Friends Matter: Food safety cognitive and behavioral influences among youth

Abstract

Do perceptions of food safety cognitions and behaviors of friends differ from one's own perceptions? This study examined youths’ food safety cognitions and behaviors and perceptions of their friends’ food safety cognitions and behaviors. Data were collected using an online survey based on Health Belief Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, and social norms theory constructs. Youth (n=227; mean age 12.8±0.7y; 59% female) were recruited from 4 middle/high schools in 4 states. Paired t‐tests revealed significant differences (P<0.001); compared to themselves, youth felt that their friends perceived themselves to be less susceptible to food poisoning, were less likely to handle food safely, had more negative food safety attitudes, and had less food safety self‐efficacy. Findings suggest that youth believe they have more positive food safety cognitions and behaviors and have greater recognition of their susceptibility to food poisoning than their peers do. Findings suggest that food safety behavior change interventions should consider coupling perceptions of friends’ food safety cognitions and behaviors with concern for friends as a method for leveraging positive peer pressure to promote food safety behavior change in their social networks.Grant Funding Source: USDA, National Food Safety Initiative and in part by the intramural research program of the National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.