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Information avoidance behavior: Does ignorance keep us uninformed about antimicrobial resistance?

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  • Meerza, Syed Imran Ali
  • Brooks, Kathleen R.
  • Gustafson, Christopher R.
  • Yiannaka, Amalia

Abstract

We examine the role of subjective and objective knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic use in livestock production on information avoidance behavior. The study also assesses the effects of AMR information on perceptions of AMR. Survey data were collected from 1,030 individuals in the U.S. to evaluate knowledge and perceptions of AMR. Participants also made a choice to access or avoid AMR information in the form of an animated video produced for a lay audience. Results show that 39 percent of participants avoided AMR information and those with little or no subjective or objective knowledge of AMR were more likely to avoid information than more knowledgeable individuals. Among participants who chose to access AMR information, the perceived importance of AMR increased the most for those with little or no subjective knowledge of AMR, raising important questions about how to encourage willfully uninformed individuals to access information about critical issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Meerza, Syed Imran Ali & Brooks, Kathleen R. & Gustafson, Christopher R. & Yiannaka, Amalia, 2021. "Information avoidance behavior: Does ignorance keep us uninformed about antimicrobial resistance?," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:102:y:2021:i:c:s0306919221000440
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2021.102067
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    Cited by:

    1. Gustafson, Christopher R. & Brooks, Kathleen R. & Meerza, Syed Imran Ali & Yiannaka, Amalia, 2023. "Emotional responses to COVID-19 stressors increase avoidance of health information and access to care," OSF Preprints 3u54z, Center for Open Science.
    2. Syed Imran Ali Meerza & Sabrina Gulab & Kathleen R. Brooks & Christopher R. Gustafson & Amalia Yiannaka, 2022. "U.S. Consumer Attitudes toward Antibiotic Use in Livestock Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-20, June.
    3. Áine Regan & Sharon Sweeney & Claire McKernan & Tony Benson & Moira Dean, 2023. "Consumer perception and understanding of the risks of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in farming," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 40(3), pages 989-1001, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Antimicrobial resistance; Information avoidance; Subjective and objective knowledge;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General

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