Knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behaviors of underutilized millets among urban women in Sri Lanka

Urban women play a key role in household food choices, making their knowledge and consumption practices important for promoting nutritious and sustainable foods. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behaviors related to finger, foxtail, proso, and kodo millets among urban women in Sri Lanka. An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated online questionnaire, and data from 444 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Overall, 79.6% of respondents had heard of underutilized millets, with finger millet being the most recognized type (89.8%). Nutritional awareness was relatively high (75.9%), although knowledge mainly focused on glycemic control. Less than half (48.4%) identified millets as gluten-free, while 76.1% recognized their drought-resistant nature. Finger millet was the most commonly consumed millet, with 69% reporting occasional intake. Millet flour was the preferred purchase form (78.4%). Education level was significantly associated with millet awareness (p < 0.01), while income was associated with consumption frequency (p < 0.05). Women with a family history of non-communicable diseases showed positive attitudes toward dietary changes involving millets (p < 0.01). Despite moderate awareness, millet consumption remains limited to finger millet. Promoting diverse millet varieties may support healthier diets and sustainable food systems in Sri Lanka.