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ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY, NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (JHS) PUPILS IN THE TOLON DISTRICT OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

2025-11-18T10:17:51Z

Title: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY, NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (JHS) PUPILS IN THE TOLON DISTRICT OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA Authors: BUSAGRI, E. Abstract: Baldwin (2006) asserted that food security and insecurity are terms used to describe the extent to which people can obtain an adequate quantity and quality of food. There have been a number of studies that focused on food insecurity and its impact on the nutritional status of children and adolescents but very few studies expanded their scope to cover the impact of the household food insecurity on educational outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the association between food insecurity, nutritional status, and academic performance of JHS pupils. The design of the study was a cross-sectional study design. The sample size was 220 pupils and their households. The individual and the household food insecurity experience scale (FIES) questionnaire was administered to pupils and their households, respectively through face to face interviews. Anthropometric measurements of children were also taken using Seca-scale and stadiometer. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS and WHO Anthro Plus. Descriptive statistics were done for all the socio-demographic variables, nutritional status, and food insecurity variables. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the relationship between individual food insecurity status and household food insecurity status. Moreover, linear regression models were conducted to determine the relationship between covariates, school attendance, and academic performance. Further, binary logistic regression models were also used to assess associations of covariates with stunting and underweight. For all the tests of associations, a P-value of 0.050 or less was considered statistically significant. The overall underweight prevalence was 11.3%. The percentage of overweight was 2.3%. The total prevalence of stunting among the study participants was 17.7%. Many of the households were moderately food insecure with a prevalence of 80 (36.4%). Also, 34.1% of the households were severely food insecure and 29.5% of the households were food secured. Overall, 145 (65.9%) of the pupils were either moderately or severely food insecure. Based on the chi square analysis, there was a significant relationship between household food insecurity status and individual food insecurity status (P<0.001). Both household and Individual Food insecurity variables were not associated with nutritional status and academic performance of the pupils. Surprisingly, there was a positive relationship between severe individual food insecurity status and school attendance [Beta (β) = 10.39; Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.44-19.34; Statistical significance (P) = 0.023] thus, upon the adjustments for the effects of other covariates. Thus, the severe individual food insecurity status however had a positive relationship on attendance but not performance and nutritional status. Hence, household food insecurity status was not significantly associated with nutritional status and academic performance. I suggest that, family support and poverty alleviation programmes be rolled by government of Ghana, to curb the negative impact of food insecurity on households and individuals. Description: AWARD OF A MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION

BODY FAT COMPOSITION AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG ADOLESCENT STUDENTS IN THE BEREKUM MUNICIPALITY

2025-07-10T11:19:39Z

Title: BODY FAT COMPOSITION AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG ADOLESCENT STUDENTS IN THE BEREKUM MUNICIPALITY Authors: PEPRAH, W. Abstract: Complementing Body Mass Index (BMI) with Bio impedance Analysis (BIA) provides a comprehensive description of the distribution of body fats, posing clinical and research benefits. Due to increasing levels of overweight and obesity among the adolescent population especially in growing urban settlements, an analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted in the Berekum municipality which is among the fastest growing urbanizations in the Bono region among 424 adolescent students to measure body fat composition and its determinants. The data was captured with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Four hundred and nine questionnaires were completed and included in the data analysis (409) out of 424 questionnaires administered. More than half (54.3%) of the study participants were aged between 13 and 16 years (mean ± SD = 13.88 ± 2.18), females (53.3%) and went to government schools (51.3%). Generally, most adolescents had normal weight (66%), 13% were thin and about 21% were either overweight or obese. Twenty percent of the adolescents had low general body fat whiles 52% were normal and 28% had high/very high BF. Per their muscle fat, 71.4% measured very high, 6.4% were low and 22.2% were normal. Almost half (46.2%) of the respondents practiced ‘health-enhancing physical activity’ (HEPA) whiles 44.7% were moderately active, but 9.1% were physically inactive. The average dietary diversity score for respondents was found to be 6.40±1.79. Also, it was found that 65.8% had high dietary diversity, 31.3% with moderate dietary diversity and 2.9% reported low dietary diversity. Compared with females, male adolescents had 2.5 odds of having high body fat [OR=2.5; CI (1.3-5.1); p=0.007]. Schooling in urban locations had 4 odds of presenting high body fat than rural schoolers [OR=4.2; CI (2.1-8.5); p<0.001]. Students whose mothers were civil servants significantly had 11.3 odds and those whose mothers were traders had 5.3 of having high body fat compared to their counterparts whose mothers were into farming and other occupations [OR=11.3, p=0.017 & OR= 5.3, 0.011]. Yearly nutrition surveillance is recommended for the school age adolescent group to understand their nutritional situation to guide nutrition policies for the age group Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION

DIETARY DIVERSITY, EATING HABITS, FOOD GROUP CONSUMPTION PATTERN, FOOD CHOICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS: A MIXED-METHOD STUDY IN THE MION DISTRICT OF GHANA

