Nutrition labelling: an exploratory study on personal factors that influence the practice of reading nutrition labels among adolescents

Norsakira Jefrydin, . and Norazmir Md Nor, . and Ruzita Abd. Talib, . Nutrition labelling: an exploratory study on personal factors that influence the practice of reading nutrition labels among adolescents. pp. 143-153. ISSN 1394-035X

Introduction: The consumption of processed food is increasing in developing countries. Nutrition labels on food packaging are important for the education of consumers particularly adolescents to help them make healthier food choices. However there is evidence to suggest that adolescents generally do not use nutrition labels. This study aims to explore the personal factors that influence the practice of Malaysian adolescents in reading nutrition labels. Methods: The participants were adolescents aged 13-16 years from five public schools in Negeri Sembilan. Five semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The participants discussed their personal views knowledge and perceptions regarding the use of nutrition labels and food selection. Data gathered from the FGDs were coded through thematic analysis using the NVivo software. Results: While the participants were familiar with nutrition labels their usage was relatively low during food selection due to the lack of interest in nutrition information past experiences hunger and cravings time constraints and the taste of the food. The main reasons for using nutrition labels were health consciousness and their curiosity about specific nutrition information provided on the labels. The majority of participants believed that information provided on the labels was accurate because it was provided by reliable institutions. There was also misperception among some participants mixing up nutrition labels with list of ingredients and the expiry dates. A few participants were unconvinced by the labels and stated that the labels provided misleading information. Conclusion: Personal factors such as knowledge misperception awareness and trust significantly impact how adolescents read nutrition labels.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.nutriweb.org.my/mjn/publication/25-1/l....

Abstract

Introduction: The consumption of processed food is increasing in developing countries. Nutrition labels on food packaging are important for the education of consumers particularly adolescents to help them make healthier food choices. However there is evidence to suggest that adolescents generally do not use nutrition labels. This study aims to explore the personal factors that influence the practice of Malaysian adolescents in reading nutrition labels. Methods: The participants were adolescents aged 13-16 years from five public schools in Negeri Sembilan. Five semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The participants discussed their personal views knowledge and perceptions regarding the use of nutrition labels and food selection. Data gathered from the FGDs were coded through thematic analysis using the NVivo software. Results: While the participants were familiar with nutrition labels their usage was relatively low during food selection due to the lack of interest in nutrition information past experiences hunger and cravings time constraints and the taste of the food. The main reasons for using nutrition labels were health consciousness and their curiosity about specific nutrition information provided on the labels. The majority of participants believed that information provided on the labels was accurate because it was provided by reliable institutions. There was also misperception among some participants mixing up nutrition labels with list of ingredients and the expiry dates. A few participants were unconvinced by the labels and stated that the labels provided misleading information. Conclusion: Personal factors such as knowledge misperception awareness and trust significantly impact how adolescents read nutrition labels.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Consumers
AGROVOC Term:	Adolescents
AGROVOC Term:	Nutrition labelling
AGROVOC Term:	Attitudes
AGROVOC Term:	Consumer education
AGROVOC Term:	Nutritional value
AGROVOC Term:	Food choice
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/8252

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