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Parthenium weed is a noxious invasive species that has negative effects on agriculture and also causes allergic reactions in humans. The goal of this study was to evaluate several management strategies for parthenium weed and assess the suitability of each control measure for farmers, and other stakeholders in Uganda. Field experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, and the quadrat sampling method used to assess the effect of mulching, foliar application of table salt solution, hand pulling, slashing, hand hoeing, foliar herbicide application, and integrated weed management on parthenium plant populations. All tested weed management strategies except foliar herbicide application significantly (Pi‚£0.05) reduced parthenium plant populations, with parthenium weed counts for treated plots reducing on subsequent data collection days. The experimental data showed that parthenium plant populations increased for the untreated plot overtime. The authors recommend that a combination of multiple weed control measures (integrated weed management) are utilized for effective management of parthenium weed in Uganda to reduce limitations that result when one management strategy is used singly. This study informs farmers, the general public, and researchers how to effectively control parthenium weed, contributing to reduction of the numerous negative effects of parthenium weed on human livelihoods. Key words: Agriculture, invasive, management, noxious, parthenium weed, Uganda.

Background:Nutritious underutilized foods (NUFs) significantly contribute to sustainable dietary diversity but are often unused for many reasons.Objective:We assessed the influence of food security status (FSS) and anemia-related knowledge (ARK) on perceptions about Solanum torvum (turkey berry) and Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius (palm weevil larvae) among Ghanaian caregivers.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 891 caregivers (aged 20-49 years), who have children 6 to 59 months old, from Upper Manya Krobo district (Eastern region), Kumasi metropolitan (Ashanti region), Ho municipality (Volta region), La-Nkwantanang-Madina, and Ga West municipality (Greater-Accra region), Ghana. Food security status, ARK, and perceptions about the 2 NUFs were obtained using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to determine effect of FSS and ARK on perception outcomes.Results:Thirty-six percent of caregivers were food secure, while 13.9%, 28.4%, and 21.7%, respectively, were mildly, moderately, and severely food insecure. Most caregivers (62.0%) scored above 70% on ARK. High favorable perception was significantly lower for palm weevil larvae than that for turkey berry. Food secure caregivers were 4.5 times more likely to have poor favorable perceptions about palm weevil larvae than food insecure caregivers ( P = .03). However, food secure caregivers were 2.9 times more likely to have high favorable perceptions about turkey berry than food insecure caregivers ( P < .001). Caregivers’ knowledge about anemia was associated with high favorable perception about turkey berry by 3.3-fold (95% confidence interval: 2-5.5, P = .001).Conclusions:Nutrition education about turkey berry and palm weevil larvae is needed to encourage their use for promoting nutrient density of complementary and household foods.

Improved formulations of complementary foods (CFs) with animal-source foods (ASFs) is an important strategy to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF). However, ASFs are expensive in many food-insecure settings where edible insects abound. CFs were developed from flours of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and cricket (OFSCri) or palm weevil larvae (OFSPal) or soybean (OFSSoy) in the ratio 7:3. Nutritional and microbial quality of the novel CFs were determined and compared with Weanimix (recommended maize-peanut-soybean blend). Sensory evaluation of porridges was rated on a five-point hedonic scale among 170 Ghanaian mothers. OFSCri (20.33 &plusmn, 0.58 g/100 g) and Weanimix (16.08 &plusmn, 0.13 g/100 g) met the protein requirement of 15 g/100 g from CFs. Although Fe content was significantly higher for OFSCri (1.17 &plusmn, 0.03 mg/100 g), none of the CFs met the recommended levels for Fe. All the CFs were free from Salmonella, and aerobic plate count was significantly below permissible levels. All the CFs were ranked above the minimum threshold (hedonic scale = 3, neither like nor dislike) of likeness for the sensory attributes. Crickets and palm weevil larvae can be blended with OFSP and could be sustainable, culturally appropriate alternative ASFs for IYCF, but long-term studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy.

OBJECTIVES: Improved formulations of complementary foods (CFs) with animal-source foods (ASFs) is an eminent strategy to improve infant nutrition, but they are expensive and not readily available in many food insecure settings which are a haven of edible insects. Hence, we developed orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) based CFs supplemented with Cricket or palm weevil larvae (PWL), examined its nutritional content and microbial quality for infant feeding. METHODS: OFSP roots were sourced from local farmers, peeled, sliced, steam cooked and mechanically dried into OFSP flour. Cricket powder and PWL paste were obtained from commercial producers, steam cooked, and mechanically dried into Cricket/PWL flours. OFSP flour was mixed with either Cricket/PWL flours in the ratios of 100:0 (control), 85:15, 70:30, and 50:50 and used to produce ready-to-eat CFs. The CFs were evaluated for nutrient composition and microbial contamination using standard methods. ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test was used to compare all the formulations to the control. RESULTS: There were increase in protein (4.80 to 36.75%), iron (1.26 to 4.38 mg/100 g), zinc (0.69 to 10.65 mg/100 g) and calcium (45.54 to 152.77 mg/100 g) contents of the OFSP-based CFs with increased supplementation with Cricket/PWL flour. The carbohydrate and β-carotene content decreased but the energy content increased with increased supplementation with cricket/PWL flour from 344.52 Kcal/100 g in 100% OFSP CF to 541.09 Kcal/100 g in 50:50 CFs (OFSP: PWL) (P = 0.001). Aerobic mesophilic count (AMC) of the OFSP: Cricket CFs was 60 cfu/g as compared to 1300 cfu/g for the OFSP: PWL CFs. Comparing the OFSP-based Cricket/PWL CFs to the commercial Cricket or PWL, there was 35–331-fold reduction in AMC. Bacillus cereus (BC), aerobic (APC) and anaerobic plate count (NPC) was 0 cfu/g for the OFSP: Cricket CFs. BC, APC and NPC were 100, 260 and 130 cfu/g respectively for the OFSP: PWL CFs. CONCLUSIONS: Steam cooking, then mechanical drying significantly reduced microbial concentrations in commercial Cricket and PWL to below minimum limits set by the Ghana Standards Authority for CFs requiring heating to boiling before consumption. OFSP-based Cricket/PWL composite flours could be safe viable alternatives as nutritious CFs in countries where they are culturally accepted as food. FUNDING SOURCES: Nutritional Sciences Council at Iowa State University.

Background Socioeconomic factors influence the prevalence of malaria infection in endemic areas. This study evaluated the socioeconomic risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum infection in primary school children in the Volta region of Ghana. Methods This cross-sectional study involved selected primary school children from the region; questionnaires were administered, and blood samples were collected for malaria detection using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy. Results A total of 550 primary school children were enrolled in this study. The predominant occupation of the parents was trading (mothers, 334, 60.73%; fathers, 254, 46.18%) and farming (mothers, 156, 28.36%; fathers, 170, 30.91%). Three hundred and five (305; 55.45%) children tested positive for malaria with RDT and microscopy. Male sex (AOR=1.53), rural area (Afegame school) (AOR=4.01) and parental farming occupation (AOR=6.39), were independently associated with P. falciparum infection. Conclusions Plasmodium falciparum infection was significantly found in children in rural areas of Ghana with low socioeconomic status in this study.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a widespread nutritional deficiency, and iron supplementation, especially with ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), is the most common strategy to treat IDA; however, compliance is often poor with daily FeSO4 owing to negative side effects. In a previous study, iron from iron-enriched Aspergillus oryzae [Ultimine® Koji Iron (ULT)] was absorbed similarly to FeSO4. Objectives The main objective of this study was to assess the safety of consuming ULT in terms of increasing non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) and gastrointestinal distress. Methods Young female participants (n = 16) with serum ferritin

Solanum torvum (STO) and edible insects are potential dietary approaches to prevent malnutrition. Hence, we determined the effect of STO and insect powders on improving nutritional status in malnourished rats. Malnutrition was induced in rats by feeding 5% protein, ~2 ppm Fe (LPI) diet for 21 days. During the 14 day repletion, five groups of rats (n = 8) were fed diets supplemented with Acheta domesticus (cricket, ADO), Rhynchophorus phoenicis fabricius (palm weevil larvae, RFA), STO, ADO + STO (TAD), and casein + ferrous sulfate (PIS, positive control), as well as a non-supplemented group (negative control, LPI). A normal (NOM) group was fed protein-Fe sufficient (PIS) diet throughout the study. Body composition was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The hemoglobin (Hb) repletion method was used to assess relative biological value (RBV, compared to PIS) of the supplemented groups. No differences were found in weight gain, bone mineral content, lean and fat mass, and organ weights among the edible insects and PIS groups, but these results differed from STO and the LPI groups. An increase in Hb Fe and RBV with ADO and RFA was comparable to PIS. ADO and RFA could be excellent sources of protein and bioavailable Fe, making it a sustainable, low-cost food source to prevent malnutrition in humans.

