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

Lorenzo Stacchini, Daniele Nucci, Nicoletta Romano, Maria Villa, Chiara Passeri, Roberta Ferranti and Vincenza Gianfredi ()
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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

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-14

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.

Keywords: food waste; household behavior; university students; socio-demographic factors; Italy; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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