Nigeria Journal of Home Economics (ISSN: 2782-8131)

INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL RESOURCES ON FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF CIVIL SERVANTS AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

2024-02-29T03:20:56+01:00

This study investigated the influence of digital resources on food consumption patterns of civil servants at the household level in sub urban Ekiti state. Three research questions guided the study and three hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted the correlational descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised 4,500 households across 16 local Government Areas. A sample size of 202 members of households was selected for the study through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected with a structured, validated close-ended questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.76. The data was analyzed with mean and standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), independent samples t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The major findings were that the digital resources mostly used by civil servants in the study area are social media such as WhatsApp ( = 3.76), Facebook ( = 3.51) and Instagram ( = 3.25), and they mostly consume fat and oil food group (3.86), consume carbonated drinks and snacks between meal. However, the use of digital resources has improved quantity of balanced meal consumed, the quality of diet, and availability of nutritional information (2.70 ? ? 2.81), deteriorated the consumption of alcohol and non-food substances ( = 1.54). The study concludes that civil servants in Ekiti State tend to embrace digital resources as a means to increase their access to nutritional information and facilitate decision-making regarding their dietary choices. It was therefore recommended that the Nigerian government agency tasked with overseeing food and the food industry should take into account the impact of digital resources on eating habits and collaborate to encourage healthier food choices.

HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULT TRADERS IN AHIA OHURU MARKET, ABA ABIA STATE

2024-02-29T03:35:33+01:00

The study examined health seeking behavior towards hypertension among adult traders in Ahia Ohuru Market Aba, Abia State. The state was randomly selected while the market was purposively chosen because it was one of the largest. Thereafter, 342 adult traders were selected by balloting. Information on adults’socio-demographic and health seeking behavior were gathered using questionnaire. Digital automatic blood pressure monitor was used to measure their blood pressures. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze data collected while association was tested using chi square. Result showed that 35.3% and 14.9% visited private and government health facilities, respectively while 4.1% sought traditional health practitioners and 2.3% faith healers. On self-medication with herbal drugs, 22.5% and 28.1% did that most times when they were ill and for illness they considered severe. For pharmaceutical drugs, 46.5% and 14.2% self-medicated with them when sick and did that for mild illnesses most times, respectively Blood pressure readings revealed that 39.4% had normal, 30.8% were pre-hypertensive and 18.9% and 10.9% had stages I and II hypertension, respectively. Association between adults’ health seeking behavior and blood pressure was positive and significant with visit to private health facility, self -medication with herbal, pharmaceutical drugs and faith healers with X² and p-values of 12.56; 0.057, 23.67; 0.036, 27.56; 0.027 and 17.34; 0.043, respectively. In conclusion, seeking health care in questionable places or self- medication plus other factors may adversely affect onset and progression of hypertension.

EFFECTS OF LIFESTYLE FACTORS ON WEIGHT VARIATIONS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTHERN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

2024-02-29T03:56:03+01:00

This study investigated the impact of lifestyle factors on adolescent weight variations in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria, targeting students aged 10 to 22 from 37 secondary schools. The study employed a cross-sectional design and a multistage sampling technique. It included 481 participants, ensuring demographic representation. The methodology involved stratified sampling, systematic student selection, and data collection via questionnaires and personal interviews, focusing on dietary patterns, physical activity, and anthropometric measurements. Analysis using Epi-Info 2002 software revealed significant correlations between lifestyle factors and weight variations, highlighting differences in dietary habits and physical activity levels across genders and between urban and rural students. The findings underscore the need for tailored health education and lifestyle interventions, addressing the socio-cultural context of adolescent health in Southern Cross River State. This research contributes to understanding the determinants of adolescent obesity, emphasizing the development of targeted public health strategies and obesity prevention programs.

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USAGE OF CONCEALED FASHIONABLE FASTENINGS GARMENTS FOR EFFECTIVE BREASTFEEDING AMONG CAREER LACTATING MOTHERS.

2024-02-29T04:08:53+01:00

The need to produce convenience garments for effective breastfeeding necessitated this study, the study investigated the usage of concealed fashionable fastening garments for effective breastfeeding among career lactating mothers. The specific purpose of this study is to produce suitable garments for career lactating mothers using concealed fashionable fastenings to promote effective breastfeeding. The study adopted descriptive survey research and research and development. (R&D). The population of the study consists of one thousand two hundred and forty-two (1,242) lactating mothers who registered in Secondary Health Care (Central hospitals) in Delta North Senatorial District, Delta State. The sample of this study was one hundred and fifty (150) lactating mothers drawn from the population through stratified and multistage sampling technique The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire and the sewn lactating garments were given to lactating mothers for test. Descriptive statistics of Mean and Standard deviation were used, and the findings of this study revealed that produced garments for career lactating mothers using concealed fashionable fastenings were highly suitable for promoting effective breastfeeding. it can be concluded that concealed fashionable fastening garments are necessary for effective breastfeeding and career lactating feel comfortable when carrying out breastfeeding activities, the garments were successfully produced for the intended purpose and were highly comfortable, suitable, and aesthetically pleasing. Concealed fashionable fastening garment was recommended for career lactating mothers for comfort, suitability, and acceptability towards effective breastfeeding.

EVALUATION OF UTILIZATION OF INTERNET RESOURCES AND ITS BENEFITS TO THE CLOTHING ENTREPRENEUR IN LAGOS STATE,NIGERIA.

2024-03-08T01:56:03+01:00

The result reveal that all 120 (100%) respondent use Smartphone for the business, 75(62.5%) have laptop, 150(87.5%) are connected to the internet, 120 (100%) noted there are Apps or platforms to use with these technologies to promote their businesses. Also, 120 (100%) have ascertained that twitter, YouTube, Podcasts, Block chain, Snapchat, Emoji, E-mail, Online study blog, influencers, internet of things (IOT) and websites are the tools used by entrepreneurs 120(100%) noted that these resources helps in maintaining physical distancing, 105 (87.5%) answered yes that these resources helps in maintaining physical distancing, 105(87.5%) ascertained that it has opened more doors for businesses. 110 (91.6%) noted that having more than one internet resources increases sales, in conclusion, meeting the 2023 United Nations” decade of action plan” can be achieved using internet resources by clothing entrepreneurs. The following recommendations are made; clothing entrepreneurs should be innovative creative, promote healthy living and well-being for all using technologies.

PROMOTING FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY THROUGH INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN DELTA STATE

2024-02-29T04:30:00+01:00

This paper titled “Promoting food and nutrition security through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Delta State. To direct the investigation, two research questions and two hypotheses were developed. Descriptive survey design was used in the study. The population of the study includes all the Home Economics lecturers in the three Colleges of Education in Delta State who were all accommodated as the sample size. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire entitled “Importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Promoting Food and Nutrition Security Questionnaire” (IICTPFNSQ). The instrument was validated by two experts in Home Economics- and one lecturer in Measurement and Evaluation all in Faculty of Education, Delta State University Abraka. The result of the study showed that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has helped in distribution of information relating to sourcing of food to households in Delta State. It has helped in advertising the different types of food as well as its preparation in which many household does not have previous knowledge of. The hypotheses shows that there is a significant relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and food and nutrition security in Delta State. Based on these findings, the paper recommended among other things that there is need to invest more on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) so as to increase the information concerning sourcing of food as well as preparation of alternative food so as to reduce the incidence of food insecurity in Delta State.

DIGITAL LEARNING IN PREVOCATIONAL-HOME ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-RELIANT SKILLS

2024-02-29T04:39:21+01:00

This study determined the relationship between digital learning resources in prevocational home economics and business studies for the development of self-reliant skills. The study adopted the descriptive survey design and was conducted in Cross River State and delimited to Calabar Metropolis using a population of 160 participants that was purposively selected as respondents who were JSS 3 students using prevocational home economics and business studies. The questionnaire sought the nature of relationship based on Very High Relationship (VHR) – 5 points; High Relationship (HR) – 4 points; Low Relationship (LR) – 3 points; Negative Relationship – 2 points (NR) – 1 point. The coefficient of determination was used to answer the two research questions, while simple linear regression was used to test the two null hypotheses. Findings reveal positive and significant relationship between digital learning resources in prevocational home economics and business studies for the development of self-reliant skills. Digital learning resources possess the potency to improve learning for the acquisition of self-reliant skills, as demanded globally and for family as well national development in Nigeria. Therefore, teachers, parents, school management, agencies of government responsible for the approval of pre-TVET and TVET programmes at all levels of education should be in constant synergy for the provision of digital resources for quality service delivery.

