Knowledge and attitudes of high school students toward genetically modified foods

Abstract

This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception variation among high school students regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from year to year. A comprehensive analysis was conducted through surveys and interviews to evaluate the depth of understanding and their attitudes toward GMOs. Due to the utilization of GMOs in different fields, such as food industry, medicine and pharmacy, students were asked to express their opinion about GMOs usage in these fields as well.  A survey comprising 10 questions was administered to 249 high school students from 2018 to 2023 (7% of them were in ninth grade, 29% tenth grade, 31% eleventh grade and 30% Twelfth grade, last year students). Among the surveyed students, 81.7% demonstrated a strong understanding of GMOs, while 18.3% reported having no knowledge about them. In terms of information sources, 55.42% acquired their knowledge from books and scientific articles, predominantly during classes. Additionally, 27.71% gathered information from television or the internet, while 12.05% encountered the concept of GMOs for the first time through this questionnaire. A smaller percentage, 2.4%, received information from newspapers and magazines and 2.41% from various organizations involved in environmental education and awareness. 81.7 % of the students had good knowledge about GMOs, while 18.3 % of them had no knowledge at all about GMOs. Regarding the consumption of GMO versus BIO products, 80% of students expressed a preference for BIO products, 8.33% chose GMO products, and 11.66% were uncertain about their choice. The results indicate a strong preference for BIO products among students, with a significant majority (80%) choosing them. The findings suggest varying levels of knowledge among high school students. Several factors appear to influence their perceptions, including educational exposure, media coverage, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs. These factors likely shape students' attitudes toward GMOs and BIO products, influencing their choices.