ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effects of socio-economic variables on the food consumption pattern of selected urban and rural households in Abia State. The households were randomly selected from Umuahia North (urban) and Isuikwuato (rural) Local Government Areas. Fifty households each were randomly selected from the rural and urban areas. Questionnaire, frequency table and 24-hour dietary recall were used to collect data from the household. Percentages, correlation and regression models were applied to cross-sectional data from the households. The result of the analysis showed a disparity between urban and rural consumption pattern, though the results were generally poorer for the rural than for the uioan sample. Income, education level of parents, occupation and family size were some of the factors that accounted for the differences between the urban and rural households. The research revealed that family size of 5 — 8 members was highest in rural area and 2 — 5 members in urban area. income was highest at N5000 — NI 0,000 for rural and more than N3 1,000 for urban. in * the rural area, most of the respondents completed primary school and post secondary, while in the urban the educational level was highest for post secondary. Occupation was dominated with civil servants both in rural and urban areas. Education of wife was significant (P < 0.05) with fruit and vegetable consumption. Monthly income affected types of animal protein consumed. Occupation of respondents was significant (P < 0.01) with frequency of food consumption. Family size was significant (P < 0.01) with soft drink consumption in rural households. in urban households, monthly income and occupation were significant (P < 0.01) with animal protein type consumed. Monthly income was significant (P < 0.05) with amount spent on alcohol consumption. The study revealed there is need to improve the income and educational levels of the households for improved food consumption. There is also need for reduction in family size so that households could feed better.