2025-07-10T10:51:46Z

Title: DIETARY DIVERSITY, EATING HABITS, FOOD GROUP CONSUMPTION PATTERN, FOOD CHOICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS: A MIXED-METHOD STUDY IN THE MION DISTRICT OF GHANA Authors: AL-HASSAN, R. Abstract: Understanding adolescents' diet and eating behaviours is crucial for informing public health strategies and policies, allowing interventions to be tailored effectively to enhance dietary patterns and improve overall health and quality of life. This study explored the dietary diversity, eating habits, food group consumption pattern, and food choices among adolescent girls in Northern Ghana. A mixed-method design employing secondary data from in-depth interviews (n=30), two focus group discussions (5 in each group) and survey data from 882 mother daughter pairs was used. Key findings indicate that approximately 90% of girls achieved the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W), with most consuming three meals daily. Staples were eaten daily, while fruits and unhealthy foods were less frequently eaten. Moderate/severe food insecurity reduced the odds of achieving the MDD-W (AOR= 0.32; 95% CI (0.14, 0.72); P = 0.006), whereas larger household size was positively correlated with the MDD-W (AOR 1.08; 95% CI (1.02, 1.13); P = 0.005). Older girls were less likely to eat breakfast (AOR 0.77; 95 % C.I (0.65, 0.90); (P< 0.001), while household crop farm diversity increased the odds of eating supper on weekends (AOR 1.63; 95 % C.I (1.34, 1.97); P< 0.001). Moderate/severe food insecurity (P< 0.001) was inversely associated with intake of animal sourced foods (ASFs), fruits, and unhealthy foods but positively correlated with vegetable consumption in the past month. Maternal non-literacy (P< 0.001) was linked to a lower intake of unhealthy foods, while specific ethnic backgrounds (P = 0.037) negatively influenced ASFs intake. Wealthier households (P = 0.008, 0.004) demonstrated higher consumption of staples. Qualitatively, health considerations, availability, taste, and cravings were major influencers of food choices. In conclusion, the findings underscore the significant impact of food security, household size, and socio-economic factors on the DD and meal patterns of adolescent girls in Ghana. Implementing school-based nutrition programs, educational campaigns, food security and livelihood improvement as well as empowerment interventions could help improve the diet and overall health of adolescents Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION

COMPARATIVE ACCURACY OF BLOOD AND PLACENTAL MARKERS IN THE PREDICTION OF PREECLAMPSIA IN THE UPPER EAST REGION

2025-07-10T10:47:05Z

Title: COMPARATIVE ACCURACY OF BLOOD AND PLACENTAL MARKERS IN THE PREDICTION OF PREECLAMPSIA IN THE UPPER EAST REGION Authors: AKILLA, M. A. Abstract: Preeclampsia (PE) remains a significant global concern for maternal-foetus health, particularly in low to middle-income countries. Identifying biomarkers for early PE diagnosis is paramount for effective prevention and management. This case-control study, conducted at Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, involved 250 pregnant women (PE=100 and controls=150), aged 18 to 41 years, spanning January to December 2022. Fasting venous blood samples and placental tissues were collected at delivery and analyzed for neutrophil to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR). Additionally, placental and serum levels of total cholesterol (TCHOL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CRT), urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) were assessed. Furthermore, placental malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase activity (CAT), total peroxide activity (TP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were estimated. All analyses were conducted using fully automated haematology and biochemistry analyzers. The findings revealed elevated levels of both NLR and MLR in PE cases, demonstrating significant predictive capacity for PE with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.85 and 0.89, respectively. Furthermore, PE was associated with higher placental levels of MDA and OSI, along with reduced total TAC and CAT activities. Additionally, placental levels of MDA, TAC, CAT, and TP emerged as significant predictors of PE, with respective AUCs of 0.68, 0.76, 1.00, and 0.70. Furthermore, elevated placental levels of CRT and UA were observed in PE cases. On the contrary, PE was associated with higher serum levels of TCHOL, LDL cholesterol, AST, ALT, urea, CRT, BUN, and UA, while serum HDL levels were lower. Notably, in predicting PE, placental CRT exhibited significant potential with an AUC of 0.95 at P<0.001. Regarding serum markers, the performances were as follows (AUC, P-value): HDL (0.68, 0.037), LDL (0.86, <0.001), AST (0.93, <0.001), ALT (0.95, <0.001), urea (0.72, 0.004), CRT (0.77, <0.001), BUN (0.72, 0.006), and uric acid (0.76, 0.002). Placental catalase activity emerges as the strongest predictor of preeclampsia. However, assessing placental catalase activity may pose challenges due to the more invasive, time-consuming, and costly sampling procedure. Consequently, less invasive and more cost-effective markers, such as red cell indices or serum-based markers, are preferred alternatives Description: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY