Korean Journal of Community Nutrition (대한지역사회영양학회지)

The Korean Society of Community Nutrition (대한지역사회영양학회)
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Using and Understanding of Nutrition Labels and Related Factors among Female Adults in the Seoul Area

서울지역 일부 성인여성의 영양표시 이용실태와 이해도 및 이에 영향을 미치는 요인 연구

  • Chung, Ja-Yong (Department of food & nutrition, College of human ecology, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Kim, Mi-Jin (Major in nutrition education, Graduate school of education, Kyung Hee University)
  • 정자용 (경희대학교 생활과학대학 식품영양학과) ;
  • 김미진 (경희대학교 교육대학원 영양교육)
  • Published : 2007.08.31
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of nutrition label use and its association with demographic, weight control related factors, and diet among female adults in the Seoul area. Also, the study subjects' comprehension of nutrition labels was examined using objective measures. 279 females, between ages of 20 and 49, participated in this study. 66% of the participants reported to always or often use nutrition labels when purchasing foods. Nutrition label use was significantly higher among participants who were interested in losing weight and have more knowledge on nutrition, but significantly lower among subjects who were underweight (p < 0.05). Label users had higher fruit consumption and lower intake of fatty foods and snacks (p < 0.01). Only 20% of participants answered correctly regarding questions about the total amount of calories and fats contained in the entire food package tested, and only 15% answered correctly on questions about understanding of the % daily value. Comprehension of nutrition labels were significantly lower among participants who were less educated, underweight, and married (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study suggests that proper use of nutrition labels may improve food choices and enable healthy dietary practices. Further efforts are needed to provide public a nutrition education program on how to read nutrition labels. Modifications of nutrition labels to make it easier to understand by the public should also be considered.

Keywords

References

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