Health Consciousness Research Articles

Understanding Membership in Alternative Health Social Media Groups and Its Association with COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Social media platforms have become home to numerous alternative health groups where people share health information and scientifically unproven treatments. Individuals share not only health information but also health misinformation in alternative health groups on social media. Yet, little research has been carried out to understand members of these groups. This study aims to better understand various characteristics of members in alternative health groups and the association between membership and attitudes toward vaccination and COVID-19 and influenza vaccination-related behaviors. This study aims to test hypotheses about different potential characteristics of members in alternative health groups and the association between membership and attitudes toward vaccination and vaccine-related behaviors. A web-based cross-sectional survey (N=1050) was conducted. Participants were recruited from 19 alternative health social media groups and Amazon's Mechanical Turk. A total of 596 participants were members of alternative health groups and 454 were nonmembers of alternative health groups. Logistic regressions were performed to test the hypotheses about the relationship between membership and the variables of interest. Logistic regression revealed that there is a positive association between alternative health social media group membership and 3 personal characteristics: sharing trait (B=.83, SE=.11; P<.01; odds ratio [OR] 2.30, 95% CI 1.85-2.86), fear of negative evaluations (B=.19, SE=.06; P<.001, OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06-1.37), and conspiratorial mentality (B=.33, SE=.08; P<.01; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.18-1.65). Also, the results indicate that there is a negative association between membership and 2 characteristics: health literacy (B=-1.09, SE=.17; P<.001; OR .33, 95% CI 0.23-0.47) and attitudes toward vaccination (B=- 2.33, SE=.09; P=.02; OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.95). However, there is no association between membership and health consciousness (B=.12, SE=.10; P=.24; OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.92-1.38). Finally, membership is negatively associated with COVID-19 vaccination status (B=-.84, SE=.17; P<.001; OR 48, 95% CI 0.32-0.62), and influenza vaccination practice (B=-1.14, SE=.17; P<.001; OR .31, 95% CI 0.22-0.45). Our findings indicate that people joining alternative health social media groups differ from nonmembers in different aspects, such as sharing, fear of negative evaluations, conspiratorial mentality, and health literacy. They also suggest that there is a significant relationship between membership and vaccination. By more thoroughly exploring the demographic, or by better understanding the people for whom interventions are designed, this study is expected to help researchers to more strategically and effectively develop and implement interventions.

Trust in nutrition, subjective norms and urban consumers’ purchase behavior of quinoa products: explanation based on preference heterogeneity

IntroductionWith the increase of disposable income and the awakening of health consciousness of Chinese residents, higher requirements have been put forward for the nutritional value of food. To meet the market demand and promote the high-quality development of the whole quinoa industry chain, this study aimed to analyze the purchase behavior of quinoa from the aspects of nutritional trust and subjective norms.MethodsBased on 1,078 micro-survey data from 16 administrative districts in Shanghai, this paper empirically examined the influence of trust in nutrition and subjective norms on consumers’ purchase behavior and willingness to pay of quinoa products, and further investigated the moderating effect of preference heterogeneity.ResultsResults show that 38.22% of respondents have purchased quinoa products. Trust in nutrition and subjective norms can not only promote their purchasing behavior, but also improve consumers’ willingness to pay for quinoa products. The analysis of the moderating effect shows that both the purchase behavior and the willingness to pay are affected by the preference heterogeneity, and the cognitive preference will weaken the positive influence of subjective norms on the purchase behavior, while the nutritional preference of consumers can strengthen the positive influence of trust in nutrition on the willingness to pay.DiscussionTherefore, this paper suggests that strengthens research and development of products market oriented, implements certification and labeling schemes for nutrition and other properties of products, intensifies publicity and promotion of products to enhancing consumers’ awareness of healthy diet.

Examining consumers attitude and willingness to purchase organic products: Empirical evidence from emerging market

Consumers are increasingly interested in organic products. This study explores the correlation between consumer organic awareness (COA), environmental attitude (EA), health consciousness (HC), perceived expensiveness (PE), willingness to pay (WTP), attitude (ATT), organic purchase intention (OPI), and organic purchase behavior (OPB) towards organic food. The study examines how ATT and OPI mediate the association between the aforementioned factors and OPB. Data was acquired from 505 respondents by convenience sampling. This study employs Structure Equation Modeling (SEM) using SPSS AMOS 26 to investigate the hypotheses of the suggested conceptual model. The study indicated that variables like COA, EA, HC, WTP, ATT, and OPI have a substantial impact on the OPB. EC is the most significant predictor of ATT, OPI, and OPB in organic food buying, while PE had the least influence. The antecedents COA, EA, HC, and WTP have a strong indirect impact on OPB among respondents via ATT and OPI. Finally, theoretical and practical ramifications are explored.

