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KMID : 0123420070120040417
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Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
2007 Volume.12 No. 4 p.417 ~ p.425
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Using and Understanding of Nutrition Labels and Related Factors among Female Adults in the Seoul Area
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Chung Ja-Yong
Kim Mi-Jin
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Abstract
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The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of nutrition label use and its association with demographic,
weight control related factors, and diet among female adults in the Seoul area. Also, the study subjects’ comprehension
of nutrition labels was examined using objective measures. 279 females, between ages of 20 and 49, participated in this
study. 66% of the participants reported to always or often use nutrition labels when purchasing foods. Nutrition label use
was significantly higher among participants who were interested in losing weight and have more knowledge on nutrition,
but significantly lower among subjects who were underweight (p < 0.05). Label users had higher fruit consumption and
lower intake of fatty foods and snacks (p < 0.01). Only 20% of participants answered correctly regarding questions about
the total amount of calories and fats contained in the entire food package tested, and only 15% answered correctly on
questions about understanding of the % daily value. Comprehension of nutrition labels were significantly lower among
participants who were less educated, underweight, and married (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study suggests that proper
use of nutrition labels may improve food choices and enable healthy dietary practices. Further efforts are needed to
provide public a nutrition education program on how to read nutrition labels. Modifications of nutrition labels to make
it easier to understand by the public should also be considered. (Korean J Community Nutrition 12(4) : 417~425, 2007)
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KEYWORD
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Nutrition labels, weight control, % daily value, female
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