ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Dietary iron overload in the African and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dietary iron overload occurs commonly in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It results from the consumption of large volumes of traditional beer that is home-brewed in iron pots or drums and consequently has a high iron content. The liver becomes iron overloaded and may develop portal fibrosis or, less often, cirrhosis. A genetic predisposition to the condition has been suggested, but no putative gene has yet been identified. Although originally believed not to cause hepatocellular carcinoma, recent case-control studies have shown African Blacks with dietary iron overload to be at increased risk for the tumour and a causal association has been confirmed in an animal model. The mechanisms of iron-induced malignant transformation are yet to be fully characterised, but the close association between cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis and the lesser association in those with dietary iron overload, suggests that chronic necroinflammatory hepatic disease contributes to the malignant transformation. Increased hepatic iron may, however, also be directly carcinogenic. Probable mechanisms include the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates and the resultant chronic oxidative stress that damages hepatocytes and proteins, causes lipid peroxidation, and induces strand breaks, DNA unwinding, and mutations in tumour-suppressor genes and critical DNA repair genes.

Source: UG
Dietary magnesium intakes among women of reproductive age in Ghana—A comparison of two dietary analysis programs

Background Despite the importance of magnesium to health and most importantly to women of reproductive age who are entering pregnancy, very few surveys have investigated the magnesium status of women of reproductive age, particularly in Africa. Additionally, the software and programs used to analyze dietary intake vary across countries in the region. Objective To assess the dietary magnesium intake of women of reproductive age in Ghana and to compare the estimate of magnesium intake obtained from two commonly used dietary analysis programs. Methods We collected magnesium intake from 63 Ghanaian women using a semiquantitative 150- item food frequency questionnaire. Dietary data was analyzed using two different dietary analysis programs, Nutrient Data Software for Research (NDSR) and the Elizabeth Stewart Hands and Associates (ESHA) Food Processor Nutrition Analysis software. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank test to compare the mean differences between the two dietary programs. Results There were significant differences between the average dietary magnesium intake calculated by the two dietary programs, with ESHA estimating higher magnesium intake than NDSR (M±SE; ESHA: 200 ± 12 mg/day; NDSR: 168 ± 11 mg/day; p<0. 05). The ESHA data base included some ethnic foods and was flexible in terms of searching for food items which we found to be more accurate in assessing the magnesium intake of women in Ghana. Using the ESHA software, 84% of the study women had intake below the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) of 320mg/day. Conclusion It is possible that the ESHA software provided an accurate estimate of magnesium in this population because it included specific ethnic foods. Concerted efforts such as magnesium supplementation and nutrition education should be considered to improve the magnesium intake of women of reproductive age in Ghana.

Source: UG
Dietary patterns among adults in three low income urban communities in Accra, Ghana

Objective Dietary patterns describe the dietary behaviour and habits of individuals. Unhealthy dietary patterns provide individuals with limited nutrients while increasing the risk of nutrition-related diseases. Unhealthy dietary patterns are high in urban areas, especially among low-income urban residents. This study examined dietary patterns in three low-income urban communi ties in Accra, Ghana, between 2011 and 2013. Methods This study used Wave 2 and 3 data from the Urban Health and Poverty Survey (EDULINK 2011 and 2013). The sample size was 960 in 2011 and 782 in 2013. Dietary pattern was examined using factor analysis and the NOVA food classification system. Summary statis tics were computed for sociodemographic characteristics and diet frequency and pattern. Differences in dietary behaviours between 2011 and 2013 were also estimated. Three logis tic regression models were computed to determine the predictors of dietary patterns. Results The frequency of consumption of animal-source foods (ASF) and fruits was higher in 2013 compared with 2011. The intake of processed culinary ingredients (NOVA Group 2), pro cessed foods (NOVA Group 3) and ultra-processed foods (NOVA Group 4) was higher in 2013 versus 2011. In 2013, 29% consumed ultra-processed foods compared to 21% in 2011. Three dietary patterns (rice-based, snack-based, and staple and stew/soup) were identified. About two out of every five participants consumed the food items in the rice (43%) and staple and sauce patterns (40%). The proportion of participants who consumed the food items in the snack pattern was 35% in 2011 but 41% in 2013. Respondents aged 25– 34 and those with higher education often consumed the snack-based and rice-based dietary patterns. In 2013, participants in Ussher Town had a higher probability of consuming food items in the snack pattern than those living in Agbogbloshie.Conclusions This study found that between 2011 and 2013, more participants consumed ASFs, fruits, and processed foods. A complex interplay of personal and socio-cultural factors influenced dietary intake. The findings of this study mirror global changes in diet and food systems, with important implications for the primary and secondary prevention of NCDs. Health promotion programs at the community level are needed to address the increasing levels of processed food consumption.

