Food acquisition and consumption by NOVA food classification and lived poverty index among rural and urban households in South Africa and Ghana.

Objective: This study aimed to determine differences in food consumption by the NOVA food categories in South Africa and Ghana and how they relate to poverty and food supply systems.

Design: This study used a cross-sectional design to assess household food acquisition and lived poverty index.

Setting: The study was conducted in Khayelitsha and Mount Frere, urban and rural communities in South Africa, respectively, and Ahodwo and Ejuratia, urban and rural communities in Ghana, respectively.

Food consumption by NOVA food classification, metabolic outcomes, and barriers to healthy food consumption among university students.

The NOVA food classification system is a simple tool that can be used to assess the consumption levels of different categories of foods based on their level of processing. The degree to which food is processed has a significant impact on health outcomes. In Ghana, no study exists on the consumption of the different NOVA food groups among tertiary students and how it relates to their metabolic outcomes.

Background commentary on the Researching the Obesogenic Food Environment (ROFE) project.

Objective: The objective of this commentary is to provide an overview of the rationale and objectives of the Researching the Obesogenic Food Environment (ROFE) project that was conducted in Ghana and South Africa.

Design: Narration has been used to describe the main objectives, phases as well as the methods used for the conduct of this project.

Setting: The project described in this commentary was conducted in Khayelitsha and Mount Frere in South Africa and Ahodwo and Ejuratia for Ghana.

Exploring the perspective of young adults about anaemia prevention; the contributions of knowledge about at-risk groups and consequences of anaemia.

Background: Anaemia persistently remains a grave public health challenge in most sub-Saharan African countries. Understanding the perspectives of young adults concerning the multi-factorial nature of anaemia may be an important step towards meeting the 2025 global nutrition target of halving anaemia since these individuals might be in the process of reproductive decisions.

Aim: To explore the relationship between students' knowledge about individuals at risk of developing anaemia, and anaemia consequences, and anaemia prevention strategies in a tertiary student cohort.

Dietary Habits and Nutritional Challenges of the Elderly in Ghana.

The elderly population is increasing worldwide. Dietary habits play a crucial role in prolonging life and preventing diseases. This cross-sectional study sought to investigate the dietary habits of the elderly in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region of Ghana and further ascertain the factors that constitute nutritional challenges among this group.

Nutritional knowledge and practices of mothers/caregivers and its impact on the nutritional status of children 6-59 months in Sefwi Wiawso Municipality, Western-North Region, Ghana.

Background: Good maternal/caregiver nutrition knowledge protects the child from events that lead to low weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and low height-for-age z-score (HAZ). Indicators of good child nutritional status have traditionally been low in cocoa-growing areas. This paper aimed to explore the relationship between maternal nutrition knowledge and practices and its effect on the nutritional status of children 6-59 months in the Sefwi Wiawso municipality; a predominant cocoa-growing area in Ghana.

Relationship between breakfast consumption, BMI status and physical fitness of Ghanaian school-aged children.

Background: Good nutrition and physical activity of school-aged children are important for ensuring optimum growth and reducing obesity. This present study assessed associations between breakfast consumption, BMI-for-Age (BMI) and physical fitness in a cross-section of school-aged children attending government-owned primary schools in Kumasi, Ghana.

Method: The sample consisted of 438 pupils (boys = 213; girls = 225; mean age 11.

Body Weight, Obesity Perception, and Actions to Achieve Desired Weight among Rural and Urban Ghanaian Adults.

Background: Accurate body weight perception is important to maintaining an ideal body weight. In Africa, a preference for a larger body size and its association with health and wellbeing has been well documented. It remains speculative if these perceptions have changed or improved and if differences exist among rural and urban dwellers.