International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research

Exploring the Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Virtual Prototyping and Testing of Metal Work Technology in South Eastern Nigeria

2026-07-28T12:45:47+00:00

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an application that produces opportunities for education to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of instructional practices. This study explores the integration of AI into virtual prototype and testing in metal work technology education in south eastern Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the need for adoption of AI into virtual prototype testing, challenges of adopting AI into virtual prototype testing and ways of mitigating the challenges. Two hypotheses guided the research. The study adopted a survey research design and was conducted at federal universities in South-East Nigeria. The population for the study was 151 Industrial Technical Educators (ITE) comprising of 79 ITE lecturers and 72 ITE instructors in south east Nigeria. A structured questionnaire having 5-points Likert Scale options, consisting of 36 items was used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha reliability technique was used to determine the internal consistency of the items of the instrument, which yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.87. The data collected were analysed using mean and T-test for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. It was found out among others that adoption of AI in virtual prototype and testing will significantly improve design accuracy and reduces material wastage in practical. It was recommended that, the ways of mitigating the challenges in adoption of AI in prototype and testing should be employed to be able to produces globally competitive graduates of metalwork in Nigeria.

Perceived Designing, Sewing and Packaging Skills Required by Home Economics Graduates for Clothing Construction Entrepreneurship in South-West Nigeria

2026-07-28T12:57:05+00:00

This study examined the skills requirements for sustainable fashion entrepreneurship in designing, sewing, and packaging competencies of Home Economics graduates in clothing construction in South-West Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the designing, sewing,
packaging and display Skills required by Home Economics graduates in clothing construction in South-West Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was carried out in South-West Nigeria with a population of 256 respondents, comprising Home Economics lecturers and registered clothing entrepreneurs from selected universities and fashion enterprises in South-West Nigeria, including University of Lagos (UNILAG), Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED). No sampling was used because the population was manageable. A self-structured questionnaire titled
Entrepreneurial Skills Needed by Home Economics Lecturers and Entrepreneurs in Clothing Construction Questionnaire (ESNHESCCQ) was used. Out of the 256 questionnaires administered, 198 were properly completed and returned, representing 77.3% response rate. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test statistics were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed skill in using design software for clothing construction 𝑋̅ 3.43, expertise in sketching and illustrating clothing designs 𝑋̅ 3.43, and ability to create and interpret clothing patterns 𝑋̅ 3.31 among others were skills required and with grand mean of 𝑋̅ 3.31. Sewing skills were also required, which include using appropriate colour of threads on the fabric 𝑋̅ 3.63, finishing garments with professional touches, and Making various types of stitches, like zigzag or basting 𝑋̅ 3.30 among others and grand mean 𝑋̅ 3.32. Packaging and display skills required were creating attractive and eye-catching displays for garments in retail settings 𝑋̅ 3.51, rotating display items regularly to maintain freshness and interest 𝑋̅ 3.51, and creatively designing and constructing packaging materials for garments 𝑋̅ 3.39 and grand mean 𝑋̅ 3.37. The study further found no significant difference between the responses of lecturers and entrepreneurs regarding these required skills. The study therefore recommends strengthening practical skill training, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurship-oriented curriculum in Home Economics programmes to enhance sustainable fashion entrepreneurship and improve graduate employability.

Prospects and challenges of contactless service adoption at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria

2026-07-28T15:49:36+00:00

The hospitality industry has increasingly adopted digital technologies to
enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction. Among these innovations, contactless
service has gained significant attention, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic
accelerated the need for minimal physical interaction. This study examines the prospects
and challenges of contactless service in the hospitality sector, using Eko Hotel in Lagos
Metropolis as a case study. The research employed a quantitative research design with data
collected through structured questionnaires administered to hotel guests and staff.
Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyse the data. The findings
indicate that contactless services improve operational efficiency, enhance guest
convenience, and reduce physical interaction, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
However, challenges such as technological infrastructure costs, staff training requirements,
and customer adaptability were identified. The study concludes that while contactless
technology presents significant opportunities for the hospitality industry, effective
implementation requires strategic planning, adequate technological investment, and
continuous staff training. The study recommends that hospitality organisations adopt
International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research, 5(1):28-43.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.57012/ijhhr.v5n1.003
Received: January 29, 2026
Revised: March 30, 2026
Accepted: April 20, 2026
Published: July 28, 2026
Page | 29
hybrid service systems that integrate both digital and human interactions to ensure service
quality and customer satisfaction.

