Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to find out the level of knowledge and attitude
towards Genetically Modified foods among students in three selected colleges of
Kitwe District in Zambia. A descriptive survey was conducted on a random sample of
100 students. Data was collected using a questionnaire made up of 25 items. A Likert
scale was used to rate participants’ level of knowledge and attitude towards GM food.
Data was coded and analyzed in SPSS version 20.0. Statistical applications used were
descriptive analysis, Pearson’s correlation test and linear regression. Results showed
that respondents had moderate level of knowledge about GM food with a mean of
2.96. Students were not knowledgeable about how much of the GM food is in the diet
and the health benefits provided by GM foods (Means of 2.50 and 2.31 respectively).
Respondents’ responses on knowledge were similar with a standard deviation of
0.720. The overall attitude had a mean of 2.84 which expressed moderate attitude.
This was explained by the study as positive attitude towards GM foods. Level of
knowledge was noted to have a weak relationship (P= 0.029) with the attitude of
respondents towards GM foods.
Finally, it was recommended that more information about GM foods was needed to
equip the young generation so that they are able to make healthy food choices.
Comprehensive information is needed on food labels to enable consumers know about
the contents of the food they eat.
