Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

Permanent URI for this collection

http://197.255.125.131:4000/handle/123456789/4797

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 55

Dietary Habits And Physical Inactivity Of Adolescents During Covid-19 Period
(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Mensah, F.K.
Background: It is known that physical inactivity is highly prevalent and dietary habits are poor among adolescents. These are the major risk factors for obesity in adolescents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical inactivity habits has been shown to be influenced due to restriction in movement and dietary habits have also been affected due to stress accompanying the pandemic. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association between poor dietary habits and physical inactivity of adolescents during the COVID-19 period. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed for this research. Balloting and systematic sampling techniques were used to recruit adolescents between 15-19 years from Wesley Grammar School and Ideal College. Data collection was carried out from June to August 2021 (after the COVID-19 lockdown period). The Three- Factor Eating Questionnaire and Food Frequency Questionnaire were used to collect information on dietary habits and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire assessed physical activity information. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for analysis. Continuous variables such as age were analysed using descriptive statistics summarised into means and standards deviation. Categorical variables such as dietary habits and physical activity levels were summarized into frequencies and percentages. Pearson chi-square test was employed to determine associations between dietary habits and physical inactivity. Results: Skipping meals, snacking and immoderate fat intake (eating fried and oily foods often) showed higher prevalence of 69.3%, 67.1% and 56.1% respectively. Majority (89.2%) of the participants had low physical activity level. There was significant association between time spent watching TV and intake of unpolished cereals (p= 0.018), fast foods (p= 0.001) and pastries (p = 0.050). There was no significant association between time spent on the computer and the various food groups, except for intake of unpolished cereals (p=0.003) and fast foods (p=0.013). In addition, significant association was found for time spent reading and frequency of consumption of legumes (p= 0.010) and pastries consumption (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Dietary habits were generally unhealthy (poor) and physical inactivity was high among the participants during COVID-19 period. Some associations were found between sedentary behaviours and poor dietary habits.
An Assessment Of The Nitrate Levels In Raw And Cooked Vegetables Consumed By Patients With Non-Communicable Diseases In Ghana
(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Asaam, E.S.
Background: Vegetables are major sources of dietary nitrates. They contain varying concentrations of nitrate depending on the type of vegetable, agricultural practices, environment, cooking methods and other factors. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the level of nitrates in raw and cooked vegetables consumed by patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana. Materials and Methods: The research employed an experimental study design. Vegetables consumed by patients with NCDs reporting for care at the Korle Bu Dietherapy Unit, were identified from a secondary data and sampled from Shoprite Mall, Agbogbloshie and Dome Markets. The nitrate contents in raw and cooked (boiled, fried, stewed, prepared soup and Abom) vegetables were determined using the steam distillation-titration method and reported as mean (mg/kg) ± SD. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 26.0) was used to analyse data -at a 95% confidence interval. One-Way ANOVA and Dunnett’s Post Hoc were used to determine variations in nitrate levels of vegetables after undergoing the different cooking treatments. Results Tomato stew (23.76%), tomato (light) soup (18.18%), tomato Abom (15.70%) and vegetable salad (8.47%) were consumed by a majority of the study participants. Nitrate concentration was highest in raw Kontomire (171.04 ± 13.37 mg/kg) and lowest in raw onion (101.60 ± 30.41 mg/kg). The highest mean nitrate level for boiled and fried vegetables were recorded for vegetable salad (52.96 ± 16.80 mg/kg) and cabbage (125.92 ± 40.75 mg/kg) whilst the least nitrate levels were recorded for cucumber (29.12 ± 4.02 mg/kg) and sweet pepper (92.64 ± 26.96 mg/kg). The highest and lowest nitrate levels in stews prepared were observed in Kontomire (45.28 ± 5.28 mg/kg) and tomato stew (29.76 ± 5.51 mg/kg). Kontomire soup (44.56 ± 5.90 mg/kg) and tomato soup (33.84 ± 3.99 mg/kg) recorded the highest and lowest nitrate levels amongst soups prepared. Garden egg Abom obtained a higher (43.12 ± 3.85 mg/kg) nitrate level and tomato Abom recorded the least (29.68 ± 5.51 mg/kg). One-Way ANOVA showed significant differences between the nitrate levels of the raw vegetable types and the cooking treatments they were subjected to (p<0.05). Dunnett’s post hoc analysis revealed significant differences in nitrate levels between raw and boiled; boiled and fried; raw and fried (mainly cabbage, sweet pepper and cucumber) vegetables, and between uncooked and composite vegetable foods (stew, soup and Abom) (all p- values <0.05). Conclusion: Vegetable salads and tomatoes in the form of stew, soup and Abom were consumed by a majority of the study participants. Mean nitrate levels were higher in Kontomire and cabbage but lower in other vegetables. Nitrate losses occurred in all cooking methods however fried vegetables retained the most nitrates.
Association Between Dietary Patterns And Body Mass Index Of Primary And Junior High School Children In Accra Metropolitan Area
(University Of Ghana, 2022-11) Amoah, D.A.K.