Development and Fit Assessment of Functional Garment for Traditional Birth Attendants in Lagos State

2026-07-28T15:58:20+00:00

The study developed and assessed the fit of functional garments for traditional birth
attendants in Lagos State. Five research questions guided the study. The study adopted a mixedmethod research design that comprises a descriptive survey design and Research and Development
(R & D). The study population consisted of 728. This comprised 718 TBAs in Lagos State and 10
judges (2 midwives and 8 Home Economics Lecturers). The sample for this study comprised 250
participants, including all 10 judges and 240 TBAs. Three sampling techniques utilised were multistage sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling. A validated questionnaire was
used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard
deviations. Findings revealed that the challenges in the clothes worn by TBAs while performing
their tasks included discomfort during tasks and restricted movement caused by the garments.
Findings on the reasons they need clothes with special features in child delivery tasks included
protection against infections, comfort while carrying out activities, and ease of movement during
tasks. TBAs indicated that the clothes currently worn while carrying out tasks were not appropriate
for their needs. The three designs of functional garments produced for the TBAs, based on the
desired criteria and preferences, included a short gown below the knee, an overall, and trousers
with a blouse. Findings on the appropriateness of various styles of the functional garment indicated
that they allowed for easy body movement and had an excellent fit. It was recommended that there
should be field testing of the developed functional garment to determine the protective properties
of the functional garments for TBAs.

Sustainable Dietary Practices as Predictors of Healthy Living Among University Students in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

2026-07-28T16:13:01+00:00

This study assessed the relationship between sustainable dietary practices and healthy
living among university students in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive
cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The population comprised undergraduate
students from selected universities, with a sample size of 400 respondents selected using a
multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed
using descriptive and correlational analyses, at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed
that university students exhibited a moderate level of sustainable dietary practices and healthy
living. The study further showed a significant positive relationship between sustainable dietary
practices and healthy living (r = 0.55, p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that sustainable
dietary practices significantly predicted healthy living (β = .55, p < .05), explaining 30% of the
variance (R² = .30). The study concluded that sustainable dietary practices are an important
determinant of healthy living among university students. The study recommended implementing
nutrition education programs and providing affordable, healthy food options.

Family Financial Management Practices and Household Food Security in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

2026-07-29T06:48:03+00:00

This study investigated family financial management practices and food security among households in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study examined four core financial practices: budgeting, saving, investment, and debt management,
and their influence on food availability, accessibility, and stability. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 200 households, out of which 187 valid responses were retrieved. Findings revealed that while families prioritise food in their budgets, many struggle with budget preparation and adherence, with only 39% consistently preparing monthly budgets. Saving practices were weak, with 55.1% unable to save regularly, while investment engagement was low (Mean = 2.23), limiting income diversification. Debt was a major challenge, as 54% of households borrowed money to meet food needs, and 66.9% reported that debt repayment reduced money available for food. Food insecurity was prevalent, with 53.4% of households skipping meals and 57.7% reducing meal portions due to insufficient funds, while 80.2% reported that rising food prices negatively
affected the quality of food consumed. Statistical analyses established significant positive relationships between budgeting (r = 0.542), saving (r = 0.463), and investment (r = 0.298) and food security, while debt management showed a negative correlation (r = -0.387). Regression analysis indicated that financial management practices collectively explained 46.7% of the variance in food security outcomes. The study concludes that poor financial practices significantly contribute to household food insecurity in Obio Akpor. It recommends targeted financial literacy programmes, encouragement of savings culture, debt management training and policy interventions such as food subsidies to enhance household resilience and food security.

