Determinants of the use of food product information by female workers in Nigerian state universities

Abstract

This study examined the influence of demographic characteristics, perception of food risks and health information literacy on the use of food product information among 561 female staff in eight State Universities in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that age, perceived risks and health information literacy were the factors that influence the use or non-use of food product information among the respondents. Women who are above 50 years are more likely to use food product information in consumption decisions than younger women. Furthermore, the respondents showed high perception of food risks; however, about half of them have optimistic bias towards the hazards of eating unwholesome packaged foods. The study therefore recommends that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) embark on aggressive awareness campaigns on the health hazards associated with eating unwholesome packaged food, targeting younger female workers in Nigerian State Universities. Public health experts, librarians and other information professionals should also embark on enlightenment programmes for the public and the academic community. This study complements an earlier study which examined the use of various types of food product information in consumption of packaged foods among the same population.