title: Determinants of food label use among supermarket shoppers: a Singaporean perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Examining factors influencing food label use among Singapore's supermarket shoppers using the Theory of Planned Behavior.
  
  
  METHODS
  A point-of-purchase survey among general shoppers in 2 supermarkets.
  
  
  METHODS
  Singapore, a country whose population is exposed to a wide range of food labeling formats because of the import-dependent nature of the food industry.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 200 shoppers (Chinese [75.5%], Malays [8.5%], and Indians [7.0%]) participated in the survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Independent variables composed of attitudes and subjective norms (both 5-point Likert); perceived behavioral control and diet-health concern (both 5-point semantic differential); and knowledge (18-item index). Dependent variables were intention to use food labels (5-point differential scale) and actual use of food labels (19-item index).
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean analysis, and multivariate linear regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Low levels of knowledge and health literacy were found. Attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control differed significantly by age and ethnicity. Subjective norms and diet-health concern were significant predictors of intention to use food labels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lack of knowledge but positive attitudes toward food labels make Singapore's consumers vulnerable to misusing or being misled by food label information. Demographic differences demonstrate the need to develop targeted educational interventions and enhance awareness of and ability to use food labels.
authors: Center of Social Media Innovations for Communities, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. santoshv@ntu.edu.sg
authors: Santosh
authors: S
authors: Vijaykumar
authors: May O
authors: MO
authors: Lwin
authors: Jiang
authors: J
authors: Chao
authors: Cyndy
authors: C
authors: Au
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001364:Awareness; D002648:Child; D003132:Commerce / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012846:Singapore; D055815:Young Adult