Source: UG
Dietary patterns and type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian migrants in Europe and their compatriots in Ghana: The RODAM study

Background/objectives: We aimed to study the associations of dietary patterns (DPs) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Ghanaian adults. Subjects/methods: In the multi-centre, cross-sectional RODAM (Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants) study (n = 4543), three overall DPs ("mixed", "rice, pasta, meat and fish," and "roots, tubers and plantain") and two site-specific DPs per study site (rural Ghana, urban Ghana and Europe) were identified by principal component analysis. The DPs-T2D associations were calculated by logistic regression models. Results: Higher adherence to the "rice, pasta, meat and fish" DP (characterized by legumes, rice/pasta, meat, fish, cakes/sweets, condiments) was associated with decreased odds of T2D, adjusted for socio-demographic factors, total energy intake and adiposity measures (odds ratio (OR)per 1 SD = 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.70-0.92). Similar DPs and T2D associations were discernible in urban Ghana and Europe. In the total study population, neither the "mixed" DP (whole grain cereals, sweet spreads, dairy products, potatoes, vegetables, poultry, coffee/tea, sodas/juices, olive oil) nor the "roots, tubers and plantain" DP (refined cereals, fruits, nuts/seeds, roots/tubers/plantain, fermented maize products, legumes, palm oil, condiments) was associated with T2D. Yet, after the exclusion of individuals with self-reported T2D, the "roots, tubers and plantain" DP was inversely associated with T2D (ORper 1 SD = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.69-1.12). Conclusion: In this Ghanaian population, DPs characterized by the intake of legumes, fish, meat and confectionery were inversely associated with T2D. The effect of a traditional-oriented diet (typical staples, vegetables and legumes) remains unclear. © 2018 The Author(s).

Source: UG
Dietary patterns associated with body mass index in selected adult populations in Accra, Ghana

Background: Dietary pattern analysis is more appropriate for explaining diet-disease relationships instead of single nutrients in the treatment and prevention of diet and diseases. Objective: The study aimed to identify dietary patterns and explore their association with body mass index among adults in selected areas in Accra. Methods: This was a retrospective study comprising four (4) cross-sectional studies among healthy adults in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Appropriately designed/pre-tested questionnaires submitted by 208 respondents were analysed for food patterns using principal component analysis to estimate pattern scores for each food item. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Eight dietary patterns explaining 54.8% of the variation in the dietary intake of the study participants were identified. These were the traditional pattern, combined pattern, major protein pattern, modified pattern, white and red meat pattern, sweets and pastries pattern, rare dietary pattern and vegetables with moisture pattern. The mean BMI of the population was 23.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2 , with the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese observed to be 5.8%, 68.3%, 19.7%, and 6.2%, respectively. The traditional dietary pattern and the sweets and pastries patterns were significantly associated with BMI (p < 0.05 and p ˂ 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Eight (8) dietary patterns were identified. The traditional sweets and pastries patterns were found to be related to weight gain

Source: UG
Dietary Practices and Nutrient Intakes of Pregnant Women in Accra, Ghana

The aim of the study was to assess potential changes in dietary habits during pregnancy, nutrient intakes of pregnant women and the effect of socio-demographic factors on nutrient intakes of pregnant women. The research design was cross-sectional. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 279 pregnant women from the antenatal clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Osu Maternity Home in Accra. In-depth interviews were performed to assess perceptions and attitudes regarding food consumption and dietary habits during pregnancy. In addition, an interactive 24 h recall repeated for three days was used to obtain data on food and nutrient intakes of the women. Information on foods consumed was converted into quantitative data of nutrients using Ghana Food Composition Tables and FOOD PROCESSOR PLUS Software. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, 17). The mean energy, vitamin B12, folate, iron and zinc intakes were found to be inadequate compared with the Recommended Intakes. There was also a significant difference (p<0.001) in the mean intake of protein across the different trimesters. On the average protein, fat and carbohydrate contributed 13.2, 34.7 and 52.1%, respectively to total calories. Significant differences were observed between educational level and mean intake of protein (p<0.001), as well as income levels and mean intake of protein (p<0.001) and zinc (p<0.02). Surprisingly women with larger household size had high intake of energy and nutrients. Most of the women (67.7%) reported food craving, 57.3% practiced pica and 48.8% reported dietary restrictions during pregnancy. However no significant difference was found in nutrient intakes between women who reported food craving, food avoidance and pica and women who did not. In conclusion, pregnant women in the study had lower intake of energy and nutrients compared with the RNI. Food craving and aversion as well as pica practice are common dietary practices among pregnant women in the study. Protein and zinc are associated with income and educational levels of the pregnant women in the study. It is recommended that more attention should be focused on nutrition education and intervention programs during pregnancy as well as dietary approaches such as fortification of foods to increase both macronutrient and micronutrient intakes.

