Attitudes of the Ecuadorian University Community Toward Genetically Modified Organisms.

Karen Chacha Guerrero,Yenima Hernández Rodriguez,Diego Andrade Campoverde,Tatiana Loja Mejia,Carlos Román Collazo

doi:10.3389/fbioe.2021.801891

Abstract

Introduction: The acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by the civilian population in Ecuador is a controversial issue, where beliefs and practices are determinant. In Ecuador, the use of GMOs for research or productive purposes has been banned since 2008; however, the current position of the population toward this technology is unknown. Objective: The aim of the study was to explain the attitude toward GMOs in the Ecuadorian university population based on sociodemographic variables, knowledge, beliefs, practices, and bioethical approach. Methods: A validated survey was applied to 719 students and teachers of the Catholic University of Cuenca through Google Forms. The collected data were processed using SPSS 23.0 software. Multivariate and linear regression analyses were used to explain the attitude toward GMOs based on the variables studied. Results: Partial approval of GMO use is research-oriented, with a rejection toward food. The linear regression model explained 65% of the variance of attitude toward GMOs from the beliefs, practices, knowledge, and bioethical approach variables. The sociodemographic variables were completely excluded from the model due to the absence of statistical significance. Conclusions: The incipient acceptance of GMOs in the academic sector corroborates a transformation in the thinking of Ecuadorian civil society. Considerations on the use of GMOs are supported by a bioethical approach that leans toward a pragmatic utilitarianism based on the immediate or mediate benefits of the technology.

Highlights

The acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by the civilian population in Ecuador is a controversial issue, where beliefs and practices are determinant
Even when there is unobjectionable evidence of the socioeconomic advantages of GMOs (Smyth et al, 2015); some regions of the planet are reluctant to adopt them as part of technological or productive systems (Martin et al, 2017)
Ecuador continue to object to the implementation of GMO technology under the bioethical principle of precaution, hindering its development at regional and local levels (GaticaArias, 2020)

Summary

Introduction

The acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by the civilian population in Ecuador is a controversial issue, where beliefs and practices are determinant. In Ecuador, the use of GMOs for research or productive purposes has been banned since 2008; the current position of the population toward this technology is unknown. In Ecuador, the constitution and other legal figures limit GMO research and production (Gudynas, 2017), even though consulting entities have suggested its application at the local level (Trigo et al, 2002). It is paradoxical in this prohibitive context, the use of GMO products by the population in high diversity and magnitude (Galeas, Yépez, and Lascano, 2016)

Methods

Results

Conclusion