Attitudes and behaviors of household food waste among university students in Milan, Italy: the UniFoodWaste study protocol

Alessandro Catalini; Lorenzo Stacchini; Daniele Nucci; Chiara Passeri; Nicoletta Romano; Roberta Ferranti; Gaia Bonassi; Vincenza Gianfredi

doi:10.23750/abm..15940

Authors

Alessandro Catalini UOC Igiene degli alimenti e nutrizione, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, AST Macerata, 62100, Macerata, Italy
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 Prevenzione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy
Chiara Passeri Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Igiene Alimenti e Nutrizione, Dipartimento di Igiene e Prevenzione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy
Nicoletta Romano Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Igiene Alimenti e Nutrizione, Dipartimento di Igiene e Prevenzione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy
Roberta Ferranti Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Igiene Alimenti e Nutrizione, Dipartimento di Igiene e Prevenzione Sanitaria, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) Brescia, Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124 Brescia, Italy
Gaia Bonassi University of Milan
Vincenza Gianfredi Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milan, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3848-981X

Keywords:

italy, household food waste, cross sectional, lifestyle, health

Abstract

Background and aim: Food waste is a pressing global issue with significant economic, environmental, and social implications. This protocol outlines an observational cross-sectional study aimed at assessing attitudes and behaviors related to household food waste among Italian university students. Methods: The study will involve the administration of a self-administered, online, anonymous questionnaire to university students enrolled at the University of Milan. Data collection will encompass socio-demographic characteristics, household food waste behaviors, lifestyle factors (such as physical activity, alcohol consumption, and diet), and health-related outcomes (including self-related health, eating disorders, alcohol use disorders, and depressive symptoms). The online questionnaire will be implemented using Microsoft Forms. All data will be self-reported, with participation being voluntary. Results: Anticipated results include insights into the prevalence of food waste behaviors among university students, associations with demographic and lifestyle factors, and potential impacts on health outcomes. Our study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing household food waste among Italian university students by employing an epidemiological approach to understanding these behaviours over time and space. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study will contribute to filling gaps in knowledge within the scientific community, inform public health policies, and promote sustainable food consumption practices among young adults.

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