Authors : Oladiran Isaiah Olagunju; Obayangbon E. Gloria; Olakorode Olabosede Omolere; Ojo Abel Adeniji; Alangs Manasseh Stephen

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3n72vaup

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/49me8e66

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun611

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

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 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2022 and December 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. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (κ = 0.87). Results: Fifteen studies involving 2,847 vendors across six Nigerian states were included. Overall health literacy was low, with only 23.4% (95% CI: 19.7–27.6%) demonstrating adequate health literacy. Knowledge about foodborne pathogens was limited, with 68.7% unable to identify common microbial hazards. Observed hygiene practice scores averaged 41.2% of maximum possible scores. Educational attainment was the strongest determinant (OR=3.24, 95% CI: 2.67–3.93). Most included studies had moderate risk of bias primarily due to convenience sampling. 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. Findings are most generalisable to South-Western and North-Western Nigerian urban contexts; future research should extend to under-represented regions.

Keywords : Health Literacy, Food Safety, Meat Vendors, Street Food, Nigeria, Public Health, Foodborne Diseases.

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