Water Consumption and its Determinants Among Women in Ghana: 2008 Demographic and Health Survey

Water is one of the most critical nutrients for humans in ensuring good health and well-being. Interestingly, majority of the vulnerable subpopulations of women in Ghana do not meet the daily recommended water intake set by the Ghana’s Ministry of Health yet the socio-economic/ demographic factors and dietary patterns influencing water intake are lacking. This study investigated the socio-economic/ demographic factors and dietary patterns influencing water intake. A total of 1,548 women with water and food intake data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic Health Survey (GDHS), which is a representative nationwide cross-sectional study, was used. 83% of the women did not meet the recommended daily water intake. Of four dietary patterns (‘Beverage & sugary based’, ‘Meat based’, ‘Indigenous- tuber based’ and ‘Indigenous- grain based’) emerging, meat based dietary pattern, seasonality, body mass index (BMI), and alcohol consumption emerged as key determinants of water intake. In summary, seasonality, dietary patterns and some key socio-economic/ demographic factors were identified as determinants of water intake. The identified determinants can serve as a basis for nutrition intervention and policies for women in Ghana

Prevalence and Determinants of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Lower Extremity Amputations in Three Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Ghana

Background. The occurrence and complications of diabetes are increasing worldwide. This study examined the prevalence and determinants of diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations in three selected tertiary hospitals in Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional multicenter study involving 100 subjects was carried out. Subjects were selected through simple random sampling from three selected tertiary hospitals in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to document information on sociodemographic, medical history, lifestyle, and physical characteristics of subjects. Foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations were also investigated. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, serum urea, serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate of subjects were assessed. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results. The study revealed that 31% and 69% were males and females, respectively, with a mean age of 53.8±13.8 years. Among the patients, 11% had diabetic foot ulcers whilst 3% had lower extremity amputations. In the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, previous history of foot ulcers (OR=40.4, 95% CI=5.5-299.9) and foot deformities (OR=14.4, 95% CI=1.3-161.2) were identified as independent predictors of diabetic foot ulcers. Foot deformity (p=0.043) and serum urea (p=0.002) were associated with diabetic lower extremity amputations in the univariate analysis. Conclusion. This study showed that the prevalences of diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations are high among diabetes patients. Foot deformities and previous history of foot ulcers are determinants of diabetic foot ulcers. Foot deformity and serum urea are associated with diabetic lower extremity amputations

Young maternal age is a risk factor for child undernutrition in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract Objective Malnutrition is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional status of children under 5 years of teenage and adult mothers in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. A case–control study involving 300 (150 cases, 150 controls) mother–child pairs was carried out. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and children and anthropometry was used to assess the nutritional status of children. Anthropometric z-scores derived based on WHO Child Growth Standards were used to determine stunting, wasting and underweight statuses of children. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the nutritional status of children of teenage and adult mothers. Results Children of teenage mothers, compared to those of adult mothers, were 8 times more likely to be stunted [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 7.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.20–13.63], 3 times more likely to be wasted (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI 1.04–8.04), and 13 times more likely to be underweight (AOR = 12.78; 95% CI 4.69–34.81) after adjusting for potential confounders. The risk of child malnutrition increases with young maternal age; interventions should be targeted at teenage mothers and their children to reduce the risk of malnutrition