Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/23055

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
  • Thumbnail Image
    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 gain
  • Thumbnail Image
    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
    Importance of Bulinus Globosus Snails in the Transmission of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Eight Villages in Southern Ghana.
    (Ghana Medical Journal, 1999-06) Aryeetey, M.E.; Wagatsuma, Y.; Yeboah, G.K.; Asante, M.; Mensah, G.; Kojima, S.
    Snail survey was carried OUI al water contact siles (WCSs) of 8 villages in southern Ghana 10 establish freshwater snails responsible for schistosomiasis transmission in the area. Bulinus globosus, one of the intermediate host snails of Schistosoma haematobium was found at the WCSs in all 8 villages although those infected were identified at sites in 5 of the villages. The snails were confined to the Densu river itself, its tributaries (streams) and ponds. These snails were found during the minor rainy season. at the beginning of and during the dry season. They were found to be focal in distribution. Also found in the Densu river and the ponds were uninfected Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails. In addition to those indicated above, non·schistosome transmitting snails were also found.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Dietary intake as a cardiovascular risk factor: a cross-sectional study of bank employees in Accra
    (South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2018-10) Frimpong, I.P.; Asante, M.; Maduforo, A.N.
    Objectives: To determine the dietary and nutrient intakes of bank employees in Accra in relation to recommended dietary intake for the control of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Design: The study was a cross-sectional study. Methodology: A structured validated questionnaire was used to obtain demographics. A 3-day 24-hour dietary recall and usual food intake questionnaire were used to obtain information on food intakes and dietary pattern of the respondents. Food models, household measures and photos of common dishes as well as household cups and measures were used in order to obtain accurate information regarding the types and quantities of foods and beverages consumed. Subjects: Convenient sampling was used to select bank branches while simple random sampling by ballot without replacement was used to select 119 bank employees who consented to participate in the study. Outcome measures: Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Esha FPro software was used to analyse food nutrients. The nutrient intakes were compared with a standard dietary guideline for adults. Results: Findings showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in mean energy intake between males and females. Also, the bank employees were consuming more fat (32%) compared with the recommended intake. The average intake of dietary sodium and cholesterol was within the recommended intake levels. All the participants in the study had a mean intake of dietary potassium, fibre, fruits and vegetables below the recommended levels. The major cooking oils used in meal preparation were vegetable and palm oil (46%), followed by vegetable oil (31.9%) and palm oil (21.8%). Conclusions: The study evaluated the dietary intake of bank employees, which is an important risk factor for chronic diseases. There is a need to develop plans to provide nutrition education and counselling for adequate nutrient intake and prevention of chronic diseases among bank employees. Layman's summary: Obtaining an adequate diet and avoiding overconsumption of food helps to maintain health. Intake of foods containing high energy and fats without corresponding energy expenditure through physical activity could result in obesity, heart diseases, diabetes and other health challenges. Inadequate intake of micronutrients as well could result in deficiency diseases, and depresses the immune system and health of individuals. Bank employees and all other individuals need to pay attention to what they eat to live a healthy and longer life. Regular physical activity, following the dietary approaches to avoid hypertension and regular medical check-up are essential for cardiovascular health. Strong lay message: Inadequate or overconsumption of nutrients can cause chronic heart diseases.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A pilot study comparing bioelectrical impedance analysis and body mass index in determining obesity among staff of a Ghanaian University
    (Nutrition and Food Science, 2018-10) Hayford, F.E.A.; Appiah, C.A.; Al Hassan, T.; Asamoah-Boakye, O.; Asante, M.
    Purpose In Ghana, the body mass index (BMI) is widely used in clinical practice in assessing weight status, but it is limited as a measure of adiposity. The purpose of this study was to compare bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and body mass index (BMI) methods in determining obesity among some Ghanaians. Design/methodology/approach This was a cross-sectional survey involving 134 participants whose BMI were determined. Percentage body fat mass (%BF) and percentage visceral fat (%VF) were obtained by BIA using a hand-to-hand Omron body composition monitor with a weighing scale. Findings Based on the WHO BMI criteria, 6.0 per cent of the participants were obese. However, according to BIA 18.7 and 20.9 per cent of the participants were obese according to % BF and %VF, respectively. The BMI and %BF showed higher prevalence of obesity among female participants (8.2 and 34.4 per cent, respectively) than male participants (4.1 and 5.5 per cent, respectively), whereas for %VF, obesity was higher among male participants than female participants (26.0 per cent, 14.8 per cent). There was significant positive correlation between BMI and % BF (r = 0.604, p = 0.001); and between BMI and %VF (r = 0.555, p = 0.001). Research limitations/implications There are discrepancies in the prevalence of obesity in the study population as measured by BMI and BIA methods. This suggests that the BMI and BIA may not be reliable tools for assessing obesity in this population. Further studies are needed to determine the cut-offs for BMI and BIA that are associated with metabolic risk in the population. The small sample size limits the generalizability of findings of this study. Originality/value Body composition tends to vary by ethnicity and race; hence, it is essential to determine the appropriate tool for assessing adiposity in African populations for prompt and targeted interventions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Sensory attributes and acceptability of complementary foods fortified with Moringa oleifera leaf powder
    (Nutrition and Food Science, 2018-10) Boateng, L.; Nortey, E.; Ohemeng, A.N.; Asante, M.; Steiner-Asiedu, M.
    Purpose Inadequacies in several micronutrients in complementary foods, notably iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and riboflavin have been reported. Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP), prepared from dried moringa leaves is nutrient-rich and has been explored for the treatment of micronutrient deficiencies among children in developing countries. This increasing interest in the use of moringa oleifera leaves to improve complementary foods notwithstanding, the unique sensory characteristics of the leaf powder potentially holds implications for the acceptability of local diets that are fortified with it. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the levels of MLP fortification that are most acceptable for feeding infants and young children. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a review of the literature, with the aim of investigating the sensory attributes and acceptable levels of fortification of complementary food blends fortified with different levels of MLP. Findings The minimum amount of MLP to be added to a complementary food blend to observe significant improvements in its nutritional value was estimated to be about 10 per cent. However, at this 10 per cent fortification level also, sensory attributes of the products begin to become less desirable. Practical implications For the success of nutrition interventions that involve the use of MLP to improve the nutritional quality of complementary foods, there is a need to consider the acceptability of the sensory attributes of the formulated blends in the target group. Safety of MLP as an ingredient in infant foods must also be investigated. Originality/value The authors of this paper make recommendations for the use of MLP to fortify complementary foods to ensure its success as a food fortificant in nutrition interventions. The researchers are not aware of any published study that focuses on this subject.
  • Item
    Comparing dietary macronutrient composition and food sources between native and diasporic Ghanaian adults
    (Food & Nutrition Research, 2015-11) Gibson, R.; Knight, A.; Asante, M.; Thomas, J.; Goff, L.M.
    Background : Dietary acculturation may contribute to the increased burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in diasporic populations of African ancestry. Objective : To assess nutritional composition and the contribution that traditional foods make to the diets of native and UK-dwelling Ghanaian adults. Design : An observational study of Ghanaian adults living in Accra ( n 26) and London ( n 57) was undertaken. Three-day food records were translated to nutrient data using culturally sensitive methods and comparisons were made for energy, macronutrients, and dietary fibre between cohorts. The contribution of traditional foods to dietary intake was measured and the foods contributing to each nutrient were identified. Results : Compared to native Ghanaians, UK-Ghanaians derived a significantly higher proportion of energy from protein (16.9 9 3.9 vs. 14.1 9 2.8%, p 0.001), fat (29.9 9 7.9 vs. 24.4 9 8.5%, p 0.005), and saturated fat (8.5 9 3.4 vs. 5.8 9 3.7%, p B 0.001) and a significantly lower energy from carbohydrate (52.2 9 7.7 vs. 61.5 9 9.3%, p B 0.001). Dietary fibre intake was significantly higher in the UK-Ghanaian diet compared to the native Ghanaian diet (8.3 9 3.1 vs. 6.7 9 2.2 g/1,000 kcal, p 0.007). There was significantly less energy, macro- nutrients, and fibre derived from traditional foods post-migration. Non-traditional foods including breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, and processed meats made a greater contribution to nutrient intake post-migration. Conclusions : Our findings show the migrant Ghanaian diet is characterised by significantly higher intakes of fat, saturated fat, and protein and significantly lower intakes of carbohydrate; a macronutrient profile which may promote increased risk of NCDs amongst UK-Ghanaians. These differences in the nutrient profile are likely to be modulated by the consumption of ‘Western’ foods observed in migrant communities.