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. A mixed method approach was used for the study. A questionnaire and focus group discussion guide were used to solicit data from study participants. A total of 97 participants made up of 59 males and 38 females participated in the study. Data on food habits reveal that staple food consumption especially those grown within the study area is common. Rice (34.1%), game meat (47.1%), banana (63.9%), and garden eggs (27.8%) were the commonly consumed foods by frequency. Mood (41.2%) and stress (24.8%) were identified as the most predominant determinants of food habits. Poly medication, toothache and loss, immobility, and financial and technological challenges were amongst the nutritional challenges mentioned by the elderly in this study. Results from the focus group discussion revealed high nutrition knowledge among the elderly through factors such as financial constraints that were mentioned as a barrier to the translation of this knowledge into practice. Strengthening of existing interventional programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty and social interventions is needed to improve the dietary habits and nutritional intakes of the elderly.

The study examined the influence of dietary practices on the academic performance of boarding school adolescents. The sample consisted of 264 selected boarding school students from forms one, two and three, respectively. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in the selection of respondents and structured questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability of the instrument was 0.82. Data were quantitatively analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of tables. The study revealed that consumption of unhealthy snack foods, skipping of meals especially breakfast and low intake of fruits and water were dietary practices which were influenced by several factors with hunger ranking highest. It was concluded that the students engage in poor dietary practices such as skipping of breakfast, and excessive snacking. Recommendations given included; educating the students on the importance of adopting positive dietary practices such as regular breakfast intake and moderate snacking in order to maintain general wellbeing, remain active in class and achieve higher test scores throughout their course period.