Impact of dietary shift on Ghanaian African international students at the University of

Strathclyde

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Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................3
1.1 Background of the study....................................................................................................................3
1.2 Relevance of the study.......................................................................................................................5
1.3 Statement of the problem...................................................................................................................6
1.4 Purpose of the study..........................................................................................................................7
Aim..........................................................................................................................................................7
Objectives................................................................................................................................................8
Research Questions.................................................................................................................................8
1.5 Structure of the study.........................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................................17
Research Philosophy.............................................................................................................................18
Research approach and Justification......................................................................................................18
Sample and Sampling............................................................................................................................18
Data Collection......................................................................................................................................19
Data Analysis........................................................................................................................................20
Limitations and Consideration...............................................................................................................21
Ethical Consideration............................................................................................................................22
Significance of the Study.......................................................................................................................23
References.................................................................................................................................................25
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

International education has emerged in the recent decade as a vital component of the

global higher education environment. Students in most cases opt to pursue tertiary degrees

abroad and the UK is one the countries that lead in hosting international students in the recent

years with the majority coming from Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic however led to a decline

in onshore international student enrollment due to border closures from early 2020 to 2021

(Sprake et al., 2018). There is also recent stringent regulations that have been introduced in UK

visa application processes (Njambi, 2023) and this has led to a decline in the enrollment of

international students at the UK universities. The Higher Education Funding Council for England

perceives it as a cautionary signal for institutions to improve their efforts to attract foreign

learners (Francis & Lydia, 2016). This has further mounted more pressure on the UK universities

to improve the quality of their education and also prioritize the well-being and health of their

international students. There has been a growing acknowledgment of the latter particularly as

health and well-being are recognized as some of the important factors that influence academic

performance (O’Sullivan & Amirabdollahian, 2016). Of notable concern is the dietary health of

students with changes in diet being a globally longstanding welfare issue for international

students.

Students who relocate to foreign countries often undergo acculturation and this

potentially leads to acculturative stress or behavioral adjustments. The way students are exposed

to the food environment of the host country requires them to embrace new culinary practices

while also retaining the elements of their original diet. This dietary acculturation phenomenon is

evident among immigrants and international students; a study by Mensah, Lane & Richardson
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(2022) report that the reported negative shifts include increased snack consumption, reduced fruit

and vegetable intake, and irregular meal patterns. Other positive changes have also been

observed and some of these include the adoption of healthier eating habits through interaction

with local peers.

There are various factors that influence the direction and progression of dietary

acculturation among international students. Vijayaragavan (2023) observes that environmental

elements like food pricing, convenience, availability, and quality significantly shape their dietary

transitions. Njambi (2023) asserts that accessibility to food is one of the important issues since

the presence of familiar food items significantly guides their decisions. Dietary choices of some

of the international students are also influenced by their religious beliefs as they struggle to stick

to their religious dietary guidelines. The UK is however accommodates many religions and the

environment offers multiple cuisines to cater to the diverse religious needs. Some of these are

inclusive of the African, Indian, and Chinese cuisine that cater to the broader cultural

considerations of these students and help in the acculturation process despite their potential

disparities in accessibility and affordability across regions. Constraints related to time is another

factor that is common in the demanding academic environment and it greatly affects their eating

habits (Njambi (2023). It often results in overdependence on convenient foods that are less

nutritious and most of the students also exhibit irregular meal patterns. Personal traits and

circumstances such as interest in trying new foods, and proficiency in preparing traditional or

local dishes also impact the extent of their dietary acculturation.

According to Maguire et al., (2015), one of the most important factors that impact the

health of international students is the unique food environment in the UK; most of the food

outlets in the country mainly offer, manufactured, processed, and fast foods and this is not so
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common in most parts of Africa. The resultant dietary hurdles faced by the African students have

consequently been linked to the notable health consequences such as fluctuations in weight,

alterations in eating habits, and a heightened intake of foods rich in salt, sugar, or fat

(Vijayaragavan, 2023). International students have to manage these dietary changes since it is

important to explore the factors that shape their food preferences and the consequent effects on

their holistic well-being. The campus setting also serves as a central hub where multiple factors

intersect to influence dietary behaviors. Factors such as meal plans, different food choices that

are available on campus and the prevailing food culture within the university community all

impact the nutritional decisions of international students (Brown, Edwards & Hartwell, 2010).

The availability of healthcare services is therefore important in addressing health issues that stem

from dietary transitions. This points to the need to have a holistic support system for

international.

1.2 Relevance of the study

It is not surprising that past studies have concentrated on the processes of adaptation that

is inherent in cross-cultural experiences (Danquah et al., 2010; Tuomainen, 2009). Njambi

(2023) defines cross-cultural adaptation as "the process of change over time that occurs within

people who have undergone their primary socialization in one culture and are then continuously

exposed to a new and unfamiliar culture." A significant body of previous social science studies

has predominantly addressed the psychological challenges such as stress and the coping

mechanisms that are associated with immersion in a new culture (Osei-Kwasi et al., 2017;

Brown, Edwards & Hartwell, 2010; Vijayaragavan, 2023). There however remains further depth

to explore in this area especially in line with dietary adaptation among university students. This

study goes deeper into the topic to help researchers and policymakers to better understand the
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dietary experiences and decision-making processes of international students in the UK. It pays

greater attention to the health and nutrition of this demographic to improve their overall well-

being and experiences within the country.

Earlier studies have also demonstrated that challenges that are related to adjusting to a

new cultural milieu often impede the academic achievements and overall welfare of international

students (Brown, Edwards & Hartwell, 2010). There is a considerable portion of past research

concerning international students that has delved into the adaptation processes they undergo as

they familiarize themselves with their fresh academic and cultural surroundings (Osei-Kwasi et

al., 2017). This study further explores food consumption as a facet of the acculturation process

among international students which is an area that has been limitedly researched. This is because

this area serves as a significant avenue for acculturation.

1.3 Statement of the problem

Only a limited number of studies have examined the dietary behaviors of African

students who have enrolled in colleges and universities in the United Kingdom. Some research

that was conducted in Europe grouped African students within larger studies: Sprake et al.

(2018) used the term "Black" as a general category in the United Kingdom, Njambi (2023)

addressed African Caribbean/west Indians, Mensah, Lane & Richardson (2022) focused on sub-

Saharan Africans in Victoria, Australia, and (Francis & Lydia, 2016) explored continent of origin

in their investigation of dietary changes in Belgium. Numerous studies have contrastingly been

conducted on Asian students predominantly in Europe and America such as the study by Ojo et

al., (2023) which focused on “Perceptions of dietary intake amongst Black, Asian and other minority
ethnic groups in high-income countries.”
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Ghanaian African students constitute a relatively small portion of the overall international

student body in the UK colleges and universities their representation has been gradually

increasing. The overall count of these students in the UK has been steadily increasing since

2000. Approximately a lot of Ghanaian African students were enrolled in UK colleges and

universities in the 2019-2020 academic year and this marked a 0.3% uptick from the preceding

academic year (Mensah, Lane & Richardson, 2022). This figure is expected to have increased

after the Covid-19 pandemic. The consistent growth in both the numbers and demographics of

African students in the UK educational institutions points to the need for research into their

academic and cultural encounters. There is however scarcity of studies that look into the

acculturation journeys of international students from Africa as mentioned earlier. It is also worth

noting that no prior research has specifically scrutinized the dietary behaviors of this particular

group at the University of Strathclyde. While those studies that have examined dietary behaviors

in Scotland UK have offered limited information; thus the need of this study is supported.

1.4 Purpose of the study

This study seeks to investigate the dietary patterns of Ghanaian African students at the

University of Strathclyde and specifically emphasizes on the food preferences and consumption

behaviors of these international students. It explores the dietary acculturation of the students

within the broader framework of cultural adaptation which involves the potential transition from

one cultural context to another and the interaction with individuals from diverse cultural

backgrounds.

Aim

The main aim of this study is to assess the influence of changes in diet among Ghanaian

African international students who are studying at the University of Strathclyde.

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Objectives

1. To analyze and understand the impacts of dietary changes on Ghanaian African

international students at the University of Strathclyde.

2. To explore the factors that influence dietary shifts among Ghanaian African international

students at the University of Strathclyde.

3. To evaluate the socio-cultural and economic factors that shape food choices among

African international students at the University of Strathclyde.

4. To investigate the environmental and societal consequences of the identified dietary

shifts.

Research Questions

1. What are the effects of dietary changes on Ghanaian African international students who

have enrolled at the University of Strathclyde?

2. What are the factors that contribute to dietary shifts among Ghanaian African

international students studying at the University of Strathclyde?

3. In what ways do socio-cultural and economic factors shape the dietary preferences of

African international students at the University of Strathclyde?

4. What are the environmental and societal implications of the dietary shifts?

1.5 Structure of the study

The study is made up of a total of 6 chapters. Introduction is the first chapter and it

presents the background of the study and its overall aim and objectives. The second chapter

presents an exhaustive review of the extensive literature on these three constructs and it provides

a foundational conceptualization of these factors. It also highlights some of the most relevant and

applicable theories that underpin them. Chapter 3 subsequently delves into the methodology that
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is used for this study and it discusses the research design, instrumentation, participant

demographics, and the procedures for data collection and analysis. The research findings are

presented in the fourth chapter while the fifth chapter offers an analysis and interpretation of the

gathered data. Chapter 6 which is the last chapter addresses the limitations and implications of

the study and concludes by summarizing the findings.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

Numerous studies have been conducted about the impact of dietary shift on University

students, however, only few sources exist to show the impact of dietary shifts on African

international students. Therefore, this study majorly aims to determine the impact brought about

by dietary shift on Ghanaian African international students at the University of Strathclyde.

Understanding the dietary shifts among Ghanaian African international students at the University

of Strathclyde sheds light on their process of cultural adaptation and integration into a new

environment. It helps identify how they navigate food choices within a different cultural context,

potentially influencing their sense of belonging and adjustment. Exploring the impact of dietary

changes provides insights into the health and well-being outcomes among Ghanaian African

international students (Cohen et al., 2021). This study can uncover potential risks or benefits

associated with their dietary shifts, such as changes in nutritional intake, prevalence of diet-

related health issues, and overall well-being. Diet plays a significant role in cognitive function

and academic performance. By investigating the dietary patterns of Ghanaian African

international students, the study can elucidate any correlations between dietary shifts and

academic performance at the University of Strathclyde. Understanding these relationships can

inform interventions to support students in optimizing their academic outcomes. Dietary choices

are influenced by various social and environmental factors. This research can uncover the social

dynamics and environmental influences shaping the dietary behaviors of Ghanaian African

international students. It may reveal factors such as peer influence, availability of culturally

appropriate foods, affordability, and accessibility of ingredients, which can impact their dietary

decisions.
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A study by O’Sullivan & Amirabdollahian, (2016) explored the dietary experiences of

intercontinental undergraduates in a “British university”, and how such phenomena vary from

what they encountered in their home nation. The results showed that during their study in the

United Kingdom, the international learners indicated transitions in their eating conduct, the kind

of food as well as quantity of various foods for example fruits and vegetables in addition to fast

food. Many of the participants including Ghanaian international students reported “irregularity in

eating pattern” once they arrived in the United Kingdom. The result also showed that dietary

shift resulted in weight change amongst themselves as most of the international African students’

experienced increased weight as a result of consuming fast foods. They also experienced

unhealthy eating which could be seen through increased consumption of foods with high sugar,

salt or fat levels. A study by Sprake et al., (2018) intended to describe eating patterns of

university learners in the UK as well as their sociodemographic and lifestyle backgrounds. The

study results revealed features such as “vegetarian”; “snacking”; “health-conscious”; and

“convenience, red meat & alcohol”. All these were impacted by the shift in dietary practices in

the Universities where they studied.

