Volume 73, Issue 5 pp. 482-489
Nutritional Methodology

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

Emma M. Ringland

Corresponding Author

Emma M. Ringland

Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

Correspondence: E.M. Ringland, Northfields Ave, Wallongong NSW 2522, Australia.

Email: [email protected]

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Janelle A. Gifford

Janelle A. Gifford

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia

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Gareth S. Denyer

Gareth S. Denyer

Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Danny Thai

Danny Thai

Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Janet L. Franklin

Janet L. Franklin

Metabolism and Obesity Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia

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Marie M. Stevenson

Marie M. Stevenson

Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Tania Prvan

Tania Prvan

Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia

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Helen T. O'connor

Helen T. O'connor

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia

Boden Institute of Obesity Nutrition Physical Activity and Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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First published: 15 March 2016
Citations: 10
E.M. Ringland, MSc, Research Student, Provisional APD
J.A. Gifford, PhD, AdvAPD, Lecturer
G.S. Denyer, PhD, Associate Professor
D. Thai, BEd (Hons), Research Student
J.L. Franklin, PhD, APD, Senior Dietitian/Research Coordinator
M.M. Stevenson, PhD, Senior Lecturer of TESOL
T. Prvan, PhD, Senior Lecturer
H.T. O'Connor, PhD, APD, Senior Lecturer

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.

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