Influence of academic training on the adoption of sustainable practices among students from gastronomy schools and institutes in Cotopaxi

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i1.607

Keywords:

Sustainability; Academic training; Sustainable practices; Gastronomy students; Higher education; Ecuador.

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, quantitative and qualitative evidence converge on the same conclusion: higher academic training in sustainability is associated with greater adoption of sustainable practices among students from gastronomy schools and institutes in Cotopaxi (Ecuador). Materials and methods: A mixed-methods approach was applied, including a quantitative component based on a structured survey and a qualitative component using a self-administered interview with experts. The sample comprised 310 students from seven institutions. Composite indices of sustainability training and sustainable practices were constructed, maintaining the recoding of inverted items. Internal consistency was acceptable to good (α = 0.791 for training and α = 0.8152 for practices). Results: In the multivariable analysis using multiple linear regression adjusted for institution and age, sustainability training was positively associated with sustainable practices (β = 0.53105, SE = 0.05763, p < 0.001), indicating a considerable effect size. Compared to the 18–20 age group, higher practice scores were observed among students aged 20–22 (β = 0.12467, p = 0.005), 22–24 (β = 0.28481, p < 0.001), and ≥24 years (β = 0.40694, p < 0.001). Differences between institutions were also identified in several comparisons (p ≤ 0.001). The model explained 48.2% of the variance (R² = 0.482), and diagnostic tests supported an adequate model fit. Discussion: In the qualitative component, thematic analysis identified perceptions, barriers, opportunities, and gaps between academic training and labor market demands. Conclusions: The findings reinforce the need to integrate sustainability as a practical and contextualized competency within gastronomy education.

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References

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Published

2026-01-15

How to Cite

Guanoluisa Chuqui, J. I., Fierro Ricaurte, A. E., Ordóñez Oñate, S. L., Medina Garzón, J. I., & Núñez Huertas, F. R. (2026). Influence of academic training on the adoption of sustainable practices among students from gastronomy schools and institutes in Cotopaxi. ANNALS SCIENTIFIC EVOLUTION, 5(1), 563–589. https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i1.607

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