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Perceived Risk of Genetically Modified Foods Among Residents in Xi’an, China: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

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  • Wenjing Zhang

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, Northwest A&F University, 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, China
    Department of Management, Xi’an University of Finance and Economics, 360 Changning Road, Xi’an 710100, China)

  • Jianhong Xue

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, Northwest A&F University, 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling 712100, China)

  • Henk Folmer

    (Faculty of Spatial Science, University of Groningen, Landleven 1, 9747 AD Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Khadim Hussain

    (Department of Economics, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST), Mirpur 10250, AJK, Pakistan)

Abstract

This paper applies a structural equation modeling approach to study the formation of consumers’ perceived health risk of genetically modified (GM) foods based on a cross-sectional dataset of 508 consumers in Xi’an, China. The results indicate a high percentage of respondents who believe that GM foods might threaten human health. The estimated structural equation model shows that males, older people, respondents with higher income, those with better educational attainment, and those with family members who need special care have higher perceived risks of GM foods. Effective risk communication is necessary to provide consumers with scientific information about GM foods in order to facilitate their understanding of the actual risks of GM foods.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenjing Zhang & Jianhong Xue & Henk Folmer & Khadim Hussain, 2019. "Perceived Risk of Genetically Modified Foods Among Residents in Xi’an, China: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:4:p:574-:d:206468
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    References listed on IDEAS

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