Assessing The Health Literacy of Roadside Meat Vendors in Nigeria:Implications for Public Health and Food Safety Practitioners
Oladiran Isaiah Olagunju*, Obayangbon E Gloria, Olakorode Olabosede Omolere and OjoAbel Adeniji
ABSTRACT
Background: Roadside meat vendors constitute a critical component of Nigeria's informal food sector, serving millions of consumers daily. However, their health literacy levels, which fundamentally influence food safety practices, remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap poses significant public health risks given the high prevalence of foodborne diseases in Nigeria, with approximately 91 million cases reported annually.
Objective: This systematic review assessed the health literacy of roadside meat vendors in Nigeria and examined implications for public health and food safety interventions. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2022 and 2024. Eligible studies assessed health literacy, food safety knowledge, hygiene practices, or related constructs among meat vendors in Nigeria. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools.
Results: Fifteen studies involving 2,847 vendors across six Nigerian states were included. Overall health literacy was low, with only 23.4 percent demonstrating adequate health literacy levels. Knowledge about foodborne pathogens was limited, with 68.7 percent unable to identify common microbial hazards. Hygiene practice scores averaged 41.2 percent of maximum possible scores. Significant associations were found between educational attainment and health literacy scores. Major barriers included limited formal education, lack of training, inadequate infrastructure, and financial constraints.
Conclusion: Health literacy among Nigerian roadside meat vendors is critically insufficient, presenting substantial public health risks. Comprehensive interventions addressing education, training, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks are urgently needed to enhance food safety and protect public health.