Background: The analysis of dietary pattern has emerged as a useful epidemiological approach to understanding the diet-disease relationships in both adults and children. Child malnutrition is still being combated worldwide and the situation is even worse in Sub Saharan Africa. In Ghana, childhood malnutrition continuous to be alarming, while managing the incidence of underweight and micronutrient deficiencies, emerging research suggest that childhood obesity is also on the rise in Ghana. The Ghanaian diet is changing from the traditional foods to western diets and this transition has greatly influenced the diet pattern of Ghanaians and their children. Aim: To assess the possible relationship between the dietary patterns of school children and their Body Mass Index. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design that used questionnaires from a secondary cross-sectional data at the Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School. This secondary data assessed the dietary habits and oral health of Primary and Junior High school children from both Private and Public schools in the Accra Metropolitan area. 512 questionnaires of students between ages 9-15 years were pooled for analysis in this study. Food Frequency, anthropometric data and demographic data of the school children was extracted from the questionnaire. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for analysis. Descriptive summaries were presented as frequencies for categorical variables and as means and standard deviations for continuous variables. The dietary patterns were determined by PCA analysis. Pearson’s correlation and simple linear regression tests were used to determine the association between dietary pattern scores and BMI as well as socio- demographic characteristics. An independent t-test was used to find the differences in means between males and females for weight, height, and BMI. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. Results: Four (4) dietary patterns were identified: Fruits and Energy dense, Non-Traditional, Sweets and Protein and Dairy dietary patterns. The four (4) dietary patterns explained 37.7% of the total variance in the dietary intake data. More females (60.3%) than males (40.8%) were obese. The Fruit and Energy dense dietary pattern was significantly associated with age, class level, staying with parents, mother’s occupation, and a medium household SES. The Sweets and Protein dietary pattern was significantly associated with age, class level and high household SES. Both the Non-Traditional and Diary dietary pattern were significantly associated with mother’s education. The Non-Traditional and Dairy dietary patterns were significantly associated with BMI. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of obesity among the female school children than their male counterpart. Four dietary patterns were identified and out of this number two dietary patterns thus, the Non-Traditional and Dairy dietary patterns were significantly associated with BMI. This study has also demonstrated that there is an association between dietary patterns and socio-demographic characteristics such as age, household SES and mother’s educational level.
Assessing Nutrition Knowledge And Nutritional Status Of Sickle Cell Disease Patients
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Mintah, F.O.
The conduction of this study involves regressing some specific external and internal factors on the dependent liquidity function which is, liquid assets to the total asset (LIQ) for the 11-year period from 2007-2017 of 8 Ghanaian banks listed on the stock exchange. Two separate analyses, fixed effect, and random effect panel regressions were conducted during the analyses of the study with the Hausman test performed to choose the best among the two. The result showed that bank size is the only bank-specific variable that positively affects liquidity at 5% significant level whilst capital adequacy, profitability, management efficiency did not show any significant impact on liquidity. In addition, inflation rate, exchange rate, GDP and unemployment significantly influenced liquidity, though inflation and GDP exhibited a positive impact whiles exchange rate and unemployment had a negative impact at that same level of significance. The variables highly explained variations on commercial banks liquidity as indicated by the coefficient of determination of 0.8083. The study recommended banks consider both the external settings and internal factors simultaneously in developing strategies for managing their liquidity position efficiently and the constant reviewing of such policies and directives by Bank of Ghana, as the macroeconomic factors continue and frequently varies in making sure they add to economic growth.
Effect Of Dialium Guineense On Iron And Haematological Profiles Using Rat Models
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Dadson, A.B.
ABSTRACT Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is a consequence of suboptimal dietary iron intake or inefficient dietary iron absorption. Dialium guineense also known as black velvet tamarind (BVT) has a rich combination of both iron as well as vitamin C, coupled with low levels of antinutrients. Traditionally, the fruit pulp of BVT is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia in certain parts of the Ghana. The efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions however need a wider exploration. Aim: To determine the effect of Dialium guineense pulp on iron and haematological profile levels of rats. Methods: A total of twenty SD rats were weight-matched into 4 groups of 5 rats each (Groups 1-4). Group 1 was fed on a normal diet and groups 2 - 3 fed on BVT fruit pulp in the form of fruit juice extract with different concentrations for 90 days. The rats in group 2 (low dose) were fed with 2.5 g of BVT fruit juice, with 5 g and 10 g of BVT juice for group 3 (medium dose) and group 4 (high dose) respectively. The doses of BVT were administered orally to the SD rats via gavage. Blood samples from the animals were collected by cardiac puncture at the end of the experiment. Serum iron profile (serum iron, total iron binding capacity- TIBC, percentage saturation) was performed. Additionally, haematological profile (red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC), and white blood cell differentials (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) were assayed using an automated haematological analyser at the end of the 90-day period. Results: The study revealed a dose dependent increase of serum iron among treatment groups, with the high dose recording the highest mean (51.93 ± 0.58 mmol/L) against the control (47.08 ± 0.58 mmol/L). There was a general decrease in TIBC among treatment groups with the medium dose group recording the lowest mean value (88.00 ± 0.50 mmol/L). A general increase in %SAT was also observed across the treatment group with the high dose group recording (52.38 ± 0.93mmol/L) against the control group (38.45 ± 0.93 mmol/L).These observations were however not statistically significant. The study showed no significant change in nearly all the haematological parameters of the research group, compared to the control group. An increase was observed in RBC with the high dose group recording (7.44 ± 0.76 × 1012/L) in contrast to the control group (7.22 ± 0.76 × 1012/L), however the difference was not statistically significant. A general decrease was observed in HB across experimental groups with the high dose group having (13.98 ± 0.42 g/dL) against the control (14.18 ± 0.42 g/dL). Furthermore, a decrease was observed across WBC values with the control having (14.18 ± 0.33 × 109/L) against the high dose group (13.60 ± 0.33 × 109/L). For WBC differentials, there was a general increase except for lymphocytes and basophils. All these differences were however, not statistically significant. A significantly strong negative correlation was observed between percent saturation and TIBC (r= -0.85, p<0.01). A significantly strong positive correlation was also observed between RBC and HBG (r= 0.72, p= 0.01) as well as MCV and MCH (r= 0.82, p <0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that Dialium guineense did not significantly increase the serum iron levels and haematological indices of the rats, although serum iron increased in a dose dependent manner.
Relationship Between Dietary Fibre Intake and Blood Pressure, Lipid Profile and Anthropometric Measurements of Hypertensive Patients
(University of Ghana, 2020-11) Numadzi, E.A.
