1
|
Burrell AM, Balaine L, Clifford S, McGrath M, Graham DA, McCoy F, Dillon E, Regan Á. A multi-methods, multi-actor exploration of the benefits and barriers to milk recording on Irish farms using the COM-B model. Prev Vet Med 2024; 227:106195. [PMID: 38615535 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Milk recording is a critical tool in dairy farming, providing individual cow information. When used effectively, this data contributes to on-farm productivity, herd health management decisions and supports prudent veterinary prescribing of antimicrobials. Although an industry and government priority, uptake has been relatively slow in Ireland. This multi-methods, three-part study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits to farm performance, and factors driving uptake of milk recording on Irish dairy farms. It involved an economic analysis of N=516 farms from 2008-2019, a workshop with N=26 stakeholders and an online survey of N=197 non-milk-recording farmers. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using econometric models and thematic analysis respectively. Results were synthesised using the COM-B model to gain a deeper understanding of what drives the target behaviour. The study revealed that agricultural education, farm location, farm specialisation in dairy and membership of a farmer discussion group were the main factors influencing uptake of milk recording. Milk recording was associated with a €39.04/cow increase in gross margin, a 177.58 litres/cow increase in milk yield and a reduction of 13,450 cells/ml in bulk milk tank somatic cell count readings. Infrastructural constraints, cost, lack of benefits and workload were the most reported perceived barriers to milk recording by farmers. The Behaviour Change Wheel illustrates how to utilise findings and systematically develop future interventions to increase milk recording uptake. This study highlights the importance of a multi-methods approach to agricultural technology adoption and the need for evidence-based methodology when developing behaviour change interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Mg Burrell
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland.
| | - Lorraine Balaine
- Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Seán Clifford
- Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Michelle McGrath
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - David A Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Finola McCoy
- Animal Health Ireland, 2 - 5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Emma Dillon
- Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| | - Áine Regan
- Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy & Development Programme, Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., Galway H65 R7182, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Choi Y, Kim HJ, Park J, Lee SW, Rahmati M, Koyanagi A, Smith L, Kim MS, López Sánchez GF, Dragioti E, Lee J, Rhee SY, Kim S, Lim H, Yon DK. National prevalence and trends in food labeling awareness, comprehension, usage, and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors in South Korea, 2014-2022. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2617. [PMID: 38297021 PMCID: PMC10831073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Although food labeling on food packages is crucial for promoting a healthy diet, limited research has been conducted on how the COVID-19 pandemic (hereinafter "the pandemic") has affected food labeling awareness. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the changes in trends in food labeling awareness, comprehension, and usage in South Korea during the pandemic. We utilized a nationwide, large-scale, and long-term dataset provided by the Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS) from 2014 to 2022 (total = 1,756,847 participants). This allowed the researchers to assess the long-term trends in the prevalence of food labeling awareness, comprehension, and usage. Furthermore, we investigated the factors associated with awareness specifically related to the pandemic. In total, 1,756,847 adults (54.19% women) participated in this study. The upward slope in overall food labeling awareness became less pronounced and even exhibited a downward slope during the pandemic (βdiff - 1.759; 95% CI - 1.874 to - 1.644). The upward slope in food labeling comprehension and usage became more pronounced during the pandemic (comprehension: βdiff 0.535; 95% CI 0.436-0.634; usage: βdiff 0.693; 95% CI 0.601-0.785). The vulnerability factors associated with lower food labeling awareness during the pandemic included older age, male, obesity, residing in rural areas, lower household income, lower educational level, smoking, and increased alcohol consumption. This study analyzed the 9-year trend in the prevalence of food labeling awareness, comprehension, and usage based on nationally representative data of adults in South Korea from 2014 to 2022. Our findings suggest that personalized nutrition strategies are needed to recognize vulnerable groups with risk factors and improve food labeling awareness among Korean adults during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Choi
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Jin Kim
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Jaeyu Park
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Min Seo Kim
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Guillermo F López Sánchez
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families, and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Jinseok Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Sang Youl Rhee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyunjung Lim
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea.
