A Study of a Model for Developing Consumers’ Competency to Use Food Labels for Self-Protection through Knowledge Transfer from Master Trainers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: To develop a model for developing competency of master trainers in transferring food label related skills to consumers for self-protection, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this model. Methods: This study employed a one-group quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test. The study consisted of two phases. Phase 1 involved the development of competencies in transferring consumers’ ability to use food labels for self-protection among 32 master trainers selected from community leaders, religious leaders, village health volunteers (VHVs), and subdistrict health-promoting hospital staff. The program for training the master trainers was based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and the "Must-Check-Decide" concept by Tarinee Srisaknok. The program was a one-day training focusing on reading and interpreting information on food labels, such as nutrition labels, expiration dates, and identifying hazardous products through lectures and hands-on practice with actual products. The study measured changes in trainees’ knowledge, attitudes, and food label related skills before and after training, along with assessment of their teaching skills. Master Teachers who scored 80% or higher on both assessments were considered to meet the criteria and were allowed to transfer their knowledge to consumers. Phase 2 evaluated the effectiveness of the Mater Teachers’ knowledge transfer of food label related skill for self-protection to 640 consumers in their communities. The study tested consumers' knowledge and skills regarding food label use before and after training with the master trainers to assess the effectiveness of the Model. Results: After attending the program, Master Teachers showed statistically significant improvements in food label related skill for self-protection, with the greatest development in decision-making ability for consumption (Cohen's d = 0.87, P < 0.001), followed by label checking skills (Cohen's d = 0.60, P < 0.001), and ability to access food information (Cohen's d = 0.53, P = 0.006). Knowledge about food labels showed no statistically significant change, while attitudes toward food labels improved significantly (Cohen's d = 0.53, P = 0.027). All Master Teachers met the competency criteria. Consumers showed statistically significant improvements in food label related skill for self-protection, with the greatest development in decision-making ability for consumption (Cohen's d = 0.45, P < 0.001), followed by knowledge about food labels (Cohen's d = 0.44, P < 0.001), label checking skills (Cohen's d = 0.35, P < 0.001), and ability to access food information (Cohen's d = 0.29, P < 0.001). Attitudes toward food labels improved significantly (Cohen's d = 0.29, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The master trainer competency development model was effective in enhancing the capacities of the master trainers and enabling them to transfer knowledge and skills to consumers regarding the use of food labels for self-protection. Relevant stakeholders can scale up this model as an effective and comprehensive approach to consumer education.