ABSTRACT
This
study evaluates the influence of price and knowledge on the consumption of
functional fruits among students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
(MOUAU), Abia State. The research aimed to assess students' knowledge of the
health benefits of functional fruits, examine the affordability and
availability of these fruits, and determine the relationship between price,
knowledge, and consumption patterns. A cross-sectional survey design was
adopted, with data collected from 293 students using structured questionnaires.
The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The
findings revealed that 95.9% of the respondents were aware of the health
benefits of functional fruits, with high knowledge levels about their
nutritional components such as vitamins (97.3%), antioxidants (82.9%), and
their role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases (88.1%). Despite this,
consumption patterns were influenced more by economic factors than by
knowledge. Price affordability had a statistically significant impact on
consumption frequency (p < 0.001), while awareness of health benefits
did not show a significant relationship (p > 0.05). Most students
(73.0%) purchased functional fruits from local markets, with affordability
cited as a key determinant of purchase decisions. The study also observed a
shift in consumption patterns before 2019 compared to recent years, with
occasional consumption becoming more common. However, frequent consumption
remains limited, primarily due to cost barriers. These findings underscore the
need for strategies to improve affordability and accessibility, such as
subsidies, student-friendly pricing schemes, and campus-based fruit
availability programs. The study concludes that while knowledge of the health
benefits of functional fruits is high, addressing economic barriers is crucial
to fostering regular consumption among students. Recommendations are made for
stakeholders, including policymakers and health educators, to implement
initiatives that make functional fruits more accessible and affordable for
students.
IKEGBUNAM, O (2025). Evaluation Of The Influence Of Price And Knowledge On Consumption Of Functional Fruits Amongst Student’s Of Mouau Abia State:-Ikegbunam Confidence O. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Jul 09, 2025, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/evaluation-of-the-influence-of-price-and-knowledge-on-consumption-of-functional-fruits-amongst-students-of-mouau-abia-state-ikegbunam-confidence-o-7-2
OLILEANYA, IKEGBUNAM. "Evaluation Of The Influence Of Price And Knowledge On Consumption Of Functional Fruits Amongst Student’s Of Mouau Abia State:-Ikegbunam Confidence O" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 08 Jul. 2025, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/evaluation-of-the-influence-of-price-and-knowledge-on-consumption-of-functional-fruits-amongst-students-of-mouau-abia-state-ikegbunam-confidence-o-7-2. Accessed 09 Jul. 2025.
OLILEANYA, IKEGBUNAM. "Evaluation Of The Influence Of Price And Knowledge On Consumption Of Functional Fruits Amongst Student’s Of Mouau Abia State:-Ikegbunam Confidence O". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 08 Jul. 2025. Web. 09 Jul. 2025. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/evaluation-of-the-influence-of-price-and-knowledge-on-consumption-of-functional-fruits-amongst-students-of-mouau-abia-state-ikegbunam-confidence-o-7-2 >.
OLILEANYA, IKEGBUNAM. "Evaluation Of The Influence Of Price And Knowledge On Consumption Of Functional Fruits Amongst Student’s Of Mouau Abia State:-Ikegbunam Confidence O" Mouau.afribary.org (2025). Accessed 09 Jul. 2025. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/evaluation-of-the-influence-of-price-and-knowledge-on-consumption-of-functional-fruits-amongst-students-of-mouau-abia-state-ikegbunam-confidence-o-7-2