Food label barriers and reasons behind its use among medical college students

Abstract

Food labeling is a very important public health tool by providing information that aids consumers in meeting the dietary recommendations. It is important to understand the factors which are related to its use among medical college students. This study was designed to identify the main barriers and reasons that affect the use of food labels and nutrition facts among the medical college students of Al-Mustansiriyah University. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among the students of Al-Mustansiriyah University/ College of Medicine. A convenient sample was enrolled in the study comprised of 554 students of both genders from all the six stages for a period of one month extended (15th of February - 15th of March, 2018). A structured self-administered questionnaire was used which enquired about food labels and the reasons behind its use and none use. Only 33% of the study group knew food labeling, while 80% of them knew the meaning of nutritional facts. The results revealed that food labeling affects the food choices of 61% of the respondents, the highest percentage of students use the nutrition label to make healthy food choices, time-consuming was the main barrier stated by the students. In conclusion, the study reported a small proportion had knowledge regarding the food label with the majority of them aware of the meaning of nutrition facts.