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Evaluation of an electronic tool to assess food label literacy in adult Australians: A pilot study
Author(s) -
Ringland Emma M.,
Gifford Janelle A.,
Denyer Gareth S.,
Thai Danny,
Franklin Janet L.,
Stevenson Marie M.,
Prvan Tania,
O'connor Helen T.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.479
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1747-0080
pISSN - 1446-6368
DOI - 10.1111/1747-0080.12271
Subject(s) - health literacy , literacy , medicine , construct validity , gerontology , obesity , psychology , family medicine , clinical psychology , psychometrics , health care , pedagogy , economics , economic growth
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 .