Determinants of Homemakers’ Choice of Household Equipment for Family Utilization in Some Colleges of Education in Lagos State, Nigeria

: This study assessed the determinants of homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the line of inquiry. Four hundred and eighty-two (482) female workers in Colleges of Education in Lagos state, Nigeria, formed the population for the study. A sample of two hundred and forty-one (241) respondents was drawn from the population using proportional sampling technique. Using a descriptive survey design, data was collected through an adapted questionnaire. Mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation co-efficient (PPMC) statistical techniques were used to report the research questions and test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that income negatively correlated with homemakers' choice of household equipment (r=.-8.26), p < .05) while employment status of homemakers had a positive correlation (r=.641, p < .05) with choice of household equipment. It is concluded that the homemakers' choice of household equipment was determined by their income and employment status, even though other inherent factors may influence their choices. Hence, it is therefore recommended that policymakers implement financial support, income enhancement and support for entrepreneurship programs to improve income distribution, towards more equitable access to household equipment and reduce disparities among socioeconomic groups.


Introduction
In today's modern society, the choice and utilization of household equipment play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and functionality of families.Homemakers, as primary decision-makers in managing household affairs, are faced with various choices when it comes to selecting household equipment for family utilization.The determinants influencing their decisions in this regard have been a subject of interest and research within the field of consumer behavior.Homemakers are people who both work at a job and take care of their home (Nyirenda, 2015).They are often referred to as the unsung heroes who play a vital role in maintaining a harmonious and functional household.
From managing household chores to taking care of children, organizing finances, and ensuring everyone's well-being (Joshua & Oguche, 2019).This can be quite demanding as they have a multitude of responsibilities.Sometimes, they encounter difficulty in making their choices due to the financial implications of purchasing items for their homes, which can be costly.The efficacy of their homemaking duties often relies on factors such as their income, level of education, and geographical location (Sekhampu & Niyimbanira, 2013).In addition, the wide scope of their daily work presents challenges to the execution of household chores and poses obstacles to their professional lives (Emmanuel & Ojo, 2013).Given the diverse array of tasks they must undertake, homemakers are constantly faced with numerous decisions.
Choices become significant as we navigate our decision-making process.The term "choice" refers to the act or process of selecting or making a decision between two or more alternatives (Merriam-Webster, 2023).It involves considering various options and determining the one that is most desirable or suitable based on personal preferences, circumstances, or goals.Choice is a fundamental aspect of human decision-making and is present in numerous aspects of our lives.
Different individuals may prioritize different factors when making decisions, leading to diverse choices even in similar circumstances.Therefore, the homemakers' choice is important in the effective selection of their preferred household equipment.The use of household equipment is an integral part of our daily lives.From kitchen appliances to cleaning tools and electronic gadgets, these items make our household chores more convenient and efficient.Recently in Nigeria, household equipment acquisition has been threatened by challenges associated with high inflation, high cost of equipment, accessibility to where to purchase the equipment, and possible services outlet and their acquisition among others (Obinna, 2020).The choice of household equipment for family utilization is a crucial decision that homemakers face, as it directly impacts the daily functioning and comfort of their households.Sometimes there are many different types of equipment to choose from, which can make the decision-making process harder.Homemakers who work outside the home have to think even more about how to balance their work and family responsibilities.The financial implications of these purchases can be substantial since household items tend to be costly and have long-term financial consequences (Dennis & Onah, 2022).Furthermore, the ever-evolving technology employed in these equipment poses a difficulty for individuals to stay up-to-date.The selection of suitable equipment holds significance in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of the entire family.The household equipment of focus in this paper is kitchen equipment such as cookware, oven, cooking ranges, blenders, steamers, mixers, refrigerators, and dishwashers among others.
With the wide variety of options available in the market, choosing the right household equipment can often be a daunting task.This is where the concept of determinants comes into play.A determinant of something as described by Hahn ( 2021) is a cause.Determinants serve as crucial factors that influence our decision-making process when selecting household equipment.By evaluating various determinants, we can make informed choices that align with our specific needs, preferences, and budget constraints.These determinants encompass a range of considerations, including functionality, efficiency, durability, maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness.
Identifying these determinants, it becomes possible to develop targeted strategies to meet the specific needs and preferences of homemakers, ultimately enhancing their satisfaction and overall quality of life.The determinants that influence homemakers' choice of household equipment can be multifaceted and encompass various factors.Socioeconomic factors, such as income level, education, and occupation (Dongzagla & Adams, 2022;Spinath, 2012), often play a critical role in shaping decision-making processes.Other factors such as psychological factors, technological factors also come into play.Understanding and analyzing these determinants can ensure that the household equipment we invest in will truly enhance our daily lives.
Income plays a crucial role in determining the choices individuals make when it comes to selecting household equipment (Becker, 1976;Ramya & Ali, 2016).The level of income directly affects the purchasing power of households, influencing their ability to afford different types of equipment and appliances (Dennis & Onah, 2022).Higher income level households have greater financial resources at their disposal, allowing them to choose from a wider range of options and invest in higher-quality or more technologically advanced equipment.They may prioritize functionality, energy efficiency, and durability when making their choices.Supporting this assertion, Dongzagla and Adams (2022) found that household income plays a pivotal role in the urban household's choice of clean cooking fuel which primarily is due to the relatively higher cost associated with clean cooking fuel and equipment compared to unclean alternatives.However, households with lower income levels may face constraints in their selection of household equipment.
Limited financial resources may necessitate a focus on affordability, leading them to opt for lower-priced or second-hand equipment.In such cases, practicality and cost-effectiveness may take precedence over advanced features or luxury brands.Additionally, Sulekha et al. (2019) noted that income disparities as a result of inflation raises the cost of living, increases price household equipment and can contribute to variations in the types of household equipment chosen.Therefore, the satisfaction of a family depends on their perception that the required household equipment can be adequately purchased with the available income and effectively utilized for household chores.
Moreover, the employment status of homemakers also plays a significant role in the choices they make.Employment is a human pursuit that best fulfills people's needs and wants and employment can determine homemakers' choices in different ways (Robbins, 2014).Supporting this assertion, Fatima (2014) stressed that employment is one of the determinant in women's decision making in the family.It is evident that the employment status of an individual plays a significant role in determining their purchasing power and financial resources (Sekhampu & Niyimbanira, 2013).
Homemakers with secure and stable employment are more likely to have a higher disposable income (Odozi & Adeyonu, 2021), enabling them to afford a wider range of household equipment options.
Job security provides the homemaker with a sense of financial stability (Akpan, 2013;Olulu & Udeorah, 2018), allowing them to invest in higher-quality and technologically advanced appliances that may offer greater long-term value.Additionally, the specific demands of one's career and lifestyle can influence the choice of household equipment.Professionals in certain fields may require specialized equipment for work-related purposes.The equipment choices of individuals with demanding lifestyles or specific interests often reflect their unique requirements and preferences.
Furthermore, the flexibility and mobility associated with certain jobs can influence the selection of household equipment.While employment status is a significant factor in determining the choice of household equipment, it interacts with other factors such as income level, personal preferences, family size, and cultural influences (Ramya & Ali, 2016).However, despite the importance of understanding these determinants, there is a gap in the literature specifically focusing on homemakers' choices of household equipment in colleges of education in Lagos State.This study aims to address this gap by consolidating existing research and providing insights into the determinants into homemakers' choices while selecting household equipment within this specific context.

Statement of Problem
Homemakers in Lagos State face numerous challenges and decision-making complexities when it comes to selecting household equipment.Factors such as economic difficulties, traffic congestion, and demanding schedules add to the complexity.As a result, homemakers in Lagos must navigate through various factors and constraints to make informed choices regarding the equipment that best suits their household needs.However, their choices of household equipment lack a comprehensive understanding.The current knowledge gap hampers the development of targeted interventions, policies, and support programs to enhance homemakers' access to suitable household equipment based on their specific needs and circumstances.Addressing this gap is crucial to improve homemakers' well-being and ensure equitable access to appropriate household equipment.

Purpose of the Study
The general purpose of this research is to: explore the determinants of homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization in some colleges of education in Lagos state.Specific purpose is to: (b) HO 2 : There are no significant relationships between employment statuses with homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria.

Design for the Study
A descriptive survey design was used for the study.This type of research includes proper analyses, interpretation, comparison, identification of trends and relationships (Saunders et al, 2012).

Ethics Statement
Approval for this study was gotten from each of the colleges of education that formed part of the study.Consent for data collection was also obtained from the respondents before the questionnaires were filled.No intimidation was exerted on any respondent who refused to participate in the study.

Area of the Study
The study area was colleges of education in Lagos state which are situated in different suburbs in Lagos State.Lagos state, known for its vibrant educational institutions, provides an intriguing setting for this investigation.The colleges have a common aim; to train students to become teachers.
However, one of the colleges was specifically established for the training of students to become specialized teachers in primary schools.

Population and Sample
The population of the study comprised four hundred and eighty ( 480

Instrument for Data Collection and Study Procedure
The instrument used for data collection was adapted from Socio-Economic Survey Questionnaire by Uganda bureau of statistics (2002)(2003).The questionnaire is a four (4) rating scale between 4 and 1 ranging from very great extent (VGE), great extent (GE), low extent (LE) and very low extent (VLE) respectively.A decision mean of 2.50 was used as a threshold.This threshold serves as a predetermined benchmark or criterion used to make decisions based on ratings or scores.
The instrument for this study was validated by three professors in the Department of Home Economics, at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.The adapted instrument was Pilot-tested on 30 respondents who did not take part in the study.From the result of the pilot study amendments were made; the list of household equipment demarcated to reflect each category, based on the suggestions, the no of items were reduced and some, which were judged as not being relevant were removed and spelling errors were corrected.A reliability index of 0.90 was obtained using the Cronbach's Alpha.

Data Collection Technique
The researcher employed three (3) research assistants who were briefed and given details about the procedures for data administration and collection.The collection of data lasted four weeks.

Data Analysis Technique
The research questions were analyzed using weighted mean and standard deviation while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Co-efficient PPMC statistical techniques were used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance.The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 27 was used for the analysis of the collected data.

Research question one:
To what extent does the income of homemakers determine their choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria?The data in Table 1 presents the mean rating and standard deviation regarding the influence of income level on homemakers' choice of household equipment for family use in selected colleges of education in Lagos state.The cumulative mean (2.44), representing the average score across all items and response categories, falls below the decision mean (2.50).This suggests that the income of homemakers has a limited impact on their choice of household equipment.The income level mean being lower than the decision mean indicates that, on average, homemakers have a lower income level than assumed by the decision threshold.These observations indicate a potential discrepancy between the choice of household equipment and income levels among the respondents.The standard deviations associated with the cumulative mean (1.096) and income level mean (1.735) offer insights into the variability in the ratings and income levels, respectively.Further analysis is conducted to explore potential relationships within the data.Specifically, none of the household equipment presented in the table was purchased to a very great extent based on the income received by the homemakers.However, certain equipment such as deep fryer (2.41), steamer (2.42), juice extractor (2.5), mixer (2.42), mincers (2.15), and pancake mixer (2.27) were chosen for family utilization to a low extent.On the other hand, equipment like electric cooker, pressure cooker, microwave oven, refrigerator, yam pounder, among others, was possessed to a great extent.The results also show that bread toaster (3.16) and blender (3.16) are mostly acquired, possibly due to their significance in most families and their relatively lower market prices, which align with the income range of most homemakers (between N100,000 and N150,000).The inference drawn from these findings is that income moderately influences homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization.
The data highlights that income is not the sole determinant of equipment choices and that other factors may play a role in the decision-making process.

Hypothesis one:
There is no significant relationship between income level and homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria Table 3 shows the results of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistics.Since the p-value (.000) is less than 0.05, the result showed that there is a statistically strong negative relationship between household equipment and income level of the respondents (r=.-8.26, p < .05).
This means that the null hypothesis is therefore rejected.This means that as income level increases, the likelihood of owning or having access to various household equipment decreases.Similarly, as income level decreases, the likelihood of owning or having access to household equipment increases.
The statistical significance of the correlation coefficients (p = 0.000) suggests that this negative Emmanuel relationship is not likely due to chance.The large sample size (N = 241) provides more confidence in the validity of these findings.It's important to note that correlation does not imply causation.The results in this investigation indicated a disparity between the income level of homemakers and their choice of household equipment, as the cumulative mean (2.44) was lower than the decision mean (2.50).This finding aligns with Becker's (1976) assertion that income is a crucial variable in decision-making, particularly in terms of purchasing power and its influence on household equipment utilization within the family (Denis & Onah, 2022).Uzosike (2011) further supports this perspective by emphasizing the role of income in people's ability to acquire products and utilize services.The satisfaction of a family is closely linked to the belief that necessary household equipment can be reasonably purchased within the available income and effectively used for household chores.However, a negative correlation suggests that an increase in the homemaker's income level does not necessarily lead to the purchase of more household equipment and vice versa.
Thus, while a strong negative relationship exists between household equipment and income level, it cannot be concluded that income level directly causes ownership or access to household equipment.
Other factors and variables may also influence this relationship, warranting further investigation.