Source: UG
Dietary practices of adolescents during COVID-19 and the perceived effect of the pandemic on nutrition-related behaviours

Background Though there are suggestions on how COVID 19 has affected nutrition-related practices and the nutritional status of people, few studies have evaluated this among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the perceived effect of the pandemic on nutrition-related practices of adolescents. Methods The study was conducted among adolescents (n=290) in three Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Accra using a cross-sectional design. Participants provided information on dietary habits, and diet-related messages received during the pandemic. Food consumption during the peak periods of COVID-19 and afterwards was assessed using a 7-day food frequency tool. Food consumption scores (FCS) were generated based on the guidelines of the World Food Programme. The dietary practices of the participants at the two time periods (during and after pandemic) were compared using Pearson’s Chi Square tests. Results While meal frequency remained similar during and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic among the participants, meal skipping and dependence on ready-to-use foods were significantly lower during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Though significantly higher proportions of the participants consumed legumes/nuts/seeds and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) at the peak of the pandemic compared to afterwards, overall food consumption was similar at the two time points (acceptable diet: 100% vs. 99.3%). More than a third of the study participants indicated that COVID-19 had negatively affected their food quantity, exercise, and overall physical activity level. Additionally, 41% indicated that their screen time increased at the same time. Conclusion Our study found that food consumption among adolescents in Accra did not vary much with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the observed high intake of SSBs coupled with reduced physical activity levels call for concerted efforts from various stakeholders to address these habits to avoid an even faster increasing rate of obesity

Source: UG
Dietary practices of adolescents during COVID-19 and the perceived effect of the pandemic on nutrition-related behaviours

Background Though there are suggestions on how COVID 19 has affected nutrition-related practices and the nutritional status of people, few studies have evaluated this among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the perceived effect of the pandemic on nutrition-related practices of adolescents. Methods The study was conducted among adolescents (n=290) in three Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Accra using a cross-sectional design. Participants provided information on dietary habits, and diet-related messages received during the pandemic. Food consumption during the peak periods of COVID-19 and afterwards was assessed using a 7-day food frequency tool. Food consumption scores (FCS) were generated based on the guidelines of the World Food Programme. The dietary practices of the participants at the two time periods (during and after pandemic) were compared using Pearson’s Chi Square tests. Results While meal frequency remained similar during and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic among the participants, meal skipping and dependence on ready-to-use foods were significantly lower during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Though significantly higher proportions of the participants consumed legumes/nuts/seeds and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) at the peak of the pandemic compared to afterwards, overall food consumption was similar at the two time points (acceptable diet: 100% vs. 99.3%). More than a third of the study participants indicated that COVID-19 had negatively affected their food quantity, exercise, and overall physical activity level. Additionally, 41% indicated that their screen time increased at the same time. Conclusion Our study found that food consumption among adolescents in Accra did not vary much with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the observed high intake of SSBs coupled with reduced physical activity levels call for concerted efforts from various stakeholders to address these habits to avoid an even faster increasing rate of obesity.

Source: UG
A dietary strategy for the management of artemether-lumefantrine-induced cardiovascular and renal toxicity

Background: Unsweetened natural cocoa has antimalarial properties. Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (UNCP), obtained as a result of the removal of cocoa butter from a cocoa bean protects against malaria episodes. Cocoa powder, which is prepared after removal of the cocoa butter, contains about 1.9 % theobromine and 0.21 % caffeine. Concomitant consumption of cocoa and artemether/lumefantrine (A/L) is a common practice in Ghana, West Africa. This study seeks to determine the elemental composition of UNCP and its protective effect on the heart and kidney against (A/L) administration. Methods: Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to detect the quality and quantity of the elemental composition in UNCP. Thereafter, 30 nonmalarious male guinea pigs were divided into five groups of six animals each. One group was administered with 75 mg/kg body weight A/L only and another group distilled water (control group). The rest received 300 mg/kg, 900 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg body weight UNCP for 14 days orally and A/L for the last 3 days (ie day 11 to day 14). Biochemical and histopathological examinations were carried out after euthanisation of the animals. Results: A total of thirty-eight (38) micro and macro elements were detected with the ED-XRF. Macro elements like sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), phosphorus (P), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) and micro elements like chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) were identified and evaluated. Biochemical analysis revealed increases in HDL levels (p>0.05) while there were decreases in LDL levels (p>0.05), creatine kinase and AST levels (P<0.05) in animals that received UNCP compared to A/L only administered group. Urea levels reduced significantly by 53 % (p<0.05) in group that received 1500 mg/kg UNCP. Histopathological examinations of the heart and kidney buttressed the protective effects of cocoa administration. Conclusion: The percentage of recommended daily allowance of UNCP for chromium is 3750 % for men and 5250 % for women while % RDA for copper corresponds to 103.6 % in both sexes. UNCP proved to possess cardioprotective and renoprotective potential during artemether-lumefantrine administration.

Source: UG
Dietary trans fatty acid intake and maternal and infant adiposity

Background/Objectives:The fatty acid composition in maternal diet and in breastmilk during lactation may be a factor in the development of childhood overweight later in life. To investigate the association between trans fatty acid and adiposity, 96 mother-infant pairs (exclusive breastfed; mixed fed; and formula fed) at 3 months postpartum were interviewed; body composition was measured onsite using the BOD POD and PEA POD for mothers and infants, respectively.Subjects/Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling from Athens-Clarke and surrounding counties of the state of Georgia. Data were analyzed using 2, analysis of variance and regression.Results:There were no significant differences in maternal percent body fat by feeding group (32.70, 33.70, and 35.73%, for exclusive, mixed and formula feeding, respectively). Exclusively breastfed infants had higher percent body fat (24.87%) compared with their mixed-fed counterparts (22.15%) but not formula-fed infants (23.93). Mothers who consumed at least 4.5 g of trans fatty acids/day were 5.8 times more likely to have body fat ≥ 30% than those consuming less (odds ratio5.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05, 32.32), and their infants were over two times more likely (odds ratio2.13; 95% CI, 0.75, 6.01) to have body fat ≥ 24%.Conclusions:Trans fatty acid content of the maternal diet may be associated with both maternal and infant body composition in the early postpartum period. More research is warranted regarding maternal dietary and breastmilk fatty acid composition and their effects on maternal and infant body composition and the development of childhood overweight later in life. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Differences in age-specific HPV prevalence between self-collected and health personInfectious Agents and Cancernel collected specimen in a cross-sectional study in Ghana

Background: Solid medical waste (SMW) in households is perceived to pose minimal risks to the public compared to SMW generated from healthcare facilities. While waste from healthcare facilities is subject to recommended safety measures to minimize risks to human health and the environment, similar waste in households is often untreated and co-mingled with household waste which ends up in landfills and open dumps in many African countries. In Ghana, the management of this potentially hazardous waste stream at household and community level has not been widely reported. The objective of this study was to investigate household disposal practices and harm resulting from SMW generated in households and the community. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 600 households was undertaken in Ga South Municipal Assembly in Accra, Ghana from mid-April to June, 2014. Factors investigated included socio-demographic characteristics, medication related practices, the belief that one is at risk of diseases associated with SMW, SMW disposal practices and reported harm associated with SMW at home and in the community. Results: Eighty percent and 89% of respondents discarded unwanted medicines and sharps in household refuse bins respectively. A corresponding 23% and 35% of respondents discarded these items without a container. Harm from SMW in the household and in the community was reported by 5% and 3% of respondents respectively. Persons who believed they were at risk of diseases associated with SMW were nearly three times more likely to report harm in the household (OR 2.75, 95%CI 1.15-6.54). Conclusion: The belief that one can be harmed by diseases associated with SMW influenced reporting rates in the study area. Disposal practices suggest the presence of unwanted medicines and sharps in the household waste stream conferring on it hazardous properties. Given the low rates of harm reported, elimination of preventable harm might justify community intervention. © 2017 The Author(s).

Source: UG