The Association Between Bangladeshi Adults’ Demographics, Personal Beliefs, and Nutrition Literacy: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

BackgroundPoverty and health illiteracy, combined with inappropriate systems to track disease and infection rates, contribute to children-and-mothers’ poor adherence to nutrient-rich foods intake in Bangladesh. Although risk factors for child and pregnant women malnutrition have been explored, the relationship between Bangladeshi adults’ nutrition literacy and their demographics and personal beliefs remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adults’ nutrition literacy, demographics and personal beliefs in a large sample of Bangladeshi adults.MethodsFour hundred adults from two districts (Dhaka and Chattogram) of Bangladesh participated in a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected by interviews using a structured questionnaire containing the Nutrition Literacy Scale. Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze associations between nutrition literacy and related factors.ResultsThe mean nutrition literacy score was 21.6 (SD: 3.7; range: 11–32) on a scale of 32. Multiple linear regression revealed that being a businessman (β = 1.66, p = 0.013) or private employee (β = 1.08, p = 0.030), having a higher family income (β = 1.17, p = 0.009), and a higher educational level were positively associated with higher nutrition literacy scores compared to their counterparts. Participants who had ever completed a nutrition-related course (β = 4.95, p < 0.001), and who perceived themselves as having a need for accessing nutrition-related information were positively associated with the higher nutrition literacy compared to their counterparts.ConclusionFindings from this study suggest the need for an integrated response plan involving educational interventions and accessible dietary plans targeting adult populations to enhance their nutritional literacy.

Can Unveiling the Relationship between Nutritional Literacy and Sustainable Eating Behaviors Survive Our Future?

“…In this study, the total score of FNLI in females was found to be significantly higher than in males (Table 2). It is possible to find similar results in studies in the literature [42,43]. Having high nutritional knowledge is very important for public health.…”

Association between Nutrition Literacy and Bangladeshi Adults’ Healthy Eating Behaviors: Evidence from the Nutrition Literacy Study 2021

“…Previous research showed that nutrition literacy can be influenced by different factors. For example, Banna and colleagues [ 19 ] reported Bangladeshi adults’ nutrition literacy was associated with sociodemographic factors, such as residence, occupation, education level, family income, and personal beliefs (e.g., self-perceived need for access to nutrition-related information). Findings of the present research highlight the need to improve adults’ nutrition literacy by addressing demographic factors, which might impact positively attitudes, and subsequently improve healthy eating behaviors in Bangladesh.…”

“…A recent study reported a moderate level of nutrition literacy among Bangladeshi adults and evidence that socio-demographic factors were associated with nutrition literacy [ 19 ]. In Bangladesh, understanding how food choice is associated with an individual’s nutrition literacy and sociodemographic factors would be useful to effectively implement National Dietary Guidelines (2015), National Nutrition Policies (2015), and the Second National Plan of Action for Nutrition (2016–2025) and achieve nutrition targets [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Food neophobia and its association with sociodemographic factors and food preferences among Bangladeshi university students: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

“…Here, the following features were considered: (i) since there is no any comparable research on food neophobia in Bangladesh, a 50% predicted prevalence was chosen (p = 0.5). Likewise, 50% was taken as the anticipated prevalence in several previous studies [ [36] , [37] , [38] , [39] , [40] ]. (ii) 95% level of confidence (Z = 1.96) and (iii) 5% margin of error (d = 0.05).…”