Use of nutrition facts panels among adults who make household food purchasing decisions.
OBJECTIVE
To identify sociodemographic variables and beliefs about the causes of obesity associated with reported use of Nutrition Facts panel (NFP) information.


METHODS
Nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of 1139 adults. Data collection employed a single-stage, equal-probability sampling design with random-digit dialing across 50 states and the District of Columbia. Analysis sample consisted of 390 adults living with one or more children who reported making food purchasing decisions.


METHODS
Respondents provided self-reported information on their use of NFP information when making food purchasing decisions for their household.


METHODS
Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests compared the analysis sample to the broader population. Logistic regression analyses identified the sociodemographic and beliefs about obesity variables related to NFP use.


RESULTS
Fifty-three percent of the sample reported using NFP information on a consistent basis. Females, those with more education, and those currently married were more likely to use NFP labels. The importance of knowledge in order to maintain healthy body weight was the only belief variable associated with use of NFP information.


CONCLUSIONS
Nutrition educators interested in changing dietary behaviors should begin by identifying levels of nutritional literacy and beliefs about the importance of nutrition to motivate use of NFP labels.
Blitstein
Jonathan L
JL
RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA. jblitstein@rti.org
Evans
W Douglas
WD
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003132:Commerce; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling; D005523:Food Supply; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors