Improve Health through Understanding Nutrition Labels

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to assess college students' baseline understanding of nutrition labels and nutrition information, then use an educational intervention to expand their knowledge on nutrition labels and nutrition information and hopefully improve healthy food choices. Methods:The project used a pre-test/post-test design and descriptive statistics for data analysis.A non-random convenience sample was utilized to obtain participants for this project and recruitment was by flyer.Results: A total of 21 participants were included in the final sample of the DNP project. The overall results in correct responses when compared to pre intervention and post intervention responses remained consistent for knowledge of nutrition labels. There was an overall increase in correct responses when compared to pre intervention and post intervention responses for knowledge of nutrition information. The results showed that majority of the participants either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that the educational intervention was an acceptable tool and that they felt more confident in using nutrition labels to make healthier food choices in the future.Discussion: This project was effective in increasing knowledge of nutrition information in the college student population. The educational intervention was found to be an acceptable tool to deliver the information on nutrition labels and nutrition information and participants felt more confident in using nutrition labels to make healthier food choices in the future after participating in this project. Conclusion:Considering the findings of this project, the nursing profession should incorporate education on nutrition labels and nutrition information into their practice to enhance their