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Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors and Intended Behaviors of Middle Schoolers
Author(s) -
Quick Virginia,
Corda Kirsten,
Byrd-Bredbenner Carol
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.814.8
Subject(s) - sanitation , food safety , psychology , snack food , environmental health , cognition , developmental psychology , social psychology , medicine , food science , chemistry , pathology , neuroscience
Little attention has been given to pre‐ and early‐teens’ understanding of safe food handling, despite their interests in studying food safety (FS) and preparing food, growing responsibilities related to family food shopping and preparation, and future adulthood roles as caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore middle schoolers’ food safety cognitions using an online survey developed based on Health Belief Model and Theory of Reasoned Action constructs. Findings indicate that overall FS knowledge of middle schoolers from two states (n=207; 57% boys) was inadequate (mean score=57% correct), with males and females scoring similarly. Only 43% and 67% of participants reported always washing their hands before making a snack and washing fruits and vegetables before eating them, respectively. Just one‐third of participants agreed they were susceptible to food poisoning, yet 83% agreed they had an interest in learning about FS. Independent t ‐tests revealed that girls had significantly (p<0.05) stronger attitudes towards the importance of FS and sanitation, greater FS self‐efficacy, and stronger intentions to perform FS behaviors. These findings suggest a need for middle school FS education. Funding: USDA, National Food Safety Initiative