ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Nutritional profile, sensory properties and microbial quality of solar-dried tilapia (oreochromis niloticus)

-Traditional methods of preserving fish in Ghana is by smoking or drying, but open-air drying exposes fishes to contaminants resulting in poor quality products. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of using six different locally constructed solar dryers on the nutritional qualities of unsalted tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The experiment was carried out in March and April and repeated in June through July at the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation of the University of Education, Winneba (Mampong-Ashanti). The solar panels were constructed using hard wood, nails, nylon net, chicken mesh and black and white polyethylene sheets. Eight samples of whole tilapia (265 - 315 g) were arranged in each panel in a completely randomised design. Solar panels recorded 45.4oC while the control panel (open air) recorded 34.0oC. Drying was completed by the fifth day but much more effective in the solar panels than the control. Tilapia in solar panels recorded less moisture but higher concentrations of nutrients on dry basis (db) than open-air dried salted tilapia. The solar-dried tilapia (db) recorded 8.44 to 14.76% moisture, 68.17- 75.98% protein, 6.21- 6.95% fat and 9.08-10.34% ash. Bacteria identified and isolated were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp and Salmonella spp. with 2.322 log10cfu/g and mould count of 3.015 log10cfu/g. The highest sensory attribute scores were recorded in solar-dried tilapia, followed by fresh, frozen and dried salted tilapia. Fish mongers should be encouraged to solar-dry their catch to protect already depleted forests and preserve fish at reduced costs to maximise profits and improve upon standards of living. Key words: Rate Of Drying, Sensory Analysis, Solar Dryer, Tilapia, Total Viable Count.

Source: UEW
Nutritional quality and safety of meals served under Ghana school feeding programme in Wa and Cape Coast Municipal Schools

This research was designed to evaluate nutritional quality of meals served under the Ghana School Feeding programme in Wa and Cape Coast schools. It also investigated the safety aspect of the meals. A cross-sectional and descriptive survey research designs were used in the study. A purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed in selecting 720 respondents for the study, comprising 600 pupils, 60 teachers and 60 kitchen staff. Information was obtained using questionnaire, observation and unstructured interview instruments. Data were analysed using database and statistical softwares (SPSS, ESHA, FNPD and USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference). Findings revealed that meals served in the schools had almost all the food nutrients because a variety of meals were served throughout the week. However, mean daily energy nutritional value intake and weights of the meals served to pupils in both schools did not meet the Recommended Nutrient Intake Value and portion requirements per head. Most schools did not have food storage places. Kitchens were mostly sheds and firewood was mostly used as cooking fuel. The smoke from the fire sometimes disturbed teaching classes. Majority of pupils did not wash their hands with soap under running water. No hand-washing centers for pupils were also seen in most of the schools studied. Majority of the cooks did not have health certificate and had neither attended any in-service training in two years. Some challenges were that the programme had increase the population of pupils astronomically while instructional materials and school infrastructure had remained the same. The price rate per meal prescribed by government was also inadequate and payments to the caterers were irregular and inadequate. Owing to the above findings, it was recommended that: government should consult experts in food and nutrition in each region to draw menu which has nutritional benefits using locally grown foods in each region; government should enact policies for all caterers to buy directly from the farm gate at cheaper prices; designated and well-built kitchens as well as dining rooms be provided for schools; school meal inspectors should be assigned to clusters of schools who would check quality of the meals as well as hygiene of the environment.

Source: UEW
Nutritional quality of meals served under the Ghana school feeding programme – a case study of Riis Presbyterian model school, Koforidua

The study examined the types of meals served under the Ghana School Feeding Programme at the Riis Presbyterian Model Basic School in Koforidua and how it affects school attendance and academic performance. The case study method was used in this study. A convenient sampling method, a type of non-probability sampling to select 70 respondents for the study. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion were used to collect the data for the study. Data gathered through questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies while interview data analysis was done using the thematic approach. The results of the study showed that the school feeding programme does not necessarily have a significant improvement in school attendance and academic performance in Koforidua. The study recommended that the government should re-strategize the approach by implementing the Ghana School Feeding Programme in more rural settings where income levels are low so it can have the needed improvement in school attendance and academic performance.

Source: UEW
Nutritional status and birth outcomes among pregnant adolescents in Ashanti Region, Ghana

Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy can lead to adverse birth outcomes, and more importantly for pregnant adolescents as they require nutrients to meet their needs for their growth and the fetus. The study examined the relationship between nutritional status and birth outcomes among Ghanaian pregnant adolescents in selected districts of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. In this prospective cohort study, we followed 416 pregnant teenagers recruited at health centers during antenatal care until delivery. We measured weight and height to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and nutrient intakes using a repeated 24 hr dietary recall were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb), serum levels of ferritin, prealbumin, vitamin A, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP) were analyzed. Birth outcome data of interest were low birth weight (LBW) and preterm births (PTB). About 15.2 % had LBW, 12.5 % had PTB, and 3.1 % neonatal deaths. The majority of the pregnant adolescents consumed below Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for thiamin (75.7 %), riboflavin (84.6 %), folate (82.9 %), vitamin A (87.3 %), iron (93.5 %), zinc (83.7 %), and calcium (96.9 %) intakes, while energy (96.6 %), protein (84.6 %), and dietary fiber (74.4 %) were below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Anemia and wasting prevalences were 57.1 % and 27.8 %. The mean intakes for carbohydrates (p = 0.042) and dietary fiber (p = 0.012) were significantly higher among adolescent mothers with term birth (276.7 � 111.2 g, 23.7 � 11.2 g) than those with PTB (237.3 � 83.7 g, 19.4 � 9.0 g), respectively. Preterm birth proportions were higher in severely wasted (18.8 %) adolescents than moderately wasted (6.2 %) and normal MUAC (14.0 %) adolescents (p = 0.184). LBW proportions were higher among anemic (18.1 %) than the non-anemic (12.1 %), among low (30 %) compared with normal (14.9 %) serum ferritin, among low (15.7 %) compared with normal (0 %) serum prealbumin, and among low (16.2 %) compared with normal (11.1 %) serum vitamin A status pregnant adolescents. Pregnant adolescents with moderate wasting had lower odds (Adjusted odds ratio = 0.2, p = 0.017, 95 % confidence interval = 0.1�0.8) of having LBW infants compared with those with normal MUAC. The odds of preterm births were significantly higher among pregnant adolescents with dietary fiber intake below the RDA (Unadjusted OR = 2.8, p = 0.042, 95 % CI = 1.0�7.3). In conclusion, adverse birth outcomes were associated with poor nutritional status among pregnant adolescents studied. � 2021 The Author(s)

Source: UEW
Nutritional status assessment of children (0-5 years) of female head porters (kayaye) in Kajetia market Kumasi, Ghana

Nutritional status is the balance between the intake of nutrients and the expenditure of these in the processes of growth, reproduction, and health maintenance. Under nutrition, especially in children, can lead to substantial problems in mental and physical development. Undernourished children can also suffer several diseases from nutrient deficiencies. Although the overall pattern of growth is genetically determined, it is significantly affected by nutrition. Socioeconomic status, nutritional knowledge and feeding practices among others are some of the reasons why children maybe undernourished. Female head porters (kayayei) who care for their children, due to the low wages they earn may not be able to afford healthy meals and provide the necessary care for these children. This study assessed the nutritional status of children of kayayei at Kejetia market in Accra. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit subjects at Kejetia market. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, feeding habits, dietary history and anthropometric measures. Dietary intake of the children was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: Seventy-three female head porters (kayayei), each with her child, participated in the study. All the kayayei were from northern Ghana. Majority of the children (32.9%) were between the ages of 25 and 36 months and 50.7% of them were girls. Most (58.9%) of the kayayei described a balanced diet correctly and 95.9% breastfed their children. However only 9.6% practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Most (63%) of the mothers fed their children three times daily though the majority (89%) of the children were not fed with home cooked meals. More than half of the children (53.4%) had fish once a day and a grain or cereal daily in the form of tuo zafi (53.4%) though less than half (46.6%) had white bread or millet porridge (46.6%). Majority of the children, 78.1% and 67.1%, had their weight-for- height (WFH) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) measures, respectively, being normal. There was a relationship between the nutritional knowledge of the kayayei, their feeding practices and the nutritional status of their children. Majority of the children were within normal WHO growth standards of WFH and MUAC measures. Consumption frequencies of the various food groups by the children varied.

