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.

Awareness and use of nutrition information predict measured and self-rated diet quality of older adults in the USA

“…Those who were women, employed, food secure, younger, more educated, higher income or of White race/ethnicity were more likely to report awareness of MyPlate or MyPyramid. These results are consistent with previous research showing that female sex, higher socio-economic status and higher educational attainment are the factors associated with nutrition-related knowledge, as measured by validated assessment (15,20,49) . Those more likely to report use of nutrition information were also younger, women, college-educated and of higher socio-economic status.…”

Understanding and Using Patterns of Food Labeling Systems and their Determinants by Medical Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

“…This might occur because women were more expected to comply with the efficiency of nutrition data on food labels and generally had more concerns in health and nutrition topics in comparison to men (39). In contrast to findings from the current study, a study by Jackey et al in Delaware, USA (8), showed that food label awareness was associated with monthly income. In another study by Miller et al (40) in California, USA, 2013-2014, accuracy and attention to food labels decreased with increasing age.…”

“…Studies have been carried out on knowledge and attitude of various populations about food labeling in various regions of the world. In a cross-sectional study by Jackey et al (8), less than half of 60-year-old adults and those older in Delaware, USA, were able to interpret food label information correctly. Viola et al (9) assessed knowledge and understanding of food labels in young adults mostly with higher education levels through an on-line survey and showed that they were generally able to identify healthier food products based on nutritional label information.…”

Knowledge on Nutrition Labels for Processed Food: Effect on Purchase Decision among Indonesian Consumers

“…Table 5 shows that higher age (r=0.272; p<0.001) and income (r=0.165; p=0.001) of subjects was associated with better knowledge of nutrition labels. Similar results were found in Jackey et al (2017) and Cannoosamy et al (2014). This implies that older and wealthier subjects are more likely to be exposed to health or nutrition-related news.…”