ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CONTAMINATION-CAUSING MICROORGANISMS IN FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CONTAMINATION-CAUSING MICROORGANISMS IN FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page                                                                                  i

Declaration                                                                                ii

Approval Page                                                                           iii

Dedication                                                                                  iv

Abstract                                                                                     vi

Table of Contents                                                                      vii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1    Introduction                                                 1

1.2  Background of the study       3

1.3    Statement of the General Problem                                  4

1.4    Objective of the study                                                       5

1.5    Significance of the study                                                  5

1.6    Statement of hypothesis                                                   6

1.7    Scope of the study                                                             6

1.8    Limitation of the study                                                     7

1.9    Definition of terms                                                            7

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0    Introduction                                                                      9

2.1    Review of related literature                                             9

2.2    Theoretical framework

2.3    Summary of review                                                           33

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1    Introduction                                                                      35

3.2    Research design                                                                35

3.3    Area of study                                                                    35

3.4    Population of the study                                                    36

3.5    Sample size                                                                       36

3.6    Instrument for data collection                                          36

3.7    Reliability of the instrument                                            37

3.8    Validity of the Instrument                                               38

3.9    Method of data Collection                                                 38

3.10  Method of Data Analysis                                                  39

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1    Introduction                                                                      41

4.2    Characteristics of the respondents                                   41

4.3    Presentation of Data Analysis                                         43

4.4    Discussion of Findings                                                     48

4.5    Summary of findings                                                        49

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1    Summary                                                                          51

5.2    Conclusion                                                                        52

5.3    Recommendation                                                              53

Biography                                                                         54

Appendix                                                                           56

Abstract:
Foodborne illnesses resulting from the consumption of contaminated food and food products pose a significant public health concern globally, including in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of contamination-causing microorganisms in food and food products among residents of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a representative sample of 500 individuals residing in various communities within Ilorin. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to collect data on respondents' knowledge of contamination-causing microorganisms, their sources, and associated foodborne illnesses. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including frequencies and percentages.

The results indicated that the majority of respondents (78.6%) were aware of the existence of contamination-causing microorganisms in food and food products. However, only 41.2% demonstrated a good understanding of specific microorganisms commonly associated with foodborne illnesses. Among the identified microorganisms, Salmonella spp. (67.8%) and Escherichia coli (52.4%) were recognized by the highest proportion of respondents, while other pathogens such as Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus were less well-known.

Regarding the sources of contamination, respondents recognized unhygienic food handling practices (89.2%), contaminated water (74.6%), and improper storage conditions (62.8%) as key factors contributing to the presence of microorganisms in food. However, awareness of other sources, such as contaminated utensils and equipment, was relatively low.

The findings also revealed a significant association between knowledge of contamination-causing microorganisms and educational level. Respondents with higher levels of education demonstrated a better understanding of microorganisms and their associated foodborne illnesses.

This study highlights the need for targeted educational programs and interventions to improve knowledge and awareness of contamination-causing microorganisms among the general population in Ilorin, Kwara State. By enhancing public knowledge, individuals can adopt preventive measures and promote safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, policymakers and stakeholders should collaborate to implement and enforce food safety regulations and standards, ensuring the production and distribution of safe food products in the region.

Keywords: foodborne illnesses, contamination-causing microorganisms, knowledge, food safety, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

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