학부모 대상 유전자변형(GMO)식품에 대한 인지도 및 교육요구도 조사:전남지역을 중심으로

Abstract

This study conducted an analysis of the perception and the need for education about genetically modified foods (GM foods) among elementary, middle, and high school parents in the Jeonnam region. The questionnaire encompassed the general characteristics of subjects, levels of awareness and knowledge of GM foods, the use of GM foods in school lunches, information acquisition route and educational experience about GM foods, and educational requirements. The results of the study were as follows: While most of the respondents answered that they knew about GM foods, the level of knowledge was low. The negative perceptions about GM foods were higher than the positive perceptions. The negative perceptions showed a positive correlation with the awareness of GM foods. Most parents opposed the use of GM foods in school lunches, and the older the parents, the greater the opposition to the use of GM foods in school meals. On the other hand, the higher the positive perception of GM foods and the higher the knowledge level about GM foods, the higher the percentage in favor of using GM foods in school lunches. If the parents were educated about GM foods, they showed a high approval rate for using GM foods in school lunches and were readily passing on their knowledge about GM foods to their children. Even when negative perceptions of GM foods are high, the parents are more likely to pass on their knowledge about GM foods to children. Parents get information about GM foods mainly through the internet, social networking service (SNS), and YouTube, and they would like to inform their children about the safety and risks of GM foods. Also, it was found that the most important consideration when selecting an educational institution was the use of various materials and teaching aids. Since parents’ knowledge of food affects their children’s eating habits, schools and government agencies are providing parents with accurate information about GM foods so that parents can make decisions regarding the use of GM foods. This study suggests that since parents’ knowledge about food affects their children’s eating habits, it is important for the relevant institutions to provide parents with accurate information about GM foods so that their children can be properly educated about this food.