
ASSESSING FISH CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ANYIGBA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY
Abstract
Fish is a significant source of protein and other essential nutrients that are vital for human health. This study aims to assess fish consumption patterns among Kogi State University students in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria, and the implications of the findings for food and nutrition security. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, and data were collected from 400 randomly selected students using a structured questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that a high proportion of the students (89.8%) consumed fish, and the most commonly consumed fish species were catfish and tilapia. The study also found that fish consumption was significantly associated with age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, the study identified some barriers to fish consumption among the students, such as high cost, availability, and taste preferences. The study concludes that increasing fish consumption among university students in Kogi State can contribute to improving food and nutrition security. It recommends the need for targeted interventions to increase awareness of the health benefits of fish consumption and to address the identified barriers to fish consumption among university students.
Keywords
Fish consumption, patterns, food security
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