The Role of Self-Efficacy, Response Efficacy and Nutrition Knowledge in Consumers’ Utilization of Nutrition Labels

Abstract

Careful inspection of nutrition labels on food products has been shown to improve consumers’ dietary choices and food consumption decisions. The present study examines the effect of three individual level variables, namely self-efficacy, response efficacy and nutrition knowledge on consumers’ intentions to use nutrition labels prior to making food purchase decisions and the effect of these intentions on actual dietary behaviors. These factors have been shown to be important predictors of behavior in multiple health-related domains. Results of a structural equation model suggest that efficacy variables as well as nutrition knowledge have a significant effect on shaping intentions to use the nutrition label and that intentions translate into improved dietary behavior. Results and implications to practitioners and policy makers are discussed.