Knowledge of Food-Borne Diseases and Food Safety Practices among Mothers of Under-five Children in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State

Abstract

Children younger than five years are at an increased risk of foodborne diseases and related health complications because their immune systems are still developing. Therefore, this study assessed knowledge of food borne diseases and food safety practice among mothers of under-five children in Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and a multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 205 mothers of under-five children who brought their children for immunisation at some selected Primary Health Centers of the study area. A validated questionnaire titled; Knowledge of Food Borne Diseases and Food Safety Practice was used in gathering information. Knowledge scale of 0-19 was adopted and categorized as good: (≥14.0), fair knowledge: (8.0-13.9) and poor: (0-7.9). Practice scale of 0-32 was adopted and categorised as: good (≥23.0), fair knowledge: (12.0-.22.9) and poor: (0-11.9). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage for research questions and student-test and chi-square for the research hypotheses. Majority of the mothers were between the ages 20-29 years (47.3%) and self- employed (67.3%). About 89.7% of mothers possessed good knowledge of food borne-diseases and 74.1% practice food safety. Significant difference between knowledge of food-borne diseases and food safety practices (p-value = 0.000) was established. Age, level of education, and marital status were found to be significantly associated with food safety practices. Mothers of under-five children in Ijebu-Ode, possessed a good knowledge of food-borne diseases and also practiced food safety to a greater extent. Community training on practice of food safety was recommended.