Background Hypertension also known as high blood pressure is an issue of global health concern. Globally, hypertension is estimated to cause about 12.8% of total deaths. Dietary fibre is an important component of a healthy diet and has received much attention in recent times due to the vital functions it plays in the human body. Studies have shown that dietary fibre helps in body weight regulation, lipid reduction, improved glucose metabolism, and blood pressure control. Aim This study sought to determine the relationship between dietary fibre intake and blood pressure, lipid profile and anthropometric measurements of hypertensive patients. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 purposively sampled hypertensive patients. Participants (190) were recruited and interviewed using a structured questionnaire to assess lifestyle factors, demographic and socio-economic information. A quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess dietary fibre intake of the patients. Dietary fibre intake was estimated using the nutrient analysis software Microdiet (version 3.0, Downlee Systems, UK). Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were also taken. Lipid profile values were obtained from the participant’s folder. Data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23.0). Categorical variables were presented using frequency distribution tables, graphs and bar charts. Independent t-test was used to compare variables among gender. The relationship between dietary fibre intake, BMI, blood pressure, visceral fat and lipid profile values was determined using Pearson’s correlation. Results Mean dietary fibre intake of participants was 15.4 ±7.1 g. The major sources of dietary fibre were cereals and grains. Mean BMI (29.4 ± 5.6 kg/m2) and visceral fat (11.0±3.9) were above normal reference range for both male and female participants. Mean lipid profile values (TC-5.1 ± 1.2 mmol/L, TG-1.4 ± 0.6 mmol/L, HDL-C-1.4 ± 0.5 mmol/L and LDL-C-3.1 ± 1.1 mmol/L) of the participants were within normal range. There was no significant association between dietary fibre and blood pressure, dietary fibre and BMI and dietary fibre and visceral fat (p>0.05). However, there was a negative correlation, though not significant, between dietary fibre intake and TG (p > 0.05, r = -0.09) and dietary fibre and HDL-C (p>0.05, r = -0.85). Conclusion Dietary fibre intake among the hypertensive patients was below the recommended daily intake. Education on adequate dietary fibre intake among these patients must be enhanced by healthcare personnel especially dietitians. Associations between dietary fibre, blood pressure, body mass index, visceral fat and lipid profile were not significant.
The Effect of Honey, White and Brown Table Sugar on Lipid Profile and Glucose Level in Rats
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Tuffour, D.K.
Background: Honey and table sugar are commonly used sweeteners by many consumers. These sweeteners are examples of disaccharide sugar which forms part of the complex macromolecule, carbohydrate. Excessive consumption of dietary sugars including table sugar and honey is associated with several metabolic abnormalities and adverse health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There is a general debate by many researchers and consumers that honey is better than brown sugar which is also better than white sugar. However, scientific data supporting these claims are inconclusive on the effect of these natural sweeteners on the various biomarkers of cardio vascular health and glycaemia. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of honey, white and brown table sugar on lipid profile, glucose level and pancreatic insulin level and histology using animal models. Methodology: Thirty-five (35) male Sprague Dawley rats aged 12 - 14 weeks, weighing 150g - 250g were obtained. The groups were set up as follows: Group 1 (G1) – control group, group 2 (G2) - white sugar low dose 0.055 g (WS LD), group 3 (G3) - white sugar high dose 0.22 g (WS HD), group 4 (G4) - brown sugar low dose 0.057 (BS LD), group 5 (G5) - brown sugar high dose 0.230 g (BS HD), group 6 (G6) - honey low dose 0.076 g (H LD) and group 7 (G7) - honey high dose 0.304 g (H HD). One (1) ml of the prepared white sugar, brown sugar or honey solution was administered daily to the treatment group of rats orally by gavage for 12 weeks. After a 12 week administration period, the rats were sacrificed for blood and tissue analysis. Four millimetres (4ml) of blood samples was collected for analysis of lipid profile (total cholesterol, total triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The harvested organ was weighed and divided into two parts. Half went into buffered formalin and the other half went into a container and stored at -80°C for insulin analysis. The pancreas was homogenized using dounce tissue grinder in cold PBS, for each 1 g of pancreas. The sample was centrifuged at approximately 10000 X g for 5 min. The supernatant was collected and insulin was measured. Two way ANOVA was used to compare the means within and between the treatment groups. Where ANOVA was significant, the post hoc test was performed using Bonferroni analysis. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: In this study, the assessed body weights of animals showed clear and continuous weight gain throughout the treatment groups, even though the difference was not significant between the groups. Also, the effect of intake of the three natural sweeteners white sugar, brown sugar and honey on the HbA1c, glucose level and lipid profile of the rats showed a significant increase in the high dose groups compared to the control group. Furthermore the effect of white sugar brown sugar and honey on the insulin levels of rats showed a significant decrease in insulin level of the high dose groups compare to the control group. However, the effect of white sugar, brown sugar and honey on insulin showed no significant difference between low dose groups when compared with the control group. Conclusion A twelve week treatment of honey, white and brown table sugar was found to cause an appreciable increase in FBG, HbA1c and lipid profile and release of insulin at the same dose. The increase was found to occur mostly in the high doses than in low doses with a few disparity.
Effect of Dialium Guineense on Iron and Haematological Profiles Using Rat Models
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Dadson, A.B.
Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is a consequence of suboptimal dietary iron intake or inefficient dietary iron absorption. Dialium guineense also known as black velvet tamarind (BVT) has a rich combination of both iron as well as vitamin C, coupled with low levels of antinutrients. Traditionally, the fruit pulp of BVT is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia in certain parts of the Ghana. The efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions however need a wider exploration. Aim: To determine the effect of Dialium guineense pulp on iron and haematological profile levels of rats. Methods: A total of twenty SD rats were weight-matched into 4 groups of 5 rats each (Groups 1-4). Group 1 was fed on a normal diet and groups 2 - 3 fed on BVT fruit pulp in the form of fruit juice extract with different concentrations for 90 days. The rats in group 2 (low dose) were fed with 2.5 g of BVT fruit juice, with 5 g and 10 g of BVT juice for group 3 (medium dose) and group 4 (high dose) respectively. The doses of BVT were administered orally to the SD rats via gavage. Blood samples from the animals were collected by cardiac puncture at the end of the experiment. Serum iron profile (serum iron, total iron binding capacity- TIBC, percentage saturation) was performed. Additionally, haematological profile (red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC), and white blood cell differentials (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) were assayed using an automated haematological analyser at the end of the 90-day period. Results: The study revealed a dose dependent increase of serum iron among treatment groups, with the high dose recording the highest mean (51.93 ± 0.58 mmol/L) against the control (47.08 ± 0.58 mmol/L). There was a general decrease in TIBC among treatment groups with the medium dose group recording the lowest mean value (88.00 ± 0.50 mmol/L). A general increase in %SAT was also observed across the treatment group with the high dose group recording (52.38 ± 0.93mmol/L) against the control group (38.45 ± 0.93 mmol/L).These observations were however not statistically significant. The study showed no significant change in nearly all the haematological parameters of the research group, compared to the control group. An increase was observed in RBC with the high dose group recording (7.44 ± 0.76 × 1012/L) in contrast to the control group (7.22 ± 0.76 × 1012/L), however the difference was not statistically significant. A general decrease was observed in HB across experimental groups with the high dose group having (13.98 ± 0.42 g/dL) against the control (14.18 ± 0.42 g/dL). Furthermore a decrease was observed across WBC values with the control having (14.18 ± 0.33 × 109/L) against the high dose group (13.60 ± 0.33 × 109/L). For WBC differentials, there was a general increase except for lymphocytes and basophils. All these differences were however, not statistically significant. A significantly strong negative correlation was observed between percent saturation and TIBC (r= -0.85, p<0.01). A significantly strong positive correlation was also observed between RBC and HBG (r= 0.72, p= 0.01) as well as MCV and MCH (r= 0.82, p <0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that Dialium guineense did not significantly increase the serum iron levels and haematological indices of the rats, although serum iron increased in a dose dependent manner.
