Knowledge and attitude towards genetically modified foods: A quantitative cross-sectional study among the educated subjects in the four largest divisions of Bangladesh

Abstract

The food consumers and stakeholders of Bangladesh have limited knowledge and perception over genetically modified (GM) foods. As no studies have been done regarding this among the Bangladeshi educated people on a large scale, hence this study aims to determine the level of knowledge and attitude regarding GM foods; and to explore the related factors as well. A cross-sectional survey was done with a close-ended questionnaire in the four largest divisions of Bangladesh where respondents were above 18 years of age and completed at least higher secondary level education. It was observed that among the total 614 respondents, 24.8% had no acquaintance with GM food. Of the remaining 462 respondents, 41.8% had better knowledge and 30.7% had positive attitude. The level of knowledge significantly varied with respondents’ gender, occupation, monthly income, educational status, and discipline studied where male, pharmaceutical workers, respondents with monthly income of 50001-100000 BDT, science studied respondents had significantly better knowledge than their counterparts. Similarly, respondents’ attitude on GMOs significantly differed with gender, occupation, monthly income and education in which positive attitude were shown by respondents with better knowledge. Finally, logistic regression analysis showed that female and business studied respondents had significantly less likely to have better knowledge and positive attitude than reference group, while respondents with monthly income between 50001-100000 BDT had more likely to have better knowledge and positive attitude, and NGO workers had more likely to have positive attitude than references. Thus, this study will help the policymakers of Bangladesh to perceive the current scenario of public demands on GM foods.