Structural modelling of food allergen knowledge, attitude and practices among consumers in Malaysia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess food allergen knowledge, attitude and self-reported practices among consumers in Malaysia. An online survey was conducted and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. A model linking food allergen knowledge and attitude and their direct effects on practices were confirmed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Consumers demonstrated moderate food allergen knowledge in this study but scored highly in their attitude towards food allergens. Although participants scored moderately in food allergen knowledge, this does not necessarily translate into practices. There is a possibility that an increase in food allergen knowledge can increase optimistic bias or a sense of over-confidence to manage allergen risks. Consumers' attitude towards food allergens has a positive and significant influence on practices. A positive attitude represents personal beliefs and reflects the level of motivation and care required to manage food allergens effectively. There was insignificant relationship between food allergen knowledge and attitude. This demonstrates a need to tailor targeted risk communication and learning strategies to influence consumers' practices.

Structural equation modelling of food safety knowledge, attitude and practices among consumers in Malaysia

“…An insignificant relationship between food safety knowledge and attitude reflect that both variables independently influenced practices. [6] found weak correlations between knowledge and hand hygiene attitudes among food handlers in Malaysia while [20] reported similar results among consumers. The current SEM model of food safety knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) could be combined with the Theory of Planned Behaviour to understand how attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control affect safe food handling practices.…”

“…[12 and 14] similarly reported positive and significant relationship between food safety attitudes and practices among consumers in East Malaysia. Attitude represents beliefs and can serve as a crucial mediator between knowledge and practices [20]. An insignificant relationship between food safety knowledge and attitude reflect that both variables independently influenced practices.…”

“…Table 5 shows the various goodness of fit indices in comparison with reported accepted values. Whilst evaluating the goodness of fit indices, it is recommended to use more than one indicator to evaluate model fit [20,26]. Apart from Normed Fit Index (NFI) which measured slight below 0.90, all fit indices fulfil the accepted values.…”

“…Food safety knowledge refers to the understanding of or information about food acquired through experience or education while attitude is a feeling or opinion about food safety and practice refers to the action or application of food safety. Structural equation modelling (SEM) had been used in a number of food safety studies [12,[18][19][20][21]. In this study, the author postulates the following hypotheses based on [12,18,20].…”

“…Structural equation modelling (SEM) had been used in a number of food safety studies [12,[18][19][20][21]. In this study, the author postulates the following hypotheses based on [12,18,20]. This study proposed the following hypotheses: H1: Food safety knowledge does not directly affect food safety practices PLOS ONE H2: Attitude towards food safety directly affects food safety practices H3: Food safety knowledge and attitude are correlated This study utilises SEM as a confirmatory technique to determine the proposed model validity and to examine the relationship between food safety knowledge, attitude and practices among consumers in Malaysia.…”