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The trend towards health and environmental protection has led to an increase in the consumption of medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) products. The market for MAP products is influenced by consumer behaviour and therefore the aim of this study was to identify consumer segments that use MAP products for phytotherapeutic, cosmetic and personal care purposes according to their perceptions, attitudes and consumption habits and possible correlations between consumption of MAP products and interest in a healthy lifestyle and sustainable behaviour. Data collection was performed by administering a questionnaire to Cluj-Napoca residents. The final sample consisted of two groups of MAP consumers: the first with 231 respondents who use these products for phytotherapeutic purposes, the second group—with 297 respondents who use them as cosmetic and personal care products. The collected data were statistically analysed using the k-means clustering model, resulting in two distinct clusters in both consumer groups: cluster 1, the “Curious”, and Cluster 2, the “Knowledgeable”. For the consumers of the second cluster, consumption was positively correlated with healthcare and environmental protection, while they exhibited a growing interest in environmentally certified MAP products. The results obtained contribute to a better understanding of the MAP products consumption behaviour while tackling the practical implications for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry through the development and innovation of products tailored to consumer needs.
Roxana-Larisa Cadar; Antonio Amuza; Diana Dumitras; Mihaela Mihai; Cristina Pocol. Analysing Clusters of Consumers Who Use Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Products. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8648 .
AMA StyleRoxana-Larisa Cadar, Antonio Amuza, Diana Dumitras, Mihaela Mihai, Cristina Pocol. Analysing Clusters of Consumers Who Use Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Products. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (15):8648.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoxana-Larisa Cadar; Antonio Amuza; Diana Dumitras; Mihaela Mihai; Cristina Pocol. 2021. "Analysing Clusters of Consumers Who Use Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Products." Sustainability 13, no. 15: 8648.
The importance of studying the aspects related to the sustainable food consumption behaviour of students lies in the fact that, at this age, they begin to develop certain consumption patterns that will have long-term effects. The study aimed to identify the type of eating behaviour—sustainable vs. unsustainable—and the socio-demographic factors that influence it, among students in Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova. The research method was a survey based on a questionnaire administered to a sample of 2378 subjects in the 2017–2018 period. The ANOVA test and simple linear regression were used to identify the correlation between the various variables analysed. The results indicate both positive aspects, which characterise a sustainable diet—high consumption of fruits and vegetables, and negative—the adoption of a mixed diet, which will have a long-term impact on the environment. Age is a good predictor of unhealthy eating habits among students, as this behaviour leads to weight gain. Gender, number of household members, rural/urban and country residence are also influencing factors for food consumption behaviour. Eating while standing and having the last meal of the day after 23:00 are practices that also have negative consequences for health. Conducting campaigns to educate students on the adoption of sustainable food consumption is necessary for all three countries to empower them to choose a healthy lifestyle.
Cristina Bianca Pocol; Valentina Marinescu; Antonio Amuza; Roxana-Larisa Cadar; Anda Anca Rodideal. Sustainable vs. Unsustainable Food Consumption Behaviour: A Study among Students from Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. Sustainability 2020, 12, 1 .
AMA StyleCristina Bianca Pocol, Valentina Marinescu, Antonio Amuza, Roxana-Larisa Cadar, Anda Anca Rodideal. Sustainable vs. Unsustainable Food Consumption Behaviour: A Study among Students from Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (11):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Bianca Pocol; Valentina Marinescu; Antonio Amuza; Roxana-Larisa Cadar; Anda Anca Rodideal. 2020. "Sustainable vs. Unsustainable Food Consumption Behaviour: A Study among Students from Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova." Sustainability 12, no. 11: 1.