Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences, and Home Economics Education (FHASHEE)

Quality of sachet water vended as drinking water in Winneba

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Quality of sachet water vended as drinking water in Winneba Jia, R.K. The study sought to assess the quality of selected brands of sachet water vended in Winneba as drinking water. Specifically, it sought to assess the physicochemical properties (pH, colour, conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, total dissolved solids of sachet water), to determine the level of minerals in respect of calcium, magnesium, iron, chloride, sulphate and phosphate in the sachet water, and to evaluate the bacteriological quality (Enterobacter, Coliform, E.coli, Salmonella enterica) of the water as well as to evaluate the human health risk associated with the consumption of sachet water vended in Winneba. Eight sachet water samples collected from Winneba were used. Laboratory tests were carried out in triplicates. The results were compared with both World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) standards for thorough discussions. The results indicated that the sachet water samples demonstrated safe physicochemical properties, with pH, colour, and conductivity levels all meeting the WHO and GSA standards. The calcium, iron, chloride, sulphate, and phosphate levels in the sachet water samples demonstrated consistency across the brands. The study recommends that producers should implement continuous monitoring of physicochemical parameters, prioritize improving hygiene and disinfection protocols during the packaging, storage, and transportation of sachet water to prevent microbiological contamination. A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Food and Nutrition) DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND NUTRITION FACULTY OF HEALTH, ALLIED SCIENCES AND HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA MAY, 2025

Nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and associated factors influencing the nutritional status of pregnant women in the Krowor Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

2023-08-01T00:00:00Z

Nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and associated factors influencing the nutritional status of pregnant women in the Krowor Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana Nkansah, M Pregnancy marks a critical phase in a woman's life, necessitating careful attention to nutritional needs to support both maternal well-being and foetal development. This study examined the nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and associated factors influencing the nutritional status of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in the public health facilities in the Krowor Municipality. A cross-sectional design was adopted, employing a questionnaire for data collection. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit 266 participants for the study. The study found that most participants had moderate level of nutritional knowledge (45%). A greater proportion of respondents had less than four meals a day (59.8%) and did not skip meals (67.7%). Almost all respondents were nourished (98.5%) and most were non-anaemic (68.4%). Marital status (p=0.030) and income level (p=0.009) significantly predicted nutritional status. In conclusion, the study signifies that pregnant woman in the Krowor Municipality maintain an acceptable level of nutritional status. It is recommended that public health authorities implement comprehensive and evidenced based nutritional education initiatives tailored to the specific nutritional needs of pregnant women in the Krowor Municipality. 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 award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Home Economics) in the University of Education, Winneba AUGUST, 2023

Formulation of hair and skincare cosmetic products from local herbs

2025-07-01T00:00:00Z

Formulation of hair and skincare cosmetic products from local herbs Baah, E. This study focused on the formulation of herbal skin and haircare cosmetics using locally sourced medicinal plants, addressing three key objectives: formulating herbal-based skin moisturizers/creams, developing hair butters and oils with moisturising and anti-dandruff properties, and evaluating the safety and efficacy of the finished products. The research employed a studio-based research design to explore herbal cosmetics' efficacy. Thirty five (35) participants, including herbal practitioners, dermatologists, cosmetologists, beauticians, and product users, contributed through expert purposive sampling. Data from semi-structured interviews and obtrusive observations were analyzed thematica lly, ensuring ethical compliance whiles studio-based experimentations were analyzed descriptively. This study led to the formulation of skincare product with essential skincare properties and haircare products with anti-dandruff and moisturising properties from local plants. Results confirmed the products were microbiologically safe, non-toxic, and skin-compatible, with pH levels (4.62–5.78) suitable for cosmetic use. Phytochemical analysis revealed beneficial compounds including flavonoids, known to support skin repair and hair growth. Field testing in selected communities in Winneba and its environs demonstrated significant improvements in skin hydration, reduction of skin irritations, effective dandruff control, and enhanced hair growth, with visible results within 14–21 days of use and no reported adverse effects. The study demonstrates that scientifically processed locally sourced herbs can be transformed into safe, effective, and affordable cosmetic products while preserving their traditional therapeutic value. It recommends that cosmetologist and beauticians should prioritize seeking deep ingredients knowledge on local botanicals for the purpose of understanding their specific dermatological properties. A thesis in the Department of Textiles and Fashion Education, School of Creative Arts, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, in Partial fulfillment of the requirements of the awards of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Textiles and Fashion Education) in the University of Education, Winneba JULY, 2025

Assessing the accessibility of ketogenic diet-compatible local food commodities for obesity management in the Greater Accra region of Ghana

2025-03-01T00:00:00Z

Assessing the accessibility of ketogenic diet-compatible local food commodities for obesity management in the Greater Accra region of Ghana Cudjoe, G.E. The adoption of ketogenic dietary system as a therapeutic intervention for obesity management, and the use of Ghanaian local food commodities to support ketogenic lifestyle remain underexplored. This study assessed the accessibility and nutritional suitability of ketogenic diet-compatible local food commodities in Ghana and examined the effects of ketogenic lifestyle practices on obesity management. A quantitative approach and a cross-sectional survey design were used to collect data from 120 obese individuals in the Accra Metropolis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression techniques.The findings indicate that ketogenic diet-compatible local food commodities are generally available and perceived to be of acceptable nutritional quality, aligning with high-fat, moderate-protein, and lowcarbohydrate dietary requirements. However, challenges such as affordability, seasonality, and supply inconsistency affect access. Regression results show that moderate protein consumption (β=0.206, p < 0.05), hydration and electrolyte balance ((β=0.374, p < 0.05), physical activity ((β=0.371, p < 0.05) have significant positive effects on obesity management. High fat consumption (β=0.043, p < 0.05), low carbohydrate intake ((β=0.114, p < 0.05), and whole foods focus ((β=0.135, p < 0.05) show no significant effect. Overall. The study demonstrates that while ketogenic dietary practices are feasible within the Ghanaian context, their effectiveness for obesity management depends on specific lifestyle components and improved access to suitable local food commodities. A thesis in the Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Heath, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Food and Nutrition Education) in the University of Education, Winneba AUGUST, 2025