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Health Literacy and Its Associations with Understanding and Perception of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels among Higher Education Students

Author

Listed:
  • Axelle Hoge

    (Department of Public Health, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium)

  • Mathilde Labeye

    (Department of Public Health, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium)

  • Anne-Françoise Donneau

    (Department of Public Health, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium
    Biostatistics and Research Method Center, University of Liège, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium)

  • Halehsadat Zahraei Nekoee

    (Department of Public Health, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium
    Biostatistics and Research Method Center, University of Liège, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium)

  • Eddy Husson

    (Department of Public Health, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium
    Biostatistics and Research Method Center, University of Liège, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium)

  • Michèle Guillaume

    (Department of Public Health, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium)

Abstract

(1) Background : Nutrition labels on the front of food packages have increasingly become the focus of research. However, too few studies have placed special emphasis on nutritionally at-risk subpopulations, such as young adults or those with low literacy/numeracy skills. The present study aimed to assess both the perception and objective understanding of three front-of-package labeling (FOPL) formats currently in use on the Belgian market, i.e., the Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes, and Multiple Traffic Lights, among students of varying health literacy (HL) levels. (2) Methods : A web-based survey was carried out among 2295 students of tertiary education in the province of Liège, Belgium. The questionnaire included questions related to general characteristics, objective understanding, and perception in response to the assigned FOPL format and level of HL. (3) Results : With respect to objective understanding, the Nutri-Score outperformed all other labels across all HL levels, and it was similarly understood in students of varying HL levels. Several students’ characteristics appeared to be associated with each cluster of perception, with the Nutri-Score cluster having the highest percentages of disadvantaged students, i.e., those with inadequate HL, from non-university institutions, with low self-estimated nutrition knowledge, and with low self-estimated diet quality. (4) Conclusion : Overall, the findings supported the Nutri-Score as particularly effective in guiding students in their food choices. Of particular importance is the fact that the summarized and graded color-coded nutritional label would be a useful strategy for those disadvantaged by limited HL.

Suggested Citation

  • Axelle Hoge & Mathilde Labeye & Anne-Françoise Donneau & Halehsadat Zahraei Nekoee & Eddy Husson & Michèle Guillaume, 2022. "Health Literacy and Its Associations with Understanding and Perception of Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels among Higher Education Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8751-:d:865741
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sam Hernández-Jaña & Tamara Huber-Pérez & Ximena Palma-Leal & Paola Guerrero-Ibacache & Valentina Campos-Nuñez & Juan Pablo Zavala-Crichton & Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera & Kabir P. Sadarangani & Fernando, 2020. "Effect of a Single Nutritional Intervention Previous to a Critical Period of Fat Gain in University Students with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Lucille Desbouys & Caroline Méjean & Stefaan de Henauw & Katia Castetbon, 2020. "Socio-economic and cultural disparities in diet among adolescents and young adults: a systematic review," Post-Print hal-02279018, HAL.
    3. Dolors Juvinyà-Canal & Rosa Suñer-Soler & Adela Boixadós Porquet & Marion Vernay & Hervé Blanchard & Carme Bertran-Noguer, 2020. "Health Literacy among Health and Social Care University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-10, March.
    4. Seward, M.W. & Block, J.P. & Chatterjee, A., 2016. "A traffic-light label intervention and dietary choices in college cafeterias," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(10), pages 1808-1814.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dimitris Skalkos & Zoi C. Kalyva & Ioanna S. Kosma, 2023. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on College Students’ Food Choice Motives in Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-11, June.
    2. Silvia Lisciani & Emanuela Camilli & Stefania Marconi, 2024. "Enhancing Food and Nutrition Literacy: A Key Strategy for Reducing Food Waste and Improving Diet Quality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-16, February.

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