Consumer Perceptions on Poultry Products During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh
Abstract
This study explores the impacts of COVID-19 and its associated containment measures on behavior and attitudes of poultry product consumers in Bangladesh. Between September and November 2020, 96 poultry shoppers were recruited from live bird markets (LBMs) and super-shops in the Chattogram metropolitan area and asked about their perceptions, knowledge, and safety concerns regarding purchasing, handling, and consuming chicken and eggs during the pandemic. The study identifies that, consumers experienced major price fluctuations in poultry items, particularly in LBMs, during lockdown and movement restrictions. Government interventions affected their ability to access poultry products and brought significant changes in shopping routines. Compared to pre-COVID situation, there was a decline in chicken purchase frequency, and a shift in where consumers chose to source poultry from, opting for providers within close proximity to their homes or home delivery owing to movement restrictions. Consumers reported taking additional precautions, such as extra washing or prolonged boiling, when preparing chicken and eggs, which were significantly correlated with observed changes in purchasing. Rumors about poultry spreading COVID-19 were mostly spread on social media and affected some people's knowledge, attitudes, and routine practices regarding poultry and poultry products, though to a lesser extent than expected. A Google Trend interest score was used to evaluate people's search interests for connections between coronavirus and chickens or other animals, revealing a trend to look up the facts online during the pandemic, particularly around festival periods. During such emergencies, the government should ensure an adequate supply of protein sources like poultry and curb rumors promptly.