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, 23 Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, 23 Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pugliese M, Previti A, De Pascale A, Alibrandi A, Zirilli A, Biondi V, Passantino A, Monti S, Giannetto C, Lanfranchi M. Exploring Consumer Behavior and Preferences in Welfare-Friendly Pork Breeding: A Multivariate Analysis. Foods 2023; 12:3014. [PMID: 37628013 PMCID: PMC10453549 DOI: 10.3390/foods12163014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates consumer behavior and interest in "welfare-friendly" forms of pork production, considering the growing presence of animal welfare-focused breeding practices. The aim is to outline the typical profile of pork consumers and identify the key attributes influencing their purchasing decisions. A survey was conducted on a sample of 286 individuals after excluding those who only consumed beef and/or poultry or identified as vegetarians/vegans. Regression coefficients (b), 95% Confidence Intervals (95% C.I.), and p-values were reported for univariate and multivariate models. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05 (indicated in bold). The findings indicate that younger participants show greater sensitivity towards consuming meat raised using welfare-friendly methods, raising considerations about the age composition of the sample. The research's originality lies in evaluating consumer interest in pork raised with animal welfare-respecting techniques. The use of appropriate statistical tools, such as multivariate and multilayer models, allows effective solutions for multidimensional hypothesis testing problems in non-parametric permutation inference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pugliese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Annalisa Previti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Angelina De Pascale
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Agata Zirilli
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Vito Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Annamaria Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Salvatore Monti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Carlo Giannetto
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Maurizio Lanfranchi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ding Q, Gao J, Ding X, Huang D, Zhao Y, Yang M. Consumers' knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use in food production in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1015950. [PMID: 36211698 PMCID: PMC9540231 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1015950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can be induced by overuse or misuse of antimicrobials. Few researches were involved in consumers' knowledge and attitude toward antimicrobial use (AMU) in food production. This study was designed to investigate the knowledge and awareness, perception, and attitude of Chinese consumers toward AMU in food production. Their behavior, purchase intention of antimicrobial-free food products, and confidence in information sources were also investigated. Methods As a descriptive cross-sectional study, an online electronic survey questionnaire was conducted between February 25 and March 8, 2022, involving 1,065 consumers in China. Factor analysis was conducted to identify underlying patterns of the attitudes and information sources. Spearman correlations were employed to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and the intention to pay extra. The differences in knowledge and attitudes were performed by independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and the difference in intention was performed by Chi-square test, when compared with demographic factors. Results The findings showed that even though 75.0% of them heard of AMR, and 48.2% knew the definition of AMR, the level of consumers' knowledge of AMU in farming production and food regulations in China was not high (48.9% of participants replied correctly). About half viewed AMU and AMR as a potential risk to their health. Of these participants, 61.3% claimed that they were more likely looking for specific information about AMU on food packaging, and 58.3% changed their eating or cooking habits due to the concern. In addition, 79.8% were willing to pay extra for antimicrobial-free food products. Information sources from professionals and authorities were considered more accurate than those from media, the internet, word of mouth, and others. Conclusions Chinese consumers had insufficient knowledge and neutral attitudes about AMU in farming production and food regulations in China. A large proportion of the participants were willing to purchase antimicrobial-free food products. Most of them obtained related information from the media. This study highlighted the importance of updated education and effective communication with consumers in China. It helps to develop the reliable foodborne AMR surveillance system along food chain and improve government communication and consumer awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianyun Ding
- Department of 'A', The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiuzhi Gao
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xianfeng Ding
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhao
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Yunfeng Zhao
| | - Min Yang
- Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Min Yang
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
What Do the Public Want to Know about Farming and Why? Findings from a Farmer-Initiated Public Consultation Exercise in Ireland. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
