title: Food Label Knowledge, Usage and Attitudes of Older Adults.
abstract: Few recent studies have investigated food label practices in older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed adults, 60 years and older in Delaware (n = 100, 82% female, 74% between 60 and 79 years, 49% Caucasian, 45% African Americans) to examine associations between food label knowledge, attitudes, and usage patterns. A 28-item questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, usage, and demographic information. Bivariate analysis results showed food label knowledge was associated with education and monthly income. Those reporting a high school education or less incorrectly identified calorie (P < 0.05) and carbohydrate information (P < 0.03). Monthly income ≤$2000 was associated with incorrectly interpreting carbohydrate information (P < 0.03). Label usage was associated with being female (P < 0.001), having a high school education or less (P < 0.000), being 70 years or older (P < 0.05), and having a monthly income ≤$2000 (P < 0.001). Respondent's usage and perceived label comprehension was high; however less than half could correctly interpret label information. When shown samples of the US Food and Drug Administration's proposed new labels, subjects had a very favorable attitude toward the new changes. Increasing nutrition knowledge through education interventions appropriate for older adult consumers may improve comprehension of information on the food labels.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition , University of Delaware , Newark , Delaware , USA.
authors.forename: Beverly A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Jackey
authors.affiliation: a Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition , University of Delaware , Newark , Delaware , USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cotugna
authors.affiliation: a Department of Behavioral Health & Nutrition , University of Delaware , Newark , Delaware , USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Orsega-Smith
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003691:Delaware; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Food labels; attitudes; knowledge; older adults; usage