Exploration of possible correlates of nutrition awareness and the relationship with nutrition-related behaviours: results of a consumer study.
OBJECTIVE
To unravel the concept of nutrition awareness, as it relates to risky personal nutrition-related behaviours, and to assess the sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of nutrition awareness.


METHODS
Data were collected in a cross-sectional study with the aid of a face-to-face interview-assisted questionnaire that was based on the Precaution Adoption Process Model and Stages of Change Model.


METHODS
Dutch consumer homes.


METHODS
Six hundred and three Dutch adults aged 18 to 80 years, selected from a panel.


RESULTS
Our model explains nutrition awareness well (explained variance 53.7%). Psychosocial correlates were involvement with nutrition, health awareness, association with healthy food, perceived relevance of eating less fat, association with necessity, perceived relevance of vitamins, and perceived attributes of independent organisations. Sociodemographic correlates were gender and age. The relationship between nutrition awareness and nutrition-related behaviours proved to be very complicated.


CONCLUSIONS
The value of our study is that it unravels the concept of nutrition awareness. Understanding the correlates of nutrition awareness can contribute to a more effective application of behavioural change models. Our results support increasing involvement with nutrition through personalising and tailoring to the motivational stage.
van Dillen
Sonja M E
SM
Communication Management, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands. sonja.vandillen@wur.nl
Hiddink
Gerrit Jan
GJ
Koelen
Maria A
MA
de Graaf
Cees
C
van Woerkum
Cees M J
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001364:Awareness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires