Reading Practice of Nutrition Labeling and Associated Factors Among Packaged Food Consumers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction : The consumption of processed and packaged foods is on the rise in cities like Bahir Dar. Despite this trend, little is known about the extent to which people in the area read nutritional labels on packaged foods. Objective This study aims to evaluate the consumer reading practices of nutritional labeling and identify associated factors among consumers of packaged foods. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on a randomly selected sample of 606 individuals purchasing packaged foods in Bahir Dar city from May 27 to June 27, 2022. Systematic random sampling was employed to select study participants, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Data was interred into Epi data version 3.1 and analysis using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression models, utilizing both bivariate and multivariable analysis methods, and declared significant at P-value < 0.05 with AOR 95% of CI. Results The study revealed that 58.9% (CI: 54.9%−62.9%) of participants exhibited poor reading practices of nutrition labels on packaged foods. Factors associated with poor reading practices included age 18−29 (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.80), elementary education (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.52), being single (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.00), absence of health problems (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.64), not working in food establishments (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 11.0), and poor nutritional knowledge (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.50). Conclusion The study indicates a lower level of nutritional label reading practice in Bahir Dar city compared to previous studies in Addis Ababa. Therefore, collaborative efforts involving the regional health bureau and other stakeholders are recommended to enhance nutrition education.