Strengthening Food Quality Using Nurse-Led Training Among Handlers and Pupils in Schools

Abstract

The study examined the effectiveness of nurse-led training on food quality among primary school pupils and food handlers in Ogun State. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design incorporating pre-test and post-test non-randomised control group. Using multistage sampling procedure to select 500 pupils and food handlers, the researcher embarked on random assignment of the Schools to each of the treatment groups. Food Quality Questionnaire (FQQ) was constructed and validated by the researcher to gather relevant data on food quality. A treatment package whose contents were developed validated using the Delphi approach, was prepared by the researcher to serve as a guide for research assistants administering the treatment. Descriptive statistics was used to answer research questions while the hypotheses, were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Significant difference was observed among the pre- and post-test mean score differences of pupils and handlers in different treatment and certification groups as well as in different types of schools on food quality (F3, 483= 73.090; p<.000). It was recommended among others that the Federal and State Ministries of Education should adopt behaviour-ingrained professional methodologies/treatments to prosecute and enhance food quality in schools, especially at the primary level, rather than the passive routine food/school inspection arrangements presently prevalent in schools.