AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Ekaette S. Udo, Ubokudom E. Okon and Offiong S. Offor

Abstract
Foodborne diseases are an important public health issue, and most undergraduate students have inadequate knowledge about measures needed to prevent foodborne illnesses. This study examined the food safety knowledge and practices of students in Akwa Ibom State University and the University of Uyo. 100 students each, who live off-campus, were selected from both universities. This study descriptively analysed the level of food safety knowledge and involvement in food safety practices. Additionally, a multinomial model was used in two veins- to determine the factors affecting food safety knowledge and determine the factors affecting respondents’ willingness to adopt food safety practices. The descriptive analysis showed that 82.5% of respondents have a high level of knowledge and 73.5% of the students carried out food safety practices most times. The results of the multinomial regression revealed that gender, educational level (of the respondent and household head) and income of household head were statistically significant in explaining the probability of students being just willing to adopt food safety practices. Furthermore, the results showed that age of respondent, education level and income level of household heads were significant in explaining the probability of students having a high level of knowledge. It is recommended that students who live off campus be encouraged to always carry out food safety practices.