Environments with widespread access to energy-dense foods may undermine effective dietary self-management. Household food insecurity may further restrict adherence to dietary recommendations due to economic constraints and uncertain food access. Despite growing recognition of these influences, evidence remains limited on how food environments and food insecurity jointly affect dietary self-management behaviours among persons with type 2 diabetes (PLWD) in Ghana. This study addresses this gap to inform public health interventions aimed at improving diabetes self-management.
Aim/Objectives
Aim: To examine the influence of the food environment and food insecurity on dietary self-management behaviours among PLWD in Ghana.
Objectives:
- To assess the level of dietary self-management adherence among PLWD in Ghana.
- To examine the extent of household food insecurity among PLWD.
- To assess characteristics of the local food environment that may influence dietary behaviours.
- To determine the association between food insecurity and dietary self-management behaviours.
Methods: This study will employ a cross-sectional analytical design among PLWD attending outpatient clinics. Participants will be recruited using systematic or consecutive sampling. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire or validated scale to assess dietary self-management. Food environment measures will include perceived access to healthy foods, affordability, and availability of food outlets. Sociodemographic and clinical variables will be collected to control for confounding. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses will be conducted to examine associations between food insecurity, food environment characteristics, and dietary self-management behaviours.
For subject specific enquiries please contact: Precious Adade Duodu via p.a.duodu@hud.ac.uk
We encourage you to discuss your ideas with potential supervisors in advance of application.
Type of Award: MSc by Research
Eligibility: Applications are open to UK applicants only; ideally with a First-Class Honours degree.
Location: Huddersfield/Online
Funding: Fee waiver
Duration: 1 years full-time / 2 years part-time
Application Details
To apply please submit the documents listed below to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk in full by Friday 30th October 2026, including the following documents:
- A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
- A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/
- Full CV
- Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
- Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by Friday 6th November 2026).
- Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page
- Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email
Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.