With advances in information communication technologies and sustainability-driven changes in consumer behavior, farmer–citizen communication is a communicative dyad that is receiving attention. Farmers and citizens view farming practices through very different lenses of prior knowledge, experiences, beliefs, and values, presenting unique communication challenges. Dialogue-based communication can help to build empathy and trust. Initiated by a committee of farmers, a public consultation exercise was carried out to facilitate citizens to deliberate over farming and farming practices in Ireland to better understand their views and perspectives, and identify information needs and knowledge gaps. Employing a participatory deliberative approach, 10 focus groups were carried out with members of the public (n = 65) carefully selected to represent diverse demographics in the general population. Findings are structured around two central themes. ‘Bridging the disconnect’ reflects the strong support found across the focus groups for farmer-led dialogic communication with citizens on farming practices. ‘Understanding knowledge gaps’ revealed the nature and underlying motivations of public information needs and knowledge gaps in specific areas: (1) the basics of farming; (2) the life of the farmer; (3) minding animals; (4) minding the environment; and (5) buying local and natural. Dialogue-based communication between farmers and citizens offers opportunities for supporting connected and sustainable food and farming systems through value-driven and responsive behavior change.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sweeney S, Regan Á, McKernan C, Benson T, Hanlon A, Dean M. Current Consumer Perceptions of Animal Welfare across Different Farming Sectors on the Island of Ireland. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020185. [PMID: 35049808 PMCID: PMC8773355 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The well-being and welfare of animals on farms is a topic of interest to many people. On the island of Ireland, this issue has received increased attention because of political and governance changes, including Brexit and COVID-19. Policy-makers and industry are considering labelling schemes to inform the food consumer about welfare standards on farms. Focus groups and an online survey were carried out with members of the public on the island of Ireland to explore their awareness, perceptions, and attitudes toward farm animal welfare standards on farms in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Most consumers believed farm animal welfare standards were high, although different farming sectors were rated differently: beef and dairy farms were viewed more positively, and pig and poultry farms were viewed less positively. The living conditions of the animal, size and intensity of the farm, national standards and schemes, and visibility all influenced perceptions of welfare standards. The public also expressed a lack of knowledge and information on the topic. In developing new policies and labelling schemes, it is important to be apprised of the current awareness, attitudes, and perceptions that the public has regarding farm animal welfare standards, as identified in the current paper. Abstract There has been increased public interest and concerns in issues such as farm animal welfare (FAW) on the island of Ireland, stoked in part by political and governance changes, such as Brexit and COVID-19. Front-of-pack food labelling represents a primary information channel for many people. In advance of considering formalised food labelling schemes, specifically relating to FAW, it is important to ensure an up-to-date understanding of current consumer perceptions of FAW. With this aim, the current study utilised a mixed methodology. Nine focus group discussions (n = 41) and an online survey (n = 972) with food consumers in Ireland and Northern Ireland explored perceptions of FAW. Results suggest that overall perceptions of FAW are high, and consumers perceive FAW to have improved in the last decade. Quantitative (ANOVA) and qualitative results show variations in perception of FAW between sectors. Results from the focus group discussions identified factors underlying consumers’ perception of FAW: the living conditions of the animal, size and intensity of the farm, national standards and schemes, and visibility. Information insufficiencies and knowledge gaps were identified. The findings are discussed in relation to policy implications for the role of public engagement, front-of-pack welfare labelling, and quality assurance schemes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Sweeney
- Department of Agri-Food Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, H65 R718 Athenry, Ireland;
| | - Áine Regan
- Department of Agri-Food Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, H65 R718 Athenry, Ireland;
- Correspondence: (Á.R.); (A.H.); Tel.: +353-91-845253 (Á.R.); +353-1-716-6249 (A.H.)
| | - Claire McKernan
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, The Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK; (C.M.); (T.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Tony Benson
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, The Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK; (C.M.); (T.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Alison Hanlon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence: (Á.R.); (A.H.); Tel.: +353-91-845253 (Á.R.); +353-1-716-6249 (A.H.)
| | - Moira Dean
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, The Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK; (C.M.); (T.B.); (M.D.)
| |
Collapse
|