YIAH HAGBENE, Ellen Louise Olu Fagbemi
The rising concern over poor dietary habits and their implications for occupational performance has prompted the need to understand food behaviour among key professional groups. This study assessed the socio-demographic determinants of dietary patterns among senior high school teachers in the Sissala East Municipality, Ghana. Employing a descriptive research design within a quantitative research framework. The study sampled 160 teachers from the two Senior High School (SHS) in the Sissala East Municipality. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Analytical techniques included descriptive statistics, and correlation to determine patterns and relationships among variables. The results showed that while most teachers consume vegetables more frequently than fruits, their overall intake of both food groups remains below recommended daily levels. The findings revealed that teachers demonstrated a moderate reliance on processed foods and a low consumption of whole grains, indicating potential nutritional gaps. The study found that demographic characteristics, including age, gender, marital status, educational level, and monthly income, significantly influence teachers' dietary choices. The study concluded that socioeconomic and educational disparities shape nutritional behaviour among teachers. The study recommended that the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Health should collaborate to organise regular nutrition education campaigns and workshops for teachers to enhance awareness of balanced diets and their link to professional performance.