Opinions of GM Foods and Food Grown with Pesticides in Health and Non-Health Major Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the opinions of genetically modified (GM) foods and food grown with pesticides in health and non-health majors before and after taking an introductory nutrition class (NSC 170). Undergraduate students enrolled in the NSC 170 were given a pre-survey at the beginning of the semester (n=364) and a post-survey at the end of the semester (n=281). Students (aged 18.6 ± 1.3 years, 60.4% white, 18.7% black, 13.8% Hispanic, and 7.1% Asians) were asked about concern with consumption of GM foods and foods grown using pesticides, and frequency of buying organic produce. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions. Major types were divided into nutrition, non-health, health, and undecided majors. There was moderate amount of concern about consuming GM food and foods using pesticides in all major types, but there was not a significant interaction between major types before and after the completion of course (P>0.05). Frequency of buying organic produce was not significantly different between major types. Finally, there was a significant correlation between concern with GM foods and pesticides, and purchasing of organic foods (P<0.05). This was not changed before or after taking NSC 170.