Search Results (266)

The intrinsic relationship between food and health has led to growing interest in functional foods, particularly among athletes seeking to optimize performance and recovery. This study investigates the impact of product information and sensory attributes on athletes’ willingness to pay for an innovative high-protein bread. Utilizing a two-treatment experimental design, athletes were exposed to sensory evaluations either before or after receiving information. A combination of hedonic sensory analysis and economic evaluation assessed preferences through a non-hypothetical auction. Findings show that both sensory attributes—especially taste and aroma—and product information significantly influenced willingness to pay. The order of presentation played a crucial role: providing information first enhanced perceived value more strongly. While sensory evaluation moderately increased willingness to pay, product information had a stronger impact. A key contribution of this study is its novel evidence on how athletes balance sensory and informational cues in food evaluation—an aspect rarely explored. Contrary to assumptions that athletes ignore sensory quality due to their focus on nutrition, they did value sensory aspects, though they prioritized product information. These findings suggest that developing functional foods for athletes should integrate nutritional benefits and sensory appeal, as both elements contribute to acceptance and potential market success. Full article

The demand for sustainable animal production is increasing. Microalgae such as Chlorella and Spirulina show promise as sustainable and functional ingredients in animal (poultry) feed. However, little is known about consumer perceptions regarding the use of algae in broiler diets and potential effects of algae on chicken meat. Residents of Flanders (Belgium) were surveyed to evaluate consumer knowledge, attitudes and willingness to buy chicken meat produced with algae-supplemented feed. Demographic data were collected, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to assess influencing factors (n = 275 respondents who purchase chicken meat). While most respondents (69.6%) had tasted macroalgae (seaweed), only 11.4% and 24.6% indicated having tasted Chlorella and Spirulina before, respectively. Health, taste and safety were the most important drivers for consuming algae. Meat quality was the most important factor when purchasing chicken meat, while organic production was least valued. Regarding algae-fed chicken, 72.5% expressed willingness to purchase meat labeled as such, and 83.7% would buy algae-fed chicken regardless of its color. Sustainability beliefs significantly influenced willingness to accept a yellower meat color (β = 0.42 to 0.66, p < 0.001). Educational level and age also played a role, with higher-educated consumers showing greater acceptance. The influence of age was also related to the price of the meat, with consumers over 30 expressing a greater willingness to pay more than young people (under 30). Despite limited general knowledge about microalgae, the consumers surveyed are open to the idea of algae-fed chicken meat, particularly when it is framed as more sustainable. Clear ingredient labeling and consumer education may further support market acceptance. Full article

Grassland communities consist primarily of perennial herbaceous species, with grasses forming a dominant or significant component. These ecosystems have been utilised for economic purposes since the earliest periods of human history. In the natural environment, they fulfil numerous critical functions that, despite increasing awareness of climate change, often remain undervalued. Grasslands contribute directly to climate regulation, air purification, soil conservation, flood mitigation, and public health—all of which positively affect the well-being of nearby populations. Moreover, they satisfy higher-order human needs known as “cultural” services, providing aesthetic enjoyment and recreational opportunities. These services, in tangible terms, support the development of rural tourism. The objective of this study was to examine the perception of cultural ecosystem services provided by different types of grassland communities—meadows, pastures, and lawns. The study employed a structured questionnaire to evaluate the perceived significance and functions of these communities. Respondents assessed their aesthetic and recreational value based on land-use type. To quantify these dimensions, the study applies the Recreational and Leisure Attractiveness Index (RLAI), the Aesthetic Attractiveness Index (AAI), ranking methods, and contingent valuation techniques. Based on the respondents’ declared WTP (willingness to pay) and WTA (willingness to accept) values, statistically significant differences in the perceived value of land-use types were identified. Lawns were rated highest in terms of recreational attractiveness, meadows in terms of aesthetics, while pastures achieved the highest economic values. Significant differences were also observed depending on respondents’ place of residence and academic background. The results indicate that the valuation of cultural services encompasses both functional and psychological aspects and should be integrated into local land-use and landscape planning policies. Full article

Background/Objective: Maternal immunization is highly recommended, particularly in developed countries. However, its awareness among pregnant women in Japan remains low. This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes toward maternal immunization among pregnant women in Japan and to identify the factors that may promote its acceptance. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among pregnant women attending antenatal checkups at nine facilities in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, from August 2024 to January 2025. The survey assessed knowledge and intention regarding maternal immunization for influenza, pertussis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and group B streptococcus (GBS) as well as attitudes toward vaccination costs and information sources. Results: Overall, 523 respondents were included in this study. The overall awareness of maternal immunization was 16%. Willingness to receive vaccinations during pregnancy was reported for influenza (68%), pertussis (58%), RSV (59%), and GBS (71%). A common reason for vaccine hesitancy included uncertainty about its effects on the fetus. The key factors associated with vaccine acceptance were higher educational attainment and prior knowledge of maternal immunization. Regarding costs, most respondents were willing to pay up to JPY 5000 (approximately USD 35). The most frequently prioritized sources were explanations from physicians, followed by explanations from midwives. Conclusions: Despite low awareness, vaccination intention was comparable to that reported in other countries. Points that may contribute to improved vaccine uptake were also identified. These findings may lead to the prevention of infectious diseases in newborns and infants in Japan and possibly improve public health. Full article

This study investigates the influence of monthly income level (low, medium, and high) on consumer behavior regarding a newly launched cream cheese product enriched with berry by-products. A panel of 345 participants was surveyed, and data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Most consumers were environmentally aware, recognizing the impact of personal food waste and expressing support for food products incorporating by-products. Respondents also favored the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the food industry. Higher income levels were associated with greater health awareness and increased acceptance of cream cheese with berry by-products, with the high-income group showing a greater willingness to pay a premium. Health benefits and the product’s natural character were the main advantages identified. Individuals with lower incomes were more open to trying unfamiliar foods when ingredient details were not provided, while higher-income respondents expressed greater hesitation and distrust toward new products. Willingness to try novel items decreased with income level. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between income groups for label reading, support for mountain dairies, and the influence of product origin, health benefits, nutrient diversity, pricing concerns, and consumer confidence in purchasing cream cheese with berry by-products. These findings are important for understanding how income affects consumer perceptions and willingness to consume innovative, sustainable food products like berry-enriched cream cheese, highlighting key areas for targeted marketing and product development. Full article

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an inherited metabolic disorder that can cause adrenal insufficiency and cerebral ALD (cALD) in childhood. Early detection prevents adverse health outcomes and can be achieved by newborn screening (NBS) followed by monitoring disease progression. However, monitoring is associated with high costs. This study evaluates the cost–effectiveness of NBS for ALD in The Netherlands compared to no screening using a health economic model. A decision tree combined with a Markov model was developed to estimate societal costs, including screening costs, healthcare costs, and productivity losses of parents, and health outcomes over an 18-year time horizon. Model parameters were derived from the literature and expert opinion. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was performed to assess uncertainty. The screening costs of detecting one ALD case by NBS was EUR 40,630. Until the age of 18 years, the total societal cost per ALD case was EUR 120,779 for screening and EUR 62,914 for no screening. Screening gained an average of 1.7 QALYs compared with no screening. This resulted in an incremental cost–effectiveness ratio (ICER) of EUR 34,084 per QALY gained for screening compared to no screening. Although the results are sensitive to uncertainty surrounding costs and effectiveness due to limited data, NBS for ALD is likely to be cost–effective using a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of EUR 50,000– EUR 80,000 per QALY gained. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global food system faces mounting pressures from population growth, dietary transitions, and resource and environmental constraints. Hybrid foods, which combine nutritional, environmental, and economic advantages, are increasingly regarded as a promising solution. This study examined consumer acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for a novel hybrid food product—beef rice. Methods: Based on online survey data collected from 1536 Chinese consumers, this study measured food neophobia and investigated its influence on WTP for beef rice. In addition, it explored the moderating effects of four distinct types of information interventions. Results: More than 80% of respondents expressed a willingness to purchase beef rice. Food neophobia exerted a significant negative effect on WTP (β = –1.538, p < 0.001). Among the information treatments, environmental information significantly mitigated the negative impact of food neophobia on WTP (β = 0.573, p < 0.01), while health-related and combined framings did not show significant effects. Conclusions: Chinese consumers generally hold a positive attitude toward hybrid foods such as beef rice. However, food neophobia significantly reduces their WTP. Environmental information shows a significant moderating effect and may serve as an effective strategy to enhance consumer acceptance of novel hybrid food products. Full article

This paper analyzes the factors affecting the willingness to pay of urban households concerned with efficient waste management in Bangladesh. The multistage random sampling approach selected 1400 families from seven major cities in Bangladesh. This study addresses the socioeconomic and environmental factors that influence urban households’ willingness to pay for improved waste management services in Bangladesh. This study uniquely contributes to the literature by providing a large-scale empirical analysis of 1470 households using a logit model, revealing income, education, and environmental awareness as key predictors of WTP. Detailed survey data from respondents were then analyzed using a logit model based on the contingent valuation method. Indeed, the logit model showed that six variables (education, monthly income, value of the asset, knowledge of environment, and climate change) had a statistically significant effect on the WTP of the households. The results show that 63% of respondents were willing to pay BDT 250 or more per month. The most influential factors driving this willingness to pay were income (OR = 1.35), education level (OR = 1.45), and environmental awareness (OR = 3.56). These variables all contribute positively towards WTP. The idea is that families have some socioeconomic characteristics, regardless of which they are ready to pay for a higher level of waste collection. It is recommended that government interference be affected through various approaches, as listed below: support for public–private sector undertaking and disposal, an extensive cleaning campaign, decentralized management, cutting waste transport costs, and privatization of some waste management systems. These could be used to develop solutions to better waste management systems and improve public health. Full article

There is increasing evidence of the benefits of natural environments for human health. Interest is growing in nature-based therapy (NBT), organised initiatives that promote human–nature interactions with the aim of achieving positive health outcomes. Although the benefits of spending time in nature are now widely recognised, the public’s perspective of NBTs is still not well understood nor quantified. At the same time, chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease are on the rise, increasing costs and pressure for public health services. Using a sample of 96 respondents in Italy, this exploratory study investigates the economic value and perceptions of an NBT for cardiovascular disease. We employed the contingent valuation method to estimate marginal willingness to pay (WTP) for a nature-based rehabilitation programme compared to a standard indoor clinic-based programme. Logistic regression was used to estimate median WTP and influencing factors. We investigated the preferences of patients for the features and potential benefits of nature-based rehabilitation. We show that patients with cardiovascular disease in Italy have a positive WTP between EUR 14.01 to EUR 42.69 per day (median value EUR 27.26). Our findings indicate that NBTs could offer a promising alternative to standard indoor programmes. We provide recommendations for designing NBTs based on the preferences of our sample, aiming to contribute to sustainable health and land management policies. Full article

Background/Objectives: CKD-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a serious systemic comorbidity occurring in patients with CKD. Despite the burden of CKD-aP, there are limited efficacious treatments available for its management; difelikefalin is the only approved treatment based on its efficacy and safety demonstrated in two clinical studies, namely KALM-1 and KALM-2. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of difelikefalin plus best supportive care (BSC) versus BSC alone when treating moderate-to-severe CKD-aP in patients receiving in-centre haemodialysis, from the perspective of the UK healthcare system. Methods: A de novo lifetime Markov health economic model was built to assess the cost-effectiveness of difelikefalin. The modelled efficacy of difelikefalin was based on data from KALM-1 and KALM-2 pooled at the patient level. The main efficacy driver was the total 5-D Itch scale score. Per-cycle probabilities of changing health states defined by CKD-aP severity were used to derive transition matrices; the model also estimated time-dependent annual probabilities of death and transplant for people on haemodialysis. An increased risk of mortality for modelled patients with very severe, severe, or moderate CKD-aP was applied. Health state utilities and management costs were based on published evidence. Results: Modelled patients treated with difelikefalin were estimated to have a reduced severity of CKD-aP. Consequently, difelikefalin plus BSC was associated with an increased life expectancy of 0.11 years per person and improved HRQoL compared with BSC alone. This translated to higher quality-adjusted life years, at 0.26 per person gained compared to BSC alone. Improved patient outcomes were achieved at an incremental cost of £7814 per person. Conclusions: Overall, at a price of £31.90/vial, difelikefalin was estimated to be a cost-effective treatment for moderate-to-severe CKD-aP at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £30,000/QALY, with conclusions robust to sensitivity analysis. Full article

