Depatment of Food and Nutrition

Quality of sachet water vended as drinking water in Winneba

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

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

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

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

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

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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