Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/23055
Browse
47 results
Search Results
Item Dietary patterns associated with body mass index in selected adult populations in Accra, Ghana(HSI Journal, 2024) Alo, B.; Ainuson-Quampah, J.; Towu, R.; Amoako-Mensah, A.; Akuetteh, N.T.; Asante, M.Background: Dietary pattern analysis is more appropriate for explaining diet-disease relationships instead of single nutrients in the treatment and prevention of diet and diseases. Objective: The study aimed to identify dietary patterns and explore their association with body mass index among adults in selected areas in Accra. Methods: This was a retrospective study comprising four (4) cross-sectional studies among healthy adults in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Appropriately designed/pre-tested questionnaires submitted by 208 respondents were analysed for food patterns using principal component analysis to estimate pattern scores for each food item. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Eight dietary patterns explaining 54.8% of the variation in the dietary intake of the study participants were identified. These were the traditional pattern, combined pattern, major protein pattern, modified pattern, white and red meat pattern, sweets and pastries pattern, rare dietary pattern and vegetables with moisture pattern. The mean BMI of the population was 23.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2 , with the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese observed to be 5.8%, 68.3%, 19.7%, and 6.2%, respectively. The traditional dietary pattern and the sweets and pastries patterns were significantly associated with BMI (p < 0.05 and p ˂ 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Eight (8) dietary patterns were identified. The traditional sweets and pastries patterns were found to be related to weight gainItem Body composition is related to cognitive function among young adults in Ghana(BMC Psychology, 2024) Fabea, L.; Intiful, F.D.; Hatsu, I.E.; Larry‑Afutu, J.; Boateng, L.Background A growing body of evidence suggests that obesity can affect cognitive function. However, it is unclear whether this effect is independent of obesity-related comorbidities. This study thus sought to determine the association between body composition and cognitive function of young adults in Ghana with less predisposition to obesityrelated comorbidities. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 381 participants recruited by simple random sampling. After consenting, participants completed questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, along with assessments for anthropometric measures and cognitive function. Analyses for associations were conducted by either Pearson’s correlation test or chi-Square test of independence. Results Over half (60%) of participants were females and 69.6% were in the first year with a mean age of 20.18 ± 2.52 years. Based on Pearson’s correlation test, no significant association was found between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), and Trail Making Test-A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B). Nonetheless, a chisquare test showed a significant association, between BMI and TMT-A (p = 0.01), and WHR and both TMT-A (p = 0.001) and TMT-B (p = 0.02). Weak direct correlations were found between body fat percentage and TMT-A (r = 0.120, p = 0.019) and TMT-B (r = 0.133, p = 0.009). Further, a weak inverse correlation was found between muscle mass and TMT-A (r = − 0.141, p = 0.006) and TMT-B (r = − 0.144, p = 0.005). Conclusion High body fat, low muscle mass and body fat distribution may have a significant association with cognitive functions and must be considered in obesity interventions. This study provided more insight on the association between BMI and cognitive function and would be helpful in designing new weight management interventions or modifying existing interventions to consider the influence of obesity on cognitive function.Item Assessment Of Malnutrition In Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy At The National Oncology Centre Of The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana(African Health Sciences, 2023) Akpah, M.C.I.; Kegey, O.; Nortey, E.; et al.Background: Globally, cancer is on the rise, despite several interventions. The link between nutrition and cancer has long been established, with the consequences of poor nutrition on the cancer pathway being dire. Early nutrition intervention is recommended for all cancer patients. Objective: To assess malnutrition among patients undergoing chemotherapy at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 123 patients with different types and stages of cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy. Data was collected from December 2018 to January 2019. The PG-SGA tool was used to assess weight loss at one and six months; food intake and nutrition impact symptoms. A correlation test was used to test the association between the PGSGA score and nutritional triaging. A T-test was used to determine the association between chemotherapy cycles and nutrition. A p-value <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: The results revealed that 5.7% (n= 7) of the patients were well nourished, and 31.7% (n= 39) were suspected of being malnourished, and 62.6% (n = 77) were severely malnourished. About half of the participants (48%) had experienced weight loss ranging between 1 and 20 kg, with weight loss ≤5kg being most prevalent at both one and six months prior to the study. More than half (56.9%, n = 70) of the participants were consuming less than their usual intake. The majority of the participants had 4-6 nutritional symptoms (39.0%), with symptoms being mostly mild (39.1%). Poor nutritional status was positively correlated with nutritional symptoms (r = 0.747, p<0.001). Conclusion: The PGSGA tool identified that more than half of the patients were severely malnourished, hence the need for early nutrition intervention in cancer patients.Item Validity of STRONGkids and MUAC as nutritional screening tools for predicting acute malnutrition among hospitalized children in Accra, Ghana(HSI Journal, 2023) Anku, E.K.; Adu- Amoah, H.G.; Ainuson-Quanpah, J.Background: Malnutrition is commonly reported among hospitalized paediatric patients. However, it is often not diagnosed leading to prolonged hospital stays and other medical complications. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the validity of the Screening Tool for Risk of Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) for assessing malnutrition in paediatric inpatients between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. The weight for-height (WFH) z-score was used as a reference standard for the evaluation. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. A total of 96 individuals were enrolled in the study from both the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, located in Accra, Ghana. Data were collected on demographics, admission details, weight, height, MUAC, and length of hospital stay. The STRONGkids screening tool was used for nutrition risk screening. Data analysis was performed using R version 4.1.0. Descriptive statistics were used to report frequencies, averages, percentages, standard deviations, and interquartile ranges. Diagnostic values were computed for STRONGkids and MUAC using WFH z-scores. Cohen's kappa was utilized to measure inter-rater agreement, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Males accounted for 59.3% (n = 57/96) of the study sample. The prevalence of malnutrition in this study was 30% [n = 27/96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 21-39%]. The sensitivity and specificity of STRONGkids were 70% (95% CI: 52-86%) and 43% (95% CI: 31-55%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MUAC were 45% (95% CI: 27-63%) and 93% (95% CI: 86-99%), respectively. The inter-rater agreement, based on two blinded assessments, for STRONGkids, was 0.57 (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The study revealed that STRONGkids had a low overall degree of validity, while MUAC had a high validity for specificity but lower validity for other diagnostic values. As a result, it is not recommended to use STRONGkids or MUAC individually for screening pediatric malnutrition in this setting, but rather in conjunction.Item n-3 long-chain PUFA promote antibacterial and inflammation-resolving effects in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected C3HeB/FeJ mice, dependent on fatty acid status(Cambridge University Press, 2022) Nienaber, A.; Ozturk, M.; Dolman, R.; Blaauw, R.; Zandberg, L.L.; Rensburg, S.v; Britz, M.; Hayford, F.E.A.; Brombacher, F.; Loots, D.T.; Smuts, C.M.; Parihar, S.P.; Malan, L.Non-resolving inflammation is characteristic of tuberculosis (TB). Given their inflammation-resolving properties, n-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA) may support TB treatment. This research aimed to investigate the effects of n-3 LCPUFA on clinical and inflammatory outcomes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected C3HeB/FeJ mice with either normal or low n-3 PUFA status before infection. Using a two-by-two design, uninfected mice were conditioned on either an n-3 PUFA-sufficient (n-3FAS) or -deficient (n-3FAD) diet for 6 weeks. One week post-infection, mice were randomised to either n-3 LCPUFA supplemented (n-3FAS/n-3þ and n-3FAD/n-3þ) or continued on n-3FAS or n-3FAD diets for 3 weeks. Mice were euthanised and fatty acid status, lung bacterial load and pathology, cytokine, lipid mediator and immune cell phenotype analysed. n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in n-3FAS mice lowered lung bacterial loads (P = 0·003), T cells (P = 0·019), CD4þ T cells (P = 0·014) and interferon (IFN)-γ (P < 0·001) and promoted a pro-resolving lung lipid mediator profile. Compared with n-3FAS mice, the n-3FAD group had lower bacterial loads (P = 0·037), significantly higher immune cell recruitment and a more pro-inflammatory lipid mediator profile, however, significantly lower lung IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-17, and supplementation in the n-3FAD group provided no beneficial effect on lung bacterial load or inflammation. Our study provides the first evidence that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation has antibacterial and inflammation-resolving benefits in TB when provided 1 week after infection in the context of a sufficient n-3 PUFA status, whilst a low n-3 PUFA status may promote better bacterial control and lower lung inflammation not benefiting from n-3 LCPUFA supplementation.Item Predictors of undernutrition and anemia among children aged 6–24 months in a low-resourced setting of Ghana: a baseline survey(Emerald Publishing Ltd, 2021) Appiah, C.A.; Mensah, F.O.; Hayford, F.E.A.; Awuuh, V.A.; Kpewou, D.E.Purpose – The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of child undernutrition and anemia among children 6–24 months old in the East Mamprusi district, Northern region, Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – This cross-sectional study recruited 153 children and their mothers. Weight, height and hemoglobin levels of the children were measured. A structured questionnaire based on the World Health Organization’s indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices was used to collect data on parents’ socioeconomic status, household characteristics, hygiene and sanitation practices, mothers’ knowledge on feeding practices such as child’s meal frequency and dietary diversity and child morbidity within the past two weeks. Predictors of child nutritional status were determined using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Findings – Underweight in the children was significantly predicted by maternal knowledge on protein foods (AOR 5 0.045, p 5 0.008), time of initiation of complementary feeding (AOR 5 0.222, p 5 0.032) and maternal age (AOR 5 9.455, p 5 0.017). Feeding child from separate bowls (AOR 5 0.239, p 5 0.005), minimum meal frequency per child’s age (AOR 5 0.189, p 5 0.007) and time of initiation of complementary feeding (AOR 5 0.144, p 5 0.009) were significant determinants of stunting among the children. Exclusive breast feeding (AOR 5 7.975, p 5 0.012) and child’s past morbidity (AOR 5 0.014, p 5 0.001) significantly contributed to anemia among the children. Research limitations/implications – This is a cross-sectional study and cannot establish causality. The small sample size also limits the generalizability of study findings. However, findings of the study highlight factors which could potentially influence the high rate of child undernutrition in the study setting. Practical implications – This study identifies determinants of undernutrition in the East Mamprusi district, an underresourced area in Ghana. This information could inform the development/reformulation of locally sensitive key messages and targeted intervention strategies to curb the high levels of child undernutrition in the East Mamprusi district of Ghana. Originality/value – This study identifies maternal care practices as key potential drivers of undernutrition in a low-resource setting known for high prevalence of child undernutrition. It suggests insight for large-scale studies on the predictors of child undernutrition in Northern Ghana and other resource-poor settings.Item Food consumption pattern and dietary diversity of a vegetarian population in Ghana(Ghana Med J, 2021) Asante, M.; Frimpong, B.; Intiful, F.; Nkumsah-Riverson, P.; Nkansah, S.A.; Ofori-Amanfo, B.; Dogbe, Y.Y.; Asare, G.A.Objective: This study examined the food consumption pattern and dietary diversity of a vegetarian population in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed to examine the nutritional status of four (4) vegetarian groups in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One hundred and twenty-two (122) vegetarians were recruited using the total enu meration technique. Food consumption pattern and dietary diversity were assessed using a validated qualitative food frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour dietary recall, respectively. Dietary diversity was calculated using the FAO guidelines. Results: Sixty eight percent (68%) of the vegetarians reported daily intakes of vegetable protein. Majority of the vegetarians (80.6%) reported daily intakes of cereals and grains while 54% reported daily intakes of tubers. Eighty two percent (82%) and 72% of the vegetarians consumed vegetables and fruits on daily basis respectively. A few of the vegetarians (29%) reported daily intakes of fruit juices. Soft drinks, deep fried foods and fast foods were occa sionally consumed. About 40.3% of the vegetarians obtained a dietary diversity score of four (4). Majority of them (68.9%) had low dietary diversity. Conclusion: The vegetarians had low dietary diversity which may lead to inadequate nutrient intakes. Thus, there is the need for nutrition-related professionals to give appropriate information on a vegetarian diet and educate vegetarians to include a variety of foods in their diet.Item Beneficial effect of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on tuberculosis in mice(Elsevier, 2021) Nienaber, A.; Oztur, M.; Dolman, R.C.; Zandberg, L.; Hayford, F.E.A.; Brombacher, F.; Blaauw, R.; Smuts, C.M.; Pariha, S.P.; Malan, L.Intakes of the omega-3 essential fatty acids (n-3 EFAs) are low in the general adult population, with high n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios and the accompanying suboptimal n-3 PUFA status. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have antibacterial and inflammation-resolving effects in tuberculosis (TB). However, whether switching to a diet with optimum n-3 EFA intake after the infection has comparable benefits has not been investigated. We aimed to compare the effects of a diet with sufficient n-3 EFA content in an acceptable n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio for rodents ((n-3)eFAS group) with those on the same diet supplemented with EPA and DHA (EPA/DHA group) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected C3HeB/FeJ mice with a low n-3 PUFA status. Mice were conditioned on an n-3 PUFA-deficient diet with a high n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio for 6 weeks before Mtb infection and randomized to either (n-3)eFAS or EPA/DHA diets 1 week post-infection for 3 weeks. At endpoint, EPA and DHA compositions were higher and arachidonic acid, osbond acid, and total n-6 LCPUFAs lower in all lipid pools measured in the EPA/DHA group (all P < 0.001). Percentage body weight gain was higher (P = 0.017) and lung bacterial load lower (P < 0.001) in the EPA/DHA group. Additionally, the EPA/DHA group had a more pro-resolving lung lipid mediator profile and lower lung in IL-1α and IL-1β concentrations (P = 0.023, P = 0.049). Inverse correlations were found between the lung and peripheral blood mononuclear cell EPA and DHA and selected pro-inflammatory cytokines. These are the first findings that indicate that EPA/DHA supplementation provides benefits superior to a diet with sufficient n-3 EFAs concerning bacterial killing, weight gain and lung inflammation resolution in Mtb-infected mice with a low n-3 PUFA status. Therefore, EPA and DHA may be worth considering as adjunct TB treatment.Item Comparative study of the nutritional composition of local brown rice, maize (obaatanpa), and millet—A baseline research for varietal complementary feeding(Food Science & Nutrition, 2020-03-16) Yankah, N.; Intiful, F.D.; Tette, E.M.A.Introduction: Childhood malnutrition remains a major public health issue of concern particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and inadequate complementary feeding is a common cause. Promoting dietary diversity is one way of tackling this problem. High dependence on maize has its limitations; modifying other local staples into complementary foods can be a feasible alternative to promote optimum nutrition. Objectives: Comparing the nutritional composition of brown rice to millet and maize to determine its beneficial value as complementary food. Methods: Experimental study was carried out at the Department of Nutrition and Food Science of University of Ghana. Samples of maize, millet, and brown rice were obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Accra and nutritional contents analyzed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 and ANOVA were used to assess differences. Results: Results showed brown rice contained the highest content of carbohydrates (77.94 ± 0.32) % and zinc (12.15 ± 0.21) mg while millet had the highest protein (10.49 ± 0E-7) mg and fat (4.99 ± 0.46) % content. Maize contained highest amount of calcium (21.24 ± 0.14) mg. Iron was only found in millet (10.72 ± 0.15) mg. The zinc content per 100 g of all three (3) cereals was above RDA. All three (3) cereals contributed significantly <10% to the RDA of calcium. Iron content of millet contributed more than 90% to RDA. Conclusions: Locally produced brown rice is rich in zinc and carbohydrates compared to millet and maize. Thus, can be used for complementary feed but, given the low protein and iron content, it may need to be fortified or diversified and used as a cereal blend.Item Proximate composition and serving sizes of selected composite Ghanaian soups(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2020-05) Hayford, F.E.A.; Appiah, C.A.; Samwini, A.M.; Brown, P.K.; Asamoah-Boakye, O.Soups are major components of Ghanaian dishes. The composite nature of Ghanaian soups, in general, tend to make the calorie and macronutrient composition highly variable. This study sought to determine the proximate composition of selected Ghanaian soups from defined recipes and to photographically present quantities of the soups, measured with common Ghanaian household food measures, equivalent to servings of protein and carbohydrates. Two types of each conveniently selected soup (light soup, groundnut soup, kontomire (cocoyam leaves) soup and palm nut soup) were prepared; one with animal protein and the other without. The soups prepared include; LS1- light soup with garden eggplant (African eggplant); LS2- light soup with garden eggplant and chicken GS1- groundnut (peanut butter) soup without animal protein; GS2- groundnut soup with chicken; PS1- palm nut soup without animal protein; PS2- palm nut soup with smoked catfish and herrings. Proximate analysis was done to determine macronutrient content of all the soups. Each soup was measured using a household food measure (150 ml soup ladle) to obtain a 15 g carbohydrate and 7 g protein equivalent and then photographed. Carbohydrate content of the soups ranged between 1.18 g-8.43 g, protein was between 0.34 g-4.31 g and 0.14 g-7.78 g for fat per 100 g of edible portion. Palm nut soup with animal source protein had the highest carbohydrate (8.43 ± 0.86 g) and fibre (1.99 ±0.22 g) content. Soups with the highest protein and fat content were GS2 (4.29 ± 0.14 g) and PS1 (20.39 ± 3.54 g) respectively. Serving sizes of the soups prepared ranged approximately between 1-8½ soup ladles (using 150 ml soup ladle) per 15 g carbohydrate equivalence and 1-13 soup ladles (using 150 ml soup ladle) per 7 g protein equivalence. It took variable quantities of the prepared soups to obtain the target serving sizes with PS2 having the least quantity (~1 soup ladle) for 15 g carbohydrate serving and PS1 having the least amount (~1 soup ladle) for 7 g protein serving. The large serving size of most of the soups required to meet a serving of protein implied that those soups should be eaten together with food sources rich in protein, in order to appreciably enhance the protein intake of individuals.