Nutritional Status of Newly Reporting Cancer Patients from Two (2) Health Facilities in Accra
(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Asiedu, M.
Background: Cancer incidence, prevalence and mortality is increasing globally. In developing and economically transitioning countries, the incidence of cancer is increasing at alarming rates. Although malnutrition is a common characteristic of cancer patients, it is often ignored in treatments and follow up care. Assessing the nutritional status of newly reporting cancer patients will help to plan early and appropriate dietary interventions. Aim: To determine the nutritional status of newly reporting cancer patients in two health facilities: Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, and National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional design. A total of 125 newly reporting cancer patients were recruited from the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre and the Sweden Ghana Medical Center. Demographic and socioeconomic data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. A patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) tool was also used to assess malnutrition in patients. A 2-day non-consecutive 24 hour recall was taken using handy measures to estimate quantity of foods consumed on one weekday and one weekend day. Household Dietary diversity (HDD) score was calculated based on the 24 hour recall data. Anthropometric measurements were taken and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23.0). Descriptive statistics were calculated for continuous variables (age and income level). Proportions were calculated for categorical variables (gender, educational level, marital status and anthropometric measurements). Differences in means between the dietary diversity and PG-SGA scores of study participants from the two hospitals was determined using independent sample t-test. Association between the PG-SGA scores and HDD scores were determined using Pearson chi square. A p-value less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: A total number of 125 cancer patients were recruited for the study. Majority (65.6%) were 50 years and above. The overall mean HDD scores of the participants from the two hospitals was 6.29 ± 1.6. The mean PG-SGA scores of all study participants was 6.80 ± 4.50. There was a significant association between the dietary diversity scores and PG-SGA scores. Conclusion: Findings from this study showed that about 50% of the study participants were moderately malnourished with a PG-SGA score of 6.80. These findings may indicate that majority of cancer patients in Ghana may be malnourished and will benefit from nutrition intervention.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Anaemia among Allied Health Students in the University of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Duncan, R.N.
Background: Young adults transitioning from late adolescence to early adulthood (18-24 yrs) experience a growth spurt that imposes an increased need for both macronutrients and micronutrients. Adequate vitamin D levels mainly from sun exposure and diet improves bone function, especially attaining maximum bone strength and density in young adults. Also, the extra-skeletal functions of vitamin D which includes muscle strengthening and improved cognitive performance are all essential for growth. High prevalence of VDD have been reported in countries with abundant sunlight supply year round and in these areas VDD has been associated with poor diet, skin pigmentation, clothing and lack of sun exposure. Anaemia is another major public health problem known to be high especially among females of child-bearing age. Recent studies have reported an association between Vitamin D and anaemia indicating potential roles for vitamin D in iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis. Unfortunately, there is very little data on the vitamin D status of Ghanaians and moreso among healthy young adults. Aim: To determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and anaemia among undergraduate Allied Health students in University of Ghana, Legon. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. One Hundred and Twenty (120) study participants were randomly selected amongst undergraduates aged 18- 24 years from different departments in SBAHS, Univeristy of Ghana. A self-reported questionnaire was administered to obtain information on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics and anthropometric measurements of students. Also a FFQ was used to assess the dietary intakes of foods rich in vitamin D and iron. A Sunlight Exposure Questionnaire (SEQ) was also used to estimate sunlight exposure of students. Serum Vitamin D levels and Hb levels were determined from the blood samples collected from each student; using an Elisa Kit and the flow cytometry method respectively. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0 was used to analyse the data obtained. Chi-square test, Binary Logistic Regression and Correlation tests were used to determine the association between the variables. An independent t-test was used to find the differences between mean vitamin D and haemoglobin status of the students’ gender. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 77.5%. More males (80.3%) than females (74.6%) were vitamin D deficient. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of students were anaemic, majority being females (74.6%). Males had a much lower likelihood of being anaemic levels [AOR = 229.971, (95%CI = 30.141- 1754.641), p< 0.001]. Intake of some vitamin D- rich foods (Offal and processed meat), exposure to sunlight on weekends and normal muscle mass were significantly associated with vitamin D status. There was no significant association between vitamin D status and haemoglobin levels of students. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was very high amongst the students although most of them spent at least 30 minutes in the sun, especially on weekdays. Also, student intake of foods rich in vitamin D and iron was poor and almost all students rarely or never took any form of supplementation. There was no significant association between vitamin D and anaemia. However, the high prevalence of anaemia especially among female students goes to confirm global health reports on anaemia.
The Effect of Honey, White and Brown Table Sugar on Lipid Profile and Glucose Level in Rats
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Tuffour, D.K.
Background: Honey and table sugar are commonly used sweeteners by many consumers. These sweeteners are examples of disaccharide sugar which forms part of the complex macromolecule, carbohydrate. Excessive consumption of dietary sugars including table sugar and honey is associated with several metabolic abnormalities and adverse health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There is a general debate by many researchers and consumers that honey is better than brown sugar which is also better than white sugar. However, scientific data supporting these claims are inconclusive on the effect of these natural sweeteners on the various biomarkers of cardio vascular health and glycaemia. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of honey, white and brown table sugar on lipid profile, glucose level and pancreatic insulin level and histology using animal models. Methodology: Thirty-five (35) male Sprague Dawley rats aged 12 - 14 weeks, weighing 150g - 250g were obtained. The groups were set up as follows: Group 1 (G1) – control group, group 2 (G2) - white sugar low dose 0.055 g (WS LD), group 3 (G3) - white sugar high dose 0.22 g (WS HD), group 4 (G4) - brown sugar low dose 0.057 (BS LD), group 5 (G5) - brown sugar high dose 0.230 g (BS HD), group 6 (G6) - honey low dose 0.076 g (H LD) and group 7 (G7) - honey high dose 0.304 g (H HD). One (1) ml of the prepared white sugar, brown sugar or honey solution was administered daily to the treatment group of rats orally by gavage for 12 weeks. After a 12 week administration period, the rats were sacrificed for blood and tissue analysis. Four millimetres (4ml) of blood samples was collected for analysis of lipid profile (total cholesterol, total triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The harvested organ was weighed and divided into two parts. Half went into buffered formalin and the other half went into a container and stored at -80°C for insulin analysis. The pancreas was homogenized using dounce tissue grinder in cold PBS, for each 1 g of pancreas. The sample was centrifuged at approximately 10000 X g for 5 min. The supernatant was collected and insulin was measured. Two way ANOVA was used to compare the means within and between the treatment groups. Where ANOVA was significant, the post hoc test was performed using Bonferroni analysis. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: In this study, the assessed body weights of animals showed clear and continuous weight gain throughout the treatment groups, even though the difference was not significant between the groups. Also, the effect of intake of the three natural sweeteners white sugar, brown sugar and honey on the HbA1c, glucose level and lipid profile of the rats showed a significant increase in the high dose groups compared to the control group. Furthermore the effect of white sugar brown sugar and honey on the insulin levels of rats showed a significant decrease in insulin level of the high dose groups compare to the control group. However, the effect of white sugar, brown sugar and honey on insulin showed no significant difference between low dose groups when compared with the control group. Conclusion A twelve week treatment of honey, white and brown table sugar was found to cause an appreciable increase in FBG, HbA1c and lipid profile and release of insulin at the same dose. The increase was found to occur mostly in the high doses than in low doses with a few disparity.
Nutrition Support Practices in Ghanaian Hospitals
(University of Ghana, 2020-10-02) : Abban, P.K.Y.
Background: Nutrition support remains a key component of medical care. It is beneficial for critically ill patients with eating difficulties and their inability to meet their nutritional requirements. Nutrition support has been shown to positively affect clinical outcomes. Notwithstanding, there is paucity of published data on nutrition support practices and delivery in Ghanaian hospitals. Aim: To investigate nutrition support and its related practices in hospitals in Ghana. Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 137 healthcare professionals involved in nutrition support in 17 health facilities in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on hospital demographics, profile of clinicians, nutrition support delivery and monitoring practices. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Data were presented in charts, tables and figures. Pearson’s Chi-square was used to determine the association between categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Less than a quarter (22.0%), and 54.9% of the respondents indicated that they had a formal nutrition support guideline and nutrition support team in their facility respectively. Majority of the respondents indicated that they routinely screened patients in their facility (84.7%), and the dietitian (85.7%) was the main professional involved in nutrition screening. Unsuccessful oral nutrition (64.0%), and the use of apparent/obvious clinical indications (46.3%) were the main determinants of initiating enteral and parenteral nutrition respectively. Participants mainly used clinical judgement (81.4%), and professional experience (58.5%) as the basis for enteral nutrition support decision. However, the basis for parenteral nutrition decision was based solely on clinical judgement (73.2%). Less than half of the respondents (42.0%) reported that they had an above average competence in nutrition support, with a greater proportion being dietitians (69.2%). Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that although health professionals were involved in nutrition support, most of their practices were not consistent with recommended or published guidelines. Most of them relied greatly on clinical judgement as the basis for enteral and parenteral nutrition decision making
Maternal Dietary Intakes in the Third Trimester and Pregnancy Outcomes
(University of Ghana, 2020-09) Yeboah, A.
Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is a major determinant for birth outcomes and consequently, offspring health outcomes in later life. Poor maternal nutrition, particularly during the third trimester is a major cause of low birth weight (LBW) in developing countries.Inadequate intakes of specific nutrients such as iron and folate in pregnancy have been reported to lead to a variety of poor maternal and infant outcomes including anemia and preterm birth respectively. The pregnant woman is tasked to prioritize her nutritional needs and practice good dietary habits to achieve optimum birth outcomes. Aim: To assess the dietary intake and pregnancy outcomes of women in their third trimester attending antenatal clinics at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cohort design was employed for this study. The cohort design recruited third trimester pregnant women (N=81) between the ages of 18-49 years from Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region. Dietary intake data were obtained based on a 52-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Daily supplement dosages of participants were recorded. Serum concentrations of iron (ferritin) and folate were respectively determined using the AccuBind ELISA microwells. Data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 and nutrients analysis was done using West Africa Foods Analysis (WAFUDS). One-way anova test was used to determine differences among mean weights of the participants. Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to determine the strength and relationship between dietary intakes and birth outcomes as well as ferritin and folate sera levels of participants and birth outcomes. Means, median, mode and standard deviations were used to summarize continuous and categorical variables. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 81 participants were involved in this study. Their mean age was 32.22 (±6.00) years. A greater percentage (82.7%) of them was married and almost all (92.6%) the participants were formally educated with the majority (67.9%) involved in either trading or a vocation. The vast (76.9%; 100%; 86.4%) proportion of the participants were not involved in pica practice, consuming alcohol and skipping meals in the day during the 3rd trimester respectively. Majority (60.5%) of the participants ate thrice in the day with a substantial proportion (28.4%) also eating 4-5 times per day in the 3rd trimester. A sizeable proportion (11.1%) experienced some difficulties in food intakes during the 3rd trimester. Mean nutrients intake of dietary iron and folate were 13.54 (±8.30) mg and 331.16 (±113.97) mcg respectively. Mean intake of iron and folic acid supplement were 42.70 (±48.80) mg and 5.50 (±11.10) mg respectively. Majority (74.1%; 86.4%) of the participants did not meet recommendations for daily total iron and folate respectively. Most of the participants, however, had serum ferritin and folate levels in the normal range (82.7% and 87.7% respectively). In this study, almost all the participants obtained positive birth outcomes and the significant predictor of birth outcome was total dietary iron (p=0.041). Conclusion: The study showed that, the participants’ dietary habits were generally good. However, the amount of food consumed by majority was suboptimal which might have led to a greater percentage not meeting the dietary recommendations for both nutrients (folate and iron). Adherence to supplement intake was generally good which might have resorted to the normal serum ferritin and folate levels obtained. The good dietary habits and normal serum levels obtained could be a major contributing factor to the positive birth outcomes observed in the study.
Nutrient Profiles of Enteral Feeds in Selected Hospitals in Accra, Ghana.
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Adom, R.
Background: During critical illness, the body goes through hypermetabolic stress which can lead to serious complications when not immediately reversed. Nutrition support in the form of enteral nutrition is provided to help the body recover. Commercial formulas have been designed to cater for nutrient needs of the critically ill however, due to financial costs and tolerability on the part of patients, hospital-prepared enteral feeds are provided. Some studies have focused on the benefits of hospital-prepared enteral feeds to the critically ill. In other parts of the world, the provision of such feeds have faded. The practice is done in Ghana but there is limited documented research for its use. Aim: To assess the nutrient profiles of hospital-prepared enteral feeds in two selected hospitals in Accra. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Twenty-one (21) dietitians and six (6) diet cooks were interviewed in the study. Three (3) hospital-prepared enteral feed samples were collected from the two hospitals on three different days and their energy and nutrient values were analysed. The recipes used in the preparation of the feeds were then analysed using ESHA Food Processor and Nutrient Analysis software. Means and standard deviation were used to describe results. The energy and nutrient values obtained from the chemical analyses of the hospital-prepared enteral feeds were compared to commercial formulas using independent sample t-test. Results: Ensure, Complan, Casilan and hospital-prepared enteral feeds (fortified porridges and soups) were the types of enteral feeds used in the two hospitals. Hospital-prepared enteral feeds were commonly used although there were no standardized documented recipes for their preparation in the two hospitals. Statistically significant differences were observed in all nutrients with the exception of energy, carbohydrate, vitamin C and sodium between the two hospitals. Statistically significant differences were observed in the energy and nutrient values of hospital-prepared enteral feeds compared to commercial formulas in both hospitals with the exception of vitamin C (p = 0.331), iron (p = 0.765), sodium (p = 0.160) phosphorus (p = 0.090) in Hospital A, fibre (p = 0.770) and sodium (p = 0.094) in Hospital B. Conclusions: The study showed that fortified porridges and soups were the types of hospital-prepared enteral feeds used in the two hospitals with fortified soup being commonly used. The commercial enteral formulas frequently used in the two hospitals were Ensure, Complan, Casilan. There were no documented standardized recipes in the two selected hospitals. Significant differences were observed in all nutrient values with the exception of energy, carbohydrate, vitamin C and sodium of hospital-prepared enteral feed samples investigated by chemical analyses between the two hospitals. Again, the energy and nutrient values of hospital-prepared enteral feeds samples differed from the commercial enteral formulas. Therefore, documented standardized recipes should be developed in all hospitals to guide cooking that will help improve nutrition and prevent inconsistencies in nutrient values
Effect of Dialium Guineense on Iron and Haematological Profiles Using Rat Models
(University Of Ghana, 2020-10) Dadson, A.B.
Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is a consequence of suboptimal dietary iron intake or inefficient dietary iron absorption. Dialium guineense also known as black velvet tamarind (BVT) has a rich combination of both iron as well as vitamin C, coupled with low levels of antinutrients. Traditionally, the fruit pulp of BVT is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia in certain parts of the Ghana. The efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions however need a wider exploration. Aim: To determine the effect of Dialium guineense pulp on iron and haematological profile levels of rats. Methods: A total of twenty SD rats were weight-matched into 4 groups of 5 rats each (Groups 1-4). Group 1 was fed on a normal diet and groups 2 - 3 fed on BVT fruit pulp in the form of fruit juice extract with different concentrations for 90 days. The rats in group 2 (low dose) were fed with 2.5 g of BVT fruit juice, with 5 g and 10 g of BVT juice for group 3 (medium dose) and group 4 (high dose) respectively. The doses of BVT were administered orally to the SD rats via gavage. Blood samples from the animals were collected by cardiac puncture at the end of the experiment. Serum iron profile (serum iron, total iron binding capacity- TIBC, percentage saturation) was performed. Additionally, haematological profile (red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC), and white blood cell differentials (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) were assayed using an automated haematological analyser at the end of the 90-day period. Results: The study revealed a dose dependent increase of serum iron among treatment groups, with the high dose recording the highest mean (51.93 ± 0.58 mmol/L) against the control (47.08 ± 0.58 mmol/L). There was a general decrease in TIBC among treatment groups with the medium dose group recording the lowest mean value (88.00 ± 0.50 mmol/L). A general increase in %SAT was also observed across the treatment group with the high dose group recording (52.38 ± 0.93mmol/L) against the control group (38.45 ± 0.93 mmol/L).These observations were however not statistically significant. The study showed no significant change in nearly all the haematological parameters of the research group, compared to the control group. An increase was observed in RBC with the high dose group recording (7.44 ± 0.76 × 1012/L) in contrast to the control group (7.22 ± 0.76 × 1012/L), however the difference was not statistically significant. A general decrease was observed in HB across experimental groups with the high dose group having (13.98 ± 0.42 g/dL) against the control (14.18 ± 0.42 g/dL). Furthermore a decrease was observed across WBC values with the control having (14.18 ± 0.33 × 109/L) against the high dose group (13.60 ± 0.33 × 109/L). For WBC differentials, there was a general increase except for lymphocytes and basophils. All these differences were however, not statistically significant. A significantly strong negative correlation was observed between percent saturation and TIBC (r= -0.85, p<0.01). A significantly strong positive correlation was also observed between RBC and HBG (r= 0.72, p= 0.01) as well as MCV and MCH (r= 0.82, p <0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that Dialium guineense did not significantly increase the serum iron levels and haematological indices of the rats, although serum iron increased in a dose dependent manner.
Anaemia and Dietary Diversity among Pregnant Women an Margibi and Grand Cape Mount Counties, Liberia
(University of Ghana, 2020-10) GEETAH SLAMIE
Background Globally, anaemia remains a severe public health concern among women of reproductive ages including pregnant women in developing countries like Liberia. Anaemia can be attributed to nutritional deficiency resulting from factors such as inadequate or poor dietary intake, food insecurity, infections. Poor dietary diversity also leads to increased micronutrient deficiencies. Nevertheless, there is limited documentation of anaemia prevalence and dietary diversity among pregnant women in Liberia. Aim The aim of this study was to assess dietary diversity and the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Margibi and Grand Cape Mount Counties, Liberia. Method A cross sectional study design was used. A systematic sampling procedure was used to recruit 139 pregnant women between 15-49 years from antenatal clinics in Margibi and Grand Cape Mount counties. Data were collected through interviewer administered questionnaires. Dietary intake information was obtained through a 24-hour dietary recall. Based on this, dietary diversity was obtained following the FAO dietary diversity determination protocol for women in their reproductive ages. Hemoglobin status was determined using the hemocue analyzer. SPSS version 23 software was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means and standard deviation were applied to analyze the data. Statistical inferences were drawn using t-tests and chi square tests. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. iii Results The mean age was 24.0 (7.0) years. Nearly all the pregnant women (98.1%) consumed from the grains group. Lesser percentage (23.7%) consumed from the vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables group. The mean Minimum Dietary Diversity among women of reproductive age (MDD-W) was 3.57±1.01. Also, 54% of the pregnant women were anaemic. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.44 g/dl ± 1.46. There was no significant association between dietary diversity and anaemia among the pregnant women. Conclusion The prevalence of anaemia among the pregnant women was of public health concern among the pregnant women. Many of the pregnant women had poor dietary diversity. There is an imperative need to encourage diversity in dietary intake through awareness, education, and knowledge in dietary diversity and improve access to diverse foods for a healthy life.
Determinants of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Pregnant Adolescents in Accra
(University Of Ghana, 2020-10) Donkor-Adjei, E.
Background: Adolescent pregnancies have been shown to have poorer outcomes compared to pregnancies in adult women. Nutritional status may play an important role in improving the health of pregnant adolescents. However, little is known about micronutrient status and the factors that influence the adequacy of the diets of the Ghanaian population particularly among pregnant adolescents. Aim: To identify the determinants of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Eighty three (83) pregnant adolescent girls were recruited from three (3) health facilities; Ussher Polyclinic, La General Hospital and Mamprobi Polyclinic. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic data. Participants’ dietary micronutrient intakes and food consumption pattern were assessed using the 24-hour dietary recall and the food frequency questionnaire method respectively. Participants’ haemoglobin status were also obtained from their maternal records books. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 was used to analyse data obtained. A one sample t-test was used to compare mean nutrient intake to the EAR/RDA. Pearson Chi square tests was used to determine the relationships between socio- demographic variables and dietary intakes of micronutrients and socio-demographic variables and haemoglobin status. ANOVA was used to compare the mean dietary intakes of the girls between trimesters of pregnancy. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean intakes of micronutrients (iron, folate, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin C) were below recommended levels. Vitamin B12 and phosphorus were however above 50% of the EAR. A low consumption pattern of the micronutrient source foods was observed. There was no significant association between dietary intakes of iron, vitamin B12, calcium, zinc and vitamin C and socio-demographic variables except for phosphorus which was significantly associated with occupation (χ2 8.185, p=0.017). Folate intake was inadequate for all the girls. There was also no significant association of the mean dietary intakes of selected micronutrients between trimesters of pregnancy. Further, no significant association was observed between haemoglobin status and socio-demographic variables of the pregnant adolescent girls. Anaemia prevalence was found to be 62.7%. Conclusion: There was inadequate dietary micronutrient intakes among the participants. A generally low consumption pattern of micronutrient source foods was observed among the participants. Socio-demographic variables had no significant association with dietary intakes and anaemia except dietary phosphorus which was significantly associated with occupation. There is a need for nutrition intervention to help improve dietary micronutrient intakes in this population.
Assessing Nutrition Knowledge and Nutritional Status of Sickle Cell Disease Patients
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Mintah, F.O.
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common haemoglobinopathy that is acquired by inheriting the defective gene from both parents. In recent years, it has become an important public health issue among people of African descent especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, SCD occurs in almost 1 in 50 (2%) of all births annually. The disease is characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, vaso-occlusion and inflammation. These events increase the resting energy expenditure of individuals and contribute to the hypermetabolic state of a sickle cell patient, and consequently impact on the nutritional status. The poor nutritional status reported in individuals with SCD can also be attributed to reduced dietary intake due to low appetite leading to varied nutrient deficiencies including vitamin A, C, E and D deficiencies. In spite of these nutritional challenges faced by this group of people, frequent nutritional counselling is not part of the standard of care. However, recent studies have identified nutrition knowledge as one of the mechanisms which influence nutritional behaviour of individuals thereby improving their nutritional status. Aim: To assess nutritional knowledge and nutritional status of people with sickle cell disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. An estimated number of 173 adolescents and adults attending the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, Korle Bu who were recruited for the SickleGenAfrica project were enrolled for this study. Nutrition knowledge of patients was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Anthropometric, biochemical data and a oneweek food frequency questionnaire were used to assess nutritional status. About 0.15ml of serum for the SickleGenAfrica project was sampled to assess serum vitamin E and IL-6 levels using Enzyme Linked Immunoassay technique. Stata/IC 14.0 was used for data analysis. Chisquared was used to test for associations between nutrition knowledge and nutritional status. Linear regression was used to determine association between inflammation and nutritional status. Multiple regression was used to test for the strength of the significant associations. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Malnutrition was recorded among 25% of the participants with prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity as 15.2%, 7.6% and 1.8% respectively. Majority (84.8%) of the participants had high nutrition knowledge. There was no association between nutritional knowledge and nutritional status. The frequency of fruits and vegetables consumption was low. The mean serum vitamin E level of participants was 6.7±9.9μg/ml and there was no significant difference between mean levels of Hb SS and Hb SC individuals. Even in steady state, IL-6 levels were elevated with a mean of 18.6±33.7 pg/ml and this correlated negatively with body weight (r = -0.1698, p = 0.03). Body weight and height could predict 3% of the variability in IL-6 levels (F (2, 165) = 2.97; p – 0.05). There was a significant difference between the IL-6 levels of Hb SS and Hb SC individuals with means of 21.4±3.42 pg/ml and 11.2±2.70 pg/ml (p - 0.02) respectively. Conclusion: Nutrition knowledge did not influence nutritional status. Results from this study show that participants are at risk of vitamin E deficiency. Hb SS individuals experienced higher levels of inflammation compared to Hb SC individuals.
