A Comparative Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Food Adulteration and its Detection and to Create Awareness among Homemakers in Selected Rural and Urban Community of Durg District, Chhattisgarh

Ab s t r Ac t Aims: The objectives of the study were (1) to identify the sociodemographic variables of rural and urban groups of homemakers, (2) to assess the knowledge of rural and urban homemakers regarding food adulteration and its detection, (3) to compare the knowledge of rural and urban homemakers regarding food adulteration and its detection, (4) to associate knowledge of the rural and urban homemakers regarding food adulteration and its detection with the selected sociodemographic variables, (5) to assess the buying practices and awareness regarding food safety standard symbols among rural and urban homemakers, and (6) to create awareness regarding food adulterants through group demonstration by detecting food adulterants in the selected food items. Methods: A quantitative research approach and a non-experimental descriptive comparative survey design were used. Results: The findings of the study revealed that among rural homemakers 15 (50%) had poor knowledge; 8 (26.66%) had average knowledge; 6 (20%) had good knowledge; and 1 (3.33%) had excellent knowledge, whereas among urban homemakers 14 (46.66%) had poor knowledge; 7 (23.33%) had average knowledge; 7 (23.33%) had good knowledge; and 2 (6.66%) had excellent knowledge. “t” test revealed that there was no significant difference in mean scores of knowledge of rural and urban homemakers regarding food adulteration and its detection. Conclusion: Appropriate knowledge regarding food adulteration, its detection, and consumer protection is an important component of public health because good nutrition benefits to everyone. A better informed public, supported by effective health information, would help people to make better food choices and prevent food-borne illnesses. Food safety and development of quality are joint responsibility of health professionals and consumers, and hence community health nurses play a crucial role in creating awareness among general public.