| Background: Raw milk consumption can be associated with harmful
side effects due to high risks of contamination; however, a large number
of people still tend to consume raw milk. This study aimed to determine
the factors affecting consumer’s choice of milk (raw or pasteurized) based
on Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA).
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on healthy individuals
older than 20 years old referred to shopping centers in Tabriz, Iran. The
data collection tool was a valid and reliable questionnaire designed based
on the TRA to investigate the consumers’ choice of milk.
Results: Overall, 266 individuals, including 104 (39.1%) males and 162
(60.9%) females with the mean age of 40.72±10.18 years participated
in this study. A positive and direct correlation was observed between
all TRA components including nutritional attitude, subjective norm,
behavioral intention, and nutritional behavior. There was a significant
direct correlation between education level and TRA components,
while body mass index (BMI) showed an inverse correlation. Attitude,
subjective norm, and behavioral intention could predict 87% of milk
choices. Attitude and intention were the strong predictors of nutritional
behavior (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study provided clear evidence for the affecting role of
educational level and BMI on consumers’ choice of milk. In addition, it
was shown that TRA can be used as a reference framework to investigate
milk product preferences in future studies. |