Statistical analysis
The Welch test was performed to compare two means of mortality values; under the 10% mortality threshold (considered as acceptable) and above or equal the 10% for the same variable. Results indicate that beekeepers with mortality rates lower than 10% had a higher average number of hives (average 12.67 and std 17.25; p -value < 0.0001) and a significantly higher ability to renewing their colonies (average 6.31 and std 8.17; p -value < 0.0001). Their score in perceiving varroosis occurrence was significantly higher (average 71.38 and std 22.85; p -value = 0.002) and they were more aware of management practices impact (average 90.15 and std 16.95;p -value = 0.008) and severity (average 88.31 and std 18.34;p -value = 0,014) on their colonies. Nevertheless, they scored significantly lower in the perception of climate change severity (average 55.45 and std 33.12; p -value = 0.009) and the perception of varroosis severity (average 63.8 and std 21.56; p -value = 0.02). The benefit of management practices was also better perceived by beekeepers with mortality rates < 10% (average 68.96 and std 15.11; p -value = 0.015). Beekeepers with < 10% mortality rates scored higher at all questions related to the actions/intentions. Significant results of the two-sample t -test with unequal variances are depicted in Table 3 .
Table 3. Welch test’s significant variables (p-value <0.05) for mortality rates above and under 10%