Socioeconomic factors influence the prevalence of malaria infection in endemic areas. This study evaluated the socioeconomic risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum infection in primary school children in the Volta region of Ghana.This cross-sectional study involved selected primary school children from the region; questionnaires were administered, and blood samples were collected for malaria detection using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy.A total of 550 primary school children were enrolled in this study. The predominant occupation of the parents was trading (mothers, 334, 60.73%; fathers, 254, 46.18%) and farming (mothers, 156, 28.36%; fathers, 170, 30.91%). Three hundred and five (305; 55.45%) children tested positive for malaria with RDT and microscopy. Male sex (AOR=1.53), rural area (Afegame school) (AOR=4.01) and parental farming occupation (AOR=6.39), were independently associated with P. falciparum infection.Plasmodium falciparum infection was significantly found in children in rural areas of Ghana with low socioeconomic status in this study.

OBJECTIVES: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a widespread nutritional deficiency. Iron supplementation with ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) is the most common strategy to treat IDA; however, the compliance with daily FeSO4 administration is poor, due to contraindicating side effects. Previously, we have reported that A. oryzae (Ultimine(®); ULT) is a novel iron source. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the biochemical assessment, non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) and commonly related gastrointestinal side effects to assess the safety of A. oryzae compared to FeSO4. METHODS: Female participants (n = 16) with serum ferritin concentrations 40 µg/L were randomized to a double-blind, 9-wk cross-over study with a 3-wk placebo washout period between treatments. Oral iron supplements (65 mg Fe), FeSO(4) and ULT were administered for 21 consecutive days for each subject. Side effect questionnaires were collected 3d/wk over the 9-wk study period. Side effects and biochemical markers (nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, constipation, oxidative stress and liver and kidney function) from iron supplementation were evaluated, along with serum iron, % transferrin saturation (TS) and NBTI 8 h curves. RESULTS: Serum iron, TS, and NTBI were all markedly higher with FeSO4 at each time-point from 2–8 hours (P

OBJECTIVES: Availability and access to diversity of foods that are affordable for all peoples always is important for achieving food security status (FSS). Hence, this study examined the influence of FSS on women's perception on underutilized foods: iron-rich plant, solanum torvum (turkey berry, TUB) and edible insect, Rhynchophorus phoenicis fabricius (palm weevil larvae, PWL). METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 891 women of reproductive age (WRA) from communities in Upper Manya Krobo district, Kumasi Metropolitan, La-Nkwantanang-Madina and Ho municipality in the Eastern, Ashanti, Greater-Accra and Volta regions of Ghana respectively. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, FSS and perceptions about TUB and PWL using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to determine effect of FSS on perception outcomes. Also, 2 focus group discussions (FGD) of 10 WRA each were conducted in each municipality/district and analyzed for major themes and patterns. RESULTS: Mean age was 33 ± 8 y and 36% were food secure. High favorable perception about TUB was 60.9% compared to 17.4% for PWL. WRA residing in big towns in the Greater-Accra region were 2.5 times more likely to have high favorable perceptions about TUB and 4.8 times more likely to have low favorable perceptions about PWL compared to WRA in small towns in the Volta region (P = 0.03). Compared to food insecure WRA, food secure WRA were 2.9 times more likely to have high favorable perceptions about TUB and 4.5 times more likely to have low favorable perceptions about PWL (P = 0.001). FGD participants identified TUB as “the blood-giving plant” and PWL as “the meat of delight”. TUB use barriers included its “hard to grind numerous seeds”, “bitter taste” and “funny smell”. PWL use barriers included “it's like a maggot” and “it's scarce”. FGD participants requested education on nutritional benefits of TUB and PWL and processing of these foods into products that can be liked by everyone. CONCLUSIONS: Drivers of favorable perception about TUB and PWL were region of residence and FSS. Nutrition education and local processing of TUB and PWL into ready-to-use products is recommended as a low-cost sustainable strategy for improving nutrient density of complementary and household foods in communities where these foods are culturally accepted. FUNDING SOURCES: Iowa State University.

Background Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is a major problem in sub-Saharan Africa despite increasing availability of free antiretroviral treatment (ART). Early diagnosis and continuous engagement in HIV care are essential for the elimination of MTCT and improvement of a mother's quality of life. MTCT risk can be reduced from 45%, with no intervention, to below 5% with the administration of an effective antiretroviral regimen. An important but less explored area is how access to potable water and adequate sanitation influence women's adherence to ART. WHO estimates are that around 319 million people lack access to potable water and 695 million people do not have adequate sanitation in sub-Sharan Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate how access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) influence ART adherence in women living with HIV/AIDS in Zambia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in women living with HIV/AIDS attending prenatal and postnatal clinics in Lusaka and Sinazongwe Districts, Zambia. We used a questionnaire to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, WASH, quality of health care, disclosure and support, and other factors. Associations between categorical and continuous variables were assessed with Pearson's χ2 and correlation, respectively. Factors influencing ART adherence were determined using logistic regression models. Findings We included data from 150 women in analysis; mean age was 29 years (SD 6). In all, 64% of respondents reported that they lacked access to potable water and 70% reported having inadequate toilet facilities. There were significant associations between ART adherence and access to toilet facilities (p=0·01) and women's perception about access to water and importance of clean water (p=0·01). There was a significant association between ART adherence and belief about effectiveness of the antiretroviral drugs (p=0·01). Participants who were worried about their access to water were less likely to adhere to ART (adjusted OR=0·36 [95% CI 0·13–0·98]; p=0·046) and women who were worried about lack of a toilet facility in their house were less likely to adhere to ART (0·11 [0·03–0·39]; p=0·001). Interpretation Access to water and toilet facilities influence ART adherence in women living with HIV or AIDS. Interventions aimed at improving ART adherence should include access to WASH facilities. Funding None.

The kernels of most Curcubitaceae species have tremendous food value in Africa where protein-energy malnutrition is high but they are not widely used in food preparations. This study assessed the nutritional composition and protein quality of four species of Curcubitaceae seeds using laboratory rats. Moisture, ash, fibre, minerals and protein of the Curcubitaceae seeds were determined. Rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of five and were fed for four weeks on the following diets: the four species of the Curcubitaceae seed meal and control diets of Soya Bean Meal (SBM), protein free diet and normal rat chow respectively. Their urine and faeces were collected for analysis and feed intakes determined. After four weeks feeding, the rats were weighed, lyophilized and protein utilization determined. The moisture, crude protein, fat and ash content of the seeds were 5.44-6.66, 30-36, 44-58 and 3.18-4.90%, respectively. Crude fibre was less than 2.5%. The Curcubitaceae seeds contained high amounts of: Zn (5.0-7.1 mg/100 g), Cu (1.4-7.9 mg/100 g) and Fe (5.6-8.5 mg/100 g). All the seeds had good protein quality as judged by the PER (0.75-1.36) and (NPU) (46.10-69.10). The four Cucurbitaceae seeds have good protein quality, fat and minerals which may help reduce under nutrition. These are important food resources and thus their consumption should be promoted.

Solanum torvum (STO) and edible insects are potential dietary approaches to prevent malnutrition. Hence, we determined the effect of STO and insect powders on improving nutritional status in malnourished rats. Malnutrition was induced in rats by feeding 5% protein, ~2 ppm Fe (LPI) diet for 21 days. During the 14 day repletion, five groups of rats (n = 8) were fed diets supplemented with Acheta domesticus (cricket, ADO), Rhynchophorus phoenicis fabricius (palm weevil larvae, RFA), STO, ADO + STO (TAD), and casein + ferrous sulfate (PIS, positive control), as well as a non-supplemented group (negative control, LPI). A normal (NOM) group was fed protein-Fe sufficient (PIS) diet throughout the study. Body composition was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The hemoglobin (Hb) repletion method was used to assess relative biological value (RBV, compared to PIS) of the supplemented groups. No differences were found in weight gain, bone mineral content, lean and fat mass, and organ weights among the edible insects and PIS groups, but these results differed from STO and the LPI groups. An increase in Hb Fe and RBV with ADO and RFA was comparable to PIS. ADO and RFA could be excellent sources of protein and bioavailable Fe, making it a sustainable, low-cost food source to prevent malnutrition in humans.

OBJECTIVES: Nutritious underutilized foods (NUFs) such as Solanum torvum (STO) and edible insects are potential sustainable dietary approaches to prevent malnutrition and improve food security. However, little is known about nutrient bioavailability from NUFs. This study determined the effect of STO and insect powders on improving nutritional status of malnourished rats. METHODS: Malnutrition was induced in weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats by feeding 5% protein with low Fe (LPI) diet for 21 days. During 14-day repletion, 5 groups of rats (n = 8) were fed the LPI diet supplemented with cricket, palm weevil larvae, STO, cricket + STO and casein + ferrous sulfate (HPI, positive control) while another group remained on the LPI diet (negative control). Repletion diets contained 15% protein and 20 ppm Fe, but palm larvae diet contained only 10 ppm Fe. Body composition was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Hemoglobin (Hb) repletion method was used to compare relative bioavailability (RBV) of the HPI group to the other groups. RESULTS: Collectively, there were no differences in improved growth rate and body composition measures in groups repleted with edible insects and HPI (P = 0.08). Growth rate was 7.9 times higher in HPI compared to STO and 4.2 times higher in HPI compared to LPI (P

OBJECTIVES: Fortification is a common strategy to reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Currently, manufacturers are able to fortify wheat flour with cheaper iron compounds with lower bioavailability, leading to less of an impact on IDA. Therefore, a method is needed for government agencies to monitor the type of iron added to flour. The objective was to develop a quick and simple method to qualitatively determine iron compounds commonly used for fortifying wheat flour. METHODS: Unfortified wheat flour was fortified with 40 ppm using these salts: ferric pyrophosphate (FePP), ferrous sulfate (FeSO(4)), ferrous citrate (FeC), ferrous fumarate (FeF), and sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA), except for electrolytic iron (EFe) where 60 ppm was added. Iron salts were identified based on their magnetic property, solubility in water or acid, and oxidation state. EFe was identified by passing a magnet through the flour. Ferrous and ferric salts were identified using potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) in 3 N hydrochloric acid (HCl) with and without hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Ferric salts (NaFeDTA and FePP) were identified using Ferrozine and ascorbic acid. Poor solubility of FeF in weak acid with KSCN was used to differentiate it from FeSO(4) and FeC. Acidity testing with phenolphthalein and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) further differentiated FeC from FeSO(4). Flour samples were tested in triplicates and blinded samples were tested independently. RESULTS: EFe from flour was visible on the magnet. In addition to producing red specks with KSCN, NaFeEDTA in water produced strong color with Ferrozine and ascorbic acid, unlike FePP. Using KSCN and H(2)O(2), FeF did not produce pink color with 0.1 N HCl, unlike FeSO(4) and FeC. Acidity testing differentiated FeSO(4) and FeC; FeSO(4) produced pink color with less NaOH than FeC. Blinded flour samples were independently and correctly identified to confirm the validity of the methods. CONCLUSIONS: These quick, inexpensive, and reliable qualitative methods will be useful for agencies to identify the type of iron added to flour to monitor the quality of iron fortification strategies. FUNDING SOURCES: Supported by Nutrition International through a grant from Global Affairs Canada.

Anaemia among women is a major public health concern globally. In developing countries, nutritional anaemia may be due to poor bioavailability of dietary iron, haemoglobinopathies, or intestinal parasites. The study objectives were to determine the prevalence of anaemia and current nutrient intakes essential to erythropoiesis among women of reproductive age (WRA) in peri-urban settlements in the Ga-East Municipality, Accra, Ghana. This cross-sectional study assessed the nutrient intake, sickling and haemoglobin levels of 134 women aged 15-49 years enrolled in a peanut-based field trial at baseline. A pretested semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess energy and nutrient intake using the Food Processor (ESHA) software. Whole blood was used to determine full blood count using the haematology automated analyser. Sickling was determined by blood staining. Anaemia was classified based on recommended cut-offs. Chi-square analysis was used as a test of independence between anaemia and age groups. Linear regression was used to determine predictors of haemoglobin concentration. The mean age of the women was 29 ± 8 years. The mean total caloric intake was 2315 ± 915 kcal, whilst protein and fat intakes were 67 ± 27g and 68± 30g, respectively. Almost three-quarters of the women met the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iron and vitamin C. However, only a third met the RDA for fat, and about two-thirds met their needs for energy and protein. None of the women met the RDA for folate which is integral for haem formation. Also 17% (23/134) of the women were sickle cell anaemia positive. Mean haemoglobin concentration was 12.1 ± 1.8 g/dL. Mild, moderate and severe anaemia due to iron deficiency was present in 35.8%, 6.7% and 1.5%, of the women respectively. All categories of anaemia was present in 44% of the women. Anaemia, prevalence increased during the early stages of the reproductive age (15-29 years) and declined towards the end of the reproductive age period (40-49 years). An increase in age of one year was significantly associated with a 0.056 g/dL rise in haemoglobin level (p=0.014). Anaemia due to iron deficiency exists as a public health problem among women in peri-urban settlements in the Ga-East Municipality, Accra, Ghana. Dietary diversity to include green leafy vegetables which are rich in folate and pro-vitamin A may reduce the current level of prevalence. Key words: Anaemia, Nutrients, Peri-urban, Women, RDA, sickling test, Food Processor software

Introduction : Malaria remains one of the top five killer diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and its burden is skewed towards pregnant women and children under five. Insecticide Treated Bed-Net (ITN) usage is considered one of the most cost-effective, preventive interventions against malaria. This study sought to assess ownership, usage, effectiveness, knowledge, access and availability of ITNs among mothers with children under five in the Hohoe municipality. Methods : in August 2010 a cross-sectional survey was carried out in 30 communities, selected using the WHO 30 cluster sampling technique. In the selected communities, mothers/caregivers with children under five years were selected using the snowball method. Data were collected through questionnaires and direct observation of ITN. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected. Results : A total of 450 mothers/caregivers were interviewed and their mean age was 30 ± 7 years. ITN ownership was 81.3%, and usage was 66.4%. The majority (97.8%) of the mothers/caregivers said ITNs were effective for malaria prevention. Awareness about ITNs was high (98.7%) and the majority (52.9%) had heard about ITNs from Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Clinic and antenatal care ANC clinic (33.6%). Over 60% of the ITNs were acquired through free distribution at RCH clinics, clinic and home distribution during mass immunization sessions. The majority of the mothers/caregivers (78.6%) knew the signs and symptoms of malaria, what causes malaria (82.2%) and who is most at risk (90%). Conclusion : Behaviour change communication strategies on ITN use may need to be further targeted to ensure full use of available ITNs.

Background Attitudes of parents about discussing sexuality issues with adolescents may or may not be influenced by their level of knowledge on such issues. This study seeks to examine parents’ training and its effects on parent knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in Accra Metropolis, Ghana. Methods This was an intervention study consisting of 145 parents who were recruited through their wards from 12 public junior high schools in Accra Metropolis. Parents were randomized equally into intervention and control groups and the intervention group received a 4 weeks training on adolescent sexuality topics. At pre-intervention and 3 months after parent training, parents answered questions on knowledge and attitudes about adolescent sexuality. Changes in baseline and follow-up within and between groups were compared using the difference- in-difference model and logistic regression. Results The ages of the parents ranged from 26 to 63 years and 44.1% of them completed middle school. There were 69.9% and 59.7% mothers in the intervention and control groups respectively. At pre-intervention, 21.9% of parents in the intervention group had very good knowledge but this increased significantly to 60% three months after the training. Knowledge about sexuality increased to a lesser degree from 18.1% to 34.7% in the control group. Parents’ positive attitudes towards adolescents’ sexuality increased by 50% in the intervention group compared to 20% in the control group. There were significant differences in knowledge on adolescent sexuality as parents in the intervention group had a greater positive effect than parents in the control group (28.7%, p-value =