ANALYSIS OF AWARENESS, PERCEPTION AND UTILISATION OF EGG POWDER AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO FRESH EGGS IN UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study analyzed awareness, perception, and utilisation of egg powder among staff and students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using proportionate stratified random sampling, 219 valid responses were obtained from students (69.4%), academic staff (9.1%) and non-academic staff (21.5%). Data were collected with a validated structured questionnaire (Cronbach's α ≥ .70) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation at p < .05.  The result shows that male respondents were 53.9% and female 46.1%. Only 12.3% were above 45 years (46-55 years 8.2%, 56 years and above 4.1%). Monthly personal spending on food shows 35.2% spent ₦20,001-₦40,000 and ₦40,001-₦60,000 (25.1%), with 19.6% below ₦20,000 and only 6.8% above ₦80,000. This reflects economic reality of students and junior staff in Nigeria amid 2024 inflation (28%). The result reveals 76.7% had no dietary restrictions, 9.6% religious restriction, 6.8% vegetarian, 2.7% vegan, and 4.1% egg allergy. The 76.7% unrestricted represents potential market, while 9.5% vegetarian/vegan/allergy indicates over 90% could consume eggs. Access to food storage shows 81.7% reported refrigeration access, while 18.3% had none. Results revealed a moderate level of awareness (Weighted Mean = 3.05), moderate positive perception (WM = 3.33), low perceived availability (WM = 2.95), and low utilisation (WM = 2.92). While 59.9% had heard of egg powder, only 27.8% knew how to reconstitute it. Availability showed a weak but statistically significant positive relationship with utilisation (r = .141, p = .038). Awareness (r = .124, p = .067) and perception (r = -.064, p = .343) were not significantly related to utilisation. The study concludes that inadequate availability, limited functional knowledge, and cost concerns constrain the utilization of egg powder despite favourable perception The findings suggest increased awareness, improved distribution, and cost-reduction strategies are recommended to enhance utilisation.