An evaluation of food label reading habits of individuals working in hospitals

ÇALBAYRAM N., YARDIMCI H., Aydin B.

PROGRESS IN NUTRITION, vol.19, no.4, pp.415-422, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 19 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.23751/pn.v19i4.5841
  • Journal Name: PROGRESS IN NUTRITION
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.415-422
  • Keywords: consumer, food label, healthy diet
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine food label reading habits of individuals working in hospitals, and raise awareness about food label reading with the help of a data collection form prepared based on the topic. Material/Methods: The research was carried out with 336 people (76 males, 260 females) between the ages of 19-60 working in various hospitals in Ankara city. Results: In this work, we found that the mean age of participant was 32.85 +/- 8.34 years old and BMI was 23.37 +/- 4.02 kg/m(2). 53.9% of the individuals stated that the most influential factor to purchase a packaged food product was their own preference. It was determined that 44.6% of the individuals always read the label of a packaged food product. 36.9% stated that this information was always effective in purchasing, and 57.1% reported the information was occasionally influential. Conclusion: Food labels can help promote the awareness of consumers about nutrition, and access right information.