Determination of Food Neophobia in Municipal Employees: A cross-sectional study

Authors : Merve Engün, Melike Nur Çelikayar, Bahar Yalçın, Muazzez Garipağoğlu

Pages : 166-174

Doi:10.56061/fbujohs.1637742

View : 74 | Download : 54

Publication Date : 2025-08-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study was to determine the levels of food neophobia in a group of municipal employees in Bursa and to examine the relationship between this condition and various factors. This study was conducted with 205 participants aged 18-65 years working in a municipality in Bursa between September and November 2024. Sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements of the individuals were collected by face-to-face questionnaire method. Food neophobia levels were evaluated with the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS). SPSS 29.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The mean age of the individuals was 39.00±9.84 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.82±3.38 kg/m². The mean neophobia score was found to be significantly higher in men (39.85±10.34) compared to women (36.03±11.68). It was determined that the most common food fear was towards the vegetable-fruit group, followed by cereal products and meat products. A weak positive association (r=0.151 p<0.05, r=0.185 p<0.05) was identified between age and BMI with the food neophobia scale score, while a weak inverse relationship (r=-0.188, p<0.05, r=-0.177 p<0.05) was noted between gender and education level. These findings highlight the importance of training to increase food diversity and improve healthy eating habits in municipal employees. Additionally, raising awareness about food neophobia and implementing strategies to improve attitudes towards different foods is recommended.
Keywords : Besin neofobisi, besin, cinsiyet, beden kütle indeksi

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