A Study of Approaches to Promoting Nutrition Label Reading in Registered Nurses

Abstract

          Currently, there is an increase in consumption of industrial food product. The nutrition label displays information indicating quality of food. Consumers should pay attention and take label reading into account before purchasing or consuming food. This study aimed to describe label reading behaviors and approaches to promoting nutrition label reading in registered nurses. Through purposive sampling, sample of 45 registered nurses were recruited. Data collection included three phases. Phase I was survey of label reading behaviors. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Phase II was in-depth interview for problems, obstacles, and reasons for label reading. Phase III was focus group discussion addressing approaches to promoting label read. Data on phase II and III were analyzed by content analysis.

          Results revealed that registered nurses had proper behaviors on label reading before purchasing or consuming food (57.8%). Regarding reasons for label reading on manufacturing date/ expiration date for comparing products, the sampleconsidered as benefit, appropriate, and safe for health. The information was used for decision making on purchase of food according to knowledge and realizing the importance of nutrition label. For problems and obstacles, the sample reported: time limitation for purchasing the food products, lack of knowledge on nutrition label, purchasing the products frequently, being satisfied with the products, only few products available, being influenced by advertisement, too small characters on the label, difficulty understanding, including the product itself. However, the sample suggested approaches to promoting label reading in terms of education that training program on nutrition label reading is needed. Also, an increase on dissemination of information to health team with various forms is significant. For policy, medias should be initiated with revision for more comprehensible nutrition label and put the label reading into policy.The results suggested approaches to providing information regarding nutrition label for health team particularly registered nurses who play a major role on modification of food consumption behaviors as appropriate for Thai people.