Are general nutrition messages understood by the general public?

Abstract

In the preceding study, the authors conclude, “cognitive interview techniques can be used to improve surveys and messages designed for lower-income populations, for whom standard nutrition communications may have limited effectiveness.” According to Susan Algert, PhD, RD, these techniques “are particularly effective tools in the development of nutrition education and research materials because they are client or respondent-centered. This method provides us with a tool for addressing potential research biases and assumptions related to how dietary messages are communicated. Dietitians would benefit from knowledge of [these] techniques as a method to target or personalize nutrition messages.”