Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine and expound the contribution of healthy
eating practices towards the health status of breast cancer patients. The research
design adopted for the study was the cross sectional survey and the purposive and
convenience sampling methods were adopted to derive a sample size of ninety (90)
breast cancer patients, who visit the National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear
Medicine at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment. A structured questionnaire
and an interview guide was employed to gather the relevant data for the study. The
SPSS Version 21 was used to analyse the data collected. Results of the study revealed
that the level of knowledge of the breast cancer patients on both nutrition and breast
cancer was low. Moreover, the results of the study revealed that certain factors
especially the price of the food influenced food choice and so there was not very
significant change in the participants eating habits. Additionally, the findings of the
study revealed that foods such as cereals, fruits, low-fat foods, sugar-free fluids/drinks
and herbal tea, less salty and spicy foods, vegetables and high fibre content foods
helped in the management of breast cancer. Physical activity was also found to be
associated with less fatigue, improved energy level, improved appetite for food,
healthy weight and sound sleep among the breast cancer patients. Based on the
findings of the study, it is recommended among other things that the Ministry of
Health (MOH) should collaborate with the various cancer treatment centres in Ghana
as well as other stakeholders in the health sector, and educate breast cancer patients
on nutrition and its benefit to Breast Cancer. This, together with the knowledge on
nutrition, will guide women, particularly breast cancer patients in making healthy
food choices at all times and also reduce complications of other chronic disease
associated with the disease.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Home Economics, Faculty of Science, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy (Home Economics)
JANUARY, 2020