The Correlation of Knowledge with Attitude and Behavior of Reading Nutrition Facts Label of Packaged Foods on Students Universitas Nusa Cendana

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of packaged food products requires consumers to be able to read the nutrition foods label on the packaging label. Reading packaged food labels is one of the general messages of balanced nutrition that helps consumers know the ingredients contained, otherwise reading food labels can have an impact on nutritional status. Research Objectives: The correlation between knowledge with attitudes and behavior in reading the Nutrition Facts Label (NFL) of packaged foods for students at University of Nusa Cendana. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional observational analytic study at University of Nusa Cendana. Methods and Material: There are 365 respondents of Nusa Cendana universities who met the inclusion criteria that were chosen through the snowball method using validated and reliable questionnaires to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to reading NFL on packaged foods. Result: The research was analyzed univariately using a frequency distribution table and bivariate analysis using the Spearman Rank Test. Results: 63,6% respondents have good knowledge of how to read NFL on packaged foods. 71,7% respondents have a good attitude toward reading NFL, and 65,8% respondents have a poor behaviour toward reading NFL. There are correlation between knowledge and attitudes with p = 0.041, r = 0.107, and a correlation between knowledge and behavior with p = 0.108. Conclusion: Knowledge affects attitudes but not behavior when it comes to reading nutrition facts labels on packaged foods because the NFL is not considered a reference for consuming packaged foods, even though NFL aims to control food calorie intake based on conditions and needs.