Pesticide Issue Interest and Related Factors Among Japanese University Students: An Environmental Health Risk Perception Perspective Focusing on Neonicotinoids

Abstract Background Neonicotinoid pesticides are systemic insecticides with neurotoxic potential and environmental persistence, raising concerns about chronic low-dose exposure in humans and impacts on ecosystems. In Japan, regulatory restrictions are generally less stringent than in the European Union, yet risk perception among young adults remains underexplored. Objective To examine factors associated with university students’ interest in pesticide-related issues, focusing on family discussions about environmental topics, household preference for organic vegetables, agricultural experience, and depressive symptoms. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among 690 undergraduate students at a private university in the Tokyo metropolitan area (academic year 2024). Interest in pesticide issues was assessed on a 4-point scale and dichotomized as high (very/somewhat) vs low (not very/not at all). Explanatory variables included frequency of family discussions about environmental issues, household preference for organic vegetables, agricultural experience, the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self Report (QIDS-SR-J), age, and sex. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Participants’ mean age was 20.6 (SD 4.9) years and mean QIDS-SR-J score was 6.0 (SD 4.2). Overall, 74.6% reported high interest in pesticide issues. High interest was associated with more frequent family discussions about environmental issues (aOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.50–3.30; p