Knowledge and perception of secondary students on food labels and safe nutrition in Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

ood labels and safe nutrition are important concepts in national food security. The knowledge and perception of these concepts is critical to building a sustainable food system and reducing prevailing hunger and malnutrition among students who depend largely on road side fast and junk foods. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of secondary students on food labels and safe nutrition in Kwara state. The study adopted a cross sectional primary data collected through the use of a well-structured questionnaire subjected to expert opinion for validity and test-retest for the reliability (r = 0.86) of the instrument. A multi stage random sampling technique was used to select 1080 secondary students. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as logit and multinomial logistic regression model with significance level at P<0.05 where relevant. The study found that parent education, school curriculum and access to basic amenities are important factors influencing theknowledge of food labels and safe nutrition among secondary school students. Hence, we recommend that effort should be geared toward the incorporation of issues on food safety and label in secondary school curriculum.