International Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences

DETERMINANTS OF PRELACTEAL FEEDING AMONG CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS OLD OF HEAD PORTERS IN GHANA

2025-12-05T12:15:22+00:00

Prelacteal feeding (PF) is considered a suboptimal breastfeeding practice and also a barrier to early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EB) practice. Little is known about the determinants of PF among head porters (HPs). Therefore, this study investigated the determinants of PF among HPs in Ghana.

The study was an observational cross-sectional study design undertaken in two commercial cities in Ghana, Kumasi and Accra among 456 HPs who were also caregivers using a multistage sampling method.PF was defined as the percentage of infants who received any liquid or powder substance other than breast milk within the first three days after birth. Logistic regression analysis with a p-value less than 5% and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) witha 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the significant factors associated with PF practice. About 13% of infants received a PF mainly as water (63.9%) and infant formula (36.5%). Children from nuclear (OR= 0.383, 95% CI= 0.159-0.918) and extended families (OR= 0.318, 95% CI=1.23-5.38) had a reduced risk of receiving PF.

Also, mode of delivery (OR= 4.319, 95% CI= 1.35-4.75), and ethnic groups Kusasi (OR= 10.841, 95% CI= 3.81-7.21) and Mamprusi (OR=6.159, 95% CI= 1.41-6.89) significantly predicted PF. It was concluded that the caregivers practiced PF, and the determinants were ethnic groups, type of family, and mode of delivery. Therefore, these predictors should be considered when developing strategies to address breastfeeding among these caregivers to achieve optimal breastfeeding

CULINARY HYGIENE PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE OF READY-TO EAT FOOD VENDORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

2025-12-05T12:25:15+00:00

Foodborne diseases remain a significant public health issue in developing countries, Nigeria inclusive. This occurs when food safety is compromised along the food chain. The major objective of this paper was to evaluate the knowledge and practices of food hygiene among ready-to-eat food vendors in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) community. The study raised four research questions. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. A total of 200 food vendors were purposively selected. A structured questionnaire and an observation checklist were used to collect data.

A reliability test of the instrument was established through a pilot study. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS (version 23). Chi-square test was applied to assess associations at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed that majority had high knowledge of personal hygiene and environmental hygiene (81.5%; 83.5 %;) while only 42.5% had high knowledge of food hygiene and 56.5% had average knowledge. Ratings on hygiene practices showed that personal hygiene rated 23.5%, 18.5% and 58.0% for poor, average and high respectively. Environmental hygiene rating was poor (12.5%), average (38.5%), and high (49.0%). Food hygiene was 18.5% (poor) 61.5% (average) and 20.0% (high). A significant association was found between food hygiene knowledge and practice (p < 0.05). The study concludes that while majority of the respondents have substantial knowledge and adherence to hygiene practices, gaps
exists that could pose health risks to their patrons. Therefore, it is recommended that the university authority implement a mandatory hygiene training program for all food vendors.

STOP-GAPIN FAMILY CARE AS CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE TO YOUTHFUL DELINQUENCY IN THE CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY

2025-12-05T12:40:46+00:00

Early childhood care, education and good- grooming have been identified as proven measures for raising the normal standard of children in the society. Although many scholarly works have explored the issues of parental factors in isolation as contributing to isolated problems of children, there are still relatively scarce studies on the effects of stop-gaps in family care on the rising omnibus problems of the juvenile and youth in the current state of affairs of the Nigerian sociopolitical reality. Based on two principal and significant theories of adolescence and conformity, this write-up explores the links between the presence or absence of the parental care in the upbringing of a child and conforming or defiant codes that the growing youth exudes within the society. Since the
electronic and print media are daily inundated with reports of activities of the Nigerian youth, the paper relies on records of the youth segment of the populace for our analysis.

Qualitative and sometimes, quantitative analyses form the bases of our conclusion. The findings are that children who lack the full compliments of parental guide, care, love and tutelage grow up into errant and deviant youth contributing social menace and non-conforming social entities. The conclusion is that society should ensure that every culture in Nigeria must provide the basis for children to enjoy the fullness of parental guide, care and education to ensure that they are nurtured into youth with acceptable social norms and desirable behavioural patterns.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND CONSUMERS' ACCEPT ABILITY OF BUNS PRODUCED FROM WHEAT-TIGER NUT COMPOSITE FLOUR

2025-12-05T12:49:09+00:00

This study evaluated the quality and consumer acceptability of buns made from wheat tiger nut composite flours based on proximate, mineral composition and sensory characteristics. The proximate composition results show significant differences, p<0.05, within samples for moisture, protein, fat, ash, fiber, and carbohydrate contents. Sample A (control sample-100 wheat flour) has the highest protein (9.06%) and carbohydrate content (58.73%), while Sample B (90% wheat flour; 10% tiger nut flour) contains the highest fat content (24.67%). Concerning the physical characteristics or volume, specific volume, density, and yield show marked variation in samples. Sample D (70% wheat flour; 30% tiger nut flour) had the highest volume (53.1 cm³) and density (0.71g/cm³). Mineral contents ranged from calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Sample C (80% wheat; 20% tiger nut flour) showed the highest in all three minerals, calcium (201.01mg/g), phosphorus (402.02mg/g) and iron (0.32 mg/g). Sensory attributes of the samples, such as taste, colour, aroma, appearance, and overall acceptability, were evaluated and found to be comparable to Sample A.

The results indicate that wheat tiger nut composite flour buns possess variable compositional characteristics, with Sample A being the most acceptable by the panelists. These findings suggest that incorporating tiger nut flour with wheat flour can significantly enhance the nutritional quality of baked goods without compromising consumer acceptance

ASSESSMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS ON HOUSEHOLDS’ WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR SURVIVAL AMIDST ECONOMIC HARDSHIP IN EKET LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWAIBOM STATE, NIGERIA

2025-12-05T13:05:25+00:00

The study assessed entrepreneurial skills on households’ waste management for survival amidst economic hardship in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa IbomState. Three specific purposes, research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a survey design. The population of the study comprised of approximately 220,600 household members who were adults of 18 years and above in 63 villages in Eket from which the sample size of 384 respondents was determined using Research Advisor Sample Table (2006) and selected using simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire was validated by three experts from University of Uyo, Uyo.

The consistency of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha Statistical Tool, with reliability coefficient of 0.93. 346 copies of questionnaire were retrieved on a spot giving the retrieval rate 90.1%. Data collected was analysed using mean and one sample t-test statistics. Findings showed that most households possess entrepreneurial skills in waste management for survival amidst economichardship. Furthermore, DIY ( =255.47; p<.000) and marketing skills (=318.53; p<.000) significantly influence household waste management for survival amidst economic hardship in Eket LGA.

It was concluded that the integration of Do-It Yourself and marketing skills in waste management significantly enhance the resilience and survival of households in Eket LGA, particularly in the face of economic hardship. Based on the findings the researchers recommended among others that the local government and relevant stakeholders should invest in the development and implementation of entrepreneurship training programmes focused on enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of individuals, particularly in resource management

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION FOR YOUTH IN CLOTHING AND TEXTILES: ADVANCING WORKFORCE QUALITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SOUTH-WESTERN, NIGERIA

2025-12-05T13:16:59+00:00

Entrepreneurship is acclaimed the world over, as education for the acquisition of skills for gainful employment and wealth creation in clothing and textiles. This study aimed at identifying entrepreneurship skills required by youths in reduction of unemployment and economic development of Nigeria. Entrepreneurship education skill is designed to satisfy the manpower needs of the nation. It enhances sustainable development in clothing and textiles by fostering innovation, environmental awareness and social responsibility. The study adopted survey research while multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study.
Thesample consisted of 600 respondents who are 150 graduates and 450 undergraduates from the selected states for the study. Questionnaire was used to collect data to answer the research question. T-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance while descriptive statistics was employed. The findings show among others that entrepreneurship education programmes have a significant relationship with employment reduction among youths in Southwest Nigeria.

The study also showed that there is significant difference between the mean responses of graduate and undergraduate students in clothing and textiles entrepreneurship education on economic growth among youths in Southwest Nigeria, t(598) = 2.906, p < 0.05. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that training and retraining of entrepreneurial education personnel should be encouraged so as to boost their performance. Entrepreneurial education students should be given the needed support and encouragement to produce goods and services in order to reduce dependency ratio.

ASSESSEMENT OF MICROBIAL LOAD IN FURA AND NONO SOLD IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, GASHUA, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

2025-12-05T13:24:43+00:00

The conventional procedure of making Fura and processing Nono and its products exposes them to microbial contamination. Additionally, the products' handlers' lack of hygiene may cause harmful microorganisms to enter them. The study investigated Microbial load analysis of Fura and Nono sold in Federal University Gashua, Yobe State. Three samples of Fura and Nono were purchased from three spots on the campus making a total of nine. Bacterial counts were carried out using the pour plate technique and bacteria were isolated from the Fura and Nono. The occurrence prevalence of bacterial species with the highest rate in this study are Escherichia coli (23.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (15.38%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi (10.25%) for Nono, while Fura include Escherichia coli 31.03%, Staphylococcus aureus 20.69%, Enterobacter specie and Salmonella epidermidis 10.34%. All the samples were contaminated with bacteria, some with more than two or three. These could expose users of thisproduct in the sample
locations to foodborne infections and certain associated illnesses. Processing, packaging and marketing of Fura and Nono should be carried out in a hygienic environment to avoid contamination

SOCIO ECONMIC FACTORS AS DETERMINANTS OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN HOME ECONOMICS IN DELTA STATE

2025-12-05T13:34:41+00:00

The study examined influence of socioeconomic factors as determinants of academic performance in home economics in Delta State. The research adopted a correlational design. A total of 200 secondary school students were sampled in Delta State, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. The data were analysed using regression analysis and the Pearson Product Moment orrelation Coefficient. The study shows that there was a significant relationship between the financial status of parents and the academic performance in home economics of pupils in upper-basic schools in Nigeria, F (2, 197 = 14.506; p< 0.05). There was also a strong relationship between the academic performance in home economics of pupils in upper-basic schools in Nigeria and their family status, r = 0.31, p < 0.05. These findings reflect significant levels of association in the development of academic performance in home economics and economic circumstances of parents and the welfare of the family. The study clearly established that both financial stability and family well-being exerted a significant influence on students’ academic performance. These findings need to be taken into consideration as ways of incorporating conflict resolution and financial planning strategies whenever counselling programs are developed in Nigeria.

THE PERCEIVED ROLES OF SCHOOLS ON RIGHT-BASED APPROACH TO CHILDREN’S EDUCATION IN OGUN STATE

2025-12-05T13:39:53+00:00

This study examined the roles and involvement of teachers towards the educational rights of children in primary schools. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 140 teachers in four local governments based on the four administrative divisions of Ogun state.

A structured questionnaire was developed using an adapted UNICEF right-based educational framework and Epstein involvement model in collecting data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and chi-square. It was found that 27.2% of the teachers were between the ages of 31 and 40 years, 27.2%were below 30 years, 26.5%were above 50 years. The teachers’ teaching experience showed that 40.7% had 1 to 10 years of experience. Regarding years spent in the present school, the majority (71.3%) of the teachers reported that they had been in their present school for less than 6 years. The roles ensured by schools in children’s right to quality education showed that less than half of the schools (44.8%) highly ensured their roles toward children’s right to quality education while 39.0% ensured their roles in children’s rights to education on an average level. The study therefore concluded that there is low awareness of children’s right to education. It was therefore recommended that the government should re-address and re-orientate all pertinent stakeholders on the significance of not only being aware but also being committed to investing in children’s education.

MICROBIAL ANALYSIS AND FRUIT HANDLING PRACTICES OF READY-TO-EAT VENDED FRUITS IN UYO METROPOLIS, AKWA IBOM STATE

2025-12-05T13:48:44+00:00

The study investigated handling practices and Microbial analysis of selected ready-to-eat vended fruits in Uyo metropolis of Akwa Ibom State. Four purposes and four research questions were raised to guide the study. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted for the study.

A structured questionnaire titled Fruit Handling Practices Questionnaire (FHPQ) was used for data collection from eighty fruit vendors. Three types of fruits (Paw-paw, Pineapple and Watermelon) were bought from vendors close to a dumpsite and taken to the Microbiology laboratory for microbial analysis.

The research questions were analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings showed that watermelon was the most commonly vended fruit sold in the study area (x= 3.79); the fruit vendors clean the display surface daily (x= 3.90) as the major fruit handling practices; majority of the vendors indicated that they store fruits on dry floor (x= 3.96).The microbial load analysis result revealed that, Bacterial and fungal isolates such as Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus sp., and Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus sp., Vibrio cholerae Salmonella sp. and Aspergillus terreus, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Saccharomyces sp. were found on the ready-to-eat vended fruits.

However, the result showed that ready-to-eat vended pineapples had the least microbial counts THBC (4.0 x 103); TCC (2.2 x 103); FC (0); SSC (2.2 x 103); SC (2.0 x 103); VC (0); CC (0); and FC (1.5 x 103), irrespective of the time of purchase. It is concluded that the fruit handling practices of ready-to-eat vended fruits in the study area are adequate, although there were microbial counts on selected ready-to-eat vended fruits based on the time of purchase. Amongst others, fruits vendors in Uyo metropolis should undergo targeted training and awareness programmes on proper fruit handling and storage practices

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ON BODY MODIFICATION PRACTICES AMONG UNDERGRADUATES.

2025-12-05T13:55:50+00:00

Body modification practices has become increasingly visible among young people globally, yet its practices and implications in African university settings remain underexplored. This study examined body modification practices among undergraduates at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. It identified the prevalence and types of body modification, examined the socio-cultural factors influencing youth engagement, and explored the implications of these practices. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population of the study consist of undergraduates with body modifications. Using purposive sampling, 80 undergraduates aged 18–30 years across faculties were selected. Data were collected through a structured interview covering demographics, prevalence, motivations, and socio-cultural implications. Findings revealed that piercings (Mean = 3.13) and tattoos (Mean = 3.10) were most common, while scarification declined (Mean = 2.44). Influencing factors included celebrity culture (Mean = 3.08), peer pressure (Mean = 3.05), cultural beliefs (Mean = 2.96), and media exposure (Mean = 2.91). Body modification was seen as enhancing identity and cultural pride but also carried stigma, moral judgment, and professional barriers. Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between gender and prevalence (χ² = 0.334, p = 0.563).

However, females (M = 3.19, SD = 0.86) were significantly more influenced by peer pressure than males (M = 2.21, SD = 0.96), t =-4.78, p < 0.001. Body modification among Nigerian undergraduates is highly prevalent and shaped by globalized aesthetics, peer dynamics, and cultural traditions. The need for educational interventions and broader dialogue on the cultural and social dimensions of youth body practices in Nigeria are therefore recommended.

SOURCES OF NUTRITION INFORMATION AND NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE OF ADULTS IN ODO GBOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

2025-12-05T14:02:52+00:00

Good nutrition information sources are crucial as they positively impact dietary decisions and support a healthy nutritional status. This study therefore assessed the sources of nutrition information and level of nutrition knowledge of adults in, Osoosa town, Odogbolu Local Government Area, Ogun State. Study design was cross-sectional and a pre-test validated questionnaire was used in gathering information. Knowledge scale of 0-9points was developed and classified as: 0-3 points-poor knowledge, 4-6points-fair knowledge and 79 points good knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Pearson Correlation Coefficient were then used to determine the relationship between the variables. A total of 200 adults participated in the study with a mean age of 49.84 ± 11.40 years. More than half (60.5%) were female and most of the respondent’s (44%) highest education qualification was secondary school certificate.

More than half of the respondent’s (75.5%) were self-employed and could read and write (68%). Nutrition information were mostly sourced from friends and peers (59%), radio (57%) and doctors and nurses (57%) while the least source of nutrition information was from sports club (12.5%). Participants possessed 7.5%, 48% and 44.5%, poor, fair and good nutrition knowledge, respectively. A significant relationship between the respondent's source of nutrition information and nutrition knowledge was established; p=0.00. Based on the findings of this study, most of respondents have fair knowledge of nutrition and sourced their nutrition information mostly from friends. More nutrition information sources were recommended while preserving the current preferred means.

PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF HOME ECONOMICS PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

2025-12-05T14:12:58+00:00

Home Economics is a comprehensive field of study which offers students with skills and knowledge for livelihood diversification. As a discipline, it offers both diverse prospects as well as challenges. However, there is attitudinal reluctance on the part of students and at times parents towards choosing the course as a profession. Assessing students’ beliefs and perception towards learning and evaluation of Home Economics is germane to developing positive attitude to studying it. This paper therefore examines the trend of events in terms of progress, prospect and challenges of home economics as a profession. The study is both exploratory and descriptive using both content analysis and survey research involving descriptive statistics, Chi-square, correlation and t-test analyses. The findings revealed that educational level of students (χ= 1.359E2, C= 0.036) made a significant contribution to their knowledge and awareness about the challenges of home economics profession.

Also, poor state of general practical equipment (r= 0.041;p< 0.05 r2= 0.0016) is one of the most recognized problems facing both lecturers and students of home economics alike while the most identified prospects include self-reliance after school, diverse career opportunities and knowledge about various handcrafts. From the study, it was concluded that both lecturers and students of Home Economics were aware of the various prospects and challenges of home economics.

SENSORY EVALUATION AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF COMPLEMENTARY FOOD FORMULATED FROM COMPOSITE FLOUR OF ORANGE FLESHED SWEET POTATO AND CATFISH

2025-12-05T14:18:07+00:00

Complementary Foods (CF) are foods other than breast milk after exclusive breastfeeding. Infants become malnourished at this age when fed with CF of poor nutritional value. This study was aimed at conducting Sensory Evaluation (SE) and determining proximate composition of CF formulated from composite flour of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) and catfish. Experimental research design was adopted. OFSP and catfishes were purchased from a farm in Port Harcourt and a market in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State respectively. The food items were processed into flour at the JAGAEE Laboratory, Ibadan. Twenty nursing mothers who attend Primary Health Centres in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area were randomly selected for SE, gruel of OFSP and catfish flours were blended into 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 with Cereal Based Custard as control, (Samples A-D respectively). The gruel was prepared in the respondents’ presence for SE.

Proximate Analysis (PA) was conducted on the samples using Association of Official Analytical Chemist. Sensory data were analysed using Duncan Multiple Range Test/Analysis of Variance. Sensory analyses showed Sample B as best in terms of overall acceptability (8.52±0.72 a). CF formulated from OFSP and catfish had higher nutritional value and generally acceptable compared to control. PA result revealed protein content as higher (11.15+ 0.13a) in Sample A, while Sample D had the lowest protein (0.60 + 0.2d) content. Sample C had the highest ash content (2.12 + 0.06a) when compared with other samples. It is therefore recommended that awareness on preparing CF using OFSP and catfish should be created among nursing mothers.