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

NUTRITIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF DIABETES ON DIABETICS: CASE STUDY IN THE TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL - GHANA

This study sought to assess the role of diabetes on food intake and the psychological impact of living with diabetes among diabetics in the Tamale Teaching Hospital. A self structured questionnaire was administered among 97 sampled diabetic respondents at the diabetic clinic in the Tamale Teaching Hospital. The studies found out that diabetes does have a role to play on the food intake of diabetics in the Hospital.It was also found out that generally a healthy meal plan for the diabetic respondents is the same as a healthy diet for anyone. The outstanding difference in the food intake of the diabetics in the hospital was their no or limited intake of sugar which sometimes was substituted with honey. Mean individual dietary diversity score of 5.37 was obtained reflecting that the dietary diversity score for diabetics did not meet the optimum level (≥ 6). Male and Female diabetic respondents had mean FCS of 22.95 and 22.12 respectively which falls within the borderline food consumption category.On the psychological impact of diabetes, this studies found out that all diabetic respondents had the risk of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); about four out of every six diabetic respondents had 75% chance of being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder as a result of living with diabetes while one out of every six diabetic repondents had the greatest chance (above 75%) of being diagnosed with PTSD

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Intake, Dietary Behavior, Mental Health, and Academic Performance of a Ghanaian University Students

Students are one vulnerable subgroup that experience a variety of persistent pressures, high levels of stress, and poor mental health due to academic demands. COVID-19 abruptly moved education away from the classroom and mandated that instruction take place either in a small classroom setting or remotely on digital platforms, it added to the already stressed climate. Though it is established that pandemics pose stress and stress affects food intake and academic performance, little has been explored in relation to COVID-19 pandemic induced stress, diet alteration, mental health, and dietary behaviors among university students in Ghana. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on diet alteration, dietary behavior, mental health, and academic performance among the students of the University for Development Studies. In this cross-sectional study design (n = 94), an online survey was conducted among undergraduate students of the University for Development Studies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. According to the study’s findings, all participants had different levels of stress, poor mental health, and problematic eating behaviors. About six out of every 10 students experienced stress induced by COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half of the students altered their diets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Majority of the students were also engaged in problematic eating behaviors. Additionally, academic performance of students was heavily influenced: Students who reported worse academic performance were about eight times more likely to be stressed due to COVID-19 pandemic compared to students who reported no change to their academic performance. Our findings suggest that students of UDS experience variety of pressures which were compounded by COVID-19. There is a need for programs that improve stress levels, mental health, and food intake in the university setting