ABSTRACT
This study
assessed the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and consumption patterns of
nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) among adults working at Abia State University
(ABSU) and National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria.
With a cross-sectional design, data was collected from 384 randomly selected
adults using a structured questionnaire. Knowledge was classified as <50%
(poor), 50-70% (fair) and >70% (good), attitude was classified as <50%
(negative), 50-70 (neutral) and >70% (positive), and perception was
classified as <50% (low), 50- 70% (moderate) and >70% (high). Analysis
was conducted using SPSS. Frequencies and percentages were used in analyzing
the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, perception of health
risk and consumption pattern of NNS. Chi square test was used to test factors
associated with knowledge of non-nutritive sweetener, attitude and perception
towards consumption of NNS at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed
that 43.5% of respondents were aged 36-45, predominantly from rural areas
(71.4%), with a high level of tertiary education (88.3%). Findings indicate
that while most respondents (58.8%) were aware that NNS contains fewer calories
than sugar, (70.8%) had overall poor knowledge of its health impacts. Attitudes
towards NNS consumption were generally positive (53.1%), with 71.6% believing
that substituting sugar with NNS could aid weight management, while 91.4%
checked food labels for NNS content. Notably, perceptions around health risks
was moderate (36.7%), with 77.9% believing the general public lacked adequate
information on NNS risks, despite 91.4% of participants indicating they read
food labels for NNS content. The food product containing non-nutritive
sweetners which had the highest daily consumption by the participants were coco
products (22.1%), dairy products (21.9%), biscuit (13.5%), candies (9.9%),
carbonated drinks (7.6%).The consumption pattern showed that beverages and
dairy products containing NNS were commonly consumed once daily by about 22% of
respondents, while flavored drinks and carbonated sodas were rarely consumed by
27.3% and 25%, respectively. Chy-square analysis revealed that location and
marital status significantly influenced knowledge P<0.05). Location and
educational level were associated with attitude, while age, education and work
type were significantly associated with perception P<0.05). This study
highlights a need for more public education on NNS to address misconceptions
and enhance awareness of its potential health impact. It is recommended that
health authorities promote transparent labeling and guidelines on NNS
consumption, emphasizing the importance of informed dietary choices.
CHUKWU, C (2025). Knowledge, Perception, Attitude And Consumption Pattern Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Among Staff In Abia State University Extension And National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI):-Chukwu, Esther I. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Jul 09, 2025, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/knowledge-perception-attitude-and-consumption-pattern-of-non-nutritive-sweeteners-among-staff-in-abia-state-university-extension-and-national-root-crop-research-institute-nrcri-chukwu-esther-i-7-2
CHUKWU, CHUKWU. "Knowledge, Perception, Attitude And Consumption Pattern Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Among Staff In Abia State University Extension And National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI):-Chukwu, Esther I" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 08 Jul. 2025, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/knowledge-perception-attitude-and-consumption-pattern-of-non-nutritive-sweeteners-among-staff-in-abia-state-university-extension-and-national-root-crop-research-institute-nrcri-chukwu-esther-i-7-2. Accessed 09 Jul. 2025.
CHUKWU, CHUKWU. "Knowledge, Perception, Attitude And Consumption Pattern Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Among Staff In Abia State University Extension And National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI):-Chukwu, Esther I". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 08 Jul. 2025. Web. 09 Jul. 2025. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/knowledge-perception-attitude-and-consumption-pattern-of-non-nutritive-sweeteners-among-staff-in-abia-state-university-extension-and-national-root-crop-research-institute-nrcri-chukwu-esther-i-7-2 >.
CHUKWU, CHUKWU. "Knowledge, Perception, Attitude And Consumption Pattern Of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Among Staff In Abia State University Extension And National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI):-Chukwu, Esther I" Mouau.afribary.org (2025). Accessed 09 Jul. 2025. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/knowledge-perception-attitude-and-consumption-pattern-of-non-nutritive-sweeteners-among-staff-in-abia-state-university-extension-and-national-root-crop-research-institute-nrcri-chukwu-esther-i-7-2