Other studies have also shown that the consumption of biscuits consumption as a snack

has been a universal practice among the foreign or Ghanaian African international students who

travel to study in other nations such as the United Kingdom. It has been considered that biscuits

is a convenient food, comparatively cheaper compared to other snack foods and has a long shelf-

life that students can fall on at any time. However, it has been reported that in some western

nations, learners repeatedly eat foods that are high in fat content such as sandwich, cheese as

well as hamburger which are also considered to be less costly. It is worth noting that because of

the cheap costs of the foods that are high in fat content as well as their availability in the United
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Kingdom; many international students from Ghana have since changed their dietary patterns and

now focus on consuming these foods. This in turn reduces their consumption of fruits and

vegetables.

A study done by Brown et al., (2010) intended to reveal the replies of international

learners studying in the U.K concerning the food they consume abroad and those they left at their

home countries. The results showed that consuming home nation food provided learners with

emotional as well as physical sustenance while they experienced changes in emotional health as

well as physical health as a result of dietary shift in United Kingdom universities where they

studied. A study done by Danquah et al., (2010) examined the dietary and physical activity

conduct of international learners in U.K’s university. The study showed that while most students

consumed breakfast in their home countries such as Ghana, many of them fail to eat breakfast as

a result of the dietary shift in U.K’s university (Tuomainen, 2009). The study also showed that

such dietary changes brought about certain diseases to the international students. According to

study by Francis & Lydia (2016), the dietary shifts impact international African students as it

causes changes in weight as well as negative effects. According to studies by Osei-Kwasi et al.,

(2017); Njambi (2023), international African Ghanaian learners in the U.K universities

experienced numerous dietary changes brought about by having to adjust to the U.K’s culture.

This has been found to impact their health as they tend to consume fast foods, including those

with high fat levels and sugar levels. A study by Vijayaragavan, (2023) aimed to explore the

food habits and dietary practices of international students at “Liverpool John Moores University”

in the United Kingdom. The study showed that when they arrive in the United Kingdom,

international students including African international students experience numerous issues with
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their dietary practices. The research also determined essential themes such as “eating patterns”,

“dietary changes”, “new dietary experiences”, as well as aspects impacting dietary fluctuations.

A study conducted by Danquah et al., (2010), examined the dietary and physical activity

conducts of international students; the study particularly focused on the students from West

Africa nations who study in the United Kingdom. The study showed that dietary transitions

observed amid global students especially those from Ghana studying in the United Kingdom are

consistent with the results attained in other studies concerning the transitions in dietary conducts

after migrating temporary to other nations such as the United Kingdom. The study compared

how the dietary changes impacted these students while they were in Ghana and how they

experienced changes once migrating to the United Kingdom. Based on the results of the study, it

was documented that close to 85% of international students who came from Ghana considered

making dietary changes upon arriving in the United Kingdom.

A study by Galbete et al., (2017), intended to define the dietary conduct and its socio-

demographic aspects amid Ghanaian migrants in Europe and their compatriots living different

Ghanaian settings. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and particularly in West African populations,

ageing and rapid urbanisation are associated with lifestyle changes, including diet, contributing

to the emergence of metabolic diseases. Dietary changes in low- and middle-income countries

from a more traditional to a westernised diet are universally termed as nutrition transition. Rapid

economic growth leads to changes in food processing and availability, partly contributing to

nutrition transition in these countries. Migrants experience dietary adaptations in an even shorter

time span, because migration results in a sudden change of context and thereby leading to altered

dietary habits. Still, data characterizing the nutrition transition in West African populations are

scarce, particularly for migrants in Europe. Several approaches are available to bridge this
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knowledge gap spanning from food-based methods, to nutrient analysis, up to the identification

of dietary patterns (Green et al., 2015). The latter appears ideal to capture the complexity of

human dietary behaviour, preferably using evidence-based scores or exploratory techniques (Yen

et al., 2018). The a priori approach is based on nutritional recommendations and established diet-

disease relationships to calculate pre-defined dietary patterns scores from the intake of certain

food groups and nutrients. In comparison, the a posteriori approach constitutes an exploratory

method which is purely data-driven and hypothesis-free. Contrasting the upsurge of obesity and

metabolic conditions in West African populations, and the potential importance of nutritional

changes for this development, dietary habits of West Africans in Europe and in their home

countries remain to be characterised. Thus, we aimed at investigating dietary behaviour among a

homogeneous group of West Africans who live in or originate from the Ashanti Region of

Ghana. The specific objectives were to examine food consumption, to analyse the intakes of

energy and nutrients, to identify exploratory dietary patterns, and to investigate socio-

demographic factors of pattern adherence among Ghanaians living in rural Ghana, urban Ghana,

and Europe (Amsterdam, London, and Berlin).

Studies have also shown that dietary shifts at the University of Strathclyde tend to impact

the Ghanaian African international students in the sense that these students experience

overweight and obesity. It is worth noting that African countries especially West African nations

such as Ghana have been recognized for production of various traditional foods; and most of the

students from Ghana often prefer to consume traditional foods or those foods that are generally

attained from their farms and those that are low on cholesterols (Green et al., 2015). However,

when these students go to study in the U.K, they find different food patterns that force them to

change the types of foods that they get. It is because of the foods that the dietary changes in these
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foods offered at the University of Strathclyde that most of the Ghanaian international students

have reported increasing cases of obesity and overweight. Most of the foods that these students

consume are often fast foods which in turn impact their body weight. Osei-Kwasi et al., (2017)

examined the impact of migration on dietary practices of Ghanaians living in the United

Kingdom. The results attained showed that three distinct dietary practice typologies were

discernible that differed in terms of typical meal formats, meal contexts, structure and patterning

of meals, food preparation and purchasing behaviours: (i) continuity practices; (ii) flexible

practices; and (iii) changed practices. The identified practices were shaped by interrelating

factors that fell into four main clusters: social and cultural environment; accessibility of foods;

migration context; and food beliefs/perceptions. There are essential dietary practices in Ghana

that Ghanaian students who migrate to study in the United Kingdom can be associated with;

notably, there exists six categories of foods that are considered as part of a healthy diet in the

Ghanaian Food-Based Dietary Guidelines. Some of these foods comprise fruits, vegetables,

legumes and nuts, animal source foods, whole/unpolished grains/cereals, and tubers, and healthy

fats, oils, and oily seeds. However, when these Ghanaian African international students go to

study in the United Kingdom, they are forced to change their dietary choices including the foods

that they eat; this in turn impacts both their physical and eating patterns as well as their health as

they adopt the unhealthy eating patterns that most students in Western nations consider due to

the cheap prices and availability.

It is important to note that a variety of factors have contributed to dietary changes in the

UK; these factors are also thought to have a substantial influence on how dietary changes affect

international learners who are Ghanaian African. In the UK, economic, social, psychological,

and physical factors have all contributed to dietary shifts. Cost has an impact on the
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sustainability, ethics, and healthfulness of food options; if a consumer believes that a food is

excessively expensive, they are less inclined to purchase it. However, other variables like gender,

income, and educational attainment also affect how much something costs (d'Angelo et al.,

2020). Accessibility and ease of use impact the range of options available to customers in a

particular dining setting. If healthy options are readily available, people are more likely to be

healthy in various settings (such as the workplace, school, or grocery store). Because

convenience can lead to social responsibility or health, like receiving organic vegetable boxes, it

is also likely to influence people's behavior. On the other hand, the availability of unhealthy food

that is comparatively less expensive also affects how much of it is consumed and, in turn, how

well people's diets are. Marketing has a big impact on what consumers choose to buy, especially

when it comes to junk food consumption, which is particularly high among kids and teenagers.

There's growing evidence that younger demographics are being influenced by social media more

and more. A study by Abizari, & Ali (2019) examined the dietary patterns and connected aspects

of schooling Ghanaian adolescents. The study identified two dietary patterns which total clarified

49.7% of the variability of the diet of learners. The results of the study showed that the patterns

were “sweet tooth pattern” (STP) with great aspect loadings for sugar sweetened snacks,

“energy” and “soft drinks”, “sweets”, “tea and coffee”, and “milk and milk products”, and a

“traditional pattern” (TP) which revealed great aspect loadings for “cereals” and “grains”, “local

beverages”, “nuts”, “seeds and legumes”, “vegetables”, and “fish and seafood.” The result of this

study presented above shows that even though leaners from Ghana often prefer traditional

dietary patterns, which comprise vegetables and natural foods, many of these students are forced

to adjust to the dietary shifts in the UK as they begin to embrace fast foods all which impact their

health.
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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

A mixed-methods approach will be incorporated to help complete this study. The

methodology presented above incorporates both the “quantitative” and qualitative” data. It

generally involves the process of collecting, assessing as well as “merging” quantitative and

qualitative study and tactics in one research to comprehend a research problem. The application

of mixed methods enables the researcher to tackle complex research questions that need many

forms of data or assessment. Mixed methods research enables the researcher to assess a

phenomenon from diverse perspectives, resulting on wider and deeper comprehension of the

topic. Moreover, it offers various proofs via triangulation and integration which increases the

study’s epistemic value. By assimilating both data forms, the researcher can attain deeper

comprehension of the phenomenon of focus, and authenticate the results. Mixed methods

research enables the researcher to assess a phenomenon from diverse perspectives, resulting on

wider and deeper comprehension of the topic. Moreover, it offers various proofs via triangulation

and integration which increases the study’s epistemic value. Importantly, by integrating

qualitative and quantitative data, a mixed methods approach can conduct a comprehensive

examination aligned with the research objective, which is to investigate the effects of dietary

shifts on Ghanaian African international students at the University of Strathclyde. It also

provides the researcher with the chance to explore novel combinations of approaches in different

contexts, resulting in study designs and a more objective and justifiable future. Notably

assimilating qualitative and quantitative data, a mixed methods tactic can perform a detailed

examination that aligns with the objective of the research, which is to examine the effects dietary

shift on Ghanaian African international students at the University of Strathclyde.

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Research Philosophy

The research philosophy implemented in this dissertation involves the “pragmatism

research philosophy”. It is worth noting that the pragmatism research philosophy” focuses on the

study designs that integrates operational decisions formulated on the aspects that will work best

in ascertaining answers or responses for the study questions as a result, this aids the pragmatic

researchers to carry out the study in a in innovative and dynamic ways to get solutions to

research issues.

Research approach and Justification

The study will adopt a mixed methods approach. This design provides numerous benefits,

for example, it enables the researcher to examine complex study questions that one cannot

completely answer by using one study design. Moreover, the design allows for assessment of

relations amongst diverse variables, which is not possible with one study design. Moreover, a

mixed methods design offers a deeper comprehension of the study issue by incorporating both

qualitative and quantitative information. It also provides flexibility and compliance in designing

and performing the study. Notably assimilating qualitative and quantitative data, a mixed

methods design can perform a detailed examination that aligns with the objective of the research,

which is to examine the effects dietary shift on Ghanaian African international students at the

University of Strathclyde.

Sample and Sampling

This study involved the application of “Snowball Sampling” approach to select the study

participants. It is important to note that the application of the “snowball sampling” involves

asking initial participants to refer other Ghanaian African international students who might be

interested in participating in the study. This snowball sampling technique can help expand the
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participant pool and reach individuals who may not be directly accessible through other

recruitment methods. The application of the snow ball sampling approach has been selected for

this dissertation based on the benefits that it offers; for example, by implementing this approach,

finding samples becomes quicker; this is based on the fact that referrals make it easy and swift to

get subjects since they originate from reliable sources. The benefit is that the approach is cost

efficient since the “referrals” are acquired from a primary source of data; thus it is marked as

being convenient as well as not costly as compared to other approaches of sampling. The

research participants for this study are Ghanaian African international students enrolled at the

University of Strathclyde in Scotland. These students would represent a diverse group in terms of

age, educational background, and employment status. Typically, Ghanaian African international

students pursuing higher education abroad are between the ages of 18 to 38, although there may

be variations within this range.

Data Collection

In this research both primary and secondary data will be used. The methods that will be

applied to acquire primary data comprise interviews through open-ended questions as well as

quantitative surveys. In this dissertation, the study participants received numerous questions in

connection to the study topic. The responses that the study participants provided were then

document and examined against each other. A qualitative interview enables the researcher to

comprehend the participants’ experiences, and views. In order to attain secondary data, various

past studies including journal, reports, books, and websites that are relevant to the study topic

will be used. It is worth noting that the application of secondary data from widely accessible

sources is very effective since it evades the access and ethical issues linked to primary searches.
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Data Analysis

In this study, both qualitative and quantitative data was analyzed since the study

incorporated mixed-methods approach. In assessing or analyzing the collected qualitative data, a

thematic analysis approach was implemented to examine the qualitative data collected. This

approach is particularly essential when seeking subjective data for instance the experiences, as

well as views of the study participants. Based on this reason, “thematic analysis” is usually

performed on information obtained from “interviews” “conversations”, “open-ended survey

responses”, as well as “social media posts.” The aim of the “thematic analysis” is to determine

themes for example information patterns that are essential or interesting and implement them to

tackle the research. There are numerous steps involved in the “thematic analysis” that will be

considered in this study. These steps are presented below:

1st step: familiarization

This step focuses on getting to know the data-a detailed overview of all gathered

information before assessing individual items.

2nd step

The second step is coding: This step focuses on coding the data. This focuses on

highlighting parts of the text and generating shorthand labels or “codes” to define their content.

3rd step: Creating themes

The third step focuses on examining the generated codes, determining their patterns and

creating themes. For example numerous codes can be merged to form a theme.

4th step: Reviewing themes

The fourth step focuses on reviewing the themes; this involves ensuring that the created

themes are useful and show correct demonstration of data.

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5th step: describing and naming the themes

The fifth step focuses on describing and naming of the themes: Themes’ description

focuses on formulating precisely the meaning of every theme and determining its importance in

comprehending the data. Moreover naming themes focuses on developing a succinct and

effortlessly comprehensible name for every theme.

6th step: Write up

The last step involves writing up the analysis of the information.

Statistical analysis will be conducted as well; “descriptive statistics” analysis will be

conducted for the quantitative data collected. “Descriptive statistics” is essential as it offers a

snapshot of the data's aspects through calculation of measures such as mean, median, and mode

(Siedlecki, 2020). The essential procedure or forms of descriptive statistics that will be

considered in this study include “frequency distribution”, “central tendency”, and “variability of

a data set”. In this case, the “frequency distribution” will record how often data happens,

“central tendency” will record the information’s “center point” of distribution, and finally, the

variability of a data set records its level of dispersal.

Limitations and Consideration

One of the major limitations of this study involves the study design incorporated. A

significant limitation of the mixed-methods approach involves the weakness over with the

researcher has no authority over can negatively affect the results. Another limitation is linked to

the use of “simple random sampling.” The application of “simple random sampling approach”

shows that the quality of data depends on researcher quality. The achievement of any sampling

technique depends on the readiness of the researcher to efficiently perform their work. Moreover,
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even though “simple random sampling” is expected to be an unbiased approach to surveying,

sample choice bias can happen.

Ethical Consideration

Ethical consideration will contribute a significant part to this study; among the ethical

principles that are considered in this dissertation are as presented below; informed Consent: the

study ensured that the participants were fully informed about the purpose, procedures, risks, and

benefits of the study before agreeing to participate. Provide clear and understandable consent

forms outlining their rights, including the right to withdraw from the study at any time without

penalty. Confidentiality: the study safeguarded the confidentiality of participants' personal

information and research data. Moreover, anonymization techniques were used to protect

participants' identities in research reports and publications. Ensure that only authorized personnel

have access to the data collected during the study. Privacy: Respect participants' privacy

throughout the research process. Interview and focus groups was conducted in private settings

where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Minimize the risk of accidental

disclosure of sensitive information during data collection, storage, and analysis. Cultural

Sensitivity: Recognize and respect the cultural beliefs, values, and norms of Ghanaian African

international students. Avoid imposing Western-centric perspectives or stereotypes in the

research design, data collection instruments, and interpretation of findings. Consult with cultural

experts or community representatives to ensure cultural appropriateness and sensitivity.

Voluntary Participation: Ensure that participation in the study is voluntary and free from

coercion or undue influence. Avoid offering incentives that may unduly influence participants'

decision to participate or disclose sensitive information. Respect participants' right to decline

participation or withdraw from the study at any stage without repercussions. Risk Assessment:
 23

Assess and minimize potential risks associated with participation in the study, including

psychological discomfort, social stigma, or breaches of confidentiality. Provide appropriate

support and resources for participants who may experience distress or adverse effects as a result

of their involvement in the research. Beneficence and Non-maleficence: Ensure that the research

benefits outweigh any potential risks to participants. Strive to promote the well-being and

interests of participants throughout the research process. Take proactive measures to minimize

harm and mitigate any adverse effects of the study on participants' health, well-being, or

academic standing. Researcher Integrity: Conduct the research with honesty, integrity, and

professionalism. Adhere to ethical guidelines and standards set forth by institutional review

boards (IRBs) or ethics committees. Maintain transparency in all aspects of the research,

including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Significance of the Study

Many African international students including Ghanaian students experience numerous

dietary challenges as a result of adapting to the U.K. culture. Understanding the dietary shifts

among Ghanaian African international students at the University of Strathclyde sheds light on

their process of cultural adaptation and integration into a new environment. It helps identify how

they navigate food choices within a different cultural context, potentially influencing their sense

of belonging and adjustment. Exploring the impact of dietary changes provides insights into the

health and well-being outcomes among Ghanaian African international students. This study can

uncover potential risks or benefits associated with their dietary shifts, such as changes in

nutritional intake, prevalence of diet-related health issues, and overall well-being. Diet plays a

significant role in cognitive function and academic performance. By investigating the dietary

patterns of Ghanaian African international students, the study can elucidate any correlations
 24

between dietary shifts and academic performance at the University of Strathclyde. Understanding

these relationships can inform interventions to support students in optimizing their academic

outcomes. Dietary choices are influenced by various social and environmental factors. This

research can uncover the social dynamics and environmental influences shaping the dietary

behaviors of Ghanaian African international students. It may reveal factors such as peer

influence, availability of culturally appropriate foods, affordability, and accessibility of

ingredients, which can impact their dietary decisions. Studying the impact of dietary shifts

among Ghanaian African international students contributes to broader cultural exchange and

education within the university community. It fosters cross-cultural understanding and

appreciation by highlighting the diversity of food practices and Cultural Exchange and

Education: Studying the impact of dietary shifts among Ghanaian African international students

contributes to broader cultural exchange and education within the university community. It

fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation by highlighting the diversity of food

practices and traditions among international student populations. This knowledge can promote

cultural sensitivity and inclusivity on campus, enriching the university experience for all

students.
 25

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