BEYOND KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOUR: EXPLORING THE MODIFYING FACTORS INFLUENCING OLDER ADULTS' DOMESTIC FOOD SAFETY.

Authors

Ellen W Evans

Published in

Journal of food protection. Pages 100889. Aug 11, 2026. Epub Aug 11, 2026.

Abstract

Older adults are at increased risk of foodborne illness due to age-related changes in immune function. Previous research has identified discrepancies between food safety knowledge, attitudes, self-reported practices and observed behaviours among older adults; however, why potentially unsafe food safety practices occur is unknown. The Health Belief Model identifies modifying factors as influences on health behaviours, yet these factors are seldom considered in consumer food safety research. This study aimed to explore the modifying factors influencing domestic food safety beliefs and behaviours among older adults. A retrospective qualitative analysis was undertaken using interview transcripts from a completed doctoral study involving adults aged ≥60 years living in Wales (n=100). The original study identified discrepancies between food safety cognition and behaviour, but the factors contributing to these differences were not explored. Interview transcripts were analysed using the Dimensions of Wellness (physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial and environmental) as an analytical framework to examine the modifying factors of the Health Belief Model. Factors influencing food safety beliefs and behaviours included health changes, sensory decline, household transitions, social circumstances, access to food, financial resources and changing food environments. Findings indicate that food safety behaviours are shaped by wider life circumstances rather than knowledge and perceptions alone. Although the eight dimensions provided a useful exploratory framework, considerable overlap indicated the need for refinement into five broader determinants: biological, physical, psychological, economic and social. This revised framework provides a more structured approach for understanding the modifying factors of food safety behaviours among older adults. It may also support future research and the development of targeted food safety interventions.

PMID:
42580633
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Aug 2026.

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