UTILIZATION OF HOUSEHOLD LINEN AMONG FAMILIES: A CASE STUDY OF FAMILIES IN OWERRI NORTH LGA, IMO STATE

2024-02-29T04:49:43+01:00

The paper focused on utilization of household linen among families. The study was carried out in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State. Survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study comprised 21, 925 families with sample size of 393 families in Owerri North LGA in Imo State was selected using random sampling technique

ASSESSMENT OF THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-02-29T05:05:27+01:00

This study assessed the nutritional status of primary school pupils in Egor LGA, Edo state. The study was guided by two objectives and one hypothesis. Eight (8) schools were purposively selected out of the sixteen (16) primary schools in Egor Local Government Area. The sample size for the study was two hundred and eighty-eight (288). The anthropometric measurement was used to calculate the BMI. Statistical analysis was done using frequency and percentage while independent t-test statistic was used to test the hypothesis of the study at 5% significance level. The anaysis showed that 25.35% of the pupils had normal nutritional status, while 74.65% are underweight ( malnutrition) but no overweight. Forty percent (40%) of those that are underweight have mild underweight, 33% have moderate underweight and 27% have severe underweight. On the average, the primary school pupils surveyed have mild underweight. It was also found that there is a significant difference in the nutritional status of the pupils based on gender. Female pupils are more malnourished than the male pupils. The study recommended that more economic activities should be created in the local government to enable parents and guardians to work and earn wages or salaries so that they can feed their families and themselves adequately. Step-up nutrition education and sensitization, provision of quality diets as well as nutrition knowledge are imperatives to regulate and avert malnutrition among children.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND STUDENTS’ HEALTHCARE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN EDO STATE

2024-02-29T05:12:59+01:00

The global outbreak of Covid-19 in late 2019 and early 2020 altered how information and communication technology platforms and devices were used. Virtual learning was incorporated into traditional classrooms by schools, digital marketing platforms were purchased by marketers, online transactions increased in financial services, online ticketing was purchased by transportation companies, and so forth. People adopted digital technology as a way of life as a result of this. Most locals became heavy users as a result. Has this had a negative impact on Edo State citizens' access to healthcare in the post-COVID-19 era? The goal of this study is to determine whether digital technologies have any detrimental effects on students' access to healthcare in Edo State's institutions of higher learning. Three research questions and hypotheses were presented and developed to direct this investigation, and the survey research methodology was chosen. For this study, 900 respondents were chosen using the basic random sample approach. The Digital Technology and Healthcare Questionnaire is the tool used to gather data (DTFHQ). At the 0.05 level of significance, the hypotheses were tested using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). It was shown that students' health in postsecondary institutions is significantly impacted by their usage of ICT technologies. It is advised that the usage of ICT tools in many spheres of life be moderated in light of these findings. Furthermore, it is advised that medical professionals and home managers conduct an awareness training regarding the potential health risks associated with the use of ICT technologies.

LEVERAGING ON DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL ECONOMY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

2024-03-09T04:33:05+01:00

This study examined leveraging on digital resources for national economy in the 21^st century. To achieve the purpose of this study, two research questions and corresponding hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey research was used for the study. The population of the study comprised 324 Home Economics students in University of Calabar. Total sample of one hundred and forty nine (149) respondents were selected for the study using the simple random sampling technique. The main instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire which contained fourteen (14) items. Data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation while hypotheses were tested using One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and tested at .05 level of significance. The study found among others that CD-ROM and electronic magazine had no significant influence on national economy in the 21^st century. The study recommended that ICT personnel should be employed to instruct students on the use of CD-ROM. It was also recommended that local publishers should embark on e-magazine project as a supplementary to the print version not as a stand-alone product. Basic training in e-magazine should be included in the curriculum of each department

EFFECTS OF USING DISCUSSION SUPPLEMENTED WITH MUSIC ON INTEREST AND PERFORMANCE OF HOME ECONOMICS PUPILS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

2024-03-12T14:41:55+01:00

The study investigated the effects of using discussion supplemented with music on the interest and academic achievement of Home Economics pupils in Primary Schools in Abia State. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses formulated and tested for the study. The design of the study was a quasi-experimental research design.. A sample size of eighty (80) which consist of 38 pupils (17 males and 21 females) that was assigned to the experimental group and 42 pupils (20 males and 22 females) that was assigned to the control group of primary five drawn from the population involving two intact classes using purposive sampling technique. The instruments used for data collection were Home Economics Achievement Test (HEAT) and Measure of Home Economics Interest Scale (MHEIS), determined using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) statistic and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The study revealed that Pupils taught with discussion supplemented with music had more interest in Home Economics than the pupils in control groups. This is evident in the table 1 were both of the experimental and control groups had the mean gain score for experimental group I as 11.400 while that for control group was 0.750. Music teaching method has relative effect on Pupils achievement in Home Economics in terms of interest. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that teachers should be encouraged to make use of the supplementation of music in teaching for better interest and academic achievements in Home Economics.

USING DIGITAL RESOURCES IN AGRICULTURE AS A STRATEGY FOR CURBING HUNGER CRISIS IN NIGERIA

2024-03-09T05:05:24+01:00

Digital resources play a crucial role in combating world hunger by leveraging technology to provide access to information, expand market opportunities, enhance financial inclusion, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This paper explores the potential impact and benefits of digital resources in preventing world hunger, as well as the challenges that must be overcome. A review of previous studies, reveals that digital resources have the potential to revolutionise agriculture, empower producers, and improve food security for hunger prevention. To maximise the potential of digital resources, however, obstacles such as limited infrastructure, digital literacy deficits, affordability issues, and privacy concerns must be overcome as effective integration of digital resources has the potential to improve the lives of millions, ensuring that future generations live in a world without hunger. It is however recommended among other things that the Nigerian governments in collaboration with international organization and the private sector entities, should invest heavily in digital infrastructure and connectivity through increased access to internet by rural dwellers/farmers for cheap digital gadgets. If this is done, hunger issues would be significantly curbed in the nation and the economy would be stabilized to enhance other aspects of national development.

ADOPTION AND INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL TOOLS IN HOME ECONOMICS PRACTICE IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-04-13T16:20:22+01:00

The study examined the adoption and integration of digital tools in Home Economics practice in Abia State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select all the lecturers and technologists of Home Economics in the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire which was validated by experts in the area of Home Economics. The data was analysed using frequency, percentage, mean and Standard deviation. The results showed that the majority of the professionals adopted and integrated digital tools into the practice. Additionally, the majority of the lecturers found digital tools to be extremely helpful and believed that they have positive impacts on the teaching and learning outcomes. The study found the following; 12 types of digital tools available, 8 items on current state of adoption, 6 benefits of using digital tools, 11 factors that affects adoption and integration of digital tools in Home Economics Practice and 10 solutions to the problem were found.

DIETARY HABITS AND IMPACT OF GOOD NUTRITION IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYMDROME IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

2024-04-13T17:18:12+01:00

The study assessed the dietary habit and impact of good nutrition on children with down syndrome in Obio Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. A descriptive survey design was adopted. All mothers with down syndrome children in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State formed the population. Purposive sampling was used to select the sample size of 370 for the study. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion. The instrument was face validated and the reliability determined using Cronbach Alpha,a reliability coefficient 0.68 was obtained. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using the descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation). The findings of the study showed that, mothers know the importance of good nutrition to the health of their children. The study also revealed that mothers are aware of nutrition can help enhance the health of the children, but they do not know the essential nutrient that are necessary for children with down syndrome. Based on the findings of the study the following recommendations were made; foods and nutrition counsellors should be recruited in various local government areas to enlighten the mothers of down syndrome children on the importance of nutrition, and how it improves proper functioning of development of the child. Government should sponsor awareness programmes that will assist the parents of the down syndrome children on how to go about the dietary habit of their children.

NARRATIVE REVIEW OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) INTEGRATION IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ HOME ECONOMICS INSTRUCTION

2024-04-13T17:28:26+01:00

This paper explores how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can revolutionize Home Economics education in Nigeria, particularly at secondary schools. ICT integration aligns with national policy goals of introducing students to technology and enhancing professional skills in Home Economics. Students can access a wealth of online resources, improving their knowledge of nutrition, healthy living, and sustainable home management. However, challenges like limited internet access, lack of ICT facilities, and inadequately trained teachers impede progress. Overcoming these hurdles requires collaboration. The government can invest in teacher training and infrastructure development, while schools can explore cost-effective solutions. Partnerships with communities and the private sector can further support ICT resource acquisition. The paper emphasizes the importance of teacher collaboration and localized digital content creation to enhance learning and cultural identity. By addressing challenges and implementing a multi-pronged approach, stakeholders can empower educators to leverage technology. Students equipped with both Home Economics knowledge and digital literacy skills will be prepared for the future, becoming informed consumers, responsible family members, and innovative contributors to society. Ultimately, ICT integration has the potential to transform Home Economics into a dynamic and engaging learning experience, empowering individuals and society to thrive in a technology-driven world

A DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-FRIENDLY DISCHARGE PRINTING PASTE FOR DYED COTTON FABRICS USING HOUSEHOLD BLEACHES

2024-05-11T16:28:07+01:00

The study ascertained the micro-nutrient composition of cocoyam and sweet potato leaves in melon soups. The study was conducted to identify vitamins and mineral composition in three types of melon soups. The instrument adopted for the study was laboratory analysis of food nutrients using official methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The data for micro nutrients were collected in triplicates from the melon soups in the food analysis laboratory, raw triplicate values of each micro nutrient in the soups were collected and analyzed using ±SD and ANOVA statistics to test the hypotheses 1 – 4. The findings revealed that cocoyam and sweet potato leaves melon soups are as rich as fluted pumpkin leaf melon soup in micro nutrients, such as vitamin A (Iµ) 16.03: 16.80 while fluted pumpkin 19.88; vitamin C (mg) 26.30: 36.89 while fluted pumpkin 28.46; folic acid (mg) 33.44: 40.64 while fluted pumpkin 46.73 among others. For minerals- Na (mg) 29.80: 26.16 while fluted pumpkin 34.19; Fe (mg) 1.41: 1.60 while fluted pumpkin 1.24 K (mg) 36.08: 46.46 while fluted pumpkin 34.57; Ca (mg) 11.19: 8.10 while fluted pumpkin 5.88; Mg (mg) 4.62: 3.53 while fluted pumpkin 2.63 among others. The study also showed that there was a significant difference between the mean values of the micro-nutrients analysis. The study recommended that, the consumption of cocoyam and sweet potato leaves should be encouraged by families in the country, as well be made available in the open market same way the popular vegetables are sold such as fluted pumpkin (Ugu) leaf.

EFFECT OF PROCESSING METHODS ON NUTRIENT ANDANTINUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF JUSTICIA SECUNDA LEAVES

2024-05-11T16:44:36+01:00

Justicia secunda as a medicinal plant belongs to the family of Acanthaceae ,the leaf is an under-utilized medicinal vegetable that is believed and utilized as blood tonic by the local people and especially among the sect of some religious people that refuse blood infusion in medical conditions. This study examined the effect of processing methods on the nutrient and phytochemical composition of justicia secunda leaves. The leaves were subjected to blanching pre-treatment before sun drying for 72 hrs oven drying at 55 ⁰C for 48 hrs and air drying for 120 hrsThe proximate, vitamins, minerals and phytochemical analysis were conducted on the samples using standard procedures. The results varied significantly (p<0.05) in all the parameters measured according to the different processing treatments. Proximate composition of the samples ranged for crude protein (18.20-21.73%), crude fat (7.80-9.10%), crude fibre (12.00-14.90%), ash (15.50-17.40%), moisture (8.00-9.00%) and carbohydrate (27.98-35.50%). Mineral composition ranged for calcium (18.20-34.10 mg/100g), magnesium (47.11-54.29 mg/100g), sodium (126.43-136.47 mg/100g), potassium (425.49-453.03 mg/100g), phosphorus (135.40-145.76 mg/100g) and iron (33.07-38.94 mg/100g). Vitamin composition showed that thiamine (B1) ranged from 0.04-0.31 mg/100g, riboflavin (B2) (0.21-1.7 8mg/100g), niacin (B3) (0.49-1.89 mg/100g), vitamin C (6.31-19.48 mg/100g), while vitamin E ranged from (1.97-6.78 mg/100g). Anti-nutrient contents ranged for tannin (4.82-16.89 mg/100g), phenol (7.41-19.23 mg/100g), alkaloids (2.05-7.07 mg/100g) flavonoids (4.90-9.85 mg/100g) and saponin (3.25-8.35 mg/100g. Overall, the results revealed that air drying methods retained greater concentrations of fibre, minerals, vitamins and anti-nutrients than other processing methods. The high micro-nutrient contents of iron, anti-nutrient compounds and B group of vitamins in this processed vegetable reveals why it is used intuitively by the traditional people to boost health conditions due to the functional roles of iron, phytonutrients and B group of vitamins in heamopoisis in preventing morbidity and mortality especially among children.