Nutritional Assessment of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Study at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC), Korle Bu.
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Akpah, C.I.M.
Background: Cancer is one of the diseases with high mortality rates and economic burden in the world especially within sub-Saharan Africa. Cancer has both local and systemic effects on the body which can compromise the nutritional status of patients. Treatment of cancer especially chemotherapy has several side effects which are detrimental to the nutritional status of the individual and can lead to treatment interruptions or termination as well as compromise clinical outcomes. Cancer patients are at a higher risk of malnutrition since both the disease and the treatment can affect the nutritional status of the patients negatively. In order to improve tolerance to treatment and better clinical outcomes, early identification of patients at risk of malnutrition is essential. This will ensure that appropriate interventions are put in place for uninterrupted treatment and best possible clinical outcome. Aim: To conduct nutritional assessment using the Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment tool to identify malnutrition in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. One hundred and twenty three (123) participants undergoing chemotherapy partook in the study within a two-month period. A structured questionnaire was used in assessing socio-demographic and medical history. The Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) instrument which is a validated tool for nutritional assessment of cancer patients, was used to assess weight loss, food intake, nutrition impact symptoms and functional capacity. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 was used to analyse the data obtained. Categorical variables were presented using frequency distribution tables, graphs and bar charts and continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between continuous variables. Analysis of variance was used to find the mean differences between the various cancer groups. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. Results: The study revealed that 5.7% (n= 7) of the patients were well nourished, 31.7% (n= 39) were suspected of being malnourished and 62.6% (n=77) were severely malnourished. Varying degrees of weight loss was experienced by approximately 48% (n=60) of participants undergoing chemotherapy. More than half (56.9%, n=70) of the participants were consuming less than their normal intake. The latter was more common in participants who had completed the second cycle of chemotherapy. The major nutritional symptoms experienced by the respondents were fatigue, pain and others (depression and financial constraints). Poor nutritional status was positively correlated with weight loss and nutritional symptoms (r=0.747, p<0.001). Conclusion: The data presented in this study showed high prevalence of malnutrition in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy which is of public health concern to all.
Assessing Nutrition Knowledge and Nutritional Status of Sickle Cell Disease Patients
(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Mintah, F.O.
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common haemoglobinopathy that is acquired by inheriting the defective gene from both parents. In recent years, it has become an important public health issue among people of African descent especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, SCD occurs in almost 1 in 50 (2%) of all births annually. The disease is characterised by chronic haemolytic anaemia, vaso-occlusion and inflammation. These events increase the resting energy expenditure of individuals and contribute to the hypermetabolic state of a sickle cell patient, and consequently impact on the nutritional status. The poor nutritional status reported in individuals with SCD can also be attributed to reduced dietary intake due to low appetite leading to varied nutrient deficiencies including vitamin A, C, E and D deficiencies. In spite of these nutritional challenges faced by this group of people, frequent nutritional counselling is not part of the standard of care. However, recent studies have identified nutrition knowledge as one of the mechanisms which influence nutritional behaviour of individuals thereby improving their nutritional status. Aim: To assess nutritional knowledge and nutritional status of people with sickle cell disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. An estimated number of 173 adolescents and adults attending the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, Korle Bu who were recruited for the SickleGenAfrica project were enrolled for this study. Nutrition knowledge of patients was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Anthropometric, biochemical data and a one-week food frequency questionnaire were used to assess nutritional status. About 0.15ml of serum for the SickleGenAfrica project was sampled to assess serum vitamin E and IL-6 levels using Enzyme Linked Immunoassay technique. Stata/IC 14.0 was used for data analysis. Chi-squared was used to test for associations between nutrition knowledge and nutritional status. Linear regression was used to determine association between inflammation and nutritional status. Multiple regression was used to test for the strength of the significant associations. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Malnutrition was recorded among 25% of the participants with prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity as 15.2%, 7.6% and 1.8% respectively. Majority (84.8%) of the participants had high nutrition knowledge. There was no association between nutritional knowledge and nutritional status. The frequency of fruits and vegetables consumption was low. The mean serum vitamin E level of participants was 6.7±9.9μg/ml and there was no significant difference between mean levels of Hb SS and Hb SC individuals. Even in steady state, IL-6 levels were elevated with a mean of 18.6±33.7 pg/ml and this correlated negatively with body weight (r = -0.1698, p = 0.03). Body weight and height could predict 3% of the variability in IL-6 levels (F (2, 165) = 2.97; p – 0.05). There was a significant difference between the IL-6 levels of Hb SS and Hb SC individuals with means of 21.4±3.42 pg/ml and 11.2±2.70 pg/ml (p - 0.02) respectively. Conclusion: Nutrition knowledge did not influence nutritional status. Results from this study show that participants are at risk of vitamin E deficiency. Hb SS individuals experienced higher levels of inflammation compared to Hb SC individuals.

Browse

Recent Submissions