Effect of Education on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, toward Genetically Modified Foods

Background: Education on scientific evidence can decrease the consumers' concerns toward new foods such as genetically modified foods (GMF). In the present study, the effect of education on knowledge, attitude, and practices of students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, toward GMF was evaluated. Methods: In this study, 298 students from 6 schools of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of students toward GMF were examined based on completion of the researcher-made questionnaire. Afterwards, the education was performed in person and in group with presentation of pamphlet. In the period of one month, questionnaires were refilled out by students to determine the effect of education. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS software. Findings: Before education, the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice in case group of education were 4.83 ± 1.97, 28.50 ± 2.68, and 6.97 ± 3.57, respectively. In parallel, these scores increased to 7.97± 1.28, 31.01 ± 2.59, and 10.21 ± 3.09 after education. These scores were evaluated in group of control, too. Before education, mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice of control group were 5.47 ± 2.46, 28.50 ± 3.44, and 6.40 ± 4.64, respectively. The scores improved to 5.69 ± 2.37, 28.73 ± 3.39, and 6.95 ± 4.55 after education. Significant differences in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice of students of education and control groups were observed after education (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Education of students about GMF leads to improvement of their scores of knowledge and attitude. In addition, it has positive effects on their practices in choosing these groups of products.