ANALYSIS OF MICRO-NUTRIENTS COMPOSITION OF COCOYAM (COLOCASIAE ESCULENTA) AND SWEET POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS L) LEAVES IN MELON SOUP

2024-05-11T16:50:16+01:00

The study ascertained the micro-nutrient composition of cocoyam and sweet potato leaves in melon soups.
The study was conducted to identify vitamins and mineral composition in three types of melon soups. The
instrument adopted for the study was laboratory analysis of food nutrients using official methods of
Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The data for micro nutrients were collected in triplicates from
the melon soups in the food analysis laboratory, raw triplicate values of each micro nutrient in the soups
were collected and analyzed using
X
±SD and ANOVA statistics to test the hypotheses 1 – 4. The findings
revealed that cocoyam and sweet potato leaves melon soups are as rich as fluted pumpkin leaf melon soup in
micro nutrients, such as vitamin A (Iµ) 16.03: 16.80 while fluted pumpkin 19.88; vitamin C (mg) 26.30:
36.89 while fluted pumpkin 28.46; folic acid (mg) 33.44: 40.64 while fluted pumpkin 46.73 among others.
For minerals- Na (mg) 29.80: 26.16 while fluted pumpkin 34.19; Fe (mg) 1.41: 1.60 while fluted pumpkin
1.24 K (mg) 36.08: 46.46 while fluted pumpkin 34.57; Ca (mg) 11.19: 8.10 while fluted pumpkin 5.88; Mg
(mg) 4.62: 3.53 while fluted pumpkin 2.63 among others. The study also showed that there was a significant
difference between the mean values of the micro-nutrients analysis. The study recommended that, the
consumption of cocoyam and sweet potato leaves should be encouraged by families in the country, as well
be made available in the open market same way the popular vegetables are sold such as fluted pumpkin
(Ugu) leaf.

An PROXIMATE AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF CAKES FORTIFIED WITH SOYBEAN, PLANTAIN AND SESAME SEED FLOUR FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

2024-05-11T17:04:54+01:00

Cakes were prepared from six different blends of composite flours formulated using soybeans, plantain sesame seed and wheat flour at the ratio of 5:5:5:85; 5:10:5::80; 10:10:5:75; 5:15:10:70; 15:10:15:60; 15:15:15:55 and 100% wheat flour cake was used as the control. The six blends of, soybeans, plantain and sesame seed / wheat composite and the control were coded (SPSW1); (SPSW2); (SPSW3); (SPSW4); (SPSW5); (SPSW6); and (SPSW7) respectively. Findings revealed that the proximate value of all the composite cake were higher than the control as the addition of fortificants increased and composite samples differed significantly at P ? 0.05 with the control. Sample with SPSW6- composite cake made with 15% soybean, 15 % plantain, 15 % sesame seed and 55% wheat flour had the best proximate value. Sensory evaluation showed that all the composite cakes were well accepted and liked by the judges. There was no significant difference at P ? 0.05 in the mean (?) ratings in terms of texture, flavour, taste, mouth feel and overall acceptability among the composite cake samples and the control. Composite cake made from 5% soybean, 10% plantain, 5% sesame and 80% wheat flour was rated best by the judges’ among the composite cake samples. All the composite cakes compares favorably with the control in all the attributes measured. The researchers therefore concluded that up to 15% level of each of the fortificants can be used to substitute wheat flour without adversely affecting the sensory properties of cakes. The use of soybean, plantain, and sesame seed in the bakery industry will improve the nutritional value of bakery products and can be used as strategy for addressing malnutrition including micronutrient deficiencies, while also providing food and nutritional security for the nation.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE DIETARY PATTERNS OF ADOLESCENT MALES IN UDENU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ENUGU STATE

2024-06-04T13:49:45+01:00

Dietary pattern refers to quantities, variety, or combination of different foods and drinks in diets, and the frequency with which they are consumed. The study is a quantitative descriptive survey using a self-administered structured questionnaire among 369 adolescent male students across the public secondary schools in Imilike and Ezimo communities, Udenu L. G. A. of Enugu state. Using six research questions, the study assessed the consumption of locally consumed foods, processed or convenient foods, beverages, frequency of meal consumption and dietary choices outside the home. Descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard deviation) were used to analyze data, accepting results with a mean cutoff mark of 2.5. Results were presented with tables in frequencies and percentages. The result showed that 88.1% of the respondents consumed locally prepared meals, 69.1% consumed convenient foods, 72.19% consume alcoholic beverages while 33.3% do not consume coffee and carbonated drinks. The findings also showed that 80% of the adolescents have poor food group combination habit, 60% skipped meals while 80% consumed junks like pies, chips and buns. The study results have a huge health implication for the respondents. Unguarded consumption of processed foods, alcoholic beverages and carbonated drinks is unhealthy and may increase the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension in later years.