Abstract
Although the Nutrition Facts label has been a requirement on food packages for more
than 20 years, few studies have conducted comprehensive assessments of food label
use. The purpose of this study was to assess the demographic and psychosocial correlates
of food label use using a comprehensive approach. A sample of 1,382 males and females
(n=573 and n=809, respectively) aged 19 to 70 years was drawn from the 2005-2006 National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The food label Check and Use subscales are
the sums of multiple questions on frequency of checking and using each separate component
on a Nutrition Facts label. Multiple linear regression was used to assess differences
in predictors of Check and Use. Determinants of food label use differed by sex. Women
check and use food label components more often and thoroughly than men. Older adults
and adults with good diet-quality perception were significant predictors of food label
use for both men and women. Race was a significant predictor for men only. Mexican-American
and other Hispanic groups check (P=0.03) and use (P=0.01) the food label more frequently than non-Hispanic white men. Men who do not
receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits also check (P<0.01) and use (P=0.01) food labels more frequently than those who receive assistance. The findings
of this study could be used to improve nutrition education efforts. It may be beneficial
to target men and women separately, as food label use determinants are different.
Keywords
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References
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Biography
K. A. Stran is a graduate teaching assistant and doctoral candidate, Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Biography
L. L. Knol is an associate professor, Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 09, 2013
Accepted:
December 10,
2012
Available online 9 February 2013Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT There is no funding to disclose.
NEW INVESTIGATOR SUBMISSION This article is an outgrowth of the New Investigator Publication Initiative (NIPI), which was developed to support and promote new investigators in their scientific communication efforts. NIPI provides a supportive venue for new investigators to submit their work for consideration for publication in the Journal. This program exposes new investigators to the process of publication and offers them editorial attention and expertise to help them hone and sharpen skills related to manuscript preparation, revision, and publication. The overarching goal of NIPI is to cultivate professional relationships that will mentor and benefit the new author, enhance the breadth and depth of the Journal, and promote the science and practice of nutrition.
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Copyright
© 2013 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
