Evaluation of food safety perceptions, purchasing behaviors and hygiene practices of individuals COVİD-19 positive and COVİD-19 negative

The purpose of this study was to investigate the food safety perceptions, purchasing behaviors, and hygiene practices of individuals COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative. The study was conducted online, and the questionnaire was distributed through various communication channels. A total of 2393 individuals aged 18 to 65 years participated in the study, including 760 COVID-19 positives and 1633 COVID-19 negatives. The questionnaire consists of six sections, including demographic information, food safety concerns, food safety information, purchasing behavior, hygiene practices, and fear of COVID-19. According to the results, 32.9% of respondents who were COVID-19 negative and 18.4% of respondents who were COVID-19 positive strongly agreed with the statement that they were concerned about food safety (χ2=57.477; p<0.001). Individuals who were COVID-19 negative were more concerned about food safety and applied various hygiene practices to a greater extent than COVID-19 positive individuals. However, concern about food safety and frequency of applying various hygiene practices increased among individuals following their COVID-19 positive processes. While food safety information and changes in purchasing behavior were similar between the two groups, participants were found to have incomplete or incorrect information about COVID-19 and food safety. Consequently, on such public health issues, people's attitudes and practices are influenced by their concerns and levels of knowledge, and it is highly important for people to receive accurate information on such topics. For this reason, more educational interventions addressing measures to reduce health risks and food safety are needed.