Evaluation of dietary patterns and haematological profile of apparently healthy officers of the Central Prisons in the Ho municipality. A cross sectional study.

Abstract Background This study is aimed at examining the dietary patterns and haematological profile in apparently healthy officers at the Ho Central Prisons. Methods We employed a cross-sectional study to conveniently enroll 113 prison officers at the Ho Central Prisons. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic information including age, gender, ethnicity, religion, and marital status as well as the number of children, educational level, occupational rank and duration of service. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24-Hour Recall (24HR) instrument were used to assess participants’ dietary intakes and consumption patterns. Portion sizes of all meals indicated were estimated using handy measures. Nutrient intakes were then determined using the FAO food composition database. Using standard methods, venous blood samples were obtained to determine participants’ full blood count (FBC). Anaemia and its morphological types were defined based on gender specific haemoglobin cut-off and MCV and MCH cut-off values respectively. Results Only half of the total respondents [65 (57.5%)] followed the recommended daily eating pattern (breakfast, lunch and supper). Thirty-two (28.3%) had often skipped breakfast, 36 (31.9%) skipped lunch and 6 (5.3%) skipped supper while 16 (14.2%) skipped snacks. High protein intake was predominant among study participants [74(65.49%)], with a male preponderance [47(75.81%)]. Low folate, vitamins (C, B6, and B12) and fiber consumptions were proportionally higher among the study population whereas low thiamine [35(68.63%)] and copper [36(70.59%)] intakes were significantly higher among female compared to their male peers, [33(53.23%)] and [40(64.52%)]. The rate of anaemia was 36(31.86%). Normocytic normochromic anaemia was the commonest [76(67.26%)], followed by microcytic hypochromic anaemia [19(16.81%)]. Anisocytosis accounted for 18(15.93%) of the total study population, with a preponderance towards the male gender [10(16.13%)]. Conclusion Good dietary practices is not optimal among the officers of the Ho Central Prisons. A third of the officers suffer from anaemia, with normocytic normochromic anaemia as the predominant anaemia type.