Knowledge, attitude, and practice of using food labels among medical students: A cross-sectional study in Haiphong, Vietnam

Abstract

Food labeling is an essential tool that provides consumers with dietary guidelines. The increased use of food labels can improve people’s health and prevent nutrition-related problems. In Vietnam, more evidence is needed regarding the practice of reading of food labels, particularly among medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered structured questionnaire from January 25 to February 30, 2022, on 1,120 medical students at Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Vietnam. The study revealed that only about 20% of respondents understood the information on ingredients, nutritional facts, and allergens. 99.1% of respondents believed that food labels are helpful for consumers. 80% of respondents considered reading food labels necessary or very necessary. Only 2.9% strongly believed, and 33.8% believed in food labels. When purchasing foods, the percentage of respondents who often and always read food labels was 23% and 7.5%, respectively. Nearly 80% of respondents often or always prioritize buying food with labels. In addition, the price was the most critical factor in product choice for 78.7% of respondents. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that type of residence and nutrition knowledge were associated with reading food labels. Few Vietnamese medical students read food labels despite considering it necessary. Medical training programs should emphasize the importance of reading food labels for future doctors to improve the population’s health.