The Mediating Role of Food Literacy in the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Dietary Quality Among Women in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

Food literacy, defined as the constellation of knowledge, skills, and behaviours that allow individuals to plan, manage, select, prepare, and eat foods to meet nutritional needs, has emerged as a critical determinant of dietary quality. Its mediating role between socioeconomic status and diet remains underexplored in Northern Nigerian settings. This study examined the mediating role of food literacy in the relationship between socioeconomic status and dietary quality among women of reproductive age in Katsina State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 280 women selected through multistage sampling. Socioeconomic status was measured using a composite index of income, education, and asset ownership. Food literacy was assessed using an adapted Food Literacy Assessment Tool. Dietary quality was evaluated through a 24-hour dietary recall and dietary diversity score. Mediation analysis was performed using the Baron and Kenny approach with bootstrapped confidence intervals. Results confirmed a positive direct relationship between socioeconomic status and dietary quality. Food literacy significantly mediated this relationship, accounting for approximately 35 percent of the total effect. Women with high food literacy scores demonstrated better dietary quality even at lower income levels, suggesting that food literacy acts as a buffer against socioeconomic dietary disadvantage. The study recommends targeted food literacy education programmes for women in low-income communities in Katsina State. Keywords: food literacy, socioeconomic status, dietary quality, women, Katsina State