K. Elizabeth Hensleigh, MA¹, Catherine N. Rasberry, MS¹, Ranjita Misra, PhD, CHES², Paula J. Miller, PhD¹, and Danny J. Ballard, EdD, FAAHE¹. (1) Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, Mail Stop 4243, College Station, TX 77843-4243, 979-862-7746, crasberry@hlkn.tamu.edu, (2) Health&Kinesiology Department, Texas A&M University, 4243 TAMU, 158P Read Building, College Station, TX 77843-4243

Past research has identified a positive relationship between nutrition label reading and dietary behavior. This study builds on a prior study done by Marietta et al. (1999) and serves to further explore the relationship between nutrition label reading knowledge, attitudes, beliefs regarding diet-disease relationships, and label reading behavior among college students. The purpose was to examine reported nutrition label use among college students and to determine if food label knowledge, attitude towards food labels, beliefs about diet-disease relationships, and behavior differ by gender and between label users and non-users. Data were collected in the Fall of 2003, from a convenience sample of approximately 1300 students enrolled in required health classes at Texas A&M University. Participants completed a 57-item survey instrument and data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Preliminary results (n=698) indicated that all the examined constructs were significantly associated with each other (p< 0.05). The t-tests revealed label users had significantly higher knowledge and more favorable attitude towards reading food labels than non-users (p< 0.0001). However, users and non-users did not differ in their beliefs regarding diet-disease relationships (p=0.187). Gender differences existed such that females had higher food label knowledge (p=0.001), beliefs regarding diet-disease relationships (p=0.020), and label reading behavior (p<0.0001) than males. However, males and females did not differ in their attitude towards food labels (p=0.072). This study provides new information regarding diet-disease relationships and its association with food label knowledge, attitudes, and usage. Implications for nutrition and health professionals will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Discuss the relationship between nutrition label reading behavior, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about diet-disease relationships as found in the sample population.
• Describe differences between food label users and non-users in the sample population in regard to knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about diet-disease relationships.
• Describe differences between males and females in the sample population in regard to food label reading behavior, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about diet-disease relationships.

Keywords: Nutrition,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.