Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Reading Food Labels among Students of Health Profession Education

Abstract

Background: The increasing rates of NCDs and the younger age of onset mandates immediate action with regard to prevention and health promotion. One of the major reasons attributed is the unhealthy dietary choices and increased consumption of ultraprocessed food and its mindless consumerism. Aim and Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of reading food labels among students of health professions education. Methodology: A total of 487 students were enrolled in our study by means of convenience sampling. All consenting students were given a standardized questionnaire and data was analyzed using R studio. Results: A logistic regression analysis of KAP scores revealed that gender, program of study, diet preferences and food allergies play a significant role in food label reading practices and that only 20% of the students had a good KAP score. Commonly prioritized information when reading food labels included expiry date, price, and if the food was vegetarian. Conclusion: Although health profession students are aware of the importance of reading food labels, practice of the same was found to be relatively unsatisfactory emphasizing the need for awareness.