Source: UEW
Nutritional status of the elderly and the challenges of their caregivers in Dambai

The study sought to investigate into the nutritional status of the elderly, the nutritional challenges they faced, the challenges of the caregivers and the relationship between the challenges of the caregivers and the nutritional status of the elderly in Dambai. The study was based on the needs and family theory. Using survey design, data were collected from a hundred elderly with functional limitations and a hundred caregivers. Multiple methods of data collection were adopted for the study. Questionnaire, interview and anthropometric measurement were used to obtain data). A total of two hundred respondents were conveniently and randomly sampled for the study. The data obtained were analysed and presented in charts, frequency distribution tables, percentages and graphs. The evidence emerging from the study was that 32% of the elderly were underweight revealing the prevalence of malnutrition (undernutrition) in the study area. The elderly were faced with health problems eating disorders which militate against their food intake and affects their nutritional status. It was revealed also that caregivers faced varied challenges associated with caregiving like stress/exhaustion, finance and inadequate time to cater for the needs of the elderly as most of them have their children and that of other family members in school. The study indicates that the challenges of the caregivers affect the nutritional status of the elderly; the more the challenges the lesser the ability of the caregivers to undertake care duties effectively. It has therefore been recommended that there should be development and implementation of income generating strategies for both elderly and caregivers should be educated to ensure that the elderly have access to nutritious low cost foods from the locality. Caregivers should also be assisted to empower themselves financially, and families should strengthen their ties especially the extended family ties by showing concern for other family members.

Source: UEW
Nutritional status of the under-five a case study of child welfare clinics’ in the Asante Akim North district of Ashanti region

Malnutrition continues to be the single most important challenge to governments in achieving the SDG- 2 target by 2030. To this effect, the aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of „under-five‟ children in rural areas particularly in the Asante Akim North district. Quantitative and qualitative research design was used for the study. The population used was mothers with children under five years of age living within the study area who attended Child Welfare Clinics (CWCs) and health personnel in the various CWCs. Cluster sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used. Data was collected from 265 mothers with children under age five and 15 health personnel working at various CWCs. Data collections were done by the use of questionnaire and Child Health Record Booklet. Frequency counts, percentage analyses, and correlation analyses using SPSS to determine the prevalence of under five malnutrition and the factors influencing it. The study revealed that most of the mothers had knowledge on the nutritional requirements of their children concerning breastfeeding (99.6%) and complementary feeding (57%) respectively. However, they could not put into practice, the knowledge acquired on exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding regimes as recommended by the WHO and UNICEF. Results from the study show that health personnel did follow-ups on the mothers at home and during community durbars to ensure compliance with information given on breastfeeding, healthy eating and complementary feeding. The study was able to establish that health personnel received feedback on reports sent to the district health office and communicated the feedback to the nursing mothers. It can be concluded that majority of the nursing mothers of children under five years in the Asante Akin North District had knowledge on the nutritional requirements of their children through the education given them but failed to put them into practice. This has the potential of undermining the achievement of SDG 2.2 by the year 2030.

Source: UEW
Nutritional, textural and shelf-life analysis of vacuum packaged wagashi treated with ginger (zingiber officinale) and African nutmeg (monodora myristica) extracts as a functional dairy food

Wagashi is a form of soft cheese made from coagulated cow‟s milk using fresh Calotropis procera juice extracts. It is a highly nutritious food with an excellent source of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and phosphorus. Wagashi is highly perishable at ambient conditions with its shelf-life being very short. At high temperature, it is highly possible to develop a sour smell and bitter taste. For this reason, wagashi samples were treated with ginger and African Nutmeg extracts. Physicochemical, mineral, texture profile analysis and shelf-life testing were carried out. Proximate analysis showed moisture contents of 55.25% in the control sample, 52.12% in the wagashi samples that were treated with ginger extracts and 50.75% in wagashi samples treated with African Nutmeg extracts. Fat content ranged from 3.55% in the control sample to 2.18% in the wagashi samples treated with ginger extracts. Crude protein ranged from 20.18% in the control sample to 22.49% in wagashi samples which were treated with African Nutmeg extracts sample. Carbohydrate content ranged from 19.08% in control sample to 23.28% in wagashi samples treated with ginger extracts. Ash content ranged from 1.75% in the wagashi samples treated with ginger extracts to 2.50% in wagashi samples treated with African Nutmeg extracts. All samples had high contents of protein and carbohydrate. The product quality was judged by instrumental texture profile using hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, resilience, gumminess and chewiness as the textural parameters. Texture of the samples was hard, gummy and chewy because of the high values recorded. The microbial analysis was done with reference to Yeast and Mould count. The result of the shelf-life study showed that preserving the wagashi samples with vacuum packaging extended the shelf life of the wagashi from 3 days to 15 days of storage under ambient conditions. Also, the vacuum packaged wagashi samples treated with ginger and African Nutmeg extracts had the lowest yeast and moulds count during the shelf-life study. Generally all samples were accepted. Based on the results from the sensory test it was concluded that wagashi treated with ginger and African Nutmeg extracts could be a viable alternative to the wagashi.