Halal literacy, health consciousness, past product quality experience and repurchase intention of halal culinary product

Halal literacy, health consciousness, past product quality experience and repurchase intention of halal culinary product

Understanding Consumers’ Purchase Intention Towards Meat Produced Without Preventive Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics are widely used to prevent healthy animals from getting diseases in livestock industries. Such practice has greatly contributed to the increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens in animals and in the environment, which poses severe health threats to humans. This study aims to investigate consumers’ purchase intention towards meat produced without preventive antibiotic use, and to identify key factors influencing this purchase intention. An online survey of 1123 participants was conducted in China. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation, and regression analysis were conducted. The results suggested that consumers had a negative attitude towards preventive antibiotic use in food animals and a strong purchase intention towards meat produced without it. The key drivers of this purchase intention included health consciousness, trust in responsible antibiotic use in farming, objective knowledge about antibiotics used in food animals, subjective knowledge about preventive antibiotic use, concerns over antibiotic residues, and attitude towards preventive antibiotic use. These findings can provide deep insights for policymakers and livestock industries who seek to promote responsible antibiotic use and develop effective communication strategies with consumers.

Green Products and Electronic Word of Mouth: A Study Special Reference with Significance of Environmental Concern, Knowledge and Consciousness

The report as decorated in the literature, In the contemporary setting, green products that are produced in an ecologically responsible manner are getting greater attention. The cause of the concentration of people around these items because of environmental interests such as conserving water; protecting natural resources and health consciousness. The present study aims to investigate the electronic word of mouth (e-wom) and green products purchasing connection, the study also looks into the relationship that is not direct through the attitude towards environmental concern, environmental knowledge, and environmental consciousness. The think comprises of 235 customers as respondents. The female respondents are a larger part of this inquiry. The ages of those overviewed were underneath 25 a long time to over 55 a long time. Headed To gauge e-wom influence, five indicators and to assess attitude towards environmental concern, environmental knowledge, and environmental consciousness eight indicators have been used. Respondents were asked to consider and provide details about the green items they had purchased in the previous months to gauge the regularity of their purchases. Additionally, the possibility of buying green items is indicated by the assessment of purchasing willingness for green products. According to the study, e-wom has a direct impact on Green product Purchasing, and also indirectly through environmental concern, environmental knowledge, and environmental consciousness.

Understanding the Factors Influencing Generation X Consumers' Purchase Intention Towards Organic Vegetables in Chiang Mai: A Focus on Health Consciousness and Subjective Norms

Background and Aim: The escalating use of agrochemicals in vegetable cultivation has raised concerns about potential harm to human health and the environment, thus fueling a rising demand for organically grown vegetables. Notably, Generation X consumers, demonstrating a heightened awareness of the health and environmental consequences of their food choices, are at the forefront of this movement. This study investigates the impact of health consciousness and subjective norms on the purchase intention of organic vegetables among Generation X consumers in Chiang Mai province, Materials and Methods: This study investigates the influence of health consciousness and subjective norms on the purchase intention of organic vegetables among 400 Generation X consumers in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The findings reveal that both health consciousness and subjective norms significantly influence the purchase intention of organic vegetables. Subjective norms, particularly the perceived social pressure to consume organic produce, emerged as a slightly stronger predictor of purchase intention compared to health consciousness. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of considering both health-related concerns and social influences in promoting organic vegetable consumption among Generation X consumers. Targeted marketing strategies that emphasize the health benefits of organic produce and leverage social reinforcement can effectively enhance purchase intention.

Aversion to Human Intervention: Why Food in Complex Packaging Design Is Perceived as Less Healthy

ABSTRACTPackaging plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ food choices. This research introduces the “visual complexity‐intervention inference effect” through five primary studies and two supplemental studies spanning diverse food categories. We demonstrate that complex packaging designs, characterized by more decorative elements, signal increased human intervention, which diminishes the perceived healthiness of the packaged food. This perception subsequently leads to decreased consumption, particularly among consumers with heightened health consciousness. The study advances the research on food packaging and design aesthetics, offering insights and recommendations for leveraging packaging design complexity to promote healthier food choices.

Influences on Consumer Behaviour Regarding the Purchase Intention of Poultry Products

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify factors influencing effective purchasing behaviours in the context of poultry products. Theoretical Framework: The investigation into agricultural product purchases remains a relatively under-researched area within academic literature, particularly concerning detailed analyses of consumer behaviour. This study responds to the theoretical need raised by Pang et al. (2021) to apply their research methodology to different contexts. Method: The methodology adopted for this research was an online survey with a sample of 358 individuals in Colombia. The data analysis was carried out using Structural Equations Modelling with structures in variance. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that aspects such as Trust, Corporate ability, Brand positioning, Consumer cognition and Health consciousness are crucial for consumers of these products. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed indicate that aspects such as Trust, Corporate ability, Brand positioning, Consumer cognition and Health consciousness are crucial for consumers of these products. These factors are considered critical for consumers engaged in purchasing these types of products and provide substantive insights for the broader market of primary consumer goods. Originality/Value: The findings contribute to the scarce literature on consumer behaviour in agricultural product purchasing, offering a nuanced understanding of the determinants that drive consumer choices in this sector.

What drives and obstacles the intention to purchase green skincare products? A study of the Italian market of green skincare products

This study examines the global market for green cosmetics, with a particular focus on the factors that influence consumers' purchase intentions for green skincare products and their interactions in shaping consumer behavior. To achieve this, a statistically representative sample of 1,120 Italian consumers was analyzed, and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework was applied, alongside the Dual-Factor Theory and Innovation Resistance Theory. Findings show that environmental concern and health consciousness represent two key stimuli affecting organism, within which product knowledge is the main facilitator, while value barriers represent the strongest inhibitory force. Furthermore, mediation analysis highlights that environmental concern has a direct effect on purchase intention. These insights provide valuable implications for scholars, manufacturers, and policymakers.

Impact of Ethical Marketing Practices and Health Consciousness on Cosmetics Consumer Attitude and Purchase Intention: Evidence from Vietnam

This study investigates the impact of ethical marketing practices and health consciousness on consumer attitudes and purchase intention for cosmetic products in Vietnam. A self-administered survey was conducted in August 2023 to collect data for our study. We received 250 valid responses after four months. SPSS software version 20 was employed for data analysis. Results showed that among three factors that affect consumer attitude, health consciousness played the most critical role, followed by product fairness and price fairness. Moreover, the attitude was confirmed in our study to affect the purchase intention of Vietnamese cosmetics consumers significantly. Our findings implied that cosmetic companies should tailor ethical marketing strategies to meet the preferences of Vietnamese consumers and boost their purchase intention.

Application of the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to a Robotic Golf Caddy: Health Consciousness as a Moderator

The COVID-19 pandemic not only accelerated the spread of contactless robot services but also revitalized the golf industry. These changes have expedited the adoption of robot caddies, making it necessary to conduct research on golfers’ acceptance of robot caddies. This study, thus, intended to investigate the importance of the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) in the framework of robotic golf caddies and examined health consciousness as a moderator. An online survey was conducted with South Korean golfers, and a total of 391 responses were analyzed. The data analysis results indicated that all five dimensions of the extended UTAUT have a positive impact on attitude. Also, attitude is a significant predictor of both intentions to use and word-of-mouth intentions. Lastly, this study discovered that the moderating effect of health consciousness on the correlation between performance expectancy and attitude was significant.

Consumer Behavior of Buying Organic Jaggery in Chandur (Bazar) of Amravati District in Maharashtra State of India

This study explores the consumer behavior of purchasing organic jaggery in Chandur (Bazar), Amravati district, Maharashtra. It investigates the factors influencing consumer decisions, including health consciousness, environmental awareness, and perceptions of quality and taste. The study aims to understand the motivations behind the growing preference for organic jaggery over conventional options and to identify challenges faced by consumers. It also examines the role of local markets and vendors in the distribution and accessibility of organic jaggery within the region. By understanding these aspects, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the consumer landscape related to organic jaggery in the context of Chandur (Bazar) and provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the organic food industry.

