| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3101336 | Preventive Medicine | 2009 | 7 Pages |
ObjectiveFood label use is associated with better food choices, an essential part of the management of many chronic diseases. Previous studies suggest lack of comprehension of food labels. We studied a multimedia intervention to improve food label comprehension in a sample of low income patients in New York City.MethodsThis randomized study took place at Gouverneur Healthcare Services from 2005 until 2007. The intervention group (n = 29) received a Nutrition Facts Label pocket card and viewed a video explaining card use. The control group (n = 27) received written materials. Participants completed a 12-item pre- and post-intervention nutrition food label quiz. Quiz scores were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsThe intervention group had greater improvement on the quiz than the control group (p < 0.001). There was a three way interaction by time with health literacy and treatment group where the greatest improvement occurred in patients with adequate health literacy in the intervention group (p < 0.05). There was no improvement in patients with limited health literacy.ConclusionA multimedia intervention is an effective way to improve short-term food label comprehension in patients with adequate health literacy. Further research is necessary to improve understanding of food labels in patients with limited health literacy.
