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Society's Attitudes towards Genetically Modified Food Consumption: A Content Analysis Study among Adults in Tehran
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Arezoo Haghighian-Roudsari *1    , Saeid Zare Bidaki1 , Jalaledin Mirzay Razaz1 |
| 1- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (32 Views) |
Background and Aim: One of the main problems of human society in recent years is the increase in the world population and the subsequent concern about providing sufficient food. Therefore, providing mechanisms to provide sufficient food for the growing population seems essential. One of the technologies used to achieve this goal is the use of genetic modification of food. This study aimed to explain the attitude of adults in Tehran regarding genetically modified products.
Methods: This research was conducted using a qualitative method among 45 adults aged 20-70 in Tehran. Participants were selected using the maximum diversity method and data were collected using semi-structured in-depth individual interviews with 30 people and two focus group discussions with 15 people. Data analysis was performed using the directed content analysis method using MAXQDA 10 software. Ethical Considerations: After explaining the study objectives, informed consent was obtained from the participants, and confidentiality and privacy of their information were maintained in the article.
Results: According to the participants’ statements, their attitudes can be categorized into four main concepts: health and safety concerns, economic perspective, the pathogenic potential of genetically modified foods and ethical concerns. People’s views on this type of food included points such as lack of nutritional value, impact on health and lack of clarity about their production process. They also believed that these foods could have hidden treatment costs for the consumer despite their economic efficiency in production. According to the participants, the pathogenic potential of genetically modified products is greater than their health benefits. In addition, they expressed the concerns regarding to environmental effects of these crops.
Conclusion: The findings clearly indicate that the characteristics, benefits and possible harms of genetically modified foods are not clear for people. It seems that it is very necessary to clarify the characteristics of genetically modified foods and eliminate contradictory attitudes among different levels of Iranian society. |
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| Keywords: Attitude, Genetically Modified Foods, Adults, Content Analysis |
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Full-Text [PDF 509 kb]
(18 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Article |
Received: 2025/08/3 | Accepted: 2025/09/23 | Published: 2025/11/22
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