Analysis of public perception and socio-demographic drivers of genetically modified organisms in Iran

The rapid growth in the world's population poses a significant threat to food security, making genetically modified organisms (GMOs) an important potential solution. Alongside technological advancements, public awareness of GMOs - including their benefits and existing challenges - plays a crucial role in their acceptance and use within communities. This study aimed to assess opinions and the level of awareness of the Iranian public regarding GM products, the sources they consult for information on the topic, and their trust in these sources. A survey was conducted with 5,730 predominantly young, urban, and well-educated individuals from 16 provinces. The results revealed that 40% of respondents held positive attitudes toward GM crops, a figure higher than those reported in some social media analyses. Using multiple logistic regression, the study found that factors such as age, education, occupation, and residence significantly influenced attitudes toward GMOs, whereas gender did not. Although 42% of participants reported having limited knowledge about GMOs, most expressed greater trust in scientists compared to media sources and supported various applications of GMO technology. These findings, which focus on educated urban youth due to convenience sampling, underscore the importance of education and media in shaping perceptions of GM products in Iran.