Attitudes to genetically modified organisms and food among university students

Abstract

Genetically modified organisms and food have serious concerns due to their unpredicted nature. The beneficial effects include cost-effectiveness, economical benefits and endurance of the related product to certain obstacles including infections, and drought. Many diseases are attributed to genetically modified foods as with environmental hazards. Some of these have not been validated via scientific committees.In this study we aimed to investigate the attitudes of 85 students of the Institute of Health Sciences in Uludag University. The study was a descriptive study. We gathered data via questionnaire focusing on the attitudes, believes, knowledge levels and socioeconomical characteristics. The mean age of the study group was 21.77 +/- 1.21 (range 20-26). Among the group 67 (78.8%) were female. Majority of them mostly lived in cities. More than half of the students think that genetics of food is changed to make national governments dependent to foreign countries. Majority of students think that GMF and GMOs are detrimental for human health. A negative perception is present of GMOs. The socioeconomic characteristics did not affect the attitudes of students towards GMOs. 100% of the students think food labels should contain data related to presence of GMOs.