Authoritative and Permissive Parenting Styles on Adolescent Deviant Behaviours among Parents and Teachers in Obio/Akpor LGA, Implication for Home Economics Education

2026-07-29T07:09:16+00:00

This study examined the effects of parenting styles on adolescents’ deviant behaviours
among senior secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State,
Nigeria. The study specifically investigated the effects of authoritative and a permissive parenting
style on adolescents’ deviant behaviors. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The
population consisted of 620 parents and teachers in secondary schools in the study area, from
whom a sample of 150 respondents, comprising 105 parents and 45 teachers, was selected using a
non-proportional sampling technique. Data were collected using a researcher-developed
questionnaire titled Parental Style and Adolescent Deviant Behavior Questionnaire (PSADBQ),
structured on a four-point Likert scale. The instrument was validated by experts and its reliability
was established using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.82. Data collected were
analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, in contrast, t-test
statistics were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that
an authoritative parenting style significantly reduces adolescents’ involvement in deviant
behaviors through practices such as clear rule-setting, parental monitoring, open communication,
and emotional support. The study also found that a permissive parenting style contributes to
increased engagement in deviant behaviors due to a lack of supervision, an absence of discipline,
and excessive freedom granted to adolescents. Furthermore, the results showed no significant
difference between the opinions of parents and teachers regarding the effects of authoritative and
permissive parenting styles on adolescents’ deviant behaviors. Based on the findings, the study
concluded that parenting style plays a critical role in shaping adolescents’ behavioral outcomes
and recommended the adoption of authoritative parenting practices to reduce deviant behaviors
among adolescents.

Parental Attitudes and Preventive Practices toward Child Sexual Abuse among Secondary School Students in Igbo-Eze South LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria

2026-07-29T07:30:55+00:00

This study investigated parental attitudes toward sexual molestation of secondary school students by paedophiles in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated way parents are involved in the prevention of molestation of secondary school students, factors parents believed to be responsible for the molestation of secondary school students, and various practices believed by parents to be adopted to prevent molestation of secondary school students by paedophiles in Igbo-Eze South LGA . Survey research design was adopted, with population of 4,610 parents and guardians from 52 secondary schools while 416 was sampled using multi-stage sampling. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was validated by three experts and yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.79. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation for research questions, and t-test hypothesis at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that parents largely disagreed on practices like teaching children about body boundaries and handling unsafe situations. =1.50 to 2.49. Conversely, parents agreed that factors like a child’s loneliness =3.92, low self-esteem = 3.88, and hiding the identities of paedophiles =3.96 significantly contributes to molestation. The result show that they strongly
endorsed making the home less stressful =3.96 and exposing offenders =3.91. The study concludes that parental awareness, communication, and education are crucial for preventing child sexual abuse.

Glycemic Properties and Antidiabetic Potential of Stiff Dough Made from Bitter Yam and Unripe Plantain Composite Flour in Diabetes-Induced Adult Albino Rats

2026-07-29T07:35:44+00:00

The study evaluated the glycemic properties and antidiabetic potential of stiff dough prepared from composite flours of bitter yam and unripe plantain in diabetes-induced albino rats. Bitter yams and unripe plantains were washed, peeled, sliced, dried, and milled into flours. The flours were blended in five ratios: A (100BYF:0UPF), B (70BYF:30UPF), C (60BYF:40UPF), D (50BYF:50UPF), and E (0BYF:100UPF, control). Twenty-eight albino rats (200–250 g) were housed in ventilated cages, acclimatised for seven days, fasted for eight hours, and fed the experimental diets, with blood glucose monitored using an automatic analyser. Diabetes was confirmed at blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dL. The study was guided by three objectives and corresponding research questions and employed completely randomized experimental design.Data were analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test
at a significance level of p < 0.05. Samples A and B exhibited medium glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). At the same time, C, D, and E showed low GI and GL, indicating suitability for managing hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and supporting weight control. Blending the flours improved glycemic properties, and animal studies revealed that diets B, C, and D maintained stable blood glucose levels, with sample D showing the highest antidiabetic efficacy, comparable to
metformin. In contrast, standard rat chow (sample G) caused progressive glucose elevation and weight loss. The antidiabetic efficacy of the composite flours may be attributed to resistant starch and bioactive compounds. The study recommends incorporating composite flours of bitter yam and unripe plantain into diabetic diets as safe, affordable, and functional alternatives for managing hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.

Sustainable Clothing Practices and Household Wellbeing: A Mixed-Methods Study of Households in Abia State, Nigeria

2026-07-29T08:31:31+00:00

The textile and clothing sector is a major contributor to global environmental waste, yet households in developing economies have long practised underexplored informal sustainability. This study examined the relationship between sustainable clothing practices and household wellbeing in Abia State, Nigeria, home to the internationally acclaimed Akwete weaving tradition. A cross-sectional convergent mixed-methods design was used: a structured questionnaire was administered to 200 households across three local government areas, alongside 25 key-informant interviews with weavers, tailors, traders, and household heads. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of association (Cramer's V as effect size); qualitative data were analysed thematically. Sustainable practices were widely adopted, including clothing repair and repurposing (54.3 per cent), intra-family hand-me-downs (68.2 per cent), and conversion of fabric scraps into household products. Households practising comprehensive strategies estimated annual clothing-cost savings of 35 to 50 per cent relative to households relying mainly on new ready-to-wear purchases. Chi-square analyses showed that sustainable practices were significantly associated with each wellbeing dimension: household budget, χ²(4, N = 200) = 24.56, p < .001, V = .25; environmental health, χ²(4, N = 200) = 18.92, p = .001, V = .22; and family cohesion, χ²(4, N = 200) = 15.34, p = .004, V = .20. A significant negative association was found between second-hand (Okrika) purchasing and local fabric purchasing, χ²(4, N = 200) = 28.45, p < .001, V = .27. Sustainable clothing practices were positively and significantly associated with household wellbeing across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, though effect sizes were small to moderate and the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference. The study contributes locally grounded evidence on indigenous circular-economy practice in South-East Nigeria and supports promoting local textile production, integrating clothing sustainability into school curricula, and establishing community-based recycling initiatives.

Assessment Of Knowledge Competency Needs Of Primiparous Mothers For Effective Infant Feeding In Enugu State, Nigeria

2026-07-29T09:29:10+00:00

The study determined the assessment of knowledge competency needs of primiparous
mothers for effective infant feeding in Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified
knowledge required, possessed and needed by primiparous mothers for effective infant feeding to
enable them become competent in infant feeding. The study was guided by three research questions.
Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population for the study was 2950 mothers who
attended antenatal and postnatal care in health centers in Enugu state, with a sample size of 400 using
purposive sampling. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire which were in
two clusters of x and y denotating required and possessed competencies and the reliability coefficient
of 0.87 was obtained for the study. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation.
The findings confirmed that massaging nipple in readiness to breastfeeding is required, early initiation
of breastfeeding within one hour of birth is required, breast milk stored in feeding bottles can be
reconstituted and reused, and it is also required that mothers maintain eye contact with baby during
breastfeeding among others. Lastly, findings shows that the need gap were positive indicating that
those were the need gap in the formula and complementary knowledge competencies. Seventeen
breastfeeding knowledge competencies were identified as highly required but inadequately possessed
by primiparous mothers. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made which were .

Influence Of Apparel Visual Display on Consumer Choices and Buying Behaviour Among University Male Workers

2026-07-29T09:32:56+00:00

This study examined the impact of apparel visual displays on consumer choices and
buying behavior among male university workers. Through a comprehensive literature review and
empirical research, the study addresses three key research questions, exploring the factors that
influence consumer behavior in retail settings with a particular focus on visual displays of apparel.
This descriptive survey purposively selected a sample of 200 male university workers from a larger
population of 2,000 workers to investigate how visual presentations influence consumer decisions.
The reliability coefficient of 0.84 highlights the significant role of consumer choices in the buying
process and underscores how visual displays can shape these choices. The results suggest that an
attractive and well-organized apparel display can notably affect consumer buying behavior,
especially among male university workers. The findings emphasize consumers’ rights, including
safety, information, choice, and redress against unfair practices. It also highlights the prevalence
of habitual buying behavior and low-involvement purchases. Based on these insights, the study
recommends that retailers and marketers focus on creating appealing visual displays to enhance
consumer engagement and foster habitual, low-involvement purchasing behaviors among male
workers.