title: Knowledge, Attitudes Toward, and Acceptability of Genetic Modification among Western Balkan University Students of Life Sciences (AGREE Study).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are still no data on the attitudes and acceptance of genetic modification (GM) food in European developing countries, such as the Western Balkan countries. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of GM but also to shed light on the multifactorial process leading to acceptance of genetic modifications among Western Balkan students of life sciences.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, the final study population sample was composed of 1251 university students. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire consisting of 49 items composed of 5 sections taken from the literature. Attitudes toward GM were analyzed by using Q-mode factor analysis and principal component analysis was run for the assessment of perception of personal health risks. The acceptability of GM was analyzed in binary probit models assessing the acceptability of GM products in different areas of application with Q models, sociodemographic variables, perception of personal health risks factors, respondents' knowledge about biotechnology, gender, and age as explanatory variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study demonstrated that students of life sciences supported the implementation of GM in industry and medicine production but not in food production. Their acceptance was most influenced by 3 out of 5 attitude models that were identified (p < 0.0001). Regarding the perception of personal health risks, the factor "credence risks" was seen as a negative predictor of acceptance of GM in industry and food production (p < 0.05). The main knowledge predictor of rejecting GM was misconception, whereas real knowledge had no impact (p < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The AGREE study provided the first rough picture of the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of GM in this area. Given the target population, it could be expected that the general population's acceptance of all observed elements, especially knowledge, would be lower.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Public Health.
authors.forename: Vladica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Veličković
authors.affiliation: b Department of Histology and Embryology,Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš , Niš , SERBIA.
authors.forename: Marko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jović
authors.affiliation: c Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA.
authors.forename: Ena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nalić
authors.affiliation: a Department of Public Health.
authors.forename: Aleksandar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Višnjić
authors.affiliation: a Department of Public Health.
authors.forename: Olivera
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Radulović
authors.affiliation: a Department of Public Health.
authors.forename: Čedomir
authors.initials: Č
authors.lastname: Šagrić
authors.affiliation: a Department of Public Health.
authors.forename: Milan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ćirić
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D017522:Bosnia and Herzegovina; D005260:Female; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054548:Montenegro; D030781:Organisms, Genetically Modified; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D055771:Serbia; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: bioactive compounds; diets; general nutrition; government regulations; supplements and functional foods