Intentions to adopt safe food storage practices in older adults: An application of the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to determine which psychosocial factors are predictors of older adults’ safe food storage practices at home.

Design/methodology/approach

An online structured questionnaire was developed and administered to older adults (60+). Two behavioural intention outcomes were investigated: thawing meats safely and storing leftovers within recommended guidelines. The survey instrument measured socio-demographic and TPB variables: attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intentions. A measure of self-reported habitual behaviour was also recorded and used to determine whether past practice influenced behavioural intentions.

Findings

Respondents (n=78) demonstrated good intentions to safely defrost meats and store leftovers. The models accounted for 41 and 48 per cent of the variance in intentions to perform safe storage behaviours. Attitudes and subjective norms were predictors of intentions to safely thaw meats. Habitual behaviour was a significant predictor of behavioural intentions to safely store leftovers. Perceived behavioural control was a significant predictor of intentions to thaw meats and store leftovers.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was small, and results are to be interpreted with caution.

Practical implications

The results indicate that theory-based solutions to solving food safety among consumers may be a feasible strategy.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to apply the TPB to this consumer group.

Citation

Thaivalappil, A., Papadopoulos, A. and Young, I. (2020), "Intentions to adopt safe food storage practices in older adults: An application of the theory of planned behaviour", British Food Journal, Vol. 122 No. 1, pp. 181-197. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-07-2019-0483