Source: UEW
Nyimpadua akwaa ho akyerԑw ho mpɛnsampɛnsamu wϽ

Dwumadzi yi fa akyerԑw ahorow a ogu nyimpadua akwaa ho no no su, botae ahorow a nyimpa binom dze kyerԑw ndzԑmba gu hↄn nyimpadua akwaa ho na nsunsuando a nyimpadua akwaa ho akyerԑw yi dze ba. Adwenmusԑm anaa tiↄri ahorow ebien na nhwehwԑmu dwumadzi yi gyina do; Van Leeuwen (2001) ne „Multimodal Discourse Analysis Theory‟ no boaa ma mohwԑԑ su ahorow a akyerԑw a ↄwↄ nyimpadua akwaa ho no fa na ne mpԑnsampԑnsam, Fairclough (1993, 2003) ne Critical Discourse Analysis tsiͻri no so boae ma botae a binom dze kyerԑwkyerԑw ndzԑmba gugu hↄn nyimpadua akwaa ho no daa edzi yie. Nhwehwԑmu yi kↄr do wͻ Efutu Mansin no kurowpͻn Simpa (Winneba) mu. Kwan a mefaa do nyaa nsԑm dze yԑԑ mo nhwehwԑmu yi nye nkↄmbↄtwetwe na nsԑm a motwee guu efir do. Menye nyimpa eduonu dzii dwuma yi wↄ pԑpↄsif kwan do. Nhwehwԑmu yi dze too gua dԑ: dodowara a wↄkyerԑkyerԑw ndzԑmba gugu hↄn nyimpadua akwaa ho gyina botae do. Obeye dԑ ebↄtwe abԑn obi na ehu siantsir a ↄdze akyerԑw biribi egu no ho.

Source: UEW
Observance of safety practices in mechanical departments in technical institutes in Ghana the Case of Cape Coast Technical Institute

This study was an assessment of how students observe safety and health practices in the Mechanical workshops of Cape Coast technical institute. Questionnaires comprising both open and closed ended items were employed to collect data from70 students from cape coast technical institute. A descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted for this study.Data collected were analysed with the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 16 for windows. The results showed that the students had fair knowledge of the safety regulations guiding the operations of the various equipment and machines used during practical sessions in the workshops. Also the results indicated that students had good knowledge about safety practices in the workshops. However, few students adhered to safety precautions whenever they are undertakinga practical lesson. The researcher recommends that since safety is a core component in the teaching and learning activities of Technical Institutes; and also as a serious matter in the world of work, it must be made part of the daily activities of the students.

Source: UEW
Occupational hazards exposure and risk perception among emergency medical technicians of the national ambulance service in Ghana

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the healthcare providers mandated to provide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for patients with critical medical conditions outside a medical facility. This study assessed occupational hazards among EMTs of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among EMTs to assess occupational hazards related to their work. The study used a multistage sampling technique; the country was clustered into Northern, Middle, and Southern; 7 regions (Ashanti, Greater Accra, Northern, Bono, Western, Oti, and Eastern regions) were purposively selected with all the service stations in these regions. A total of 59 NAS stations and 413 EMTs were recruited from February to November 2020. Participants self-administered a structured questionnaire based on different variables including their socio-demographic characteristics, occupational health, and injuries, health risk perception and knowledge in transporting Covid-19 cases. The data tool linked to a Google form was subsequently deployed unto the various WhatsApp platforms of the various NAS stations to download and self-administer and return same via entropic means for cloud storage. Out of the 400 respondents, 76.8% acknowledged occupational health hazards at work, 65.3% knew occupational hazards and 51% stated debriefing as their main coping strategy. Also, 71.2% and 77.75% of EMTs had good knowledge and attitude towards occupational health risks respectively. Meanwhile, 51.0% of EMTs had ever suffered injuries during work of which 83.2% indicated their health/body was affected and most 82.5% were diagnosed with back pain. Most 84.5% EMTs had training on transporting Covid-19 cases of which 77.0% had good knowledge in transporting Covid-19 cases. The study also showed a significant association between sex, marital status, religion, level of practice and educational level on knowledge of occupational risk (χ2=14.47, p<0.001), (χ2=33.86, p<0.001), (χ2=18.40, p<0.001), (χ2=12.83, p<0.001) and (χ2=41.65, p<0.001) respectively. The study thus concluded that most EMTs were aware of occupational health hazards issues in their work environment, and more than half had suffered from a form of occupational health hazard, mostly cuts and wounds, and stress.

Source: UEW