Assessing Environmental Concerns, Knowledge and Health Consciousness in Young Adults’ Organic Food Choices

The trend towards buying organic food is declining among young adults, which raises concerns about factors influencing their purchasing behavior. This study investigates factors affecting young adults’ buying behavior of organic food products, including environmental concerns, knowledge, and health consciousness. Survey data was collected from 100 young adults in Selangor, Malaysia. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The results showed that knowledge about organic food was the strongest predictor of young adults’ organic food purchasing behavior. In addition, concern for the environment had a significant positive influence on young adults’ organic food purchasing behavior, while health consciousness showed no significant influence. These findings offer practical implications for manufacturers: to provide clear product details that can enhance consumers’ knowledge and highlight environmental advantages in marketing strategies to encourage consumption. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the value of environmental awareness and knowledge of organic food and shedding light on the minor influence of health awareness-a topic that has received less attention in other studies.

Assessing the Likelihood of Buying Thai Local Snacks.

The snack market in Thailand is growing fast, and yet it faces challenges from the growth in health-conscious consumption. Under these circumstances, it can be quite complicated for people involved in the snack-value chain to respond adequately to more sophisticated demands for snacks. Therefore, this study investigates Thai consumers' behavior with regard to snacks and its determinants. For the data used in this study, we surveyed 1077 respondents using a questionnaire. Based on a five-point scale, the questions covered respondents' snack consumption behavior and revealed their preference for additional payment regarding three aspects of snacks: safety and standards, quality, and carcinogen-free snacks. According to an ordered logistic regression, the results show that people's awareness of food safety and nutrition, and their health consciousness, increase their willingness to pay extra for better-quality snacks. Advertisements and people's recognition of input sources could also play an essential role in influencing consumers' preferences. These findings should provide insights for policymakers and producers to catch up with the new demand trend in the Thai snack market.

Green beauty: examining factors shaping millennials’ attitudes toward organic personal care products in South Africa

PurposeThis study aims to explore the factors that influence millennials’ attitudes toward organic personal care products, focusing on the role of health consciousness, environmental concerns and quality perceptions.Design/methodology/approachAn electronic, self-administered survey was used to collect 377 responses. The data analysis utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe findings reveal that environmental concerns, health consciousness and perceived behavioral control play a significant role in shaping millennials’ attitudes toward organic personal care products, while the perceived quality of organic personal care products significantly influences their purchase intentions.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide valuable insights for personal care product manufacturers, retailers and marketers looking to target millennial consumers. By understanding the key factors that influence millennials’ attitudes and purchase intentions, marketers in the personal care product industry can tailor their strategies effectively.Social implicationsThe study’s findings inform strategies that promote healthier and more environmentally conscious consumer behavior. This aligns with broader societal goals of promoting sustainability and health consciousness, contributing to a more environmentally and socially responsible consumer culture.Originality/valueThe study’s contribution lies in its focused exploration of the interplay between health consciousness, environmental concerns and quality perceptions on millennials’ attitudes toward organic personal care products.

Understanding the dynamics of customer satisfaction and repurchase intentions in the era of platform service supply chain – a case study of Foodpanda in Pakistan

ABSTRACT This study investigates the evolving restaurant sector in Pakistan, highlighting the significant role of Platform Service Supply Chains (PSSC) facilitated by food ordering apps like Foodpanda. Understanding PSSC is essential for businesses to thrive in the digital age and effectively manage the dynamics of digital service delivery. Foodpanda exemplifies a complex multi-stakeholder ecosystem that involves intricate technology integration, logistics challenges, robust data management, and a continuous need for innovation in a competitive market. This research aims to identify the key factors driving customer satisfaction and repurchase intention in this dynamic environment, acknowledging the transformative impact on consumer behavior. It also examines how health consciousness and food safety concerns influence these relationships in Pakistan. The study employs an integrated model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), collecting data from a convenient sample of Foodpanda app users. Using structural equation modeling, the findings highlight critical determinants such as effort expectancy, perceived usefulness, information quality, perceived risk, social influence, and trust in shaping customer satisfaction. This satisfaction, in turn, positively affects repurchase intention. Importantly, the study reveals that health consciousness and food safety concerns negatively impact the positive relationship between customer satisfaction and repurchase intention. The paper contributes theoretically by exploring customer behavior intricacies within the PSSC framework and offers practical insights for researchers and professionals in the food app industry. However, it acknowledges limitations, such as the use of a convenient sample, and suggests avenues for further research in this growing field.

