title: Utilization and preference of nutrition information sources in Australia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of chronic disease in Australia is rising, and poor nutrition behaviour is a modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases. The utilization of appropriate nutrition information has been recommended to promote optimal nutrition behaviour.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate individuals' utilization and preference of nutrition information sources as well as perceptions of trustworthiness, credibility and effectiveness of sources.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional online survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-four residents of the Gold Coast, Australia.
  Respondents' demographic variables, previously utilized and preferred nutrition information sources, perceptions of trustworthiness, credibility and effectiveness of nutrition information sources.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dietitians, nutritionists and GPs were the three most preferred sources and were perceived to be most trustworthy, credible and effective. However, the most utilized nutrition information sources were the Internet (62.9%), friends (59.8%), family (58.8%) and magazines (57.7%). Over 30% of respondents reported time to attend appointments as a barrier to accessing their most preferred nutrition information sources. Between 32 and 60% of respondents reported neutral perceptions of the most frequently utilized nutrition information sources in relation to trustworthiness, credibility and effectiveness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individuals frequently receive nutrition information from sources that are not their most preferred and sources that they do not perceive as trustworthy, credible or effective. Further research is warranted on the impact of these discrepancies on overall nutrition-related health literacy and behaviour.
authors.affiliation: School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Tracee
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cash
authors.affiliation: School of Allied Health Sciences & Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Desbrow
authors.affiliation: School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leveritt
authors.affiliation: School of Allied Health Sciences & Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ball
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D064686:Nutritionists; D010820:Physicians; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: chronic disease; credibility; effectiveness; nutrition information; nutrition information source; trustworthiness