Consumer Behavior

This university research study investigate consumption behaviors among medical students, midwifery students, and academic hospital staff, including the use of substances, medications, and digital media. The study seeks to examine how these behaviors are associated with mental health, stress, and social or academic factors. Through an anonymous online questionnaire, the research aims to identify patterns and potential risk factors in order to better understand the needs of these populations and support the development of appropriate prevention and support strategies.

The global epidemic of obesity and chronic diseases has led to widespread use of front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels. While existing research has established a link between FOP labels and consumer choices, the interplay between product types, consumer perceptions, and label effectiveness is underexplored. This study examines: 1) whether consumers perceive healthier food item as more expensive when healthiness is less obvious; 2) how FOP labels mediate the relationship among product characteristics, price, and consumer's belief about food healthiness and price on choices; and 3) whether food choice changes given a price, with and without FOP labels, are more prominent for products where the perceived healthiness by consumers significantly differs from label indications. The investigators will conduct experiments with online panelists in Korea and Singapore in two settings: restaurant menus and grocery items. Results will inform more impactful nutritional information policies for healthier food choices and improved population health.