In recent years, forest education has become a critical element in global environmental governance. This study employed the CiteSpace tool to systematically analyze 2917 titles of the forest education literature from the Web of Science Core Collection. The goal was to explore the spatial and temporal trends, thematic evolution, and emerging research directions in this field. The research shows that in recent years, the annual number of published papers on forest education has been on a continuous upward trend, and the attention to the subject has increased significantly. The research field mainly takes the United States in North America as the core center, with the joint participation of scholars from Europe and Asia. The development trajectory of the discipline shows a trend of gradual expansion toward multidisciplinary intersections and multidisciplinary integration based on traditional forestry and environmental sciences. Research hotspots mainly focus on core issues such as forest management, climate change, ecosystem services, and biodiversity. In recent years, they have expanded to include willingness to pay, prevalence, and student groups. It is expected that the research focus in the coming years will be on the cross-cutting issues of integrating forests with the economy, social public health, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Full article

This study investigates consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for antioxidant-rich pomegranates, focusing on the roles of product attributes and generational differences. A survey of 3019 Italian consumers assessed consumption habits, perceived barriers, and WTP for antioxidant-enriched pomegranates. A Best–Worst Scaling (BWS) analysis was used to identify key product attributes, and generational segmentation highlighted differences in consumer behavior. The results reveal a strong preference for locally sourced pomegranates and a high valuation of health-related attributes, particularly antioxidant content. However, several consumption barriers emerged, including taste preferences, peeling difficulty, and limited product availability. While older generations, especially Baby Boomers, prioritize antioxidants for their health benefits, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) showed the highest WTP for antioxidant-enriched pomegranates, likely influenced by novelty seeking and engagement with food trends. These findings suggest that marketing strategies should emphasize both local origins and health benefits. From a policy perspective, supporting local agriculture and promoting the nutritional value of enriched foods could enhance consumer acceptance and expand the market potential. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the cost of care for people living with HIV (PLwHIV) in the Condesa Specialized Clinics (CSCs). A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using the Adherence Follow-Up Questionnaire developed by The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) to measure adherence in 261 PLwHIV. An economic Markov model was developed to simulate clinical outcomes, health costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a 5-year horizon from the CSC perspective. The mean adherence index was 89.97, and 59% of the surveyed PLwHIV were non-adherent, but more than 95% of the population had an undetectable viral load, suggesting that ART remains effective in achieving clinical goals, even under suboptimal adherence conditions. More than half of the surveyed PLwHIV (60.54%) stated that they had stopped taking their ART at some point, and the three most frequent causes were forgetting (49.37%), being away from home (45.57%), and having a change in their daily routine (25.95%). The economic model showed a cumulative cost per PLwHIV of USD 8432 and 3.80 QALYs (USD 2218/QALYs), which is below the threshold of willingness to pay in Mexico (USD 13,790/QALY). These findings provide valuable information to guide public health decisions and resource allocation in HIV management in Mexico. Full article

Functional foods are products that have clinically evidenced health benefits for consumers due to one or more of their ingredients. While research indicates that consumers are highly interested in these products and are often willing to pay premium prices to buy them, stories of market failure are frequent for the specific category. Hence, a critical question is what determines consumers’ willingness to purchase functional food products. A hypothesis confirmed by many studies is that health concerns are positively associated with purchasing intentions. Nevertheless, other factors may also positively or negatively affect consumers’ willingness to buy functional foods. Our work examines this contention by focusing on a novel functional food product: yogurt enriched with sea buckthorn. The product, which is developing in the framework of an ongoing project, is expected to combine the health benefits of yogurt with the medicinal properties of sea buckthorn. Full article

This study explores the relationship between climate change awareness (CCA) and consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for urban short food chains (USFC), focusing on the mediating role of biospheric, egoistic, and altruistic environmental concerns. A structured questionnaire was conducted with 230 respondents in Tirana, Albania, and the results were analysed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS 25.0. The findings reveal that CCA increases all three environmental concerns; however, only the altruistic concern significantly mediates USFC participation, particularly by limiting food waste (effect size = 0.502, p = 0.002). In contrast, egoistic concern negatively affects WTP, highlighting a value–action gap in sustainable behaviour. Reducing ultra-processed food consumption emerges as a key driver of engagement, linking personal and environmental health to local food choices. Gender moderates these relationships; despite showing high ecological concern, women express lower WTP due to household and budgetary considerations. Supporting the model, the survey data show that 88% of respondents are willing to pay a premium, typically 10–20% more, for food products from their preferred origin, and 88% are also willing to participate in the Tirana USFC initiative. The highest WTP (30%) is reported among highly educated women with children aged three to five. These findings highlight the need for targeted urban food policies that account for sustainability’s psychological and demographic dimensions. Full article