Is Better Knowledge about Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber Related to Food Labels Reading Habits? A Croatian Overview

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between health dietary patterns, knowledge, and consumption of dietary fiber (DF) with frequency of food label reading on food products with special reference to DF. The study was conducted in 2536 Croatian adults using an original questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess associations between food label reading habits and predictor variables. Our study confirms the association between habits regarding the reading of labels on food products, especially in relation to information about DF with the sociodemographic factors of respondents, dietary food patterns and DF consumption, as well as knowledge and sources of information about DF. Women, individuals with a university-level education, and those living in an urban environment had more frequent labels used. Food habits as well as eating outside of the home were positive predictors while eating fast food was a negative predictor of food label reading. Knowledge about DF, especially about its health benefits, was also associated with food label reading. The interpretation of associations could help with the design of effective public health programs. Targeted education campaigns to educate and sensitize the population about food labeling and monitoring may improve general knowledge about healthy food and its benefits, which include indirect effects on the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Hubungan Pengetahuan Dan Sikap Terkait Label Pangan Dengan Kepatuhan Membaca Label Pangan Pada Mahasiswa Universitas Diponegoro

“…26 Penelitian ini tidak sejalan dengan temuan studi lainnya bahwa pengetahuan tentang serat pangan terutama tentang manfaat kesehatannya, berkaitan dengan pembacaan label pangan. 27 Hal ini dapat dikarenakan dalam penelitian ini aspek pengetahuan yang diukur yaitu seputar label pangan secara umum, tidak spesifik mengukur pengetahuan tentang serat pangan.…”

“…Pengetahuan tentang makanan yang sehat dan manfaat kesehatan juga berhubungan dengan praktik membaca label pangan. 27 Laporan studi lain menyebutkan bahwa jenis kelamin dan concern terhadap lingkungan berkaitan dengan praktik membaca label pangan. 30 Tingkat pendidikan, usia, dan pendapatan juga dilaporkan berhubungan dengan kepatuhan membaca label pangan.…”

The Impact of Interpretive Packaged Food Labels on Consumer Purchase Intention: The Comparative Analysis of Efficacy and Inefficiency of Food Labels

“…The objective of food label information is to provide information about product ingredients and in turn allow the consumer to select healthier food items at the point of purchase [ 10 ]. Additionally, the nutritional label is a tool that informs the public about healthy foods, protects the consumer from unsafe foods, and discourages food manufacturers from producing unhealthy and defective food items [ 11 ]. There is a need to motivate consumers to consult label information at the point of purchase [ 5 , 12 ].…”