Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding food labels among undergraduate medical students of a government medical college, Bengaluru

Abstract

Background: Front-of-package labels (FOPLs) assist consumers in assessing the healthfulness of items and offer guidance regarding choice to purchase. FOPLs are crucial for lowering consumption of the unhealthily processed foods. As Health education is one of the primary responsibilities and also the lifestyle measure to be adopted by the future doctors, it is necessary to know the importance of food labels. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding food labels by undergraduate medical students at a Government Medical College, Bengaluru, and to evaluate their perception and preference of identifying different types of FOPL design. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical undergraduate students by Universal sampling method. Among 960 students, 646 students who gave a digital consent and completed online survey were included in the study. The data were collected by a pre-tested, semi-structured, validated questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS–21.0. Results: Majority 403 (62.3%) of students were of the opinion that front of the packet information on the content or quality of products would be helpful to convey nutritional information to the consumers. Health Star Rating 289 (44.7%) was easiest food label to understand followed by Multiple Traffic Light 248 (38.3%). Conclusion: The medical students in this study had a sound knowledge about food labels. However, students did not utilize the food labels adequately. Sound knowledge about food labels and regulation of food labeling is important for a medical student to create awareness among the patients and community.