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A long essay or dissertation or thesis involving personal research, written by postgraduates of University of Ghana for a university degree.
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Item Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana(Journal of Obesity and Overweight, 2015) Ndanu, T.A.; Aryeetey, R.; Sackeyfio, J.; et al.Background: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species are major bacteria associated with dental caries. In the presence of fermentable sugars and poor oral hygiene, these bacteria increase the risk of caries. Some studies have associated obesity with dental caries while others did not. High-sugar snacks are risks for both obesity and dental caries. Citation: Ndanu TA, Aryeetey R, Sackeyfio J, Otoo G, Lartey A, et al. (2015) Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non-Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana. J Obes Overweig 1(1): 101. doi: 10.15744/2455-7633.1.101 Objectives: This study aimed at determining Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species infection and its relationship with dental caries among obese and non-obese children. Methods: Oral plaque was taken from 75 obese and non-obese children from private schools in Accra, Ghana. The plaque was pre-enriched in thioglycollate broth for 48 hours at 37 °C. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species were recovered after sub-culturing the broths onto Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB) and Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) selective plates, respectively, and incubation at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions. Bacteria isolates on the selective plates were identified using Gram morphology and catalase activity. Results: Streptococcus mutans was isolated in 51 (33.6%) of all 150 children. The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans was significantly higher in the obese children 31 (41.3%) than the non-obese 20 (26.0%), p=0.033. Recovery of Lactobacillus species was low 2 (1.3%). Caries prevalence was similar in the obese 14.9% and non-obese 15.1%. There was no significant association between Streptococcus mutans infection and the dental caries. Overall Silness and LÖe Plaque Index of 1.1 ± 0.5 indicate good oral hygiene status for the children. Conclusion: Obese school children had higher oral Streptococcus mutans infections than non-obese children but this was not significantly associated with dental caries prevalence.Item Environmental exposure and potential health impact of heavy metals in previous mining communities in Ghana(HSI Journal, 2024) Opoku, R.B.; Dankyi, E.; Christian, A.; Aryeetey, R.Heavy metal exposure arising from metal mining is a significant source of pollution in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, concerns have been heightened due to increasing artisanal mining activities. Although efforts are being made to curb illegal mining activities, including a ban on artisanal mining by the government of Ghana, the devastating impacts of mining activities can persist in the environment for a long period. This study was carried out to assess the impact of mining activities on the exposure of toxic and potentially toxic metals in food, vegetation, soil, and water samples from communities where mining activities have been halted for several years. The samples were digested using a microwave digestion system employing a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and analyzed for mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Co), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe), using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results showed generally elevated levels of metals in water, food, vegetation, and soils. For example, in vegetation, the average concentrations of Pb, Hg, Cd, and As were 198 μg/kg, 303 μg/kg, 75 μg/kg, and 519 μg/kg, respectively, while the average levels of As and Pb were 11,111 μg/kg, and 3,518 μg/kg, respectively, in soil samples collected from abandoned mining sites. Food crops (cassava and plantain samples) grown in abandoned mining fields had elevated levels of Pb (602 μg/kg) and Hg (15.7 μg/kg). Based on our findings of widespread exposure, high concentrations, and potential health risks posed by these metals, proactive measures for the reclamation and remediation of affected land are needed to protect the environment and human lives in these previous mining communities.Item Nutrition intakes and nutritional status of school age children in Ghana(Journal of Food Research, 2017) Owusu, J.S.; Colecraft, E.K.; Aryeetey, R.; et al.This paper compares the nutrition intake and nutritional status of school children from two public schools in neighbouring communities of Ghana with different school feeding programmes. One hundred and eighty-two caregiver and school-age child pairs were interviewed concerning socio-demographics, dietary practices, and food security in a cross-sectional design. The independent t-test was used to compare the contribution of the publicly funded Ghana School Feeding Programme and Private School Feeding Programme meals to the total daily nutrient intakes of the children. Predictors of the nutritional status of the children were assessed using logistic regression models. The private school feeding programme contributed more energy, protein, and micronutrients as compared to the government school feeding programme. About two-thirds (67.0%) of the children were stunted, underweight, or anaemic. The child’s age was a significant predictor of stunting. Undernutrition was prevalent among children from both programmes. Improved quality of diet from the feeding programmes may contribute to addressing malnutrition in these children.Item Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana(Journal of Obesity and Overweight, 2015) Ndanu, T.A.; Aryeetey, R.; Sackeyfio, J.; et al.Background: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species are major bacteria associated with dental caries. In the presence of fermentable sugars and poor oral hygiene, these bacteria increase the risk of caries. Some studies have associated obesity with dental caries while others did not. High-sugar snacks are risks for both obesity and dental caries. Citation: Ndanu TA, Aryeetey R, Sackeyfio J, Otoo G, Lartey A, et al. (2015) Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus Species Infection in Obese and Non-Obese School Children in Accra, Ghana. J Obes Overweig 1(1): 101 Objectives: This study aimed at determining Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species infection and its relationship with dental caries among obese and non-obese children. Methods: Oral plaque was taken from 75 obese and non-obese children from private schools in Accra, Ghana. The plaque was pre-enriched in thioglycollate broth for 48 hours at 37 °C. Streptococcus mutants and Lactobacillus species were recovered after sub-culturing the broths onto Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB) and Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) selective plates, respectively, and incubation at 37 °C under anaerobic conditional morphology and catalase activity identified bacteriuria isolates on the selective privity. Results: Streptococcus mutans was isolated in 51 (33.6%) of all 150 children. The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans was significantly higher in the obese children 31 (41.3%) than the non-obese 20 (26.0%), p=0.033. Recovery of Lactobacillus species was low 2 (1.3%). Caries prevalence was similar in the obese 14.9% and non-obese 15.1%. There was no significant association between Streptococcus mutans infection and the dental caries. Overall Silness and LÖe Plaque Index of 1.1 ± 0.5 indicate good oral hygiene status for the children. Conclusion: Obese school children had higher oral Streptococcus mutans infections than non-obese children but this was not significantly associated with dental caries prevalence.Item A Review Of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines In Africa: Opportunities To Enhance The Healthiness And Environmental Sustainability Of Population Diets(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2022) Ainuson-Quampah, J.; Aryeetey, R.; Amuna, N.N.; Holdsworth, M.Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are important tools for promoting healthy eating and nutrition education at the population level. Currently, more than 100 countries worldwide have developed FBDGs with the majority of existing FBDGs in high-income countries. However, there are a few countries in Africa which have developed FBDGs. This review describes and compares the characteristics of existing FBDGs in Africa. Data were extracted from all existing FBDGs from African countries which have been archived in the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) online repository of FBDGs. In addition, supporting documentation from other sources linked to the identified FBDGs was also reviewed. Extracted data were coded and synthesized to describe the purpose of the FBDGs, the process for developing the FBDGs, and how healthy diets were expressed in the FBDGs. In addition, the FBDGs were examined for content on considerations for planetary health, and non-dietary recommendations. A checklist was used to extract the evidence in the identified documents. Of the 47 African countries in the WHO Africa region, only eight FBDGs were identified from seven countries. South Africa had two FBDGs (including an FBDG for young children). Multi-disciplinary technical working groups were convened to develop the majority of the FBDGs. The working groups utilized scientific evidence on diet-related diseases and nutrient requirements as a basis for recommendations. All the FBDGs were intended as a tool for promoting healthy diets among the lay population. The FBDGs that were reviewed included between six and sixteen dietary messages. Diet diversification was promoted as the most common recommendation across African country FBDGs. The recommendations often promoted consumption of four to six food groups communicated using text as well as images (food guide). Local availability and cultural acceptability were important values promoted as part of an optimal diet in some of the countries. However, none of the recommendations addressed environmental sustainability. Apart from South Africa, none of the FBDGs had been evaluated or revised. Across Africa, there is a need for increased focus on developing new FBDGs or revising existing ones as a tool for meeting the dietary information needs of populations at risk of malnutrition in all its forms.Item Oral Hygiene Practices and Caries Prevalence among 9-15 Years Old Ghanaian School Children(Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences, 2015) Ndanu, T.A.; Aryeetey, R.; Sackeyfio, J.; et al.Introduction: Good oral hygiene protects against oral diseases such as caries and gum infections. Twice daily tooth brushing with fluoride pastes and flossing is recommended to keep the mouth clean and reduce plaque bacterial growth. Poor access to oral cleaning material and dental care services exposes children from poor backgrounds to oral diseases. Objectives: The study assessed oral hygiene practices and caries prevalence among school children. Dental caries and gum disease are the most common oral diseases in children [1] and may be associated with severe pain [2-4]. The pain may interfere with food intake and affect the normal growth of the child [1,5]. Globally prevalence of dental caries is declining but the factors that predispose children to caries persist [6]. These factors include high snacking habits and bad oral hygiene practices [7]. Studies have indicated that socio-economic factors are associated with caries prevalence in both adults and children [4,8,9]. Dental caries was shown to be most prevalent in school children from poorer families. These Children also had a greater number of untreated oral lesions [10,11]. Dental Caries is an infectious disease caused by the acid produced by the fermentation of simple sugars by oral bacteria, the chief of which are streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus species [12,13]. Although sugars are provided by the type of diet consumed especially in our snacks, its effect on caries shows only when it is accompanied by poor oral hygiene practices and resultant poor oral hygiene status [14,15]. Oral cleanliness is therefore a basic factor for good oral health, especially in children. Poor oral hygiene leads to dental plaque formation [16,17]. Dental plaque, the soft adherent materials deposited on the tooth surface may consist of bacteria, desquamated epithelial cells, and migrated polymorphonuclear leukocytes [18]. A study in suburban school children in Accra reported plaque accumulation of 90% in 5-6 year-olds but 54% in 9-year-olds. [19]. Poor oral hygiene therefore allows the bacteria in the plaque to thrive and then ferment sugars in foods to produce acid that leads to dental caries. Methods: A cross-section of 9-15-year-old school children (n=1,040) were randomly selected from private and public schools in Accra, Ghana. Oral hygiene and snacking habits were assessed by interview using a structured questionnaire. Oral cleanliness and dental caries were assessed by oral examination by two calibrated dental surgeons. Silness and LÖe Plaque Index (PI) and Decay, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores were used to determine oral hygiene and caries status respectively. Results: The mean age of the sample was 12.01±1.52 years. Overall caries prevalence was 17.4% but (19.9%) in the public and (15.1%) in the private schools. It was higher in the females (19.3%) than the males (15.1%) in both private and public schools. Almost all (96.6%) brushed once a day. About 60.0% had plaque and 64.4% had supra gingival calculus. The overall mean DMFT score was 1.138±0.476. Types of snacks taken in a day and weekly frequency of snacks were significantly higher in the private schools than in the public school children. Overall, oral hygiene status was acceptable in the children. Lack of good oral hygiene therefore becomes the single most important factor in determining the risk of caries, especially in children. Frequent snacking on sugar foods such as soft drinks, candies, fruit drinks, and high-sugar fruits may increase the risk of caries in children [20,21]. Simple mouth cleaning practices can easily clear this sugar substrate remove oral plaque, and reduce the incidence of dental caries. Caries will occur when plaque pH levels drop below 5.5 due to increased acid production in the dental plaque from the fermentation of sugars in the foods consumed [22]. Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices and status were comparable in the private and public schools. Snacking frequency was high in both groups but did not account for the differences in caries prevalence observed.Item Factors influencing the use of adequately iodated salt in Ghana(African Journal of Food Science, 2012) Ahiadeke, C.; Ackah, C.; Aryeetey, R.; Acquah, A.Ghana is one of the largest producers of salt in the West African region yet, access to and the use of adequately iodized salt is not widespread. Using the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2006, this paper examined the factors influencing the use of adequately iodized salt in Ghana. Factors that influence the use of adequately iodized salt include knowledge, access to information, and wealth status. Where access to formal education opportunities was not available, access to information through media still served as an important instrument to educate the public and increase the community’s knowledge on the nutritional value of consuming adequately iodized salt. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the cost of iodized salt should be reduced to make it more affordable particularly for the poor since wealth is an important factor influencing the use of adequately iodized salt. Furthermore, monitoring and ensuring enforcement of the law of salt fortification with iodine would help Ghana achieve universal salt iodization.Item A Review of Leadership and Capacity Gaps in Nutrition Sensitive Agricultural Policies and Strategies for Selected Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia(Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 2020) Aryeetey, R.; Covic, N.Background: Agriculture policies and strategies designed, purposefully, to address malnutrition are considered nutrition-sensitive and are a critical component of global efforts to address malnutrition in all its forms. However, limited evidence exists on the extent and how nutrition is being integrated into agriculture sector policies, strategies, and programs. A review was conducted to address 2 questions: How nutrition-sensitive are agriculture policies, plans, and investments in selected Sub-Saharan African (SSA) and Asian countries? and Which capacity and leadership gaps limit scale up of nutrition-sensitive agriculture Policy and programs? Methods: The review of existing policies was conducted for 11 selected focus countries (9 in SSA and 2 from Asia) of the CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) Collaborative Research Programme on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health led by the IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s 10-point key recommendation for designing nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions was used as an analytical framework. Additionally, a rapid systematic review of published peer-reviewed and grey literature was carried out to identify capacity gaps based on the United Nations Development Program’s capacity assessment framework. Results: We found that there is nutrition sensitivity to the policies and strategies but to varying degrees. There is limited capacity for optimum implementation of these policies, programs, and strategies. For most countries, there is a capacity to articulate what needs to happen, but there are important capacity limitations to translate the given policy/program instruments into effective action. Conclusions: The gaps identified constitute important evidence to inform capacity strengthening of nutrition-sensitive actions for desired nutrition and health outcomes in Africa and Asia.