Evaluation of an electronic tool to assess food label literacy in adult Australians: a pilot study

Authors

Emma M. Ringland, University of WollongongFollow
Janelle A. Gifford, University of Sydney
Gareth S. Denyer, University of Sydney
Danny Thai, University of Sydney
Janet L. Franklin, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Marie M. Stevenson, University of Sydney
Tania Prvan, Macquarie University
Helen T. O'Connor, University of SydneyFollow

RIS ID

106900

Publication Details

Ringland, E. M., Gifford, J. A., Denyer, G. S., Thai, D., Franklin, J. L., Stevenson, M. M., Prvan, T. & O'Connor, H. T. (2016). Evaluation of an electronic tool to assess food label literacy in adult Australians: a pilot study. Nutrition and Dietetics, 73 (5), 482-489.

Abstract

Aim: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the food label literacy component of an electronic-Nutrition Literacy Tool (e-NutLiT) designed to assess nutrition literacy in adult Australians, and explore the influence of demographic factors.

Methods: Obese participants (OP) from an Australian obesity clinic and a criterion group of dietetic students (DS) from two Australian dietetic programs were recruited to complete the e-NutLit; OP also completed the 'Newest Vital Sign' (NVS), a health literacy screening tool. Construct validity was assessed by comparing scores from the two groups. Associations between demographic factors and e-NutLit scores were also explored.

Results: Sixty-one participants (OP: n = 32; DS: n = 29) completed the study. The total e-NutLit scores for OP was significantly lower than that of DS (71.9 ± 17.9%; 94.5 ± 5.6%, respectively: P = 0.01). Items requiring calculation of nutrient intake from the nutrition information panel (NIP) and interpreting endorsement logos were the worst performing sections on the e-NutLit in both OP (35.9%; 71.9%) and DS (86.2%; 75.8%). Adequate health literacy, indicated by an NVS ≥ 4, was strongly associated with higher scores on the e-NutLit in OP (P = 0.01). Level of education (≤year 10) and lack of engagement in food shopping were significantly associated with poorer competency on the e-NutLit (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Comparison of scores indicated that construct validity was established on most items for participants with lower literacy. The e-NutLit identified specific weaknesses, such as nutrient calculations and interpretation of endorsement logos. This pilot study will help inform further development of the e-NutLit.