ABSTRACT

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of fats/oil household consumption among women in Umuahia north L.G.A, Abia State. The sample consisted of 332 women. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was used for the data collection. The questionnaire was validated by lecturers in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia state. Data collected was analyzed using Descriptive statistics. Frequency and Percentage was used to analyze the background information and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, knowledge of women towards household fat and oil consumption, attitude of women towards household fat and oil, practice of women towards household fat and oil consumption and consumption pattern of household fat and oil among women. The result showed that less than half (30%) of the respondents were aged 41-45 years. Less than half (42%) of the respondents also stay in flat. Majority (97.3%) of the respondents uses water system. The study revealed that more than half (71.3%) of the respondents had average knowledge about fat and oil consumption. Majority (86.7%) of the respondent had positive attitude on fat and oil consumption. The study also revealed that majority (100%) of the respondents utilizes fat and oil in preparing family meal. Majority (99%) uses palm oil daily. Considering the findings and conclusion of this study, it was recommended that proper awareness should be created on the dangers of excess consumption of fat and oil less healthy fats and oils, such as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.