Perceptions of Need for School Nutrition Intervention for Impoverished Inner-city Youth in Accra, Ghana

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: (1) Identify the needs and access to school breakfast for children in Accra, Ghana;(2) Determine the perceptions of the teachers and parents on the need and benefit of school breakfast. Background: An estimated 200 billion people worldwide are deficient in key micronutrients, resulting in 1 in 4 children globally who are stunted and who will not reach their full physical or cognitive potential. In developed nations, such circumstances have been resolved through school meal programs. Developing nations continue to face the challenge. Methods: Surveys were administered to parents of school children and teachers in Accra, Ghana. The surveys gathered information on parents’ perceptions of the need for school breakfast, and teachers’ perceptions of the impact of breakfast on students’ ability to learn. Results: Of the 465 parents surveyed, 95% reported that breakfast is important for their children. However, 37% admitted that they cannot afford to feed their children adequately. Of the 26 teachers surveyed, 92% reported that the ability of their students to learn is diminished among those who attend school without breakfast, while 100% reported that all students would benefit academically if breakfast was provided free of charge. Conclusion: This study provides an impetus for the development of a school breakfast program for the impoverished inner-city youth in Ghana, with the anticipation of enhancement in school performance.