Risk perception of food chemicals and technologies in the Midwest of Brazil: A population-based cross-sectional survey

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the risk perception of three different population groups in the Federal District, Midwest Brazil, regarding chemical and technological risks related to food. An objective questionnaire was applied from May 2018 to January 2020 to 1,000 individuals in supermarkets, universities (only students) and hospitals/clinics. Risk perception was assessed through five general questions, and the degree of worry regarding 11 food-related hazards measured by a three-point scale (low, medium and high). The impact of belonging to a group and of sociodemographic variables on the worry level was assessed by multinomial logistic regression and expressed as Odds Ratio (OR). Over 80% of the participants had high or medium worry level about the presence of chemicals in food, hospital/clinic group having significantly higher level than the university group. Heavy metals had a significant higher worry score than all other hazards (2.76 ± 0.55) and was the only hazard that was not impacted by the group or any sociodemographic variable. Nanotechnology had a significantly lower score than all others hazards and, along with mycotoxins, was the most unfamiliar term to the respondents. In the adjusted multinomial model, older individuals, those interviewed in hospital/clinic, and women showed significantly greater risk perception to most hazards. Income and education exerted less effect, except for the technologies, which significantly caused more worry among individuals with lower income and/or education. The results of this study can help government authorities in the implementation of effective risk communication strategies aimed at different population segments.