Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices of Food Hygiene among Urban Street Vendors in Abakaliki Metropolis
Iyare Beatrice Ehigiator *
African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Stella U. Rotifa
Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Nigeria.
Phoebe N. Kanikwu
College of Nursing, American International University, West Africa, The Gambia.
Obasi Arinze Francis
Industrial Mathematics, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Foodborne diseases remain a public health concern in Nigeria, and unsafe food handling among street vendors may contribute to contamination risks. Street-vended foods are widely consumed in urban settings, but information on food hygiene knowledge, perceptions and practices among vendors in Abakaliki metropolis remains limited. This study assessed these outcomes among street food vendors in Abakaliki metropolis and examined socio-demographic predictors.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among street food vendors in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. A sample size of 358 was selected, and 355 questionnaires were returned, completed, and included in the analysis, giving a response rate of 99.2%. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from WHO and FAO guidance and previous studies. Descriptive statistics summarised socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions and practices. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to examine associations and predictors, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Most respondents were female (79.4%) and married (53.2%), and 40.3% had tertiary education. Overall, 89.3% demonstrated excellent knowledge of food hygiene, although only 79.4% acknowledged the need for regular medical examination. Perceptions were generally positive (mean = 3.42 ± 0.23), but 76.6% were classified as having less positive perceptions. Hygiene practices were strong (mean = 3.85 ± 0.22), with 91.3% demonstrating excellent compliance. Excellent knowledge was more likely among vendors aged 41 years and above (aOR = 8.35, 95% CI: 1.658-42.055), females (aOR = 3.742, 95% CI: 1.717-8.157) and those with tertiary education (aOR = 8.716, 95% CI: 2.911-26.098). Marital status predicted perceptions, while no significant predictors were identified for hygiene practices.
Conclusion: Vendors demonstrated high food hygiene knowledge and strong self-reported practices, but weaker perceptions and medical monitoring gaps require continued training, supportive facilities and routine inspection.
Keywords: Food hygiene, street food vendors, knowledge, perceptions, hygiene practices, food safety, foodborne diseases, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria