Consumer Attitudes Towards Organic Supplement Intake and Its Role in Sustainability: A Case Study of Staff of FCAI, Ebonyi State

Abstract

This study examined consumer attitudes toward organic supplement intake and its role in sustainability among staff of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu (FCAI), Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents from 12 departments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Likert scale analysis, and probit regression. The results showed that the mean age of respondents was 45.17 years, with 68.3% male and 73.3% married. Although 100% of respondents were aware of organic supplements, only 63.3% have taken them in the past, and just 26.7% continue usage. The Likert analysis revealed positive attitudes toward organic supplements (grand mean = 3.42), with respondents agreeing that organic supplements are worth the cost (mean = 3.87) and preferable to conventional ones (mean = 3.77). Regarding perceived health benefits, respondents strongly agreed that organic supplements boost immunity (mean = 4.15, SD = 0.47) and improve overall health (mean = 4.08, SD = 0.56), with a grand mean of 3.94. The probit regression estimated positive predictors of organic supplement intake as; age (coefficient = 0.2621, p < 0.10), years of working experience (coefficient = 0.4333, p < 0.05), income (coefficient = 1.2750, p < 0.10), having a health issue (coefficient = 3.8572, p < 0.05), perceived health benefit (coefficient = 5.293, p < 0.05), availability (coefficient = 1.9218, p < 0.10), and trust (coefficient = 2.7456, p < 0.05). Conversely, cost of supplements (coefficient = -1.1086, p < 0.10) was a significant barrier. The study concludes that while awareness and positive attitudes exist, cost and limited availability hinder sustained consumption. Recommendations include subsidizing organic supplements, improving availability through certified vendors, and organizing health awareness seminars targeting younger staff.