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Association Between Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Household Food Waste Behaviors Among University Students in Italy: The UniFoodWaste Study

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  • Lorenzo Stacchini

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy)

  • Daniele Nucci

    (Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Igiene Alimenti e Nutrizione, Dipartimento di Igiene e Preven-Zione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Via Duca Degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy)

  • Nicoletta Romano

    (Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Igiene Alimenti e Nutrizione, Dipartimento di Igiene e Preven-Zione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Via Duca Degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy)

  • Maria Villa

    (Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Igiene Alimenti e Nutrizione, Dipartimento di Igiene e Preven-Zione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Via Duca Degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy)

  • Chiara Passeri

    (Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Igiene Alimenti e Nutrizione, Dipartimento di Igiene e Preven-Zione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Via Duca Degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy)

  • Roberta Ferranti

    (Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Igiene Alimenti e Nutrizione, Dipartimento di Igiene e Preven-Zione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Via Duca Degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy)

  • Vincenza Gianfredi

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Food waste is a growing environmental, economic, and social challenge worldwide. This study aimed to assess the association between various socio-demographic characteristics and household food waste behaviors among university students in Italy. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated, online, anonymous, and voluntary-based questionnaire distributed among university students in Milan, Italy. Linear regression analyses were performed to explore the association between socio-demographic factors and anti-household food waste behaviors (preventive practice, abilities scores, and parental guidance). A total of 2779 students participated in the survey. Students residing outside Lombardy exhibited higher preventive practice scores (β = 0.11, p = 0.030). Regular smoking was negatively associated with preventive practice (β = −0.22, p < 0.001) and abilities scores (β = −0.11, p = 0.009). Cohabitation with a partner positively impacted abilities scores (β = 0.23, p = 0.007). Larger family sizes and students in scientific fields showed higher scores for parents’ guidance (β = 0.18, p < 0.001). Frequent use of food delivery apps correlated with lower scores across all categories, while anti-food waste apps had a positive effect. Socio-demographic factors significantly influence food waste behaviors among university students. Tailored public health policies and educational programs addressing these factors could effectively reduce food waste.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorenzo Stacchini & Daniele Nucci & Nicoletta Romano & Maria Villa & Chiara Passeri & Roberta Ferranti & Vincenza Gianfredi, 2024. "Association Between Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Household Food Waste Behaviors Among University Students in Italy: The UniFoodWaste Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:21:p:9279-:d:1506675
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Hermanussen, Henrike & Loy, Jens-Peter & Egamberdiev, Bekhzod, 2022. "Determinants of food waste from household food consumption: A case study from field survey in Germany," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 19(21), pages 1-22.
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