The effect of web based and traditional self breast examination education on nursing students’ knowledge, skills and self-directed learning skills: A randomised controlled study

AimThe aim of this study is to examine the effect of web based self-breast examination education on nursing students’ knowledge, skills, and self-directed learning skills in self-breast examination. BackgroundBreast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women, mortality rates are still high today. It is critical to improve the knowledge and skills and raise the self-awareness and health consciousness of individuals and society about self-breast examination, which is important in the early diagnosis of breast cancer, in order to lower mortality rates. Accordingly, one of the basic nursing skills aimed to be acquired by nursing students future nursing professionals is a self-breast examination. DesignThis study was conducted with a randomised, controlled, and experimental trial. MethodsA total of 90 students were included in the study: the intervention group (n=43) and the control group (n=47). Intervention group students participated in web-based SBE Education.Control group students participated in SBE Education based on a traditional learning model.A Student Information Form, the Self-Breast Examination Knowledge Test, the Self-Breast Examination Skill Rubric, and the Self-Directed Learning Skills Scale were used in the study. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon test were run to analyse the data. ResultsIt was observed that the control group had a higher score in self-breast examination knowledge than the intervention group during the intervention period and the follow-up period after 15 days. No difference was noticed between the groups after the intervention for self-breast examination skill score, but the intervention group had a higher score than the control group for self-breast examination skill during the follow-up period after 15 days. No significant difference was noted between the groups for self-directed learning scores. This result validated hypothesis H4. This result refuted hypothesis H1, H2, H3, H5. ConclusionsWeb based education on self-breast examination improves students’ breast self-examination skills and self-directed learning skills, but not their knowledge level of self-breast examination.

Factors influencing consumers' purchase behavior toward indigenous chicken: insights from a cognitive affect behavior model

PurposeThis study addresses a critical gap in understanding consumer behavior toward indigenous chicken, investigating the interaction between cognitive factors and purchase decisions. The current research offers a valuable contribution to the field of sustainable food marketing by shedding light on these dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a quantitative survey method to gather data from consumers of indigenous chicken in Malaysia and analyzed it using structural equation modeling.FindingsHealth and price consciousness, along with effort expectancy, significantly influence consumer attitudes toward indigenous chicken. However, environmental consciousness and availability do not directly impact attitude. Similarly, attitude mediates the relationship between health consciousness, price consciousness, effort expectancy and purchase behavior, while attitude does not mediate the relationship between environmental consciousness, availability and purchase behavior of indigenous chicken.Originality/valueThis study is one of the pioneering works to apply the cognitive affect behavior (CAB) model to examine the factors influencing consumer attitudes and purchase behavior toward indigenous chicken. It investigates how constructs such as health consciousness, environmental consciousness, price consciousness, effort expectancy and availability affect these attitudes and behaviors, offering novel insights into the purchase intentions of younger and educated individuals.

A multi-method approach to assessing consumer acceptance of sustainable aquaponics

Aquaponics is a sustainable production method of co-cultivating fish and vegetables in a water-recirculating system that resembles a natural ecosystem. For aquaculturists to embrace aquaponics technology, understanding marketing positioning for both aquaponic fish and vegetables is crucial. While prior research suggests highlighting aquaponic fish's environmental benefits may improve consumer perceptions, marketing strategies for aquaponic produce remain underexplored. This research addresses consumers' concerns and identifies key communication elements that enhance consumers' sensory liking and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for aquaponic produce. Employing a multi-method approach, we conducted a taste test of 191 consumers (Study 1) to assess consumers' actual tasting experience of aquaponic produce and a choice-based conjoint analysis of 986 consumers (Study 2) to quantify their WTP. The results show that innovative aquaponics has no adverse effect on consumers' sensory liking when properly defined with a sustainability focus. Strategically aligning aquaponics benefits message focus (eco-friendly versus clean-and-safe) with consumer motivational factors (environmental concern versus health consciousness) increases sensory liking and WTP. Environmental-conscious consumers have a greater sensory liking for aquaponic produce promoted as eco-friendly but not clean-and-safe. Environmental- and health-conscious consumers have a higher WTP for eco-friendly focused aquaponic than field-grown produce. Health-conscious consumers have a higher WTP for clean-and-safe focused aquaponics. While consumers generally value local and small family farm aquaponics attributes over an organic attribute, the effect varied by their motivational factors. These findings provide insights for aquaculturists to strategically position aquaponics, supporting the transition towards more sustainable food production and consumption amid growing global food demands.