ABSTRACT

This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and consumption patterns of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) among undergraduate students in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Using a  cross-sectional design, data were collected from 307 participants using a structured and validated questionnaire. A validated questionnaire was use to collect information on knowledge levels, attitudes toward health risks, perceptions of NNS, and consumption was obtained using food frequency questionaire. Descriptive statics were used for data analysis. Chi-squared test was used to analyze the factors associated with knowledge, perceptions and consumption patterns of NNS. The participants comprised 84.4% females and 15.6% males, with the most represented age group being 21–23 years (40.7%) and a majority residing in urban areas (63.5%). More than two-thirds of the respondents (67.1%) lived with both parents, with 79.8% of parents still married. Knowledge assessment revealed that 60.6% recognized NNS as low-calorie sugar alternatives, while 57% believed NNS decreased food cravings. However, nearly half (48.2%) demonstrated poor knowledge, indicating gaps in understanding NNS's metabolic and health implications. Analysis of attitudes showed that 26.4% and 40.7% had negative and neutral attitudes, respectively, with 60.9% of respondents cautious about substituting sugar with NNS, and 84.7% checking food labels for artificial sweeteners. Perceptions of health risks associated with NNS were moderate, with only 44% exhibiting low awareness of NNS-related risks, reflecting the need for enhanced education on artificial sweeteners' health implications. The consumption pattern revealed frequent intake of NNS-containing products, such as ice cream (33.6%), sweetened yogurt (33.2%), and flavored drinks (20.2%) daily. Age was significantly associated with knowledge and attitude, while sex was associated with perception. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to bridge knowledge gaps, improve attitudes toward NNS, and promote evidence-based dietary decisions among nutrition students. Enhancing students' understanding of NNS's benefits and risks is critical to fostering informed dietary choices and empowering them as future nutrition educators and health advocate