Factors Associated with Caregivers' Food Safety Knowledge, Behavior, Perception of Food Safety Control, and the Nutrition Status of Under-5 Children in Nigeria (2024)

This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between caregivers’ food safety knowledge, practices, and the nutritional status of under-five children in Ibadan, Nigeria. Surveying 664 caregivers, the study reveals high levels of self-reported food safety knowledge, yet the prevalence of malnutrition remains concerning, with 6% acute, 42.5% chronic, and 22% underweight cases. Perceived food safety control by caregivers was significantly associated with reduced acute malnutrition, while socioeconomic factors such as wealth index, caregivers' age, and family size also played a role. Findings suggest that enhancing food safety practices and access to resources could improve child nutrition outcomes.