Effect of Home Economics Education on Nutritional Practices Among Secondary School Students in Enugu State

This study investigates the effect of Home Economics Education on nutritional practices among secondary school students in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Poor dietary habits among adolescents have been linked to nutritional deficiencies, and scholars have increasingly examined the role of formal education in shaping food behaviour. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, targeting students in public secondary schools across three local government areas in Enugu State. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 320 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Objectives include determining the extent to which Home Economics Education influences students' knowledge of balanced diets, their meal planning habits, and their attitudes toward food hygiene. Findings from recent literature suggest that students who receive consistent Home Economics instruction demonstrate superior dietary knowledge compared to their counterparts. Data were analysed using mean scores and standard deviation. The study is anchored on the Social Learning Theory, which posits that behaviours are acquired through observation and formal instruction. Preliminary indications suggest that curriculum content significantly predicts students' nutritional decisions at home and school. Recommendations are directed at curriculum planners and state education ministries to strengthen practical Home Economics sessions. The study contributes to ongoing discourse on health and nutrition education in Nigerian secondary schools. Keywords: Home Economics Education, nutritional practices, secondary school students, dietary habits, Enugu State.