Socio-cultural factors affecting egg consumption in selected municipalities of KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa.

Abstract

Eggs are considered to be the cheapest source of protein. Hence, the support of their utilization among the open ought to be sought after more particularly in a nation like South Africa that's profoundly populated and where the masses are inclined to destitution. Recognizing and dissecting the socio-economic variables that prevent the utilization of eggs will allow the implantation of essential ventures that will address them, thus increasing the utilization per capita of eggs, which is moderately lower compared to the other European nations. The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of knowledge, practice, belief, and adherence, to socio-cultural reasons for egg consumption in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa because South Africa is one of the countries with the lowest egg consumption per capita. The study employed a descriptive and quantitative research design, and a multi-stage sampling technique and RaoSoft sample size calculator were used to select 125 households. the data was collected by interviewing the respondents using a structured questionnaire that was analysed using t-test statistics, Principal component analysis, and Probit regression analysis. The results have revealed that there is a significant relationship between egg consumption and sociocultural factors ꭓ2 = 78.59; p < 0.001. Pearson, ꭓ2 = 259. 28, p = 0.04 and Deviance, ꭓ2 = 168.40, p = 0.99 and Cox and Snell (0.467), Nagelkerke (0.542), and McFadden (0.318). Principal Components analysis extracted Factor 1 (taboo knowledge), Factor 2 (taboo consequences), Factor 3 (taboo practice), Factor 4 (taboo adherence), Factor 5 (taboo belief), Factor 6 (taboo negligence), and Factor 7 (taboo implications). Probit regression analysis has shown well fitted with Chi-square values of 9.86 x 125 (Knowledge), 463.64 (Adhere), 559.57 (Practice), 784 x 125 (Belief), 6.62 x 125 (constraints) at p < 0.001. The study has concluded that cultural reasons play a major role in influencing egg consumption than socioeconomic, economic, and availability factors. It is therefore recommended that interventions such as educational programs that encourage healthier eating behaviours should be designed and implemented, these programs should be designed in a way that will incorporate culturally relevant approaches that people in Kwazulu-Natal can resonate with, to enhance their potential effectiveness in improving the frequency of egg consumption in the area. Furthermore, it is recommended that future research should delve deeper into the history of the specific cultural norms, beliefs, and practices surrounding egg consumption within the region (Moswane & Oladele, 2024).