Knowledge, Acceptability, and Utilization of Convenience Foods among Working Mothers in Higher Institutions in Anambra State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64420/jetlr.v1i3.304Keywords:
Convenience foods, Working mothers, Higher institutions, Food knowledgeAbstract
This study examined the knowledge, Acceptability, and utilization of convenience foods among working mothers in higher institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in public universities in Anambra State, Nigeria, using a descriptive survey and ex-post facto design. The population comprised 3,689 working mothers across six government-owned higher institutions, with a sample of 361 selected using multi-stage sampling. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, validated by experts, and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha, which ranged from 0.57 to 0.88. Data were collected face-to-face with assistance from trained research aides. Analysis involved percentages, means, standard deviations, t-tests, with decisions based on a 2.50 mean benchmark and a 0.05 significance level. Out of the 361 respondents, most were married (280), non-teaching staff (239), and aged 36–40 years (81). A majority fell within the middle-income bracket (167). Findings revealed a generally high level of knowledge and utilization of convenience foods, although awareness of health risks was low. The study revealed that working mothers in higher institutions in Anambra State had a high extent of knowledge of convenience foods, except on health implications (mean = 2.46). Twenty-four convenience foods were widely available, except Ofada rice bundle (2.43) and small chop mix (2.41). Significant differences existed in knowledge between teaching and non-teaching mothers (t = 2.226) and in Acceptability of convenience foods between working and non-working mothers (t = 2.092). The study underscores the need for targeted nutritional education to improve informed food choices.
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