Determinant of Utilization and Perceived Health Benefits of Indigenous Foods (NDIISE) Among Households in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Vollständiger Abstract

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This study investigated the determinants of utilization and perceived health benefits of indigenous foods (locally known as Ndiise) among 432 randomly selected households in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, using a community‑based cross‑sectional design. A validated questionnaire captured socio‑demographic characteristics, consumption frequency of 16 indigenous foods (seven‑day recall), health benefit awareness (10‑item Likert scale), and perceived constraints. A composite utilization score (0–100) was constructed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The mean utilization score was 45.2 ± 21.6, with 32.9% of households showing low, 43.5% moderate, and 23.6% high utilization. The mean health awareness score was 48.6 ± 18.4, and awareness was positively correlated with utilization (r = 0.482, p < 0.001). Regression analysis (R² = 0.486) identified health benefit awareness (β = 0.412), rural residence (β = 0.276), education (β = 0.198), farm ownership (β = 0.182), age (β = 0.168), cooperative membership (β = 0.128), and market distance (β = –0.164) as significant predictors. Major constraints were seasonal availability (66.4%), time‑intensive preparation (56.3%), and children's preferences (49.5%). The study recommends enhancing awareness, promoting home gardens, and strengthening local food systems as critical strategies to sustain indigenous food utilization.