Depatment of Food and Nutrition

Assessing the nutritional knowledge and practices of caregivers for the aged in the North Dayi District of Ghana

2026-05-11T11:24:26Z

Assessing the nutritional knowledge and practices of caregivers for the aged in the North Dayi District of Ghana Motte, M.G.A.A This research addresses the nutritional gap left between the studies on gerontological nutrition and nutritional studies of younger persons as administered by caregivers. It examines the nutritional knowledge and practices which influence the dietary wellbeing of older adults in three selected towns Wusuta, Vakpo, and Anfoega in Ghana's North Dayi District. These communities were chosen due to the observed retirees returning to these areas to spend their later years. Fifty (50) aged individuals and fifty (50) caregivers, were sampled, employing a qualitative research approach within a case study design. By providing insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in these communities, this study contributes to the global body of knowledge on gerontological nutrition and underscores the need for further localized research to inform policies and practices. Nutritional knowledge and its impact on nutritional practices are increasingly critical in today's world, where feeding challenges abound. Aging brings heightened vulnerability and diminished immune support, and this makes appropriate nutrition essential for older adults. It was revealed that although the caregivers had very little or no professional training or tutoring about aged caregiving and nutrition, they had acquired basic information through exposure; practice, observation, and by offering assistance to other caregivers of the aged at the household level which guided their nutritional practices in providing care for the aged. A thesis in the Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, submitted to the School of Graduate studies, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the awards of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Food and Nutrition Education) In the University of Education, Winneba NOVEMBER 2025

Perception of consumers towards locally produced convenience food products in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa

2026-03-16T13:48:08Z

Perception of consumers towards locally produced convenience food products in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa Aseidu, V.E. Convenience foods have become widely popular, especially among the working class, teenagers, students, bachelors and families in Ghana. Ghanaian consumers exhibit varied behavior toward locally produced convenience foods. While certain products in this category enjoy widespread acceptance and steady patronage, others fail to attract similar interest. In this context, the study aimed at assessing consumer behaviour towards locally produced convenience food products. Descriptive survey design was adopted. The consumers were sampled from the major markets in Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District in the Central Region. Based on the table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970), the sample size determined was 360. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The study found that consumers' perception towards locally produced convenience food products is positive. The finding showed that price of convenience food, time saving in cooking process, and availability of convenience foods influenced consumers purchase of locally produced convenience food products. It was evident that the age group (F(df)=52.501, P=0.000<0.01), marital status (F(df) 77.839, P=0.000<0.01), and income (F(df)=23.746, P=0.000<0.01) were significantly related to consumers buying behaviour towards locally produced convenience food products. It was concluded that consumer perception has a direct impact on the buying behaviour of consumers towards locally produced convenience food product. It was recommended that Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) must ensure manufacturers to improve upon the quality of local convenience food products so as to raise the confidence level of local consumers and to also enable the industries fully compete with the international firms. Also, the government of Ghana should revamp its campaign on “buy made in Ghana goods” and local food industries must join hands with the government in this direction. A thesis in the Department of Food and Nutrition Education, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Food and Nutrition) in the University of Education, Winneba JANUARY, 2024

Heavy metal migration, exposure, and health risk through canned tomato mix under different marketing display models.

2026-02-23T11:09:43Z

Heavy metal migration, exposure, and health risk through canned tomato mix under different marketing display models. Kangre, R.Y. Canned tomato products are popular for their convenience, long shelf life, and nutritional benefits. However, concerns about heavy metals leaching from can linings pose health risks. This study examined lead (Pb) and tin (Sn) migration in canned tomato mix under different marketing conditions (sunlight exposure and enclosed shops). Utilizing a cross-sectional analytical design, 32 canned tomato mixes were sampled from the Effutu Municipality, and 400 University of Education, Winneba students were surveyed on consumption habits. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to measure Pb and Sn concentrations. The entire study received the approval of the Ghana Health Service (GHS-ERC: 043/06/23). The results revealed that while heavy metal levels were within regulatory limits, sunlightexposed products had higher Lead contamination (0.052±0.12 mg/kg) than those in enclosed shops (0.038±0.02 mg/kg). Tin levels remained consistent between both conditions. Consumption data showed a preference for using canned tomato mix in Jollof rice, stew, and soup, with higher rates among females. The hazard quotient (HQ) for Pb was higher in sunlight-exposed products for both males (0.052) and females (0.093) compared to enclosed shops. Chronic daily intake (CDI) of Pb was higher in products exposed to sunlight, with males consuming 0.00052 mg/kg-d and females 0.00063 mg/kg-d. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for Pb exceeded acceptable thresholds, with the maximum and 95th percentile values ranging from 3.28 x10-6 to 6.29 x10-6 indicating long-term health concerns. The study underscores the need for stricter regulations and increased consumer awareness to reduce heavy metal exposure in canned foods, supporting improved food safety standards in retail environments. A thesis in the Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics, Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Philosophy (Food and Nutrition) In the University of Education, Winneba

Heavy metal migration, exposure, and health risk through canned tomato mix under different marketing display models.

2026-02-23T11:09:26Z