Nutrition Education and Perceptions of Health Effects of Okra Soup Consumption Among Male and Female Residents in Ado-Ekit, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Nutrition education plays a decisive role in shaping perceptions about food, health, and lifestyle. Hence, the focus on how nutrition educations influence the perception of health effects of okra soup consumption in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design to examine how male and female residents perceive the health effects of okra soup consumption. The sample of the study was 255 okra sellers and buyers across Ado-Ekiti markets. The data for the study were collected using a structure questionnaire designed while the data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics involving t-test and ANOVA analysis. Findings from the study revealed that residents of Ado-Ekiti demonstrated moderate knowledge of the nutritional composition and health benefits of okra soup consumption than their male. However, there is no statistically significant difference in the perception of male and female on health effects of okra soup consumption. In addition, nutrition information sources has no significant influence on the perception of okra soup consumption among male and female residents in Ado-Ekiti.The study concludes that though cultural beliefs and perceived health benefits has the potential to drive positive perceptions of okra soup consumption more than scientific awareness because little or no scientific awareness was known among respondents, male and female are differs their perceptions regardless of information source. The study recommended that nutrition education in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State be strengthened through professional and institutional channels to improve awareness of specific nutrients and evidence-based health benefits of okra soup. Additionally, public health workers should leverage on culturally rooted beliefs and digital platforms to enhance engagement and reinforce positive perceptions of okra soup consumption.

Nutrition Education, Technology, Perceptions, Health Effects, Okra Soup, Ekiti State

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