KNOWLEDGE AND CONSUMPTION OF EDIBLE MUSHROOM AMONG MARRIED FEMALE STAFF IN SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT

This study assessed knowledge and consumption of edible mushroom among married female staff in School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City. Three research questions and two hypotheses were formulated for the study. A descriptive cross sectional research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised of 86 female staffs who served as the sample for the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The reliability was 0.81 for knowledge, 0.76 for consumption and 0.79 for factors influencing consumption. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage, mean and Chi-square statistics. Findings indicated that majority (76.7%) had ever consumed edible mushroom. Unavailability of edible mushroom in open market, expensive nature of edible mushroom (cost) and fear of poisoning were reported as factors influencing consumption. There was a significant association between knowledge and consumption of edible mushroom (p <0.05), whereas no significant association was found between age and knowledge of edible mushroom (p>0.05). The study concluded that the female staffs had high knowledge of edible mushroom, had at one time or the other consumed it. More so, factors such as availability in open market, cost and fear of possible poisoning were factors that influenced consumption. The study recommended that nursing care practitioners should endevour to engage in campaigns and enlightenment aimed at bringing to limelight the health and nutritional benefits of edible mushroom among civil servants and the larger community, Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture and relevant government agencies should as a matter of necessity roll out programmes that ensure that cultivation and availability of edible mushroom is improved in other to aid accessibility. Keywords: Knowledge, consumption, edible mushroom, married, female staff.