Table_2_The moderating role of perceived health risks on the acceptance of genetically modified food.XLSX

The public perspective on genetically modified foods (GMFs) has been intensely debated and scrutinized. Often, discussions surrounding GMF tend to revolve solely around the potential health risks associated with their consumption. However, it is essential to acknowledge that public perceptions of genetically modified foods are multifaceted, encompassing environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and economic implications. This paper studies the factors predicting GMF acceptance employing the representative sample of the Czech population (N = 884, aged 18–90 years, M ± SD: 48.17 ± 17.72; 53.40% women, 18.04% with higher education). The research relies on the Behavioral Change Model and the Health Belief Model. We employ hierarchical ordinal regressions to study the effects of information, environmental concerns, perceived health risks, food habits, purchasing habits, and socio-demographics on GMF acceptance. The results suggest that the (un)willingness to purchase GMF is primarily driven by the health risks - the environmental concerns were largely unimportant. The impact of information provision on GMF acceptance proved positive, suggesting information and education to be the main channels of creating public acceptance. The intrinsic interest regarding information related to GMF had an adverse impact on the perception of GMF morality. The benefits of the GMF proved unrelated to the GMF acceptance, indicating the gap in the information campaign. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, public health professionals, and market researchers to communicate the GMF agenda effectively to the general public.

公众对转基因食品（genetically modified foods, GMFs）的看法始终处于激烈的辩论与审视之中。围绕转基因食品的讨论往往仅聚焦于其食用相关的潜在健康风险。然而，公众对转基因食品的认知实则多元多维，涵盖环境关切、伦理考量与经济影响。本研究以捷克人群的代表性样本（N=884，年龄18-90岁，均值±标准差：48.17±17.72；女性占比53.40%，具有高等教育背景者占比18.04%）为研究对象，探究预测转基因食品接受度的影响因素。本研究依托行为改变模型（Behavioral Change Model）与健康信念模型（Health Belief Model），采用层级有序回归分析方法，考察信息接触、环境关切、感知健康风险、饮食习惯、购买习惯以及社会人口学特征对转基因食品接受度的影响效应。研究结果显示，转基因食品的购买意愿（或拒购意愿）主要由健康风险驱动，而环境关切在很大程度上并不具备显著影响。信息供给对转基因食品接受度的影响被证实为正向，这表明信息传播与科普教育是构建公众接受度的核心途径。公众对转基因食品相关信息的内在兴趣，反而对转基因食品的道德认知产生了负面影响。转基因食品的益处与接受度并无显著关联，这反映出当前相关信息宣传活动存在缺口。本研究可为政策制定者、公共卫生从业者与市场研究者提供极具价值的参考，助力其向公众有效传递转基因食品相关议题的信息。