Research question two:
To what extent does the employment status of homemakers determine their choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria?Table 3 provides insights into the extent at which employment status influences the homemakers' choice of household equipment for family use.The cumulative mean of 2.73 exceeds the decision mean of 2.50, indicating that homemakers' choice of household equipment is significantly influenced by their employment status.On average, their employment level plays a substantial role in determining the equipment they prefer.The household equipment mean of 2.66, which is slightly lower than the cumulative mean, suggests that, on average, homemakers have a slightly lower preference for some household equipment compared to their overall choice across all items.
Conversely, the employment level mean of 2.80 is higher than both the household equipment mean and the cumulative mean, indicating that, on average, the employment level of homemakers significantly affects their choice of household equipment.This finding highlights the considerable influence of employment status on their decisions.Further analysis reveals specific choice for equipment among homemakers.The gas cooker stands out as predominantly influenced by employment status, as it received the highest mean rating of 3.28.and pancake mixers (2.37) are less preferred.Overall, this analysis underscores the significant role of employment status in influencing homemakers' choice of household equipment, with specific items being more or less favored based on their employment levels.The findings can aid in understanding consumer behavior and inform strategies for marketing and promoting household equipment products.

Hypothesis two:
There are no significant relationships between employment statuses with homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria.The study findings suggest that lower-income homemakers may experience financial limitations in purchasing household equipment, while employed and highly paid homemakers tend to have better financial stability and access to higher quality household equipment.Policymakers and organizations should focus on implementing financial support programs and income enhancement initiatives to assist homemakers in acquiring necessary household equipment.Income distribution can be improved through measures like progressive taxation, social welfare programs, or minimum wage regulations to ensure equitable access to household equipment across socioeconomic groups.
However, the study acknowledges that there may be additional factors influencing homemakers' choices, emphasizing the need for further research.Future studies should consider variables such as education level, family size, cultural influences, and technological advancements to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between homemakers and their choice of household equipment.It is important to note that this study was limited to Lagos State, Nigeria, and primarily focused on income and employment as determinants.

Conclusion
This study explored the determinants of homemakers' choice of household equipment in selected colleges of education in Lagos State.The findings revealed a negative correlation between the income level of homemakers and their choice of household equipment, while employment status significantly influenced their choices.These results underscore the importance of considering income level and employment status when understanding homemakers' choices regarding household equipment for family utilization.However, it is crucial to acknowledge that additional factors and variables may also impact these relationships.Addressing the determinants of homemakers' choice of Emmanuel household equipment requires a complex approach that includes financial support programs, income enhancement initiatives, and support for entrepreneurship.In addition, Policymakers can implement measures to improve income distribution, enabling more equitable access to household equipment and reducing disparities among socioeconomic groups.By implementing these recommendations, policymakers can contribute to improving the well-being and quality of families.

( a )
Explore the extent to which income of homemakers' determines their choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria.(b) Investigate the extent to which employment status of homemakers determine their choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria 1.3.Research Questions The following research question guided the study: (a) To what extent does the income of homemakers determine their choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria?(b) To what extent does the employment status of homemakers determine their choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria?1.4 Research Hypotheses (a) HO 1 : There is no significant relationship between income level and homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos state, Nigeria.
) homemakers from Federal, State and Private colleges of education in Lagos state.The selected colleges are Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education and St. Augustine College of Education, Yaba, Lagos.These homemakers comprised of women who are gainfully employed as Academic and Administrative staffs of the colleges of education.A sample of two hundred and forty-one (241) homemakers was drawn from the population using proportional sampling technique.

Table 1 :
Extent of homemakers' income level as determinants for choice of household equipment for family utilization in some selected colleges of education

Table 2 :
Pearson product moment correlation statistics between income and homemakers choice of household equipment for family utilization

Table 3 :
Extent of homemakers' employment status as a determinant for homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization in some selected colleges of education , are widely possessed and utilized by homemakers.However, equipment like the deep freezer (2.45), bread toaster (2.46), grinding machine (2.08), deep fryer (2.52), mixer (2.19), mincers (2.42),

Table 4 :
Odozi and Adeyonu (2021)'s (2013)n statistics between employment status and homemakers' choice of household equipment for family utilization In other words, employment status plays a significant role in determining the utilization of household equipment.Based on these findings, the hypothesis was rejected meaning the employment status of homemakers significantly influence their choice of household equipment for family utilization in Lagos State, Nigeria.The results provide evidence supporting the notion that employment status is a significant determinant in the choice and utilization of household equipment.This finding aligns withSekhampu and Niyimbanira's (2013)research.The type of employment, such as full-time government work, could explain this connection.Odozi and Adeyonu (2021)noted that homemakers with secure and stable employment are more likely to have higher disposable income, enabling them to afford a wider range of household equipment options.This, in turn, facilitates well-managed and flexible work schedules for homemakers, with other family members readily supporting household chores when the necessary equipment is available.