and Action Plan.  Frontiers in Public Health. 8. https://doi.org/10.1096/fba.2020-00123
• Tay, D. A. & Ocansey, R. T.-A. (2022). Impact of Urbanization on Health and Well-Being in Ghana: Status of Research, Intervention Strategies, and Future Directions: A Rapid Review. Frontiers in Public Health. 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.877920
• Ocansey, R. T-A., Nyawornota, V. K., Adamba, C., Tay, D. A., Musah, K., Nyanyofio, O. C. N., Malete, L. & McCole, D. (2023). Promoting Development of Entrepreneurial Skills of Youth in Ghana through a Structured Sport Intervention Program. Frontiers in Education. 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1135084
• Muomah, R.C., Chukwuorji, J.C., Nwonyi, S.K., Tay, D. A., Adamba, C., Nyawornota, V. K., Nyanynofio, O., Donkor, S. K., Ocansey, R., Joachim, D. & Malete, L. (2023). Physical activity and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: does age and gender make a difference? Discov Soc Sci Health. 3(22).      https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-023-00055-z
• Nyawornota, V. K., Adamba, C., Tay, D. A., Nyanyofio, O. C., Muomah, R. C., Chukwuorji, J. C., Nwonyi, S. K., Malete, L., Joachim, D. & Ocansey, R. T-A. (2024). Self-perception of health and physical activity levels among the youth and adults before and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health. 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1298378